Richelieu Rock

Richelieu Rock rates as one of the best places in the world for swimming with whale sharks. Encounters with these fish, the largest of all fish, are rare almost everywhere in the world. For some reason Richelieu Rock attracts more than its fair share.

Swimming with such a large animal, known to grow to 14m, has to be the highlight for any diver. Sightings occur 50-70% of the time, depending on the time of year. Generally, from February to April are the best times for a visit to enjoy some of the most exhilarating liveaboard diving in Thailand.

Richelieu Rock boasts great biodiversity too. This large splintered pinnacle is covered with anemones and soft corals of all kinds. From Tomato Anemonefish, Yellow Boxfish, White-eyed Moray Eels and Mantis Shrimps to Manta rays, 1 1/2 metre Malabar Groupers and Chevron Barracuda, there's always plenty of life to grab your attention on this dive.

Richelieu Rock Reef Basics: Whale Sharks and large boulder pinnacles
Depth: 5 - 35m
Visibility: 15 - 35m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface Conditions: Can be rough
Water Temperature: 26 - 29°C
Experience Level: Intermediate - advanced
Diving Season: November to April
PADI Course Compatibility: Great for Shark Awareness and Underwater Videography
Distance: ~200 km north of Phuket, 80 km northwest of Khao Lak