If you have dived in Surin Islands before, please share your experiences: Dive spots you would recommend, which Dive Center you used, Fishes & Diving, Visibility, Currents, etc. Please post your comments in the section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next trip
The Surin area offers two very different ways to enjoy the northern Andaman. Around the islands, the attraction is reef life close to forested shores. At Richelieu Rock, the sea opens out around an isolated pinnacle where a small patch of reef can occupy a diver for more than one dive.
Richelieu Rock belongs to Mu Ko Surin National Park, east of the main islands. Koh Bon and Koh Tachai are often visited on the same northern liveaboard journey, but they are part of the Similan park rather than the Surin island group. Keeping those names separate makes an itinerary much easier to understand.
A whale shark is an occasional bonus, not the reason a trip succeeds or fails. Reef fish, morays and small subjects among the encrusted rock give patient divers plenty to notice.
A northern Andaman dive diary
Kenneth Tan’s March 2016 film follows a Similan and Surin-area voyage, including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. It is an archive of that trip, not a report of today’s reef conditions or boat availability. Watch on Vimeo.
In this page you will find more detailed information about scuba diving in Surin Islands.
Table of contents
Best Dive Review
Island reefs and an offshore pinnacle
Richelieu Rock: the best-known scuba stop in the area is exposed to open-sea conditions. Current, visibility and the planned depth determine the dive; it should not be presented as an easy site for every newly certified diver. The small marine life can be as absorbing as anything passing in the blue.
The Surin islands: reef sites around the main islands and Torinla provide a different setting from the isolated rock. A boat may spend time here or simply include Richelieu in a wider northern circuit. The confirmed programme should say which.
Richelieu Rock · Ko Torinla East · Ko Torinla West
Sites to put the geography in perspective
This selection is separate from the cruise itineraries above. Locations are surface planning references, not entry points or a guide for use underwater. Access, depth and the route around a site belong to the current local briefing. Torinla is south of Surin Tai. Its two reef pins are approximate surface references, not moorings or entry locations.
The linked site descriptions remain available if the map cannot load.
1 · Richelieu Rock
An exposed offshore pinnacle east of the main islands.
Location reference · checked 12 November 2026
2 · Ko Torinla East
An approximate reef-area reference east of the small island south of Surin Tai.
Location reference · checked 12 November 2026
3 · Ko Torinla West
An approximate reef-area reference on the western side of Torinla.
Location reference · checked 12 November 2026
How to dive Surin Islands?
A liveaboard gives time to combine Surin-area diving with other northern Andaman stops. Day trips also operate from mainland bases, including the Khao Lak area. Some excursions combine an island dive with Richelieu, while others concentrate on the rock; a departure labelled “Surin” does not establish the exact diving plan.
The road transfer, actual pier and sea crossing all belong in the comparison. Different operators use different mainland gateways, and a hotel pickup can begin well before the boat departs. Sea conditions may force a change of site or cancellation.
Staying on land in Surin is a separate option from a scuba liveaboard. Park accommodation and camping packages are still offered, subject to availability and conditions. A snorkelling or island-stay package should not be assumed to include scuba dives or a Richelieu visit.
Two ways to explore the northern Andaman
These operator examples compare two northern circuits that include the Surin area. Pins represent islands, harbour areas and regional stops, not underwater entry points. Lines show itinerary order, not navigable tracks. Weather, access and the confirmed departure programme govern the actual route.
The route descriptions below remain available if the map cannot load.
Bavaria Trip C · 6 nights, up to 22 dives
A longer northern circuit with several days in the Similans before the Surin-area stops. This is the operator’s example, not a guarantee of the sites visited.
- 1 · Thap Lamu: boarding after a Khao Lak meeting point.
- 2 · Island 4 and 3 · Island 7.
- 4 · Island 8 area.
- 5 · Island 9, continuing to 6 · Koh Bon.
- 7 · Koh Tachai.
- 8 · Surin Islands and 9 · Richelieu Rock.
- Return through 7 · Koh Tachai and 6 · Koh Bon to 1 · Thap Lamu.
Bavaria Trip C programme · checked 12 November 2026.
The Junk · 4 nights, up to 14 dives
This is the operator’s Thap Lamu example. Its joining instructions also allow Chalong for some departures, so the booked pier must be checked separately. The final coastal wreck choice depends on conditions; the pin marks a region, not a guaranteed named wreck.
- 1 · Thap Lamu: evening boarding.
- 4 · Similan island group: first diving day.
- 6 · Koh Bon and 7 · Koh Tachai.
- 8 · Surin Islands and 9 · Richelieu Rock.
- 10 · Khao Lak coastal wreck area, then 1 · Thap Lamu.
The Junk four-night programme, checked 12 November 2026.
Island-area references checked against geographic listings; exact site selection belongs to the operator’s briefing. Ko Similan · Ko Payu
Where to stay?
I usually use this website to book in advance my hotels in Surin Islands as they usually have the lowest rates I find. I like it because it's free to cancel and change the dates.
Best time to dive in Surin Islands
Mu Ko Surin National Park reopened on 15 October 2026. The operating season normally falls around mid-October to mid-May, with access subject to park announcements and weather. December to April is a common choice for northern Andaman trips, but no month guarantees calm water or clear visibility.
Large-animal sightings remain unpredictable. A departure’s actual route and the diver’s comfort with offshore conditions are firmer planning criteria than a promised whale-shark season.
Top liveaboards in Surin Islands according to divers reviews
Dive courses
A first course is usually easier to organise from a mainland or established island base with suitable training facilities. For a Surin-area cruise, the operator should assess certification, logged dives, recent experience and comfort with current. Richelieu’s reputation does not override those considerations.
