Richelieu Rock has become a world famous dive due to its frequent visits by the worlds largest fish, the Whale Shark , and has become a favourite for divers wishing an encounter with one of these gentle giants. Richelieu Rock is situated close to the Surin Islands, around 200 kilometers North-West of Phuket, close to the Burmese (Myanmar) border. The site is made up of a large underwater pinnacle rising up from 50 meter to the surface, and is home to an unbelievable array of marine life, from the biggest to the smallest creatures.

Large schools of chevron barracudas patrol the water surrounding the pinnacle, while larger sharks and rays can be seen in the deeper water. It takes at least two dives to get around the pinnacle; because everywhere you look there is something of interest for you to investigate. White eyed morays, nudibranches, sea horses, harlequin shrimps and ghost pipe fish are just a few of the creatures you can expect to see here on every dive.

Large groups of mating cuttlefish can often be seen exhibiting their  mating rituals amongst the rocky pinnacle. The rare harlequin shrimps can be found in small crevices around the base of the site, giving keen photographs a great photo opportunity. And even while there is so much to look at on the reef, many divers will spend their entire dive gazing out into the blue, waiting, wishing for the opportunity to catch a glimpse of a passing Whale Shark . Although sightings can never be guaranteed, divers have the best chance to see them here compared to any other dive site in Thailand.

Other impressive creatures that can be seen here include mantis shrimps, huge marbled groupers, frogfish, octopus and even Manta Rays .

This truly is a world class dive site, and the only problem divers might encounter is just knowing where to look next!

  Richelieu Rock Reef Guide

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