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Liveaboard Diving in Andaman Sea
WHAT TO EXPECT ON AN ANDAMAN SEA LIVEABOARD
Liveaboards to the Andaman Sea take divers to one of the top dive destinations in the world. With a tropical island backdrop, the Andaman Sea offers an impressive underwater topography mixed with diverse marine life, claiming some of the best diving in Thailand and worldwide. It is the unique diversity of the dive sites (suitable for different levels) on an Andaman Sea liveaboard, which promises vastly different diving experiences. Liveaboard.com offers a wide range of different liveaboards in the Andaman Sea, Thailand, some with unique attributes, tailored to your needs.
ANDAMAN SEA UNDERWATER
Divers on an Andaman Sea liveaboard can expect a range of topography, from soft corals and sea fans to hard corals, deep drop-offs, massive underwater boulders, swim-throughs, caves, and more. Dives with manta rays, eagle rays, sea turtles, sharks, pipefish, barracuda, catfish, and schools of reef fish are standard practice with the occasional presence of the graceful whale shark in season. Water conditions present mild to strong currents, good visibility, and warm temperatures.
DIVE SITES / AREAS OF THE ANDAMAN SEA
Andaman Sea Liveaboard itineraries may vary but most popular dive sites/areas include:
KOH LANTA is rated as one of the best dive areas in Thailand, hosting two popular dive sites: Hin Daeng & Hin Muang. Renowned for their beautiful pink and purple soft corals giving them their name, the topography is simple yet intricate with Thailand's biggest vertical wall, outcrops, ledges, small inlets, canyon-like formations, and rocky bays. Adding to the terrain is the incredible marine life of which whale sharks, manta rays, and grey reef sharks are the creme de la creme. Visibility is often up to 25m unless the waters are plankton-rich.
SURIN ISLANDS offer regular sightings of cruising white tip reef sharks, barracuda, batfish, ghost pipefish, bumphead parrotfish, napoleon wrasse, octopus, mantis shrimp, blue-spotted jawfish and the rarer sightings of seahorses, frogfish, manta rays and whale shark. Depths range from 5 to 30 meters with warm clear waters, the coral formations in these waters act as a good barrier with fields of staghorn corals dominating the shallows. You may see the occasional passing eagle rays in the blue.
SIMILAN ISLANDS are possibly the most popular dive destination in Thailand. White sandy beaches, granite boulders above and below water, vibrant reefs all create an exceptional diving landscape topped with a plethora of marine life. A variety of dive sites home over 500 species, to name a few: leopard sharks, guitar rays, whitetip sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, clown triggerfish, rabbitfish, scorpionfish, snappers, emperor fish, giant trevally and angelfish. Macro lovers will enjoy finding tiny ghost pipefish, mantis shrimps, porcelain crabs, cleaner shrimp, and more.
RICHELIEU ROCK to the southeast of the Surin Islands is renowned for whale shark sightings and other pelagics like the Manta Ray, barracuda, giant trevallies, and dogtooth tuna. This site also provides a plethora of critters, porcelain crabs, tiger tail sea horses, pipefish, harlequin shrimp, nudibranch, etc.
KOH TACHAI located on the northwest of Similan Islands National Park, this site is tailored to the more advanced diver with drop-offs up to 70m, swim-throughs, strong currents around. The waters are graced with whale sharks, manta rays in the months of February-April feeding on plankton. Common sightings of leopard sharks, Napoleon wrasse, Hawksbill turtles, groups of batfish, banded sea snake, barracudas, trevallies, and sharks.
KOH BON south of Surin Island is known as the perforated island, classified as a deep dive due to a fantastic wall dive that goes down to 42m on the southwest side. Also frequented by a great number of leopard sharks, the usual suspects such as the morays, white tip reef sharks cohabit these waters. Also a popular cave diving spot, this should only be attempted with the right certifications.
