Richelieu Rock⚠ data unverified

Thailand · Asia · Andaman Sea

3.5
/ 5
★★★★☆
Diving with liveaboard access, challenging currents — a strong choice for experienced divers.
Level Advanced
Marine life
4.0
Visibility
4.0
Accessibility
2.5
Facilities
2.0

Pros

  • Excellent visibility up to 20 m
  • 3 standout marine species
  • Best conditions in Nov–Apr

Cons

  • Strong currents — skilled divers only
  • Liveaboard-only access
  • Minimal local facilities

Best for

Big-marine-life fansLiveaboard trips

Not for

Absolute beginnersDay-trippers without a boat

Plan your trip

$$$$
🛏️
Suggested stay
5–7 days
💸
Cost level
Relative cost $$$$ · ≈ $96/day
Liveaboard safari diving is premium (accommodation + charter).
🏨
Where to stay
Liveaboard cruises are the signature here — many divers sleep on board. A quiet, remote site — book lodging well in advance.
🧭
Real daily cost in Thailand
Around $96/day per person · food $29 · hotel $74
Good to know
  • Expect strong current — run drift dives with an experienced local guide.
  • Conditions can be demanding; dive with an operator who knows the site.
  • Built for experienced divers — an Advanced Open Water cert is a good idea.
  • Prime season is Nov–Apr.
Richelieu Rock
📷 TimSC · CC BY 4.0
Depth
5–35 m (16–115 ft)
Visibility
20 m (66 ft)
Water temp
27–30°C (81–86°F)
Current
Strong
Best season
Nov–Apr
Certification
Advanced
Dive shops
0
Live sea temperature · (Open-Meteo)

Why go

Richelieu Rock, a pinnacle in the Andaman Sea off Thailand, rises from deeper water. Dives run to 35 m with around 20 m visibility, strong currents and sea temperatures of 27–30°C. Marine highlights include whale sharks, mantas and huge schools. Best season is Nov–Apr, typically reached by liveaboard. Built for experienced divers. An Advanced Open Water certification is recommended. Strong currents call for confident buoyancy.

Site type
Pinnacle
Access
Liveaboard

Marine life

whale sharksmantashuge schools
Coordinates
9.28, 98.28
Country

Part of these itineraries

Notes from divers

Traveler

Loved it. Getting there by liveaboard was easy, and the water was a comfortable 27–30°C.

Instructor

Solid choice for experienced divers. With a range down to 35 m there's room to work without pushing boundaries.

Anonymous

Wasn't sure what to expect, and it completely won me over.