A Whale of a time – Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock Cruises

Written by Doug Olthof

Whale sharks are giant aquatic world the truth – which can reach more than a bus (18 meters) with a party with the most small organisms, plankton. However, the presence of these large fish are not always so easy. Only 9 places in the world, all located in tropical waters, are so far known to be predictable whale shark visits. Thailand is one of the few countries likely chance that the whale sharks visit.

Arriving in an unknown location, it is still relaxing on a warm welcome. As our cruise ship approached the southernmost islands of Similan warm welcome came across more as dolphins jump and play some fifty light of dawn, beckoning us forward and gives us an idea treasures found around these beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea in Thailand

Located on the west coast of Thailand north-east of Phuket in Thailand are world famous Similan Islands. These granite islands with white sand beaches and dense forests, but the interior accident would be sufficient reason in itself to make the trip to Phuket Boat Cruise Night. But what makes these special islands are vast and varied reefs lie off its shores. It is below the blue waters of the rich you can experience another world, inhabited by creatures so colorful, so beautiful and strange that defies belief.

The crown jewels of diving in Thailand has been touted as one of the best diving areas ten in the world and can be accessed by boat from Phuket or is kaowe Lak, but the actual experience Similan Islands, you need to board a Cruise boats operate from many of Phuket. This way, you can take in the variety of diving experiences that have had all becoming spiritually connected to the sea as your body adjusts quickly to the gentle rolling of the ship under his feet.

Our trip Similans started late in the night on the wharf rats in Phuket. As divers have joined the ship from different locations, the friendly staff helped all aboard and quickly moved up the task of establishing and upgrading equipment. Each diver is worthy of the name knows that you check, and Buddy-check your own equipment, but have the staff to create and organize all the clothes turned what could have been a chaotic scene – with suits, regulators and agencies in shock – a night of rest first board of directors. Around 11 pm, after a delicious light meal, so we got under the moon and the stars. The crew of fireworks lighted arch ensure a safe journey, we motorized in the night. Of course, there are those who are born to be at sea and some people need a little training. The first night was, for some, a little less at ease, while others, like me, who is the rocking waves reminiscent of the crib and dreams of adventure come soon underwater.

The next morning, looking happy in this big pod of dolphins, the spirits were universally high. The sky was clear, calm waters had become an almost impossible bright and welcoming shade of blue. As dive master briefed the divers on the first dive Day (The "test" dive) on board the excitement becomes palpable. Just look on the side could see the crystal clear waters are full of life. After briefing and a thorough check of our team who were in the water and ready to begin our first dive. The first dive of a long journey begins with a few minutes of uncertainty, since even experienced divers have to get used to the idea of being a fish again. But soon all were back in our respective regions comfort and ready starting to play our part as guests in an underwater utopia.

After an impressive introduction of natural wonders captivate us for the next few days, which were surrounded by a crew member of a small inflatable boat and returned to our sea dwelling temporary. They helped us out of the water, free of our equipment and a dry, we have a wonderful meal waiting for us in the top cover. The trip was interrupted by a meal after another. Several boats respond to different tastes, with some used primarily in Thailand and other service charges from the palette of the West, but they are all the boats in Thailand, which is a country where food is the priority one. This means there is never a shortage of good food such vessels through the journey, they were constantly filled with joy.

Thus divers on board quickly fell into a routine idyllic. An impressive immersion would be followed by a delicious meal. Other then disperse to study deep fish for books, take a nap in air-conditioned cabins or compare the stories of the wonders found beneath the waves. In the first three days, we saw several sea turtles, many large red octopus, frogfish, garden eels strange curious ghost pipefish disconcerting, leopard sharks lethargic, four massive stingrays and funny and such a variety of fish to be encouraged to leave (not good … literally!).

But the biggest deal has come for us the last day of our trip (And when I say big I mean literally!) The morning of our fifth day at sea, we powered north of Similan Islands National Park's famous Richelieu Rock. After listening to the information we have placed our divemaster equipment when a diver on another stranded boat with enthusiasm there was a whale shark in the region. The level of adrenaline on board immediately shot through the roof. We could not wait to get water for the opportunity to witness the passing of this gentle giant, fragile, the largest of all fish – Up close and personal. I stayed at the back of the boat with my tester and the buoyancy tank is attached, biting nails. Then, suddenly, just before me, I saw a shape. A very big.

W – W – W – whale sharks!

Immediately plunged water. The remaining divers were followed for a minute divine swim beside one of the most beautiful of the boundless creativity of nature. When gentle giant dove back on board, then scream, chatter, high-fiving and smiling from ear to ear. Although I'm sure you've all been very happy with the trip, including where the whale shark had not appeared, we all knew that this was an extraordinary journey that we all remember for the rest of today. What has been ahead of the rest of the dives that day, we were satisfied. But it was not yet complete.

We went to Richelieu Rock and instantly knew why many consider him the best dive site in Thailand. It is a characteristic mass is covered every inch of life. The smallest, the most bizarre creatures, the harlequin shrimp, snails, tiger, horse sea and a multitude of beautiful nudibranchs can be found with dog-tooth tuna, big, giant trevally, cuttlefish and schools of fine rifle and laser. The list is long. But as we explore the rocks that day surprises await them. A corner I turned to see my face diving partner to face with another whale shark, the latter much larger than the previous. Following his companion cobia, suckers and a small school mackerel around this huge creature circle before us for half an hour!

After our safety stop and return to the boat we sat speechless while the boat to return to Phuket. As the sun began to dip into the western sky remained fixed our smiles on our faces. We actually discovered Treasures Under the Sea. Treasures, in my opinion, more precious than gold or silver. As specifications became the Similan Islands on the horizon I scanned the sea for our friends the dolphins with the hope of providing a quick "thank you" for their hospitality, but they were nowhere to be seen. Maybe they were busy preparing to welcome its guests in the next group of what I can only describe as "Paradise".