Exploring the North Andaman Liveaboard Route: A Diver’s Dream in Thailand

By Jaruda Techaruvichit Date 31 Jul 2025

Hey there, fellow divers! I’m Jaruda, your dive buddy from Giant Stride, and I’m stoked to share my love for the North Andaman liveaboard route. If you’re craving an epic scuba adventure in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, this trip is pure magic. From the iconic Similan Islands to the legendary Richelieu Rock, this route is a must for anyone serious about diving Thailand. Let me walk you through where you’ll go, what marine life you’ll meet, and why booking with Giant Stride is the way to make it happen.

Where Does the North Andaman Liveaboard Go?

The North Andaman liveaboard route takes you to some of the most jaw-dropping dive spots in Thailand. Most trips kick off from Khao Lak or Phuket, heading northwest into the Andaman Sea. You’ll hit these incredible destinations:

Similan Islands: Nine granite islands, about 65 km off Phang Nga Province, famous for white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
Koh Bon: A limestone island with epic wall dives and frequent manta ray sightings.
Koh Tachai: A remote spot with colorful corals and chances to see pelagics.
Surin Islands: A quieter archipelago with stunning reefs and awesome snorkeling.
Richelieu Rock: A world-famous limestone pinnacle in the Surin National Marine Park, often called one of the planet’s top dive sites.

Dive Sites in the North Andaman Route

The North Andaman route is packed with dive sites that cater to all skill levels. Here’s a rundown of some favorites:

Anita’s Reef (Similan Islands): Off Similan Island No. 4, this site has gentle currents, vibrant corals, and massive boulders—perfect for beginners.
West of Eden (Similan Islands): Known for granite boulder canyons, colorful soft corals, and sea fans. Keep an eye out for ghost pipefish and ribbon eels.
Elephant Head Rock (Similan Islands): Features dramatic swim-throughs and caverns, ideal for intermediate to advanced divers.
Koh Bon: A deep wall dive dropping to 42 meters, famous for manta rays and leopard sharks. Its caves and soft corals are a photographer’s paradise.
Koh Tachai: Offers colorful reefs, huge sea fans, and occasional manta ray or whale shark sightings. Strong currents make it best for experienced divers.
Richelieu Rock: The crown jewel, this horseshoe-shaped pinnacle is covered in soft corals and teeming with marine life. A must-dive for everyone.

Each site brings something unique, from boulder-strewn landscapes to coral gardens, keeping every dive fresh and exciting.

Animals That Can Be Seen on the North Andaman Route

The North Andaman route is a marine life hotspot, thanks to its spot in the Andaman Sea near the Coral Triangle. Here’s what you might spot:

Pelagics: Whale sharks and manta rays steal the show, especially at Richelieu Rock and Koh Tachai.
Sharks and Rays: Leopard sharks, whitetip reef sharks, blacktip sharks, and guitar sharks).
Reef Fish: Schools of barracuda, giant trevally, fusiliers, snappers, plus clownfish, angelfish, and parrotfish in every color.
Macro Critters: Ghost pipefish, harlequin shrimp, tiger tail seahorses, nudibranchs, and porcelain crabs for macro lovers.
Turtles and Cephalopods: Hawksbill turtles, octopus, cuttlefish, and banded sea kraits are regular visitors.

Every dive is like a treasure hunt—you never know what’s hiding behind the next coral!

Best Time to Go to North Andaman

Timing your North Andaman liveaboard is key for the ultimate experience. The diving season runs from October 15 to May 15, when the Similan and Surin National Marine Parks are open. Here’s the scoop:

Peak Season (December to April): This is prime time for diving Thailand. Expect clear skies, calm seas, and visibility of 25–40 meters. Whale sharks and manta rays are more likely in February. Water temps range from 26–30°C.
Early Season (October to November): The parks open in mid-October, but November can bring some rain and choppy seas. Water temps may dip to 21°C due to thermoclines, so pack a hood or 5mm wetsuit-grown. Less crowded, and you might snag a deal.
Late Season (April to May): Currents get stronger, attracting pelagics, but visibility can vary. Fewer boats make it a quieter time to dive.

Book your trip in advance! North Andaman trips usually fill up 2–3 months ahead, especially around holidays like Christmas and New Year, so plan early to secure your spot.