Thailand’s published 2025 underwater-camera rule allows camera use with Advanced Open Water certification or at least 40 logged dives. It does not make 40 dives a universal entry requirement for all scuba activities. The boat can set additional requirements for its own route.
Scuba Diving conditions
An island reef and Richelieu Rock do not share one standard set of conditions. The offshore rock is exposed to swell and current, and reduced visibility can change the experience considerably. A shallower planned profile still requires suitable conditions and a clear briefing.
Water is generally warm, but repeated dives, wind after surfacing and cooler water at depth affect comfort. A full wetsuit can be useful; the previous suggestion that one would never be needed was too broad. Visibility figures and wildlife sightings are observations, not booking guarantees.
Snorkelling in Surin Islands
Snorkelling is a major reason to visit the Surin islands, including for families and companions who do not scuba dive. Dedicated day trips and overnight programmes use selected reef areas and may include a community-led Moken village visit. The chosen operator should explain supervision, equipment and the day’s sea conditions.
Richelieu Rock is a different setting from an island snorkelling bay. A scuba itinerary there should not be sold to a non-diver as an equivalent beach-and-reef excursion. Under Thailand’s published rules, snorkellers wear lifejackets unless they hold a recognised freediving certification.
Fishes and Coral
The illustrated selection below covers the wider northern Andaman circuit. Koh Bon’s manta association concerns a separate stop in the Similan park, not a guaranteed Surin encounter.
Whale shark
An occasional visitor on northern Andaman itineraries. A whale-shark sighting is possible, but the islands and their reefs offer plenty without one.
Leopard shark
The spotted adult zebra shark is usually called a leopard shark in Thailand. Its long tail and sandy colouring are worth noticing on an Andaman encounter.
Manta ray
Koh Bon is a notable manta stop on some extended Similan routes. It is a separate itinerary choice, and an encounter remains a matter of conditions and luck.
Moray eels
A head tucked into a reef crevice can be as captivating as an animal in the blue. Several moray species occur here; the illustration represents the group.
Napoleon wrasse
This substantial reef fish has a distinctive forehead and thick lips. Operators document it on northern routes around Koh Bon and Surin.
Barracuda
A sleek silver silhouette to watch for around the granite boulders and in open water. A passing school can change the whole feel of a dive.
Representative illustrations, not photographs of local sightings. New whale shark, leopard shark, manta artwork was generated with AI for Divezone in November 2026; other illustrations are reused from Divezone’s existing collection.
Coral condition varies by site and over time. Good buoyancy leaves room for the reef’s smaller residents: nudibranchs, shrimps and other details are often the reward for slowing down.
Diving Safety
If you are planning an upcoming dive trip or travelling to Surin Islands, it is a really good idea to invest in travel insurance for scuba diving, because you never know what could happen and when you might need it (because accidents do happen!). I recommend this diving insurance as they offer worldwide coverage and focus on providing scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.
Surin diving questions
Are Koh Bon and Koh Tachai in the Surin Islands?
No. They are associated with the Similan park, although many northern itineraries combine them with the Surin area and Richelieu Rock.
Does a Surin snorkelling day trip include Richelieu Rock?
Not automatically. An island snorkelling excursion and an offshore scuba trip are different products. The named stops and activities should appear in the programme.
Can a newly certified diver visit Richelieu?
That needs an operator assessment of the diver and conditions. The exposed setting, current and depth make a blanket recommendation for beginners inappropriate.
Can a non-diver enjoy Surin?
Yes. Dedicated snorkelling trips and island stays are important options. They often fit a non-diver better than a cruise focused on exposed scuba sites.
Sources and planning references
DNP Surin reopening and accommodation enquiries · Richelieu day-trip programme · Richelieu location and conditions · Surin snorkelling programme · checked 12 November 2026.
Share your Surin Islands experience
Photos Surin Islands
Travel Guide
Now that you know all about the underwater world, you might want to start planning your scuba holiday! Check out our Surin Islands Travel Review for information about how to get there, activities and excursions, where to stay, and more.
Diving Reviews for this region
Dive spots reviews in Surin Islands
Liveaboard Reviews in Surin Islands
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I’ve not dived here yet, but I am planning a trip to Thailand in a month and I was hoping to get a few dives in with my dad. I think I found a winner here!
Just a few questions: Can you recommend a live aboard here? Also, do you think it be better to book one once in the area or prior? I know it’s a busy spot, but I often find cheaper options when booking in person in SE Asia.
I really like how you’ve put together this post. I just found the site tonight while researching dive spots in Asia and I love it. Will be back! Thanks for your help.
Hi there. Apols for posting another q and no info for followers. Looking for a 4 day liveaboard trip.
Is there anyway to get mobile fone access and wifi modem acces on liveabords. Take my own / rent Either anybody know if telstra global roaming works or how to get local sim cards so have access and works out offshore on Live AB’s. Its a work thing and just need 30 mins a day / nite. No internet access no dive trip, very sad i know…..
Matt
Scuba Diving at Suriname Islands sounds great! Do you know if it is possible to go there from Koh Phayam?
My 13 years old son and I had 4 dives on Surin Islands in February 2019. We both qualified open water divers (=18m only) with not that many dives beforehand, but Richelieu Rock wasn’t a problem for us. We had a bit of a current on a second day in Richelieu, but we were able to adjust our dive to suit our experience and we had a great time. Visibility both days was about 12- 15 meters We saw 2 octopus, endemic tomato anemone fish, massive Napoleon wrasse, 14 (!) lion fish in one spot, barracudas that found me so interesting, that they came so close to me to check me out I was totally extatic to be surrounded by them and of course there are many more fishes! In fact shoals of them. Corals are also quiet healthy still there.