As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:
A very scenic, very easy site. Great for the late afternoon and Evening Dives. With no mooring line at this time it is only suitable for those comfortable with SMB's. Use your ships dinghy to gain entry and exit from the shallows.
Great site for snorkeling.
Diving depths range from 2-20 meters (5-75 feet) and most of our time is spent at 10 meters (30 feet)
Visibility is usually 20 meters (70 feet).
Experience levels – everyone can dive this site. The perfect check dive for a liveaboard.
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Divemaster TrainingToday's Phuket Gazette has this story on the proposed expansion of the airport. Read between the lines a bit - currently 6 million people a year! and almost double that in ten years. All without building a runway big enough for most planes.
Krabi International is large enough to handle those planes, is quite modern AND is not on Phuket. Reason enough to use that airport instead.
They also don't mention the Horrible waits at immigration in Phuket. More bus service? More taxi service? Nopes. Just more people. hmmm...
5bn baht airport expansion approved
MAI KHAO: Airports of Thailand (AOT) is set to inject 5 billion baht into the expansion of Phuket International Airport (PIA) to bring its capacity up to 11.5 million passengers by the year 2016 – an increase of 77% over current capacity.
This aerial photograph illustrates why the sole runway at Phuket International Airport, with the Andaman Sea at one end and a main road at the other, cannot be extended much beyond its current 3,000 meters.
The announcement was made on May 23 by Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri, who joined Phuket Vice-Governor Worapoj Rathasima, PIA Director Wicha Nernlop, and other officials from AOT and PIA in a meeting and inspection tour of the airport.
In 2007, PIA had a total of 38,368 flights, a 32.4% rise from the year 2006, with 5.47 million passengers using the airport, a 22.6% increase over the previous year. The sharp rise is attributed to the growing popularity of low-cost carriers.
This year, the AOT expects the airport to accommodate 41,000 flights and about 6 million passengers.
Following the 516-million-baht expansion of the international terminal completed last year, the airport can now handle up to 6.5 million passengers per year. The 5-billion-baht funding will cover the development plan for fiscal years 2009-2011, said K. Songsak.
Beyond that, AOT will need to provide more funding in order for the airport to be able to welcome 15 million visitors by 2020, he said.
The 2009-2011 budget will cover the construction of more taxiways and 11 parking bays for aircraft, a new international passenger terminal, conversion of the existing international terminal into a domestic terminal, a new cargo building, new roads and improved transport systems, a parking garage for the international terminal, improvements in car parking areas, as well as a new airport office and airline offices.
However, the two-year plan does not address the airport’s main limiting factor: that its single 3,000-meter runway can only accommodate 20 flights per hour and is too short to allow for safe takeoff of fully-laden jumbo jets or the mammoth Airbus 380.
Given this restraint, AOT is intending to propose to the Transport Ministry that Krabi International Airport be designated as a relief airport for PIA when traffic exceeds capacity, K. Songsak said.
Apart from visiting the airport, the Deputy Transport Minister on May 25 went to visit the intended site of the island’s second bus station on Thepkrasattri Rd, near Super Cheap in Koh Kaew.
Construction has been delayed because none of the six construction firms who took out plans for the work tendered a bid, which they say underestimates the actual cost of materials.
K. Songsak advised local officials to review the plan and adjust the bid specifications to bring them in line with rising market prices.
Similan Diving
Wicked Diving is proud to announce our new Overnight Similan Snorkeling Tours, and we feel it is both our responsibility and a good idea to offer as much support and knowledge about the trips, the snorkeling and what to expect. Our experience here in Khao Lak and on the Similan Islands have give us a lot of knowledge to share!
Please visit our site for more information about Guidelines for Safe Snorkeling. Finally, we hope you just join us for a trip!
Below is from our Snorkeling FAQ pages....
Overnight Snorkeling Tour FAQ
1)What should I bring with me?
We strongly encourage these items:
sunscreen
toiletries
swim wear
Insurance policy
2 or 3 t-shirts
2 pairs shorts
sunglasses
hat
As evenings can sometimes be a little cooler, you might also bring a sweatshirt/jumper and light cotton pants. You always need less than you think.
2) What should I NOT bring with me?
Try not to over pack. You will not need a dry suit! More than a single paperback. Souvenirs.
3) Can we put our valuables in a safety deposit box?
You are able to place any valuables you wish in our safe (within reason – it’s not THAT large).
We also have a storage area for your bags during your adventure. Feel secure that your goods are safe while you are traveling.
4) Can you pick me up from the airport?
