Richelieu Rock Whale Sharks – Surin Park Liveaboards, Thailand
Richelieu Rock is a horseshoe-shaped pinnacle in the north of the Andaman Sea, part of the Surin park in Thailand. It’s covered in soft coral and full of fish, seahorses and other small creatures. From February to April, whale sharks sometimes pass by. Liveaboards usually spend one or two dives here.
Who Richelieu Works For
Intermediate Divers
Some current
Photographers
Macro & wide angle
Whale Shark Fans
Macro Lovers
Repeat Thailand Divers
You Can See
Big and Small at the Rock
Whale Sharks
Passing through, mostly February to April.
Soft Coral
Purple soft coral covers the whole pinnacle.
Fish Schools
Barracuda, trevally and snapper around the rock.
Mantas
More likely at nearby Koh Bon.
Ready to dive the rock?
Where You’ll Dive
Richelieu and the Northern Sites
Richelieu Rock
A horseshoe pinnacle from about 5 m to 35 m, with soft coral, seahorses, ghost pipefish and big fish schools.
Koh Tachai Pinnacle
A current-swept pinnacle with big fish, and mantas or whale sharks on lucky days.
Koh Bon West Ridge
The manta spot of the Similan park.
Koh Surin Reefs
Shallow fringing reefs near the islands, good for a relaxed last dive.
Most trips combine Richelieu with the Similans. See our Similan Islands page.
Hot Picks
Liveaboards We Recommend for Richelieu Rock
Raga
A 37 m steel boat, refitted in 2024, for 28 guests. Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock in 4 nights.
View boat →
Krishna 3
Built in 2025, for 24 guests. Similan – Koh Bon – Richelieu trips, plus South Andaman weeks.
View boat →Similans & Richelieu or a Longer Trip?
4 Nights
Similans, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. The usual route, with one or two dives at the rock.
5 to 6 Nights
More time in the north and around Surin. See our Surin Islands page.
Life Aboard
Days at Sea in the Andaman
Want a special offer for Richelieu Rock?
Message us directly — we’ll find a February to April trip with time at the rock.
Chat on WhatsAppGet Ready
Before You Book Your Richelieu Trip
Whale Sharks in South Ari, Maldives
Read more →
How to Choose a Liveaboard
Read more →
Your First Liveaboard
Read more →Why BookDiveBoat for Richelieu Rock?
Every Thai liveaboard says it visits Richelieu, but the number of dives there varies. We check the plan for your boat and dates, so you know how much time you’ll get at the rock.
FAQ
Richelieu Rock Questions
When can I see whale sharks at Richelieu Rock?
How many dives will I do at Richelieu Rock?
What experience do I need?
What else lives on the rock?
When is the rock open?
Where do trips leave from?
Book Your Richelieu Liveaboard
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