Dive Site
A Beginner’s Guide to A Richelieu Rock Day Diving Trip
By Sorrasek Phiboonthammasak Date 24 Jul 2024
Richelieu Rock is renowned as one of the best dive sites in Thailand and is often listed among the best dive sites in the world. The rock's pinnacle offers rich marine biodiversity, from large animals like whale sharks and manta rays to small, amazing creatures like harlequin shrimp and ghost pipefish. It also boasts clear visibility and warm tropical waters, making it a dream dive site for divers around the globe. This guide provides information on the diverse marine life, diving details, travel tips, and the best dive services for planning a Richelieu Rock day diving trip or a Richelieu Rock liveaboard adventure.
History and Development of Richelieu Rock
Located near the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock is at the top of the Andaman Sea in Surin National Marine Park. The horseshoe-shaped pinnacle is 18 kilometers east of the Surin Islands and 70 kilometers from the west coast of Thailand. It is accessible by speedboat or liveaboard diving boat.
Richelieu Rock was discovered by the famous underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, guided by a local fisherman. The rock was named after the French-born Admiral Andreas du Plessis de Richelieu, who served in the Thai Royal Navy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
After its discovery and promotion by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Richelieu Rock gained global recognition within the scuba diving community. The dive site is rich in biodiversity and is home to over 300 species of fish, crustaceans, and coral. It serves as an important nursery habitat for many juvenile species. In recognition of its crucial role in Thai waters, the Thai Government established Richelieu Rock as part of Mu Koh Surin National Park in 1981.
How To Get To Richelieu Rock?
Richelieu Rock lies about 45 kilometers off the coast of Khao Lak, nestled in the Andaman Sea between the Surin Islands and mainland Thailand. The most common way to reach Richelieu Rock is by joining a liveaboard trip that departs from Khao Lak, Phuket, or Ranong. These liveaboard trips often include Richelieu Rock as part of a broader itinerary through the Similan and Surin Islands.
If you are short on time, some dive operators offer speedboat day trips from Khao Lak, although these can be more weather-dependent and physically demanding. Regardless of how you choose to get there, planning a visit during Thailand’s diving high season (typically November to April) will give you the best chance of ideal conditions and unforgettable dives.
Why Richelieu Rock is the Best Dive Site in Thailand
Variety of Marine Life
Richelieu Rock is a complex underwater limestone structure with holes, channels, crevices, small caves, and corners. This setup creates a vibrant coral reef ecosystem and a nursery for juvenile aquatic animals, attracting larger predators. Scuba divers can encounter a wide range of marine life here.
Large Animals
• Whale Sharks: These gentle giants are often spotted at Richelieu Rock. They use the site as a milestone in their migration and frequently come to feed.
• Manta Rays: Manta rays visit Richelieu Rock during their migration to use it as a cleaning station and feeding ground. Divers might spot these rays swimming near the surface, feeding on plankton.
• Guitar Shark - At depths of 30-40 meters, guitar sharks can be seen resting on the seafloor. Look at the deeper levels near the edge of the dive site to spot this unique creature.
• Leopard Shark: Similar to guitar sharks, leopard sharks feed on the seafloor. They can be found resting on the sandy bottom at the edge of the reef.
• Other Large Marine Animals: Eagle rays, marble rays, white-tip reef sharks, and black-tip reef sharks also visit Richelieu Rock. With some luck, divers might encounter these animals during their dive.
Macro Animals
• Ghost Pipefish: Divers can find ornate ghost pipefish camouflaged among soft corals or crinoids.
• Harlequin Shrimp: With its striking color and pattern, the harlequin shrimp is photogenic. Look closely in rock crevices or near starfish to find them.
• Decorator Crab: Each decorator crab looks different, as it camouflages itself with coral, algae, or sponges.
• Seahorse: Divers might spot yellow tiger tail seahorses hanging on coral and sea fans.
• Other Notable Macro Animals: Cleaner shrimp, porcelain crabs, blennies, gobies, and various nudibranchs are commonly spotted at Richelieu Rock.
Schools of Fish
• Giant Trevally: Giant trevallies hunt in packs, changing their skin color from light silver to black when in hunting mode. They swim swiftly to hunt juvenile fish on the reef.
• Barracudas: Barracudas also come to hunt small fish, detecting their prey through light reflections and swiftly biting into the movement.
Richelieu Rock Dive Character and Dive Info
Richelieu Rock is a horseshoe-shaped reef pinnacle with the peak at the surface, descending to a sandy bottom at 35-40 meters, depending on the tide. Most dives start at a depth of 25 meters, with divers ascending around the reef, using one shoulder as a reference to dive clockwise or counterclockwise. Safety stops are made at 5 meters near the rock, with resurfacing away from the pinnacle for dinghy pick-up.
