Dive site descriptions of Richelieu Rock, Thailand

Richelieu Rock

Often sited as the best dive site in Thailand Richelieu Rock lies a long way north of the Similan Islands and close to the Surin Islands. It's reputation mainly comes from the whale shark sightings that generally occur between February and April of each year but there is much more to this site than that.

Colour Mad

Richelieu Rock consists of a series of underwater limestone formations of which the main pinnacle can be seen breaking the surface at low tide. The rocks themselves are covered in the most beautifully coloured soft corals, sea anemones, sponges and fans that it is possible to imagine. When the sun is shining and the sea is blue the colours are breathtaking especially with the profusion of tiny colourful reef fish in the shallows with light reflecting off of their scales.

Something For All

Besides the colour, no matter what you are interested in, big or small, you will almost certainly leave more than satisfied. For the lovers of large species you have large groupers, nurse sharks, turtles and leopard sharks. A few metres away from the main pinnacle and about five metres deep are schools of large blackfin barracuda circling around. On a good day a manta ray may pass by often gliding by close to the main pinnacle itself as it filters plankton out of the water.

Macro Heaven

For macro lovers this is heaven. This dive site is a mass cleaning station so expect to see a large variety of shrimps possibly including the very rare and beautiful harlequin shrimps. A few different pairs have been resident there for a number of seasons now. Pipefish are abundant from the stunning ornate ghost pipefish to banded and cleaner pipefish. Frog fish are definitely present including the giant frog fish. You just have to find them superbly camouflaged in some crack or crevice. And then there are the resident seahorses!

Whale Sharks

So far we haven't even mentioned the thing that Richelieu Rock is most famous for, whale sharks. From January to April these gentle giants of the ocean can be seen cruising by close to the main pinnacle. With their gigantic mouths open as they sift plankton out of the water they are truly a majestic sight to behold. It's just a case of being in the right place at the right time, as simple as that!

Probably...

The list of possibles and probables can go on and on. One thing is certain. If you don't like this dive site then it's time to go see your doctor. Probably the best dive site you will ever experience!

If you would like details on how you too can visit Richelieu Rock then please fill in our Information Request Form.

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