Swizzy's go East!: Diary of our travels on the ‘Seadragon Andaman’ boat: Day 1 & 2

We were doing a 4-nights live-aboard on a dive boat called the ‘Andaman’. After a warm welcome from the staff, we were left to do what we like. We had a ‘seaview double’ room…there was a tiny little window with a view of the railing and …the sea. We chose to sleep at the front of the boat, under the stars instead.
Amazing sunrise - something we don't see often

Day 1: Surin Islands [South East Rock & Koh Chi]

The first 2 days consists of 4 dives each day, followed by 3 on the 3rd day and then 2 on the last day.

About to go on the 1st morning dive at 7.30am
Upon descent on the first dive, first thing we saw was a Banded Sea Snake (which the Divemaster later told us was one of the most poisonous species around)! It was swimming very close to us. At that point, I really wished I could take underwater pictures….

On the night dive, we saw some amazing things….but no turtles. Night dives are always so difficult as I get so hungry and all I can think of is taking these big crabs or lobsters to the surface for barbecue!

Lucky snorkeller gets to chill on the boat while we went diving

Day 2: Richeliu Rock & Koh Bon

Apparently, Richeliu Rock is one of the world’s famous dive sites….it was pretty cool except for the fact that because it’s so famous, there were many other divers all congregating at this site. One of them – the Japanese. As I found out, Japanese like Gremlins - cute and polite until they touch water…when they turn into obnoxious, rude and inconsiderate divers. Highlight of this dive: Tigertail Seahorse and baby Seahorse and a very curious Giant Barracuda. The highlight of the nightdive was spotting an Octopus feeding.

Being treated to yummy Thai soup when tummy didn't feel too well

We spent the night in a bay of Koh Bon Island. It was most romantic watching the sunset in the horizon….and not having much to worry or think about except for what the cook has in store for us in the next meal. Food on this boat was pretty good, we have to say! We were eating about 4-5 times a day. Diving is sooo tiring! Hee hee..

Amazing sunset at Koh Bon

Ps: On the drive to the Similan islands, we had dolphins (3) accompanying our boat for a part of the trip. They were jumping in and out of the water- having fun….it was amazing to watch them. Shame that our Captain decided not to stop as apparently sometimes the dolphins come really close to the boat and one can ‘play’ with them.

Going on the 1st Night dive..
We didn't see any Goblin Shark as threatened