Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock Diving
Let Us Customize Your Diving Holiday to the World Famous Dive Site of Richelieu Rock!
Only
a few miles from the Burmese border the breathtakingly beautiful Surin
Islands were designated as a National Marine Park in 1981. Heavily forested,
their steep rugged landscape is covered with an emerald green carpet
of virgin jungle, punctuated by towering ancient hardwoods.The jungles are virtually uninhabited but for two small villages of
the Chao Le (sea gypsies). These seafaring people are culturally and
ethnically separate from Thailand. A visit to their villages offers
a fascinating glimpse of a unique culture.
The surrounding waters which boast the best developed coral reefs in Thailand are teeming with game fish such as sailfish and dorado. The reefs here are also the favorite haunt of hawksbill turtles.
Koh Bon and Koh Tachai are two tiny islands that lie between the Surin's and the Similan's, and are commonly considered part of the "Surin" area. Though they are not part of the Similan Islands National Park they are almost always included as part of a Similan Liveaboard cruise from Phuket. Both are tall, rocky islands and offer varied and beautiful underwater scenery.
Also considered part of the "Surin" area, World Class Richelieu Rock is north of Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, and 15 Km to the east of the Surin Islands. World famous Richelieu Rock is the dive site that put Thailand on the international diving map when discovered by Jacques Cousteau.
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Booking your diving to Richelieu Rock in advance is highly recommended as this area is a National Park and space on quality boats is limited to a first come first serve basis. Let us help you with your selection!
Surin Area Dive Sites
Swift Passage (Southern End of the Surin Islands Chain)
One especially exciting Surin area dive is Swift Passage, the narrow pass which separates Koh Surin Tai (the southern of Surin's two main islands) and Koh Torinla, the smaller island just to the south. The passage is aptly named; strong currents of several knots are very common here. When conducted as a drift dive, however, this current is actually a bonus. The cruising diver is able to watch a constant parade of schooling batfish, jacks and mackerels. Black tip and white tip reef sharks are also seen here with fair frequency, and there have even been reports of huge bump head parrotfish residing among the shallow hard coral formations. Hawksbill turtles are also abundant in this area, with up to ten being reported on a single dive.
Currents strong to raging, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 40+ meters. This dive site can be a challenge for any diver!!
Richelieu Rock ( East of the Surin Islands)
This site is what put the Andaman Sea on the map. Nearly ten miles east of the Surin's, this site is widely regarded as world class. The reputation is well deserved, as marine life here compares favorably with the best sites anywhere in the world.
Almost entirely submerged, Richelieu consists of one large rock pinnacle and several smaller ones, sloping steeply up from a surrounding sand bottom at about 33 meters.
Although visibility here is often limited, the abundance and variety of marine life is astounding. Richelieu offers some of the best soft coral growths around, with some trees growing over knee high. Dense colonies of sea anemones cover many of the shallower rock surfaces, providing homes for at least four different species of clown fish. Other invertebrate life includes a wide range of shell fish, a multitude of shrimp, crabs, sea stars and nudibranchs. Lots of big fish including snapper, tuna and surgeonfish frequent the site. Large stingrays, shoveled-nosed rays, sand sharks, leopard sharks and the elusive Whale Shark are also commonly sighted here. Encounters with the rare Whale Shark is an incredible experience and Richelieu is among the best places in the world to see these animals. Remember, even without a Whale Shark encounter, Richelieu still offers a concentration and diversity of marine life found at few other places; it is a sight not to be missed!
Currents moderate to strong, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 34+ meters. World famous Richelieu Rock is not to be missed!!
Koh Bon West Ridge (North of the Similan Islands)
This site is found on the under sea extension Koh Bon Island's west ridge, which drops sharply to about 40 meters before the sea floor slopes away to greater depths. Hard corals extend down to about 25 meters, while giant sea fans are found from 18-40 meters. These sea fans which are pastel in color are perhaps the most beautifully colored of all the sea fan corals found in Thailand. Large barrel sponges also grow along the ridge.
Aside from the astounding reef life, Koh Bon is one of the best places to see big pelagic creatures; both giant Mantas and Whale Sharks are local residents here. leopard sharks, reef sharks and large stingrays also make their appearances. When visibility is at its peak, this site is reminiscent of diving inside the grand canyon. The shear magnitude of this place is amazing. Experience it on a Liveaboard Thailand.
Currents moderate to strong, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 40+ meters. Koh Bon is a Manta Magnet!
Koh Bon Pinnacle (West of Koh Bon Island)
To the west of Koh Bon in deep water lies Koh Bon Pinnacle. The top of the pinnacle starts at 18 meters and drops to 50+ The pinnacle is exposed and in deep water where currents can be fierce, so it best dived when conditions are ideal. Regardless of the challenge, this is one of our favorite dive sites north of the Similan's as it seems to always attract Mantas and Sharks. The first part of the dive is usually on the pinnacle, followed by a 20-30 meter swim to the main island to finish up the dive. Don't forget to look into the Blue overhead.
Currents moderate to strong, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 50+ meters. One of our favorite Thailand dive sites!
Koh Tachai (North-Northeast of the Similan's)
This site features a pair of coral-encrusted pinnacles, known as the twin peaks; which are connected by a long, rocky ridge. Currents rich in nutrients and plankton flow over the ridge, resulting in outstanding growths of sea fans, whip corals and brilliant soft corals. There is also an overwhelming amount of schooling fish action here which includes giant barracudas, blue-lined snapper and the amazing bat fish. The currents here also bring in the big pelagic's. One a single dive here last season we encountered a 4 meter Manta Ray and 5 minutes later a 9 meter Whale Shark. It is easy to understand why this site is the favorite of so many divers.
Currents tend to be calm, for divers of all levels. Depth: to 35+ meters. You must look into the Blue!!
Surin and Richelieu Rock Diving Quick Facts
- Diving Season: October to May
- Distance from Phuket: 145 to 200 Km North of Phuket (8-10 Hours), 70 Km West of Khao Lak (2 Hours by speed boat)
- Depth: 5 to 40+ meters
- Current: Depending on the site, moderate to strong
- Visibility: Varies from 8 to 40+ meters
- Water Temp: 26-29°C
- Experience Level: All levels of certified divers
- Access: Similan Liveaboard from Phuket
- Recommended Length of Stay: 4-6 Days
- Highlights: Manta Rays, Whale Shark Migrations, Healthy Reef Life, Schooling Pelagic's
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