The Similans and all points north are one of favourite dive destinations. Travelling to the Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock then up to the Burma Banks on a liveaboard is a trip of the most incredible dive diversity. We've done it many times and have never been disappointed. Especially when the trip was like our most recent one - our first ever sighting of a whaleshark!

We were at world famous Richelieu Rock which, even at the worst of times, is a superlative dive. However, on our last trip, all the planets must have been aligned just right, our individual gods were smiling on us... whatever good luck charms each of our group believed in, the vibes were just perfect.

Not only did we see some of the biggest beasties in the ocean (4 separate whaleshark sightings below, whales breaching above), we also saw some of the smallest - harlequin shrimps, seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish. We saw more sharks than you would think were left in the sea (white tips, nurses, leopards and silvertips). We were introduced to some new creatures, like Mark Strickland's nudibranch, and some of the most peculiar, like mantis shrimp and flounders. The reefs were beautiful and the corals in this region are in great condition.

For ten days we had a splendid time with a great group of like minded people - all enjoying the pleasures of a near perfect dive cruise - we couldn't recommend it more!

Complete reports on this area are in Diving the World

TRAVELOGUE:

Flights: Singapore Airlines and Silk Air to Phuket
Transfers: by car to the boat at Chalong - 30 minutes
Liveaboards: contact Dive the World