On Rob’s wishlist for our sabbatical were two things: 1) surf and 2) a liveaboard in the Similans. While Thailand isn’t really known for its epic barrels, it does have a few dive sites worth mentioning, namely Richelieu Rock. When Jacques Cousteau discovered the pinnacle rising from the Andaman Sea, he named it after the French artist, Richelieu, who was known for wearing purple robes of the same color that blankets the corals on the namesake dive site.
Not only was Richelieu Rock swarming with fish, but it was also teeming with mojo. Everywhere we turned, sea creatures were locked up two-by-two, flashing their bright colors and intertwined in fastidious love-making. We did a 3D/2N liveaboard on the M/V Oktavia, but I would only consider the three dives at Richelieu Rock world-class.
Clockwise: “Horny” octopus tickles female with its special tentacle. Electrified cuttlefish interlocked in a moment of tenderness. Monica & Rob show the fishies that you and me, baby, ain’t nothing but mammals.
- Unless you just enjoy being underwater, avoid the longer liveaboards which add in the Similan Islands. Coral bleaching, dynamite fishing, tourism and natural disasters have all but spoiled the dive sites here, though if you enjoy topography, there may be something in it for you yet. One of our boat mates counted 15 swim-throughs and arches on a single diver alone!
- Six of our 10 dives took place at Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, which I consider mostly fodder. You may have heard the hype about Koh Bon being a cleaning station for manta, but the reality is that it’s mostly hype (though you may get one or two during the season). Koh Tachai has one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in Thailand and Boonsung Wreck made for a nice conclusion to the trip.
- The boat departs from Khao Lak, so if you’re aching to get away from the Phuket scene, head over early and save yourself the morning taxi ride.
- The local staff aboard the Oktavia was great, literally bending over to help us get our fins on, defog our masks and slip into our wetsuits! Our instructors were knowledgeable and great at finding even the tiniest sea creatures like sea horses and harlequin shrimp. We may not have exchanged warm fuzzies, but they did show us all of the critters we came to see. The boat was clean, spacious and well-kept, with many of our friends in the industry citing the Oktavia as your best value for money.
All aboard the M/V Oktavia for a 3D/2N liveaboard to Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai
Playing Holidays 