Dive Sites of the Surin Islands
Richelieu Rock
Richelieu Rock consists of limestone pinnacles forming a distinctive croissant shape when viewed from above, with the shallower southern side contrasting the deeper northern section that drops to 30 metres. Located 14 kilometres east of Koh Surin Nua, this world-renowned site features scattered pinnacles surrounding the main rock formation, with the bottom composition of rubble and sand supporting an extraordinary diversity of marine life. The site delivers exceptional macro photography opportunities with tigertail seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, and harlequin shrimp inhabiting the limestone cracks and caves, whilst massive schools of barracuda, giant trevally, rainbow runners, and long-nose emperor fish create spectacular pelagic displays. The abundant soft corals and anemones covering the pinnacles provide vibrant colour throughout the dive, and the site’s reputation for occasional whale shark encounters adds to its legendary status. Strong to weak currents and the site’s complex three-dimensional structure require intermediate to advanced diving skills, making this the ultimate destination for experienced divers seeking Thailand’s finest underwater experience.
Richelieu Rock Key Points
- Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
- Depth: 0 - 30m
- Currents: Weak to strong
Aow Pakkad
Located at the southern tip of Koh Surin Tai, Aow Pakkad presents a perfectly gentle sloping reef that begins just beneath the surface and descends gradually to sandy patches and vibrant coral gardens at 20 metres. The site’s protected nature ensures calm, sheltered conditions with minimal currents, making it ideal for check dives and skill development. Dense concentrations of healthy hard coral formations are punctuated by scattered bommies throughout the reef structure, creating diverse microhabitats for marine life. Schools of fusiliers, parrotfish, butterflyfish and wrasse provide constant movement across the reef, whilst moray eels inhabit coral crevices and blue-spotted stingrays patrol sandy areas. Clownfish occupy numerous anemones throughout the site, and the reef supports populations of nudibranchs, pipefish, and juvenile reef species. The site is particularly renowned for frequent turtle encounters and serves as one of the most accessible and rewarding dives for beginners whilst offering macro photography opportunities for more experienced divers.
Aow Pakkad Key Points
- Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Depth: 5 – 25m
- Currents: Generally mild
