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Surin Islands · liveaboard

Richelieu Rock

Editorial plate — compiled from published sources, not yet confirmed by a verified diver. Dived here? Verify this plate.

Mu Ko Surin National Park

9.36170°N, 98.02170°E

Thailand's signature pinnacle: a horseshoe of purple soft coral in open sea, known for whale sharks and outstanding macro life.

Depth
5–35 m
Vis
15–35 m

26–30 °C

Current
strong
Health
Unscored

Awaiting verified ratings

Geo (surface approx.)
9.36170°N, 98.02170°E

Approximate position from published sources.

Entry / access
liveaboard

An isolated horseshoe-shaped limestone rock about 18 km east of the Surin Islands, surrounded by smaller satellite pinnacles. The curve funnels plankton and fish, so the walls, ledges and swim-throughs are packed with life from seahorses and harlequin shrimp to schooling pelagics. Liveaboards drop divers on a line, and currents and upwellings can be strong.

Difficulty
advanced

Open Water minimum; experienced and drift-capable divers recommended

Best season
Oct–May; Feb–Apr best for whale sharks
Last reviewed
20 Oct 2026 by editorial

Hazards

  • high · Strong currents and upwellings
  • medium · Open-ocean setting; carry SMB
  • low · Plankton blooms reduce visibility (Mar–Apr)

Marine life

Typical: whale shark, manta ray, tigertail seahorse, harlequin shrimp, ghost pipefish, barracuda, dogtooth tuna, giant grouper, lionfish, purple soft corals

Durable site rating

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Condition reports

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Living record

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Questions people search

How deep is Richelieu Rock?

5–35 m.

Is Richelieu Rock suitable for beginners?

advanced — Open Water minimum; experienced and drift-capable divers recommended

Sources

  • Richelieu Rock · PADI

    Supports: depth, visibility, waterTempC, current, level, bestSeason

  • Richelieu Rock Scuba Diving · LiveAboard.com

    Supports: depth, visibility, waterTempC, current, level, bestSeason, marineLife, hazards

Where sources disagree

Max depth 35 m (PADI) vs 40 m (LiveAboard.com). PADI lists Open Water+, LiveAboard.com says better for experienced divers.

Durable multi-axis scores sit on the rating plate. File a timestamped condition report, CoralWatch colour, or debris card on today's report. Public averages stay verified-only. Book at an Andaman dive centre.