TOP TIPS FOR DIVERS
There are many dive areas in the Andaman Sea so you can dive in different locations depending on the time of year. Liveaboard trips to the more remote areas in the Andaman Sea, such as the Similans, Richelieu Rock and Hin Daeng only run from November through to May due to weather conditions making these inaccessible. The best time to dive these sites is the end of February when an increase in currents attracts larger marine creatures like whale sharks and manta rays. Visibility ranges from 25-40m during this period and water temperatures range between 28-31C. Some dive areas are tailored for the more advanced diver so it may be better to check with your Liveaboard cruise what dive experience you need before deciding your itinerary. It is possible to rent equipment on most cruises, however, as most divers know, it is always recommended to have your own gear. If you are bringing your own equipment, bring a DIN adapter as Thailand uses the standard yoke system. You may not need more than a 3mm neoprene shorty or full body wetsuit bearing in mind after 3 or more dives a day, you may get cold.
Most dive sites have fantastic opportunities for the avid underwater photographer so remember to bring your camera and battery charger! Some Liveaboards tailor to specific languages so it may be worth checking before booking if you are more comfortable in another language other than English.
The currency is the Thai Baht but it is recommended to take US dollars with you also. Electricity voltage runs at 220 volts and it is recommended to bring a universal adapter.
The nearest recompression chamber is in Phuket.
GETTING TO THE ANDAMAN SEA
Thailand liveaboards that cruise the Andaman Sea may depart from different ports, usually from Chalong Pier in Phuket or Thap Lamu Pier in Khao Lak, Phang-Nga Province. Transfers to the port are provided from Phuket International Airport or your hotel. Please notice some liveaboards may even depart from one port and return into another, i.e depart from Phuket and return to Khao Lak. Some International flights fly directly to Phuket or you can get a connecting flight from Bangkok. You can reach Khao Lak overland from Phuket.
Andaman Sea Diving Reviews
- 9.0 Superb
- 150 Verified Reviews
Overall it was great. I would do it again
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Deep Andaman Queen
It was a great experience. I loved the quietness out in the middle of the ocean.
Diving Andaman Sea in December on the Manta Queen 3
Some of the best in Thailand.
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Hallelujah
We also did a wreck dive where there were many schools of fish. I enjoyed "joining" a school and swimming along with them. There were tons of urchins, scorpion fish, lion fish, puffer fish...
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Manta Queen 1
Amazing visibility, diverse dive sites
Diving Andaman Sea in October on the Hallelujah
The Andaman Sea is exceptionally beautiful with varying shades of blue and limestone karst islands. The reef ecosystems are full of sea life and there are so many incredible dive sites to enjoy.
Diving Andaman Sea in May on the Giamani
So beautiful and warm waters!
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the The Phinisi
There's so much across the Adaman -- MQ1 hit some great sites.
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Manta Queen 1
Dives were deep and there was some surge due to the time of the year, but the sites were as pristine as any I have ever seen and the marine life was incredible and unique.
Diving Andaman Sea in April on the Miss Moon
It was great. Richelieu was a true treat.
Diving Andaman Sea in November on the Deep Andaman Queen
The water was warm and we saw many new marine life we had never seen before.
Diving Andaman Sea in November on the Sawasdee Fasai
Some people said the Andaman Sea only has "above average" diving but with little to compare to, I thought it was great.
Diving Andaman Sea in December on the Deep Andaman Queen
Incredible coral and schools of fish. Visability was disappointing.
Diving Andaman Sea in December on the Diva Andaman
Better than I ever would have imagined although we did not sight many large fish creatures
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Hallelujah
Great except for poor visibility on the last day.Only dove for 7 minute that day because of poor visibility.
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Manta Queen 8
Great but a bit reduced visibility
Diving Andaman Sea in November on the Giamani
Really busy. Boats overhead the whole time.
Diving Andaman Sea in December on the Sawasdee Fasai
Visibility was OK. Some sites had a bit of current while diving.
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Sawasdee Fasai
I have no doubt that I visit again.
Diving Andaman Sea in October on the Hallelujah
nice places with nice coral
Diving Andaman Sea in November on the Deep Andaman Queen
Warm sea, clear waters, loads of diversity.
