Richelieu Rock is the premier diving spot and one of the best in Thailand for seeing large pelagics like whale sharks and manta rays. This enormous pinnacle rising from the depths of the Andaman Sea attracts divers from all over the world. Huge fish, soft corals, and an incredible array of small fish make Richelieu a world famous site.
Discovered by Commander Cousteau in the 60s, the site was named “Richelieu Rock” in homage to the purple color of Cardinal Richelieu's coat. The site is indeed dominated by the mauve color of the soft coruaxes, dominating on all the faces of the rock.
Where is Richelieu Rock?
This fabulous site is part of the Surin National Marine Park, located about 18 kilometers east of the islands of the same name, and about 70 km from the coast of Khao Lak. Located in the middle of the Andaman Sea, the rock is only visible at low tide during which the peak exceeds about 1 meter. It goes without saying that the ships going there must imperatively be equipped with a GPS!
Accessibility level for divers
Depending on the season and the climate, the site can experience strong currents, some even “descending”, which can, for non-experienced divers, become a difficult dive. With the exception of potential currents, the site is accessible at all levels because the maximum depth is 40 meters and a large part of the points of interest meet between 0 and 20 meters. The only condition for exploring this extraordinary site is to have sufficient diving experience (ie a minimum of 20 to 30 dives).
What to see on Richelieu Rock?
This site is just incredible: there is something for everyone! The macro is very present: nudibranchs, porcelain crabs, symbiotic shrimps, “harlequin” shrimps, seahorses (one of the undisputed stars of the site!), The corals are breathtaking, not to mention the schools of barracudas, gigantic groupers, lionfish by the dozen ,… The site is so rich that you can dive into it several times in the same day without seeing the same things!
How to get to Richelieu Rock?
In season (from December to March), day trips or dive cruises of several days (liveaboards) will allow you to discover this site ranked in the world Top Ten. French divers: choose the Similan Paradive center, located in Khao Lak. Visit our profile and become a buddy Similan Paradive
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1 comment
Listen, put yourself in the shoes of the federal club diver who was taught only that, scuba diving… and at 60m we told him and repeated that it was not dangerous….
And the best of the best when the federation does not want to accept international ISO nomes, because it considers that the federation is safer… .we are not laughing out loud? there anyway?