

Best for beginner divers, 3-30m, boat entry, mild current.
Aow Suthep is a reef site located at Richelieu Rock, Thailand, offering a varied topography suitable for beginners. Divers and snorkellers can explore depths ranging from 3 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. The site is accessible only by boat and features mild currents, making it a manageable location for those newer to the water. Visibility typically spans 10 to 25 metres, providing clear views of the reef structure and hard corals. To fully appreciate the site, maintain a slow pace to observe the reef inhabitants closely. Water temperatures remain consistent throughout the year, ranging between 28 and 31 degrees Celsius.
9.38460, 97.87020
Keep your eyes on the reef structure at slower speeds rather than covering distance, as the nudibranchs at Aow Suthep are easy to miss if you rush. The site is accessible year-round, so there is no pressure to squeeze it into a narrow seasonal window.
Accessible by Similan Islands liveaboards and snorkelling daytrips departing from Thap Lamu pier, which is 15 minutes from Khao Lak.
Recorded at this site
Depth
3-30m
Visibility
10-25m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
28-31°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec
The site features hard corals and reef fish, including butterflyfish and parrotfish. Nudibranchs are also present and are best observed by moving slowly across the reef structure.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to the mild currents and a comfortable depth range that starts in the shallows.
The site ranges from 3 to 30 metres deep, with an average depth of 15 metres.
No, Aow Suthep is located 10 kilometres from the shore and requires boat access.
Yes, Aow Suthep is suitable for both diving and snorkelling activities.
Diving at Aow Suthep in Khao Lak requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A rashguard or 2mm shorty is recommended for diving at Aow Suthep in Khao Lak. Water temperatures range from 28°C to 31°C.
The best months to visit Aow Suthep in Khao Lak are January, February, March, April, May, October, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Aow Suthep in Khao Lak typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Aow Suthep in Khao Lak typically ranges from 10 metres to 25 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.