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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

Richelieu Rock is a horseshoe shaped rocky formation of an island at the northern end of Surin Island Archipelago. The island is near Similan and it is famous as one of the best dive locations in the world. Richelieu Rock is accessible from Khao Lak Shore for about one and half hour by boat and it is a magnet to many marine species. For those divers who want to swim with whale sharks and manta rays, Richelieu Rock is the place where you have the highest chance to see them in Thailand. When scuba enthusiasts explore Thailand without diving, at Richelieu Rock it's like missing out on a Thai diving experience. Beyond the famous large animals like whale shark and manta ray, Richelieu Rock offers an explosion of color from soft coral, anemone and tropical fishes. The rock pinnacle creates corners, crevices and pinnacle underwater, creating a beautiful underwater landscape with a light beam from the surface. The dive site is well suited for experienced divers and underwater photographers, as it required deep dive and drift dive skill to enjoy the rock with safety and enjoyment. This guide will uncover the details on Richelieu Rock, including the optimal diving season, the marine life and how to prepare to dive in the dive site.

Diving Season in Richelieu Rock

Timing Your Dive: The Best Seasons to ExploreRichelieu Rock

The best time to dive at Richelieu Rock is between November and April. The period coincides with the dry season in the Andaman Sea. These months offer the calmest sea conditions, optimal water temperatures. The water temperature will be from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F). The visibility can extend up to 30 meters (98 feet), creating perfect conditions for divers to explore the rich underwater ecosystem. This period also has the highest chances of encountering whale sharks and manta rays, specifically from February to April. This period is getting very busy. Two to three months minimum booking period is recommended to secure your spot on your favorite liveaboard.

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

Richelieu Rock has an extraordinary marine biodiversity. The site is a home to many large pelagics, including marble ray, leopard shark, eagle ray, guitar shark, manta rays and whale sharks. Diving and sighting any of these animals is once in a lifetime experience. The reef is also covered with a large school of fish including barracuda, giant trevally, fusilier and many others. Rare macro animals are plentiful in the area. The name covers frogfish, ghost pipefish, harlequin shrimp, nudibranch and decorated crab. Divers can bring their gopro, macro lens or wide angle lens into the dive site, and they will come up with some pleasing photos of large and small animals no matter what they take.

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 caters to divers with an adventurous spirit and provides conditions that are most enjoyed by those with some experience:

Water Temperature: The surrounding waters are comfortably warm. It consistently ranges between 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F).

Underwater Visibility: Visibility is mostly excellent at Richelieu Rock. On normal, days it ranges from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 98 feet).

Currents: The area can experience moderate to strong currents. Divers need to watch for down currents or side current to avoid colliding with the reef.

Depth: At Richelieu the depth ranges from 10 meters at the top of pinnacle to 40 meters at the sandy bottom. Divers can fully enjoy the dive site at 15 - 25 meters

Weather: The prime diving season offers the best weather conditions, with calm seas and sunny skies. Outside of these months, the national park is closed to public to its recovery

Hazards: Divers should be prepared for the down currents and occasionally deeper dives

Richelieu Rock is any diver's paradise. It offers an unparalleled underwater adventure in the Andaman Sea. With its reputation for rich biodiversity from large to small animals, vibrant coral life, and a beautiful seascape, Richelieu is a living proof why scuba divers love to explore the depth of the ocean.

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!