Richelieu Rock Dive Site

Richelieu Rock is quite simply one of the best dive sites in the World and no doubt the best in Thailand! The place is very famous for Whale Shark Sightings and has been described as a “Whale Shark Magnet”! In reality, chances of spotting this gentle giant is not as easy as it sounds but it still remains the best place in Thailand! The chances to spot them is from February to May. Even if you don’t see any Whale Sharks, the site is still fantastic and you can spot many pelagic fishes like Barracudas, Giant trevallies and Dogtooth Tunas. You will also have good chances to spot a Manta Ray. Moreover, the place is also very good for macro creatures and critter lovers will just love it. They can see Porcelain crabs, Tiger Tail Sea Horses, Pipefishes, Harlequin Shrimp and a great variety of Nudibranch! So don’t forget your underwater camera! The dive site is really big and you will need at least two dives to explore the spot. Diving in Richelieu Rock can sometimes be challenging because it is in open water and the current can sometimes be strong. The visibility can be reduced by the high density of plankton in the water, but that’s what attracts the Whale Sharks and the Manta Rays! The best way to explore this incredible spot is by liveaboard but it is possible to go there on a day trip from Phuket or Khao Lak. The Richelieu Rock is located South East of the Surin Islands.

Who to dive with? Dive centers operating at Richelieu Rock include: Sunrise Divers Liveaboards

Best time to dive: the ideal period to plan holidays here isOctober to November. Access: from the Shore. See the map of Richelieu Rock on the right for the exact location.