The Andaman Sea covers dive sites accessible from both Khao Lak and Phuket. Liveaboard trips are generally accepted as the best way to see as many of the best dive sites as possible in this area because many of them are situated a long way offshore, making day trips less viable. Have you looked at our Similan Islands Liveaboard and Myanmar Liveaboard trip itineraries yet?
There are upwards of 20 dive sites around the Similan Islands, although both Khao Lak and Phuket liveaboard departures explore dive sites in the area further north of this too, known as Surin. We are proud to offer a range of Thailand liveaboard trip itineraries that cover the best dive sites in Surin and Similan Islands, aboard one of our North Andaman Liveaboard itineraries. However, we also offer Thailand liveaboard dive trips that explore further afield into Myanmar (Burma) where you can dive into some of the more undiscovered sites.
Scuba diving in the Andaman Sea provides a rich array of dive site options and experiences. From picturesque reefs and rocky boulders to expansive granite pinnacles and plateaus, plus a couple of great wreck dive options, we guarantee our divers will never be bored! There’s really no such thing as a bad dive site in this area, so don’t worry if you don’t go to all that we mention, but a few of our top picks are as follows:
Elephant Head Rock (Similans) – Moderate to strong current with optimum depth 15-30 meters
Although you may need to use your imagination to see the shape of the elephant head on these rocky boulders and pinnacles, this remains a firm favorite among fun divers and dive leaders alike. Multiple swim-throughs and channels provide plenty of fun for our divers. Home to sharks, rays, tuna, and giant trevally as well as a fair amount of macro life, it’s definitely a site suited to thrill-seekers, and well worth braving a bit of current to explore.
Koh Bon (Similans) – Moderate to strong current with optimum depth 10-25 meters
Koh Bon is one of a minority of Thai islands where you won’t find a beach! It is a plain rocky island around 20km from the northernmost tip of the Similan Islands, draped with sparse patches of plant life, but the underwater marine life more than makes up for this! The main attraction at Koh Bon are the Manta Rays that cruise by a dive area best known as West Ridge. Mantas can be spotted throughout the season, however January to March is normally the optimal time. In addition, you’ll see large schools of Snapper and Sweetlips, and be sure to keep an eye out for sightings of the elusive Purple Fire Goby too!
Koh Tachai (Similans) – Moderate current with optimum depth 12-30 meters
Around 20km further north of Koh Bon you will find Koh Tachai, a stunning rocky island with beautiful white sandy beaches. Koh Tachai is home to two main dive sites – Koh Tachai Reef and Koh Tachai Pinnacle. Among the pinnacles, sea fans and coral gardens, you’ll find anything from the smallest critters to the biggest pelagics. Schools of Trevally, Batfish, and Barracuda are regular inhabitants, and as always keep your eyes peeled for Mantas and Sharks!
Richelieu Rock (Surin) – TRIP HIGHLIGHT: TOP RATED SITE! - Moderate to strong current with optimum depth 5-30 meters
The diamond in the crown of Andaman Sea dive sites and truly one of the standout scuba diving sites in the whole of Asia, this a fixture on the majority of our Thailand and Myanmar Liveaboard boat schedules. Richelieu Rock is a large granite horseshoe adorned by brightly colored pink and purple soft corals and is home to a thriving ecosystem of marine life. Harlequin Shrimp, Ghost Pipefish ad Frogfish can be spotted in the many crevices and overhangs, and Seahorses can be found nearer the base of the pinnacle. The whole dive site is surrounded by pelagic schools of Trevally and Barracuda, and you have a good chance of spotting Manta Rays and Whale Sharks here too.
Black Rock (Myanmar) – TRIP HIGHLIGHT: TOP RATED SITE! - Moderate to strong current with optimum depth 5-30 meters
Generally regarded as one of the best dive sites in Burma’s Mergui archipelago, this remote pinnacle offers one of the best wall dives available with colorful soft corals and anemone fields covering the rocky terrain and huge Gorgonian Fans providing some of the most interesting focal points. Macro lovers will love the Harlequin Shrimp and Ghost Pipefish that inhabit the site, while those looking for the ‘big stuff’ will have their eyes focused on the depths and out into the deep blue, where Mantas and Whale Sharks can often be seen.
Western Rocky (Myanmar) – Moderate current with optimum depth 5-30 meters
Often compared to Richelieu Rock, Western Rocky is one of Burma’s most famous sites with the key attraction being a long tunnel heading directly through the island at around 20 meters. Visibility is normally excellent, and here you’ll get to experience the best of wall and reef diving all at once. The density and variety of marine life and colors will have you eager for the surface interval to be over so you can jump back in and explore more!
Boonsung Wreck (Khao Lak) – Gentle current with optimum depth 15-20 meters
Located not far off the coast from our Khao Lak base, the Boon Sung is an easy wreck diving site and a great option for your final dive as we head back towards Khao Lak. The scattered remains of this dredger vessel lie on a sandy bottom at around 18-20 meters depth. Nudibranchs, Scorpionfish, Lionfish and Honeycomb Moray Eels are the most spotted inhabitants on the wreck itself, but the site is also swarming with Fusiliers, Snapper, Trevally, and Batfish.
We hope you are excited to dive some of these amazing sites with us and hope to see you soon aboard our Similans North Andaman Liveaboard or Myanmar Liveaboard trips! Be sure to check our website home page for our most up to date Liveaboard diving deals. You can also check trip availability and book online to secure your place.
If you require any further information in the meantime, feel free to contact us at info@deepandamanqueen.com, and one of our professional and friendly team will be happy to assist you.
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