Dive Conditions of North Andaman

The North Andaman offers a range of dive conditions for different skill levels:

Visibility: Usually 15–40 meters, with the best clarity from January to April. Plankton blooms can lower visibility but attract whale sharks.
Water Temperature: A comfy 27–30°C. A 3mm wetsuit is usually sufficient for this weather.
Currents: Mild on the east coast of the Similan Islands, great for beginners. West coast sites like West of Eden and Koh Tachai can have moderate to strong currents, better for advanced divers.
Depths: From shallow coral gardens (12–18 meters) to deep drop-offs (up to 20 - 25 meters). Sites like Richelieu Rock and Koh Bon often require advanced certifications due to depth and currents.

Check with your dive guide for daily conditions, as currents and visibility can shift.

Suggested Liveaboard Trips on Giant Stride

For an unforgettable North Andaman liveaboard, Giant Stride offers a range of awesome options. Here are my top picks, split into luxury and budget tiers, all covering the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock:

Luxury Options:

Vanora: Our best-selling liveaboard, Vanora is a sleek, modern yacht with spacious en-suite cabins, gourmet food, and personalized service. We’ve received rave reviews from our customers for its comfort and top-notch experience.

Aqua Thailand: Offers luxurious cabins, a large dive deck, and free nitrox for certified divers. Ideal for comfort and style.

Tapana Catamaran: Run by the most experienced operator with guaranteed quality, this stable catamaran features OMAZZ beds for ultimate comfort, air-conditioned cabins, and a relaxed vibe. Great for small groups.

VELA Liveaboard: The new luxury liveaboard launching in 2025, VELA promises elegant design, a top-notch crew, and delicious Thai-Western fusion meals.

Issara Liveaboard: Our latest listing, this premium choice offers private balconies, cozy lounges, and a focus on eco-friendly diving.

Budget Options:

KRISHNA 2: A budget-friendly boat with shared or private cabins, great food, and a friendly crew. Perfect for divers on a tighter budget.

KRISHNA 3: In the same fleet as KRISHNA 2, launching this October, this boat offers a solid, affordable experience, and you can be among the first to dive with this vessel

Orca Oktavia: A reliable budget option with comfortable cabins and a welcoming crew, offering great value for an authentic liveaboard experience.

MV Andaman: A classic choice with a spacious dive deck, air-conditioned cabins, and delicious Thai meals, perfect for divers looking for affordability without sacrificing quality.

All these trips include up to 13–15 dives, including night dives, and are bookable at giantstridetravel.com. Pick based on your budget and vibe—luxury for extra pampering or budget for a no-frills adventure.

Jaruda’s Trip: My Personal Recommendations

As a dive enthusiast and Giant Stride agent who’s explored the North Andaman route countless times, here’s my advice to make your trip unforgettable:

Get Your Advanced Open Water Diver License: This lets you dive up to 30 meters, opening up deeper sites and more marine life. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a night dive almost every night of the trip—pure magic!
Check Itinerary & Pick-Up: Make sure to confirm the departure and arrival piers. Most North Andaman trips use Tap Lamu Pier in Phang Nga, but some may start from Phuket or have different start and end points. Also, check if pick-up is included and the covered areas—some trips offer free transfers from Khao Lak or Phuket hotels.
Book Early: Book as soon as you can, especially for holiday periods like Christmas and New Year, when trips can sell out a year in advance. Generally, aim for 2–3 months ahead, as last-minute bookings often get shut out due to full boats.
Go for the 7D6N Trip: If you can, book the 7-day, 6-night North and South Andaman trip during Christmas or New Year week. It’s the ultimate way to explore the entire Andaman Sea in one incredible journey.

Why Book with Giant Stride?

Booking with Giant Stride is my go-to for a reason. Here’s why you should choose us for your North Andaman liveaboard:

Experts in Thailand Diving: Our team lives and breathes diving Thailand, with deep knowledge of the Andaman Sea and partnerships with top liveaboard operators.
Free DAN Dive Insurance: Every booking includes complimentary DAN dive insurance for peace of mind underwater.
Best Prices Guaranteed: We offer competitive prices for both luxury and budget options, ensuring you get the best value without skimping on quality.

Ready to dive into the North Andaman adventure? Head to giantstridetravel.com to book your liveaboard, like the luxurious Vanora or the budget-friendly KRISHNA 2. The Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, and more are waiting to blow your mind. Let’s make your diving Thailand dream a reality with Giant Stride!

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