Thank you for the very helpful info
I was wondering what exactly is different about the Burma sites compared to Similan and Barmaglot's trip report really helped answer that.
https://scubaboard.com/community/threads/trip-report-the-smiling-seahorse-mergui-archipelago-myanmar.644259/
Sounds...
I did Similan (Richelieu) with Smiling Seahorse and loved it. Richelieu was probably the best I've experienced in my life. I'm normally boat diving off Hawaiian islands.
Now I'm trying to decide between the Myanmar itinerary, South Andaman (Koh Lipe), or change focus to Philippines.
This would...
I went with Smiling Seahorse in Feb 2023 and had a 10/10 experience. Similan is the popular destination and Richelieu Rock is definitely the highlight. There were about 4 other LOB's moored out there and we shared dive sites with them but were never in each others way. We'd see the other divers...
I usually Uber/Lyft. Kewalo Basin parking lot gets super crowded really fast. You'll only find a space if you get there really early... and it's more aloha spirit to not occupy a space.
The initial motivation is (as you mention) stabilization; particularly in muck diving.
I'm used to either sandy bottoms, or a rocky pinch point but it doesn't sound like that's possible in much diving.
Looking to get my first pointer tool. I've never needed one before, but I'm looking into going on the local dive shop trip to Atlantis Beach Resort Dumaguete (Atlantis Dumaguete, Dauin), and I've never done muck diving. Since I'm buying one, I'd like to draw on the wisdom of the crowd to...
I've been following the social media of the boat I was on and apparently in the last week or two they've had several huge manta sightings. Hmmm. I need to get back out there....
Nice to know that Richelieu is one of the best sites. I'm gonna take note of those other sites.
We tried Tachai Pinnacle but the vis was so bad with currents that we had to abort.
Good for you! The crew is excellent. Here's quick dump:
- bring a light for the night dives, early morning, or sunset dives
- bring your underwater camera (they accommodate this well with plugs and dry station area of the boat). Bring two surge protectors, one for this room and one for the cabin...
Ok now that I viewed this fully, we were clearly in the same areas. I think we even saw the same peacock shrimp and definitely the several lobsters hiding under that coral overhang.
And I guess you were on the Tapana? Looks like a really nice, big boat.
We did a Blackwater (with the lit drift...
Yeah I was... 20th-25th. We hit Richelieu on 24/25.
Which boat were you on? Richelieu was crowded with live aboards. I think like at least 5, including us.
I just came back and the trip was excellent, from my first-timer experiences on a LOB. Thoroughly everything completely. My biggest disappointment was not seeing whale-sharks.... but I have no complaints about anything that was reasonably controllable. I write my own trip report, oriented more...
Thanks for sharing your videos, Buadhai. I just came back from Similan/Richelieu with Smiling Seahorse. Although I had hoped to see Whalesharks, the rest of the experience was excellent for me, especially Richelieu Rock. Although, I'm not nearly as experienced as you.
I arrived into Phuket and immigration took about 40 min for me due to the number of non-Thai residents. Came in about 5pm. I left through Bangkok (BKK) and lines were short.
I noticed that locals in Phuket and Ranong were about 10% mask wearing. But in Bangkok, about 70% were wearing masks, and...
I didn't even think of on boat laundry service until I saw listed as a bullet in the description. But I am trying to optimize down to just a roll aboard.
I'm debating on if I should bring my boots/fins... and even 3mm full wetsuit... all space suckers. (I don't have BCD/octo/tank/etc). For sure...
Hmmm... I may have to wait to get off the boat to do the real load... :)
But how long were your trips, and how many swim trunks was "good"?
The rooms on the Smiling Seahorse look more geared towards couples. The "bunk" configuration looks like the shelf is turned into a "bed". Maybe I should...
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.