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Richelieu Rock (Thai: Hin Plo Naam) is an iconic isolated horseshoe‑shaped limestone pinnacle in the Andaman Sea, Thailand, ~18 km east of Ko Surin Tai, part of Mu Ko Surin National Marine Park. Famous as the “Whale Shark Capital of Thailand”, it’s consistently ranked among the top 5 dive sites in the world.
Depth: 5–35 m (pinnacle top at 5 m, slopes to 35 m)
Current: Moderate to strong (Open Water+; drift experience helpful)
Visibility: 15–35 m (best: Feb–Apr; plankton blooms Mar–Apr can reduc…
Richelieu Rock (Thai: Hin Plo Naam) is an iconic isolated horseshoe‑shaped limestone pinnacle in the Andaman Sea, Thailand, ~18 km east of Ko Surin Tai, part of Mu Ko Surin National Marine Park. Famous as the “Whale Shark Capital of Thailand”, it’s consistently ranked among the top 5 dive sites in the world.
Depth: 5–35 m (pinnacle top at 5 m, slopes to 35 m)
Current: Moderate to strong (Open Water+; drift experience helpful)
Visibility: 15–35 m (best: Feb–Apr; plankton blooms Mar–Apr can reduce viz but attract pelagics)
Water Temp: 26–30°C
Best Season: Oct–May (liveaboard only; closed Jun–Sep monsoon)
Type: Isolated pinnacle, vertical walls, overhangs, caves, soft coral gardens
Discovered by Jacques Cousteau, the site is celebrated for its vibrant purple/pink soft corals (said to resemble Cardinal Richelieu’s robes) and dramatic topography: steep walls, swim‑throughs, and a horseshoe shape that funnels nutrients and marine life.
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