Richelieu Rock
Jacques Cousteau's discovery and Thailand's undisputed number one. A horseshoe of purple soft coral in open sea, with macro on the rock and giants in the blue. Plan the whole trip around it.
Highlights
- Thailand's #1 dive site
- Horseshoe pinnacle of purple soft coral
- Whale sharks Feb–Apr
What you'll see
Photos: Baszyaii7, Mr.CMBurns, Supachaiv via Wikimedia Commons · licences
What the diving looks like.
Original footage from Andaman dives, chosen to match the pinnacle terrain and marine life you can expect at Richelieu Rock.
Richelieu Rock, in brief
- How deep is Richelieu Rock?
- Richelieu Rock ranges from 5 to 35 metres and is suited to advanced divers. It is a pinnacle dive with moderate–strong current.
- When is the best time to dive Richelieu Rock?
- The season is Oct 15 – May 15. Expect 15–30 m visibility and 27–29 °C water.
- How do you get to Richelieu Rock?
- Liveaboard · Khao Lak. It is in the Surin Islands area at 9.3633° N, 98.0219° E.
- What marine life can you see at Richelieu Rock?
- Whale shark, Seahorse, Harlequin shrimp, Barracuda tornado. Highlights include thailand's #1 dive site; horseshoe pinnacle of purple soft coral; whale sharks feb–apr.
Gear we'd bring to Richelieu Rock
Editor's pickSuunto Ocean
The first dive computer we actually wear between dives. Maps, GPS on the surface, and an AMOLED screen you can read at 30 m in Similan sun.
Current fighterScubapro Seawing Nova Fins
When Koh Tachai's current runs, you want the fins that got us back to the line. Also the ones that look like a bird.
EssentialDive Rite 6 ft SMB + Spool
Drift dives at Koh Bon end in the blue. Every guide will ask if you have one. Have one.
Trips that diveRichelieu Rock
- Liveaboard
Similan Islands Liveaboard · 4 Days
Four days, fourteen dives, one route north from the Similans to Richelieu Rock. The single best diving week you can buy in Thailand.
- Liveaboard
Richelieu Rock Express · 2 Days
Short on time, long on ambition. Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock in two days out of Khao Lak.