Basic Diving Information
- Type of Dive: Boulder/Wall Diving
- Visibility: 5 - 30 meters
- Current: Moderate to Strong
- Temperature: 27 - 29 degrees Celsius
- Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced Level (Advanced Open Water recommended)
- Maximum Depth: 40 meters
Experience Level For Diving Richelieu Rock
Richelieu Rock is considered one of Thailand’s top diving spots, but it’s best suited for divers with at least an intermediate level of experience. Due to its offshore location and the strong, often unpredictable currents that sweep through the site, it's generally recommended for advanced open water divers or those who have logged several dives under similar conditions. Beginners can still enjoy the beauty of Richelieu Rock by joining a guided dive with experienced instructors, primarily through a Richelieu Rock day diving trip where conditions are closely monitored. However, having good buoyancy control and confidence in handling currents will significantly enhance your experience. If you plan to join a Richelieu Rock liveaboard, some operators may require a minimum number of logged dives or an advanced certification before allowing divers to explore this world-renowned site.
Diving Tips for Richelieu Rock
Best Diving Time
October to December
Weather Conditions: The diving season starts with improving weather and sea conditions.
Marine Life: Increased activity of pelagic species and good visibility.
Highlights: Possibility of encountering whale sharks and large schools of fish.
January to March
Weather Conditions: Peak diving season with the best weather and sea conditions.
Marine Life: High chances of spotting various marine species, including manta rays and whale sharks.
Highlights: Clear waters, abundant marine life, and vibrant soft and hard coral reefs.
April to May
Conditions: End of the peak season with still favorable diving conditions.
Marine Life: Continued sightings of pelagic species and diverse marine life.
Highlights: Slightly warmer water temperatures and fewer crowds.
June to September: Off Season
Conditions: Surin Islands are closed to the public due to the monsoon season. Strong winds and rough sea conditions make diving unsafe.
What Divers Need to Be Careful Of
• Strong Current: The dive site is in the open ocean with strong and sometimes unpredictable currents. Divers need to be aware of down currents and drift currents, which can be dangerous. Bringing a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) is recommended for visibility during a safety stop if drifting away from the reef.
• Depth and Buoyancy: Richelieu has varying depths, with some areas dropping sharply. Divers need to monitor their depth and avoid descending too quickly. Down currents can drag divers to dangerous depths. Setting depth level notifications on dive computers is advised.
• Marine Life Interaction: When encountering large marine animals, divers should remain calm and avoid chasing them. This prevents the animals from being scared away and keeps divers safe from drifting away from the reef. Relax and let the animals approach you for better and safer interactions.
How to Dive Richelieu Rock
Divers can reach Richelieu Rock by speedboat for day trips or by liveaboard for extended exploration.
Day Trip by Speedboat
Pros:
- One-day visit to Richelieu Rock.
- Shorter travel time.
Cons:
- Maximum of 2 dives due to travel time.
- Higher cost per dive.
- It can be tiring due to long hours on a small boat.
Liveaboard Trip to Richelieu Rock
Liveaboard trips are popular as they allow divers to explore the entire North Andaman, with Richelieu Rock as the highlight.
Pros:
- More time to explore Richelieu, with up to 4 dives during the tour.
- Better boat facilities for relaxation during surface intervals.
- Opportunity to explore other highlights of the North Andaman.
Cons:
- Minimum trip duration is 4 days, which may not suit time-constrained divers.
- Includes dives at other locations besides Richelieu Rock.
- Higher cost due to longer exploration days.
Recommended Liveaboards
Most liveaboards in the North Andaman offer routes that include the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. The selection depends on the number of exploration days and the luxury level of the boat. More luxurious liveaboards offer better facilities, more space per diver, en-suite bathrooms, and better food. Here are four liveaboard options to suit different budgets:
Recommended Gear
Because of Richelieu Rock’s varying currents and occasional changes in visibility, it’s essential to be well-prepared with the right gear.
A 3mm wetsuit is generally recommended to keep you comfortable during longer dives, as the water temperatures can dip slightly at depth. A high-quality mask, snorkel, and sturdy fins designed for strong currents are essential for safety and ease of movement underwater. Carrying a surface marker buoy (SMB) is strongly advised to ensure you can be seen during your ascent or if you surface away from the boat. Dive computers, a good torch for peering into crevices, and a reef hook can also come in handy for certain dive conditions. Whether you're joining a Richelieu Rock day diving trip or planning an extended Richelieu Rock liveaboard adventure, having the right gear will make your experience much safer and more enjoyable. Many dive operators, especially those listed on Giant Stride, will provide gear as part of your diving trip; however, if you have your own equipment that you’re comfortable with, bringing it will enhance your dive experience.
Additionally, if you would like to rent or buy high-quality gear, there are many recommended stores all over Thailand and on the islands selling them. Ask Giant Stride or your operator for the best recommendations.
Conclusion
Richelieu Rock is one of the world's best dive sites, with its marine diversity, thriving ecosystem, and accessibility. It should be on every scuba diver's bucket list. Divers can explore the site via day trips or liveaboard options. Giant Stride offers booking services with the best price guarantee for both day trips and liveaboards. If you're interested in a Richelieu Rock trip or a Similan day diving trip, we invite you to have a free consultation with us. Let us help you have the best trip to your dream destination.
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