Diving Richelieu Rock: Whale Sharks & Mantas
Richelieu Rock at Koh Surin National Park is one of the most beautiful dive sites in Thailand, featuring vibrant coral and a wide variety of fish species. The healthy reef consists of both hard and soft corals, including bright purple coral and sea anemones.
One of the most beautiful dive sites in Thailand
Richelieu Rock is famous for its rare and colorful marine life, including impressive whale sharks, nearly invisible pygmy seahorses that blend into the coral, brightly colored mandarinfish often seen at dusk, large and graceful manta rays, and the distinctive humphead wrasse with its noticeable forehead bump.
How to Book Day Trips to Richelieu Rock
While a liveaboard is the best way to fully experience this site, day trips are also available through dive shops around Khao Lak and Phuket. These trips depend on weather and sea conditions and provide transportation, equipment, and experienced guides familiar with the currents and safety. For serious divers, a liveaboard is recommended as it allows more dive time, increases the chance of spotting rare creatures, and offers comfortable travel to remote locations.
Wist je dat?
The Surin and Similan Islands are not accessible year-round. They are usually closed from May through October, depending on weather conditions. For weather information about the Surin and Similan Islands and Thailand, see this link.
Dive Shops in Khao Lak and Phuket
There are several reliable dive centers in Khao Lak and Phuket that offer day trips to Richelieu Rock. They take care of transportation, gear, and provide experienced guides who know the currents and safety measures well.
More to See and Do at the Surin Islands
Camping at Surin Islands
Surin Islands
Moken Village Koh Surin Tai
Surin Islands
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