Richelieu Rock
Richelieu Rock rates as one of the best places in the world and easily the best in Thailand diving for swimming with whale sharks. Encounters with the whale sharks, the largest of all fish, are rare almost everywhere in the world. For some reason Richelieu Rock attracts more than its fair share.
 Swimming with such a large animal, known to grow to 14 m, has to be the highlight for any diver. Sightings occur about 10% of the time. Generally, from February to April are the best times for a visit to enjoy some of the most exhilarating Thailand scuba diving.
Richelieu Rock boasts great biodiversity too. This large splintered pinnacle is covered with anemones and soft corals of all kinds. From tomato anemonefish, yellow boxfish, white-eyed moray eels and mantis shrimps to nurse sharks, manta rays, 1½ m malabar groupers and chevron barracuda, there's always plenty of life to grab your attention on this dive.
Richelieu Rock Reef Basics: Whale sharks and large boulder pinnacles
Depth: 5 - 35m
Visibility: 15 - 35m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface Conditions: Can be rough
Water Temperature: 26 - 29°C
Experience Level: Intermediate - advanced
Diving Season: November to April
PADI Course Compatibility: Great for shark awareness and underwater videography
Distance: ~200 km north of Phuket (10 hours), 80 km northwest of Khao Lak (4 hours, or 2 hours by speed boat)
Access: Phuket liveaboards, or from Khao Lak or Ranong; Khao Lak or Phuket diving day trip
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