Richelieu Rock is one of the best dive sites in Thailand. This isolated pinnacle is located east of Surin Islands and the top of the rock is visible at low tide.

The horseshoe-shaped reef consists of several pinnacles, rocks, overhangs, and small caves. The site has a maximum depth of about 35 meters/115 feet, but most divers remain between 20 and 28 meters/60-92 feet. The current can be strong, but there’s plenty of places to seek shelter.

Lots of species of soft coral can be seen growing on the pinnacle. Fish life is amazing – pelagic fish are abundant here, with big schools of barracudas, trevallies, fusiliers, snappers, as well as critters such as frogfish, seahorses, harlequin shrimps, and ghost pipefish.

Many divers have reported sightings of whale sharks in this area. Manta rays have been seen here too.

The best time to dive at Richelieu Rock is November to April. The whale shark season typically starts around January and ends in May.