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Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report: Day 3
Read the prologue to this trip report here.
Read Day 1 here.
Read Day 2 here.
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Richelieu Rock
Today for me was going to be the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Thailand’s diving: three dives on Richelieu Rock. Richelieu was our most northerly dive site on this trip, located east of Koh Surin at 09 218N 98 013E. It has a pinnacle that breaks the surface at low tide; other than that it is in the open seas. My previous visits to Richelieu have always been very productive when it comes to photography – it is covered with life of all shapes and sizes, and I was hoping things hadn’t changed. I even changed the memory card in my camera so I had plenty of space.
“Dive Briefing!” It was 7:30am already. As Mats started with the briefing for dive number 9, all I could think was “Hurry up and let’s get in!” My camera was at the ready and itching to get wet.
Descending on the mooring line was a must in case of any currents, however there didn’t seem to be much of one. My first sight was of two large groups of long spined sea urchins on the sea bed at around 29m. If they cannot find places to hide they travel in large numbers to create as much protection as possible. On this occasion, a hundred or so could not find a home!
Our first mission was to find seahorses. We scoured the area where they normally hide but couldn’t find them, so moved onward.
It seemed almost everywhere we looked there were ornate ghost pipe fish, lots of them, some even in pairs. Moray eels were sticking their head out of nearly every crack, and scorpion fish lay in camouflage, especially in the shallows. Dancing Durban shrimp and banded cleaner shrimp laid waiting for their next job. “I think I’ll have my nails done please,” I thought to myself. I reached out my hand and out they came, seeing what they could pick out from under my nails. Mantis shrimp were spotted scurrying along (they always seem so busy).
As we got shallower you could sea shoals of barracuda and big-eye trevally. Finally it was time to get breakfast out of the way so we could get back in!
Dive number 10
“Dive Briefing!” It was 10:30am. It was time for dive number 10, and again, I couldn’t wait. Our group went in first. I had been set a challenge by Mats to take a photo of a two colour blenny; he had tried and failed to get a shot of one himself, but they always shot off before he got close enough. I did try to look for one, but they are small and fast… and all the ghost pipe fish were looking like they wanted to have their picture taken. At least 12 ghost pipe fish were spotted on this dive! More morays, clown fish in every anemone, a spindle cowrie, and at last a two colour blenny that stayed still. I did try to take a photograph of a small thin black fish that was hiding within the spines of a long spined urchin. It was shooting up and down near the other side and very hard to get a photo of – I did get one, but it’s not clear enough to see what it was.
All in all, another great dive. I needed a decent surface interval to get the most out of the last dive on Richelieu, so I didn’t hang around in the shallows too long and came up.
Another huge lunch; I scoffed down what I needed, went back to my bunk and sorted out my photos, prepared the video camera for the next dive, then took a small nap.
Dive number 11
“Dive Briefing!” Dive number 11. What was in store this dive? I took another look for the seahorse, and, at last, it was there. A large shoal of squirrel fish swam past; as I pursued them I noticed something moving behind a large shoal of glassfish above me, and as they parted I could see a turtle making its way looking for something to eat (it should have been on our boat – it wouldn’t have had any problem finding food there!). There were angel fish of every kind, more scorpion fish, and more lionfish than you would ever want to take pictures of. One more nudibranch – that made a grand total of two for Richelieu. I like nudibranchs, because they don’t swim away when you take their picture.
I was done – or at least my air was – which meant the end of my dives on Richelieu.
As we motored away I looked back; I was sad to leave what is probably the best dive site in Thailand, and probably one of the best in the world when it comes to variety of marine life and colours – a top dive site.
Dive number 12
“Dive Briefing!” 6:30pm. Dive number 12! Still another seven to go – phew!
We had arrived back at Koh Tachai for our night dive. We were going to dive a reef off of the island rather than the pinnacle this time.
We entered the water at 7:00pm. It’s funny how things can affect you; I didn’t write down much about this dive, and I can’t remember much about it either. Compared to the rest of today’s dives anything was going to be second class. I have to look at my photos to remind me what I saw! Parrot fish hiding in reefs with their protective mucous bubbles, a reasonably large red crab backing itself under a piece of coral, a tiny young devil scorpion fish laying on an open piece of sea bed, and a puffer fish that didn’t swim away. I hadn’t even taken many photos. Oh well – tomorrow is another day.
To be continued…
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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