When is the best time to dive Richelieu Rock?

The typical diving season is February to April. Conditions vary year to year, so confirm locally before booking.

Thailand · Surin Islands

Richelieu Rock

Q: Is Richelieu Rock good for snorkelling?

Yes - snorkelling is viable here. Yes - the shallow top of the pinnacle (near-surface at high tide) is snorkelable in calm conditions

Best time to dive

February to April

What you might see

FrogfishLikely
Ghost pipefishLikely
Manta rayReliably seen
Moray eelLikely
NudibranchLikely
SeahorseLikely
Whale sharkPeak season

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - Yes - the shallow top of the pinnacle (near-surface at high tide) is snorkelable in calm conditions

Safety notes

Strong/unpredictable currents, heavy dive-boat traffic on a small pinnacle, depth at the base, remote location

Permits & fees

Mu Ko Surin National Park fee (Richelieu Rock lies within this park, ~18km east of Ko Surin Tai): 500 THB foreigner adult, 250 THB foreigner child (3-14); park closed 16 May-14 Oct, sometimes earlier if weather is poor

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Kuraburi/Khao Lak

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.