USD

Diving at Richelieu Rock

Dive at Richelieu Rock, Phang Nga! Encounter whale sharks and explore vibrant marine life. A must-visit for experienced divers seeking unforgettable dives

Diving into the Depths: The Allure of Richelieu Rock

Discover Richelieu Rock in Phang Nga, Thailand - a popular diving spot if you want to encounter whale sharks and explore abundant marine life. This site promises unforgettable experiences for seasoned divers. The Allure of Richelieu Rock Richelieu Rock, a horseshoe-shaped pinnacle near the northern tip of the Surin Islands in Thailand, is considered one of the world’s top diving sites. Just a 90-minute boat ride from Khao Lak, this site attracts a remarkable diversity of marine species. For those hoping to swim alongside whale sharks and manta rays, Richelieu Rock is Thailand’s prime spot. Many divers consider a visit incomplete without diving here. Other than the iconic large marine life, the site is also home to vibrant soft corals, anemones, and a myriad of tropical fish. The rock formations create unique underwater landscapes with crevices, corners, and pinnacles illuminated by surface light, making it an exceptional location for underwater photography. Due to the depth and occasional currents, Richelieu Rock is best suited for experienced divers who can navigate deep and drift dives safely. This guide covers essential information on diving at Richelieu Rock, including the best season to visit, the marine life you can expect to encounter, and preparation tips for a safe and enjoyable dive.

Diving Season in Richelieu Rock

Timing Your Dive: The Best Seasons to ExploreRichelieu Rock

The Best Times To Explore November to April is the prime diving season at Richelieu Rock. During these months, the Andaman Sea is at its calmest, with clear waters and comfortable temperatures ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F). Visibility can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet), providing excellent conditions for underwater exploration. This is also the best time to spot majestic whale sharks and manta rays, particularly from February to April. However, this peak season can get crowded, so it's recommended to book your Richelieu Rock day trip or liveaboard at least two to three months in advance to secure your spot.

Richelieu Rock Diverse Marine Life

Whale shark

Manta ray

Leopard shark

Guitar shark

Blacktip reef shark

Eagle ray

Frogfish

Anemone fish

Box fish

Nudibranch

Octopus

Shrimp

Sea anemone

Soft Coral

Hard Coral

Turtle

Barracuda

Butterflyfish

Lionfish

Napoleon fish

Parrot fish

Richelieu Rock Marine Life Sighting Calendar

HHigh chance

MMedium chance

LLow chance

-No sighting

The Marine Marvels of Richelieu Rock: Animals and Seasons

Discover The Marine Wonders of Richelieu Rock

Richelieu Rock is rich in marine biodiversity, hosting a variety of large pelagic species, such as marble rays, leopard sharks, eagle rays, guitar sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks. Spotting these majestic creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The reef is also teeming with schools of fish, including barracuda, giant trevally, and fusiliers, among others.

For macro enthusiasts, there’s also an abundance of rare smaller creatures, like frogfish, ghost pipefish, harlequin shrimp, nudibranchs, and decorated crabs. Divers can bring a GoPro, macro lens, or wide-angle lens and are bound to capture stunning shots of both large and small marine life, making every dive memorable.

Richelieu Rock Diving Conditions

Recommended scuba diving level
Open Water with Experience

Water temperature

27°C - 30°C

Underwater visibility

15M - 30M

Underwater current

Moderate - Strong

Depth

10M - 30M

Weather

Temperature: 28°C - 35°C Monsoon season: Jun - Sep

Underwater hazard

Strong currents Down currents

Richelieu Rock offers an adventure for experienced divers who are up for a thrill:

Water Temperature: The water is pleasantly warm, typically between 27°C and 30°C (81°F to 86°F).
Visibility: Visibility is generally excellent, ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 98 feet) on most days.
Currents: Currents can range from moderate to strong, with occasional down or side currents, so divers should stay aware to avoid contact with the reef.
Depth: The pinnacle starts at 10 meters and drops to 40 meters at the sandy bottom. The most rewarding depths are around 15 to 25 meters.
Weather: The best diving season offers ideal weather, with calm seas and clear skies. Outside this season, the national park closes for restoration.
Hazards: Be prepared for down currents and occasionally deeper dives.

Richelieu Rock is a true diver’s paradise in the Andaman Sea. With an extraordinary variety of marine life, colorful coral, and stunning underwater landscapes, it’s no wonder scuba divers are drawn here to explore its depths.

Find the Perfect Dive Experience

Discover the best Richelieu Rock scuba diving tours and Similan Islands liveaboard experiences with Giant Stride! We offer a range of options to suit different budgets and styles. Browse our selection of dive centers to find your ideal adventure.

Ready to Book Your Underwater Adventure with Giant Stride?

Giant Stride is your go-to platform for booking and comparing scuba diving experiences at Richelieu Rock and other popular dive sites all over Thailand. Choose from trusted and reliable vendors and enjoy an easy booking process with secure payment channels. Whether you are a beginner or looking for advanced expeditions, Giant Stride is a one-stop destination for your next, big underwater adventure!