Richelieu RockRichelieu Rock is Thailand's premier dive site and one of the best places in Thailand to see Big Pelagics like Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. This huge pinnacle climbing from the depths of the Andaman Sea attracts scuba divers from around the world. Huge fish, soft corals and an incredible array of small fish make Richelieu famous around the world. Visited by both liveaboards and Speedboats from Khao Lak daily, Richelieu Rock is not to be missed.
Diving Richelieu RockAs currents can be strong, dropping down fairly quickly can be part of these dives. Experienced guides in the area prepare for this and will have you drop off the site so you can drift into by the time you have descended. Aiming for a depth down of 30-35 meters are optimum for both maximum time and pleasure! Many of the outlying boulders have incredible treats for the intrepid visitors. A slow circle of a site should bring you close to your safety stop by the end. As there is a current and very little protection – this is definitely a site for using a surface marker buoy. You can dive here over and over and see something new. The currents change constantly, and it's not always an easy dive. But, if you have an experienced dive guide and they give a good detailed briefing, you can learn how to hide from the currents and have a very enjoyable dive. Currents As
currents can be strong this is definitely a site that should be done
with an experienced guide. In addition we recommend that divers be
certified and experienced as Advanced Divers or higher. There are only two ways to visit Richelieu Rock – Speedboat or Liveaboard. The speedboats are a great way to visit if you are on a short time schedule, or have family who are not divers. These trips depart in the Mornings and return by evening. Usually Most liveaboards include at least two dives at Richelieu Rock as part of their itinerary and may add more dives here if guests wish. The most difficult decision for underwater photographers is which lens to dive Richelieu with. Of course a wide angle lens is best for whale sharks but there is so much good macro photography to do here too. When is the best time to Visit Richelieu Rock?The
monsoon play an important role in all aspects of life on the Andman
Sea. The monsoons always head in from the South West over the
Andaman Sea. Thailand
has three seasons; cool, hot and rainy. The best time to visit is
between October and
May. The European summer months of June through September are the
wettest here and thus also the worst time to visit. The visibility on Richelieu Rock is very conditional. The poorest visibility is not a time of year, but right after a full moon and new moon (the highest tides of the months). There can be occasional blooms of plankton, but if you consider that fish food - then it is a good thing. Just look for the little stuff! As Richelieu is in the open and unprotected, Trips there are usually reserved for times with calmer seas. Typically the first trips are in November and the last trips in early May. Visits on speedboats tend to start later in the season - late November until late April. Be very WARY of companies that offer Day trips during these months. Please read this interesting article. |
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