Seven unforgettable days aboard Sea Dragon Dive Center’s MV Andaman took us on an incredible journey across the entire Andaman Sea, and it completely lived up to the hype. From the northern reaches of the Surin Islands and world-famous Richelieu Rock, to Koh Bon and Koh Tachai in the middle, and finally the stunning Similan Islands in the south, every stop delivered something special. Richelieu Rock easily became our favorite dive site in Thailand thanks to the sheer abundance of marine life — schools of fish everywhere you looked, with our biggest complaint being that there were almost too many fish to take it all in! Across 22 dives, including two magical night dives, we encountered vibrant reefs, endless sea life, and crystal-clear waters that reminded us why the Andaman Sea is considered one of the world’s great diving destinations. Between dives, we explored beautiful beaches in the Similans and Surins, shared laughs with an awesome group of fellow divers, and enjoyed unbelievably tasty Thai food onboard every day. Affordable, adventurous, and packed with unforgettable moments, this was an incredible week of diving and we wouldn’t hesitate to sail with the MV Andaman again.
Getting checked in for our liveaboard at the Sea Dragon Dive Center in Khao Lak
Artwork for sale in Khao Lak
Robby enjoying a mojito at a restaurant in Khao Lak
Becky on a swing at a beach in Khao Lak
A path through a coconut plantation in Khao Lak
Ocellate Phyllidia nudibranch
Bright yellow feather star (also known as a crinoid)
Rocky coastline of the Similan Islands
Sunset over the Surin Islands
Friendly staff member on board the MV Andaman
Southern pig-tailed macaque
Macaque monkey yawning widely
Scenic view of the Surin Islands National Park
Long-tail boat to the Surin Islands
Becky by a long tail boat on the Surin Islands
Traditional Moken spirit poles or "totems" found on the Surin Islands. Known as "sea gypsies," the Moken people carve these poles for religious ceremonies
Entrance to Mu Ko Surin National Park
Mural on a building at the Surin Islands
Bungalow at the Surin Islands National Park
This warning sign at the Surin Islands National Park advises visitors to be cautious of monkeys that are known to snatch personal items
Tranquil beach scene at Mu Ko Surin National Park
Traditional Thai longtail boat
Black-margined nudibranch
MV Andaman - our home for the week as we SCUBA the Similan & Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock
Our chef preparing an amazing BBQ on the top deck of the MV Andaman
Sunset over the Andaman Sea
The staff on board the MV Andaman were always helpful and smiling
Photo with our dive master P'Jong
P'Jong pointing out the official names of the nudis we saw
Phyllidiella rudmani sea slug
Hermit crab in a gastropod shell
Trinchesia sibogae nudibranch
Catamaran anchored in the Andaman Sea
Mantis shrimp burrowed in a vertical tunnel
View just before our night dive at Tachai Reef; Ko Ta Chai
Yellow longnose butterflyfish
Goniobranchus leopardus nudibranch
Tino, Hugo, Daniel and Robby playing Uno
Halgerda tessellata nudibranch
Staff member on the MV Andaman
Tropical scenery of the Similan Islands, a national marine park located off the coast of Southern Thailand
Our hardworking liveaboard crew members who helped us with our SCUBA gear all week long
Getting welcomed back on board the MV Andaman after one of our dives
Sail Rock is a famous natural landmark located on Ko Similan
Robby getting ready to explore Similan Island
Sign for Sail Rock viewpoint trail
Beautiful panorama from Sail Rock Viewpoint on the Similan Islands
Robby posing with Hugo, Kailey and Longfei at the Sail Rock Viewpoint
Nicobar pigeon on the Similan Islands
A large monitor lizard swimming in a shallow pond on the Similan Islands
Becky at the Mu Ko Similan National Park signpost
Kailey, Gaer and Tino smile as they prepare to leave Similan National Park
We enjoyed amazing food all week long on our liveaboard thanks to our talented chef!
A full moon over another liveaboard boat at the Similan Islands
Portrait of our phenomenal chef on board the MV Andaman
A school of chevron barracuda at Richelieu Rock (one of our favorite dive sites in the Andaman Sea)
Comet fish (also known as a marine betta)
Posing with dive master Champ!
Group photo of our amazing dive crew and fellow SCUBA divers on board Sea Dragon's MV Andaman
Traditional, colorful fishing boats anchored near Thap Lamu Pier (gateway to the Andaman Sea)
