Richelieu Rock — the Andaman's top dive site, and its best whale shark odds
Tachai Pinnacle, a big granite pinnacle thick with fish
Elephant Head Rock, the swim-throughs that made the Similans famous
Three night dives, torches lighting up the reef after dark
Aboard Issara Liveaboard — air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms
About this trip
A liveaboard along the northern Andaman route, taking in the dive sites that made Thailand's reputation — from the giant granite boulders and clear water of the Similans through to Richelieu Rock, the horseshoe-shaped pinnacle in open water where whale sharks turn up more often than anywhere else in the Andaman. Across four full diving days you get 15 dives without losing hours motoring back to shore each evening: the boat stays out at the sites, so you dive each pinnacle at the hour it's actually best.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Bangkok – Phuket – board the boat
Depart Bangkok (BKK) for Phuket (HKT) — flights arriving no later than 19:00 recommended
19:00 Van pickup at Phuket International Airport (HKT) to the pier
20:00 Welcome dinner on board
Underway to the Similan Islands
DAY 2
Similan Islands — 4 dives
Dive 1 — Zodiac (check dive)
Dive 2 — West of Eden
Dive 3 — Three Trees
Dive 4 — Numchai (night dive)
DAY 3
Richelieu Rock & Surin Islands — 4 dives
Richelieu Rock — the Andaman's number one dive site
Richelieu Rock
Richelieu Rock
Surin (night dive)
DAY 4
Koh Tachai & Koh Bon — 4 dives
Dive — Tachai Pinnacle
Dive — Tachai Pinnacle
Dive — Koh Bon
Dive — Bon Bay (night dive)
DAY 5
Koh Bon & Similan — 3 dives
Dive — Koh Bon
Dive — Elephant Head Rock
Dive — Shark Fin Reef
Leave the dive site for the pier
DAY 6
Disembark – Phuket
Arrival at the pier and disembarkation
09:00 Van transfer to Phuket International Airport (HKT) — flights after 12:00 recommended
What's included / not included
Included
15 dives (max 4 per day — 3 day dives + 1 night dive)
Cabin accommodation on board, 2 persons per room
Full-board meal plan, plus snacks, drinking water, tea and coffee
Van transfer Phuket Airport (HKT) – pier, both ways
Dive accident insurance
SCUBANINE guides and crew with you for the whole trip
Not included
Scuba equipment rental, 600 THB per day
Dive computer rental, 350 THB per day
Dive torch rental, 150 THB per day
Travel to and from Bangkok – Phuket
Entrance fees and national park fees
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities for the crew
Terms & notes
Payment terms 1. Deposit of 8,000 THB on booking 2. Full payment of the remaining balance 60 days before departure 3. The deposit is non-refundable in all cases
Please note: the itinerary shown is an example only. We reserve the right to change the itinerary or specific dive sites; the final call is made on the day based on weather and sea conditions, for the safety of everyone diving.
Frequently asked questions
What certification level does this trip need?
Open Water Diver and above. Some sites — Hin Muang, Hin Daeng and Tachai Pinnacle — can carry current, so Advanced level or around 20 logged dives is recommended. If you're not sure, message us and we'll talk it through.
Does the price include dive equipment?
No, equipment is charged separately: 600 THB per day for a full set, 350 THB per day for a dive computer and 150 THB per day for a torch. You can reserve gear when you book the trip.
How much is the deposit, and is it refundable?
The deposit is 8,000 THB on booking, with the balance due 60 days before departure. The deposit is non-refundable in all cases, but it can be transferred to another person.
Which flights should I book?
Arriving, book a flight landing at Phuket (HKT) no later than 19:00 — the van leaves the airport at 19:00. Going home, book after 12:00, as the van leaves the pier at 09:00.
What is the food like on board?
All meals are included, full board, with snacks between dives and drinking water, tea and coffee throughout. Let us know in advance about vegetarian meals or any allergies.
Trip and cabin photos
BOOKING
Enquire or book this trip
Leave your details and our team will get back to you within one business day, ready to help you pick a trip and check cabin availability.
The northern Andaman route aboard the newer Tapana catamaran — Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. 6 days, 5 nights, 15 dives, in wide timber-lined cabins on a hull that barely rolls.
The southern Andaman route — Hin Muang, Hin Daeng, Koh Haa, Koh Lipe and 8 Miles Rock. 6 days, 5 nights, 15 dives, on the most densely soft-coral-covered walls in Thailand.