Diving Andaman Sea in November on the Deep Andaman Queen
In the north there are only a few boats, so the dives were more relaxing and the reefs were not damaged. So more fishes and also other creatures to find.
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Pawara
the wrecked had so much life around it you could lose you buddy only 8 feet way for all the fish
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Pawara
Lots interesting thing to see.
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Hallelujah
Ion comples really nice, for sure we will come again
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Manta Queen 6
Very good. Great visibility, plenty of mari e life. But one should keep low expectatios of seeing the big animals that dive magazines advertise. Just enjoy the wonderful colorful biodiversity.
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Hallelujah
good. feel the ecosystem is well protected.
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the The Junk
Excellent 2 last dives on the Boonsung wreck
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the The Junk
Great overall experience, thinking of going again sometime
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Similan Explorer
A packed schedule (4 Nights - 4 Days). Weather was good - we were lucky. Not much of big fish (no shark, no manta). Corals in better shape than we expected. Visibility decent throughout. Not much current in general. And a great live aboard operator makes a great deal of a difference. Diving with the Junk was great.
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the The Junk
Very warm and good visability although a few strong currents
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Deep Andaman Queen
Loved the wreck dive. Thousands of fish, a nursery with baby everythings - eels, pufferfish, baracuda, rays
Diving Andaman Sea in March on the Similan Explorer
All together absolutely worth coming back too
Diving Andaman Sea in March on the Deep Andaman Queen
Many enjoyable dives seeing many new species.
Diving Andaman Sea in April on the Sawasdee Fasai
Better than expected. Dive sites are in good shape in general.
Diving Andaman Sea in May on the Manta Queen 1
The water is quite clear and it is easy to find small to medium size creatures to take pictures
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Manta Queen 7
If I say I will dive again and do the same trip that’s my recommendation
Diving Andaman Sea in March on the Similan Explorer
Amazing. I think one of the best liveaboard value for money.
Diving Andaman Sea in April on the Manta Queen 7
Fun and sometimes challenging
Diving Andaman Sea in April on the Manta Queen 6
Overall an amazing place to dive!
Diving Andaman Sea in December on the Hallelujah
Very warm water a few stingers when we were there, they touch your skin, you feel it a little but it doesn't even leave a mark
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Pawara
Diving in the Andaman Sea is still the best experience in Thailand. The relatively small amount of diving boats (especially on Richelieu Rock) makes it very special
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Sawasdee Fasai
good coral world and schools of ship.
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Sawasdee Fasai
Everyday something new to see, in warm waters and good visibility.
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Sawasdee Fasai
It has left 16 members of Wirral Sub Aqua Club feeling very happy with the experience.
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Similan Explorer
Very nice coral and marine life. The water visibility was clear but a strange thing during that season was the cold current of water where we can drop temperature was dropping from 29 to 22°C in less than 2 sec !!!
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Deep Andaman Queen
Brilliant great visibility and warm waters
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Sawasdee Fasai
At some point, visibility was not so nice, but there was something interesting every dive.
Diving Andaman Sea in March on the Similan Explorer
It was warm with good visability
Diving Andaman Sea in March on the Manta Queen 3
Nice in general. A great variety if things to see.
Diving Andaman Sea in March on the Manta Queen 8
Good, found the water temp a little warm.
Diving Andaman Sea in April on the The Junk
alles gut - meistens sehr gute Sicht und wenig Strömung
Diving Andaman Sea in April on the Sawasdee Fasai
Warm water, some current, tons of life and corals.
Diving Andaman Sea in April on the Sawasdee Fasai
Great experience, wonderful islands and marine life.
Diving Andaman Sea in November on the Deep Andaman Queen
All ways nice manta sighting good visibility
Diving Andaman Sea in December on the Sawasdee Fasai
Something I will never forget
Diving Andaman Sea in December on the Manta Queen 3
Excellent, with a bit of challenging currents
Diving Andaman Sea in December on the Miss Moon
I saw a lot of dolphins swimming around the bow
Diving Andaman Sea in December on the Similan Explorer
It was fantastic diving with a lot of fish.
