Dive site · access from Similan Islands
Richelieu Rock
A standalone limestone pinnacle in the Surin park, roughly 40-80km northwest of Khao Lak near the Myanmar border.
- Depth
- 5–35m
- Current
- Strong
- Minimum level
- Advanced open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- Horseshoe-shaped pinnacle rising to 2-3m below the surface
- Thailand's most reliable whale-shark and manta site
- Dense macro — seahorses, ghost pipefish, harlequin shrimp — plus barracuda and tuna schools
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Advanced open water certification is the stated minimum.
Access and timing
Plan this through Similan Islands
Best overall months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Similan Islands
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Richelieu Rock.
Humphead wrasse
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Reef manta ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Whale shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | rare |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Bumphead parrotfish
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Hawksbill turtle
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Nearby alternatives
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Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 2 sources and checking notes
- Richelieu Rock dive site, Dive The World
- Richelieu Rock scuba diving, LiveAboard.com
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.