Smiling Seahorse · Thailand · 8D/7N
This 8-day diving adventure explores the vibrant underwater landscapes from South to North Andaman, starting in Phuket and ending in Ranong. The journey offers a comprehensive exploration of Thailand's diverse marine environments. Divers can expect to discover the thriving coral reefs and diverse smaller marine life around Tarutao and Koh Lanta, before heading north to the iconic granite formations and rich pelagic encounters characteristic of Similan and Surin National Parks. Keep an eye out for manta rays at Koh Bon and the heightened possibility of whale sharks at Richelieu Rock, especially during peak season. This expedition balances pristine reef exploration with exciting large animal sightings across a range of dive sites.
Boarding the MV Smiling Seahorse in Phuket, guests will be welcomed aboard. After getting settled into cabins, dinner will be served as the vessel prepares to depart the pier at 5 pm, sailing overnight to the first dive sites.
This day marks the beginning of the diving adventure in the Southern Andaman, with explorations around Koh Lanta National Park. This area, including sites like Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, and Hin Muang, is known for its dramatic underwater topography featuring pinnacles and deep waters. Guests expect excellent visibility and a chance for pelagic sightings, alongside abundant reef life.
Dive sites: Koh Lanta National Park, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang
The expedition continues to Tarutao National Park, an area renowned for its serene beauty and pristine marine environment near Koh Lipe. Divers will enjoy exciting scuba diving around islands characterized by white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs. The dive sites here offer a mix of small to large marine life within clear waters.
Dive sites: Tarutao National Park, Koh Lipe
Further exploration of the Koh Lanta National Park, focusing on the five islands of Koh Haa. This group of islands, situated between Hin Daeng and Phi Phi, offers diverse dive experiences including swim-throughs and encounters with various marine species. From small critters like seahorses and ornate ghost pipefish to larger animals such as moray eels and leopard sharks, there's much to discover.
Dive sites: Koh Lanta National Park, Koh Haa
Today is dedicated to diving within the southern part of Similan National Park, an area famous for its dramatic granite formations and crystal-clear waters. Dive sites such as Elephant Head, Donald Duck Bay, Deep Six, West of Eden, Rocky Point, and Anita's Reef promise a variety of underwater landscapes. These sites often feature healthy coral gardens and provide excellent opportunities to spot a range of reef and pelagic species.
Dive sites: Elephant Head, Donald Duck Bay, Deep Six, West of Eden, Rocky Point, Anita's Reef
The journey continues north within the Similan National Park, focusing on the renowned dive sites of Koh Bon and Koh Tachai. Koh Bon is particularly famous for its manta ray cleaning stations, offering incredible encounters with these majestic creatures. Koh Tachai Pinnacle is known for schooling barracudas, trevallies, and sweetlips, providing a vibrant, fish-rich diving experience and another excellent spot for potential whale shark sightings.
Dive sites: Koh Bon, Koh Bon Pinnacle, Koh Tachai Pinnacle
Today, the expedition explores the Surin Islands, an area characterized by its relatively untouched coral reefs and rich biodiversity. These islands offer a more remote diving experience with healthy reef systems and a wide variety of tropical fish. Divers can expect vibrant reef scenes and the possibility of encountering pelagic species in the surrounding waters.
Dive sites: Surin Islands
The final day of diving takes divers to the legendary Richelieu Rock, widely regarded as one of the world's top dive sites. This horse-shoe shaped pinnacle is an aggregation point for an incredible diversity of marine life, from macro critters like seahorses and ghost pipefish to large pelagics, including frequent whale shark sightings. After two morning dives, the vessel returns to Ranong for disembarkation in the evening.
Dive sites: Richelieu Rock