Southern Andaman Sea Diving Itinerary
From May to October, when the Northern sites are less accessible (or completely closed), we explore the spectacular Southern Andaman Sea sites, offering incredible marine diversity and visibility.
Manta ray at Hin Daeng
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Stunning Koh Haa islands
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Coral garden at Racha Yai
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Day 1: Embarkation from Phuket
Board the liveaboard at Chalong Pier, Phuket in the afternoon. After vessel orientation and safety briefing, set sail towards the Racha Islands. Enjoy welcome dinner while cruising south.
Day 2: Racha Yai & Racha Noi
Morning dive at Racha Yai's Bay 1, featuring gentle sloping reef perfect for checking equipment and buoyancy. Second dive at Banana Bay with its vibrant coral garden and reef fish. Afternoon dive at Racha Noi South Tip, known for stronger currents and pelagic action. Night dive at Racha Yai to spot nocturnal critters including Spanish dancers and bamboo sharks.
Day 3: Koh Haa
Early morning arrival at Koh Haa archipelago. First dive at Koh Haa Lagoon with its spectacular chimney swim-through and caves. Second dive at Koh Haa Yai Wall featuring vertical drop-offs and overhangs. Afternoon dive at Cathedral with its dramatic cavern entrance. Night dive in the protected lagoon to observe hunting cuttlefish and octopus.
Day 4: Hin Daeng & Hin Muang
Full day dedicated to Thailand's deepest and most colourful dive sites. Morning dives at Hin Daeng ("Red Rock") with its vibrant red soft corals descending to 70 metres and chance to see oceanic manta rays and whale sharks. Afternoon dives at neighboring Hin Muang ("Purple Rock") featuring purple soft corals and pelagic action including barracuda tornadoes and trevally. These offshore pinnacles are famous for larger marine life encounters.
Day 5: Koh Lipe & Tarutao National Park
Morning dives at Stonehenge, featuring unique underwater rock formations and prolific marine life. Second dive at 8 Mile Rock, an offshore pinnacle attracting larger pelagic species. Afternoon dive at Yong Hua Shipwreck, home to large groupers and schools of snapper. Evening sunset dive at Ko Butang's West Ridge with its soft corals and sea fans.
Day 6: Phi Phi Islands
Morning dive at Phi Phi Leh's Maya Corner with its colourful reef and abundant tropical fish. Second dive at Bida Nok featuring dramatic limestone walls and chance to see blacktip reef sharks. Afternoon dive at Koh Bida Nai with its swim-throughs and cave formations. Optional beach visit to iconic Maya Bay followed by a night dive at Turtle Rock.
Day 7: Shark Point & Anemone Reef
Final diving day at Phuket's eastern sites. Morning dive at Shark Point (Hin Musang) with its thousands of anemones and chance to see leopard sharks. Second dive at Anemone Reef, a limestone pinnacle completely covered in anemones. Final afternoon dive at King Cruiser Wreck, a 85-metre passenger ferry that sank in 1997, now serving as an artificial reef. After the dive, the yacht will navigate back to Chalong Pier. In the evening, a farewell party will be hosted in the saloon, and Iron Divers will be presented with their certifications.
Day 8: Disembarkation
Disembarkation after breakfast, typically around 08:00 hrs. Transfer to your hotel or the airport.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, diver experience levels, and marine life sightings. The captain reserves the right to modify the route to ensure safety and maximise diving experiences.