Diving Andaman Sea in December on the Deep Andaman Queen
Overall the diving was great
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Deep Andaman Queen
Great, visibility can be tricky in some parts.
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Manta Queen 1
다양한 생물들이 살아서 좋지만 시야가 그리 좋지 않다
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Sawasdee Fasai
Some great dive sites, some less so.
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the The Junk
Excellent, good visibility
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Giamani
We've only ever dived in the andaman sea so nothing to compare it too but as a novice or intermediate you'd enjoy it for the diversity and chance to see manta rays and whale sharks
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Hallelujah
This year not so good visibility but still great marin life
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Sawasdee Fasai
Lots of fun but not exceptional nature
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the The Junk
amazing. want to dive here again
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Manta Queen 8
We were lucky because the weather cooperated and we saw a lot of marine life. We also didn’t experience a lot of strong current on our dives although the guides told us there would be. There was plenty of marine life to see but the coral was still damaged at most of the dive sites. The visibility wasn’t consistent. Some places were great and some were poor.
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Manta Queen 5
Not as amazing as promised by exciting advertisements. Was it wrong time for the trip or it is only commercial trick promoting this place? I don't know. But it is also not possible to find any information about best times to go there.
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Manta Queen 8
We had a great experience diving here.
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Hallelujah
Absolutely great dives even though, vis wasn’t good on entire trip. Will come back later.
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Hallelujah
The 2 dives was fun. But nothing to compare with Richelieu rock
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the The Junk
The currents have changed this year bringing in a lot of nutrients impacting the visibility but on the positive side we we're in for a phenomenal show by mother nature.
Diving Andaman Sea in March on the Manta Queen 7
I' d love to go there sometime again
Diving Andaman Sea in March on the Manta Queen 1
Over all the diving was great, managed well and very good value
Diving Andaman Sea in March on the Deep Andaman Queen
Warm water, only once we saw plastic bags.
Diving Andaman Sea in December on the Manta Queen 1
Highly recommend it! It is truly amazing. So glad to see the conservation efforts.
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Manta Queen 1
Great diving in the Andaman Sea! Big variety in marinelife, good visibility and lots to explore.
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Sawasdee Fasai
Interesting wrecks with good visibility
Diving Andaman Sea in March on the Manta Queen 1
Good as always, even if large pelargics did not show up this time
Diving Andaman Sea in November on the Smiling Seahorse
Really good. Easy dives and well conserved reef.
Diving Andaman Sea in November on the Dolphin Queen
Good, limited vis at times
Diving Andaman Sea in December on the Manta Queen 7
The Andaman is very different to what we are used to in the Eastern Pacific. Waters are warmer and clearer. Dives are more focused on the macro invertabrates and small fish. The coral reefs are healthy and thriving. Just beautiful. The lack of sharks and megafauna is sad considering they should be there but because of lack of control inside park areas, many of these species are missing and are threatened.
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Manta Queen 7
Beautiful, healthy reefs, nice scenerys under water, really many fish, no Mantas or Whaleshark
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Manta Queen 7
Generally decent conditions though the week before was apparently rough seas and restricted diving.
Diving Andaman Sea in January on the Pawara
Amazing visibility and marine life
Diving Andaman Sea in February on the Manta Queen 7
Boon sung wreck was full of lionfish and nudies. interesting
Diving Andaman Sea in March on the Pawara
Great. There are patches of cold water that bring up the food for the oceanic creatures. Often the current would be stronger in these areas. It is worth hanging out for the big stuff.
Diving Andaman Sea in April on the Smiling Seahorse
Had poor visibility at Bonsoon and had to abort dive.
Diving Andaman Sea in April on the Manta Queen 3
Variable experience with currents and marine life being climate and time-dependent
Diving Andaman Sea in April on the Dolphin Queen
Compared to the Philippines and Indonesia, there is no sea pollution
Diving Andaman Sea in April on the Sawasdee Fasai