Trip BB2624 Similan Islands

Blue Dolphin Similan Liveaboard Trip Report – Similan, Surin & Richelieu Rock

Our latest Blue Dolphin Similan liveaboard cruise to the Similan and Surin Islands delivered everything we love about diving in this part of the Andaman Sea: calm conditions, thriving reefs, and unforgettable marine life encounters.

With great visibility and relaxed seas for much of the trip, it was the perfect setting to explore some of Thailand’s most iconic dive sites.

Fantastic Conditions in the Similan Islands

The trip began in the Similan Islands, where we were welcomed with excellent conditions both above and below the surface. Calm seas and clear water made for comfortable diving and great visibility across the reefs and granite boulder landscapes that make the Similans so special.

One of the highlights early in the trip was Koh Tachai, which proved to be absolutely packed with marine life. The reef was buzzing with activity, offering everything from the wonderfully strange Dragon Sea Moths moving along the sandy patches to large pelagics cruising through the blue. The sighting of a Juvenile Whale Shark from the surface, a rare and beautiful site, I often wonder where they go after these glimpses into their world.

The real spectacle, however, was the schooling barracuda gathering above the main Tachai Pinnacle. Huge, shimmering formations of barracuda circled the reef in classic fashion, creating an impressive and constantly shifting wall of fish that left a lasting impression on everyone underwater.

We believe the turtle sighted at Tachai Pinnacle is “Turtleini,” an individual recorded in the Andaman Turtle Watch database. This turtle has been observed at the pinnacle several times previously and is typically somewhat skittish, although it appeared more relaxed during this encounter.

We are currently awaiting confirmation from Eve and will update once the identification is verified. I’m pretty sure that this is the same individual.

If confirmed, this will represent another recorded sighting by Big Blue Diving contributing to the Andaman Turtle Watch monitoring efforts. We are proud to support the project and will keep pushing forward with all our effort to see the initiative continue to grow. 🌊🐢

A Stormy Crossing to Surin

After our fantastic dives at Tachai, we began the journey north toward the Surin Islands. Along the way we rode through a fairly impressive storm, adding a little adventure to the trip. Despite the challenging weather, our captain and crew handled the crossing expertly, ensuring everyone remained safe and comfortable on board. We reached the Surin Islands safely and secured a good mooring, ready for the next day’s diving.

A good crew is the heart of every boat and I am always happy to have ours around, The Blue Dolphin crew is definitely a family.

Ao Suthep – Thailand’s Premier Hard Coral Garden

The following morning greeted us with calm conditions and beautiful light as we prepared for our first dive in Surin at Ao Suthep. The dive could only be described as picture perfect.

In my opinion, Surin is home to Thailand’s premier hard coral garden, and Ao Suthep is a perfect example of why. The reef here is vibrant and healthy, with expansive coral formations stretching across the seabed and providing shelter for countless reef fish. It’s a dive that feels alive in every direction and reminds us how special these northern reefs really are.

Richelieu Rock Delivers Once Again

No northern Andaman trip would be complete without visiting Richelieu Rock, widely considered Thailand’s most famous dive site. Although it was a busy day with several boats visiting the site, the underwater experience was still nothing short of incredible.

After the stunning amounts of life at Tachai earlier in the trip, it was going to take something special to match it—but Richelieu Rock did not disappoint. The rock was buzzing with activity, from clouds of glass fish and hunting predators to colourful reef life covering every inch of the pinnacle.

It served as a perfect reminder of why Richelieu continues to hold its reputation as one of the best dive sites in Southeast Asia.

Congratulations to Our New SSI Divers

A big congratulations to two divers who completed certifications during the trip:

• Lian, who earned their SSI Nitrox Diver Specialty, opening the door to longer and more efficient diving on future adventures.
• Connor, who completed the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certification, gaining valuable experience and new skills across a range of specialty dives.

Great work from both of you—we’re excited to see where your diving journeys take you next!

Plan Your Own Blue Dolphin Adventure

Trips like this are exactly why the Similan and Surin Islands remain one of the world’s most exciting liveaboard destinations. If you’re already thinking about your next adventure, our Early Bird Offer for future Blue Dolphin cruises is now in place, making now the perfect time to secure your spot for the upcoming season.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard Blue Dolphin soon for another unforgettable journey through Thailand’s best dive sites.

Cheers ,
Boots and Team Big Blue.