Through our partners at Khao Lak Taxi, we are happy to help. We can arrange transportation anywhere within Southern Thailand. Krabi Airport, Phuket airport, Phuket, Surat Thani, Taplamu, Takuapa, Ranong. Just Ask!
5) Arrivals/Visas:
Most European Countries and North Americans will receive a 30 day visa upon arrival and you must have a return flight ticket. Please double check with your local embassy or consulate if this is the case. Upon the day of your arrival, your passport must be valid at least 6 months!
6) Do I get a snorkel guide?
Yes. All our day trips and liveaboard trips are inclusive of guides holding professional diving certifications. In addition we offer our staff extensive safety training through our partner school Diver Safety.
Before each trip there will be detailed briefings and maps.
If you are certified to dive as a buddy team and feel you do not need a guide – please reconsider. The service is free, we know the area intimately and of know the conditions.
7) When is the best time to travel to Khao Lak?
There are 3 seasons in Khao Lak. The best time for a visit is between November and April. This is our "dry" season (during the day 30°- 33°C, during the night about 24°C), with a light east wind and wonderful conditions. May until the end of July is our "hot" season and we frequently get afternoon thunderstorms which can bring a lot of rain and can be therefore very refreshing. Our "wet" season runs from July through September with heavy rainfall and strong west winds. There is no scheduled diving during this time
8) What are the conditions like on the Similan Islands?
Health Questions
9) What about Travel Insurance?
We strongly recommend that you apply for travel insurance. Accidents do happen. Just like anywhere and anything in life you never know what will happen.
We do have insurance in case of accidents. It covers accidents and treatments in Thailand, but does not cover evacuations and repatriations.
10) Do I need vaccinations?
Shortly before your departure, it is advised to see a tropical disease doctor to double check for outbreaks. Or send us an email for advice. If you are traveling to South Thailand, you do not need Malaria vaccination. Your Tetanus vaccination should be up to date. Many of the areas we visit and stay in are quite safe and you should not OVER-anticipate problems.
11) Where are the nearest Hospitals?
Thailand has a very excellent health system. Privately run hospitals have, at a minimum European standards and all are ISO certified. The closest hospital to the Similan Islands is the Takuapa Hospital (just outside Khao Lak). Here in Khao Lak we offer 24 hour Ambulance Service
The most modern hospital in the region is 75 minutes from Taplamu (the pier). Phuket International Hospital runs one of the most modern Recompression chambers in South East Asia as partners with SSS Hyperbaric Network – the only internationally recognized hyperbaric chambers in Thailand.
12) What about My safety While on Wicked Tour?
3 of Wicked Staff are the Evacuation organizers for SSS Hyperbaric Network. They are all trained as Dive Medics, Emergency Medics and Remote location medics. In addition they all have experience dealing with and performing evacuations for all schools under all conditions. Rest assured that we are always ready. All staff are trained to the highest standards by Diver Safety and while we hope to never see you as a patient, our medical staff are on call 24 hour a day.
13) What happens if there is an accident?
In addition to have the most thoroughly trained staff in Thailand - we have many hours of 100% oxygen on the boat. Our emergency oxygen kits provide demand Inhalator valves, Non-rebreather masks and supplemental oxygen. Our First Aid Kit is to Ambulance level - not just a pair of plasters.
All staff are trained as DAN oxygen Providers, DAN hazardous Marine Life Injury, DAN Onsite Neurological Exams, Emergency First Responders and our Tour leaders all have satellite phones for direct contact (regardless of conditions) with local and international medical facilities.
Our partners, Diver Safety also offer the only evacuation service for the Similan and Surin Islands. You will always be in the best possible care.
14) If there is a Small medical problem?
There are several small drug stores and doctors in the area and they cover the medical need of the local people and also for the visitors. The local doctor in Khao Lak is quite affordable (100-200 Baht) So it is often a great way to achieve peace of mind without breaking the bank.
15) What about seasickness?
Seasickness can affect some people badly, and others not at all. It can affect some people sometimes and no affect them others. The season in the Similan Islands features generally calm seas. Mother Nature is always out there! So conditions can change. We do carry mild medication for these instances, as well as naturopathic solutions.
We also do have something else no other boat in Thailand offers – spend your nights on land! We have luxury tents or can arrange bungalows on the Similan Islands. Sleep on solid ground and wake refreshed!
Food:
Thailand is world famous for the endless variety of tasteful dishes. Every Restaurant and roadside stand offers treats that amaze and delight. Great selections of fresh fruits make for delicious snacks and fresh juices. Always be aware that dishes can be spicy - ask for things prepared Western-style instead of Thai Style.
16) What kind of food is served?
Usually fresh fruit and vegetables are combined with both Asian and International Cuisines. We are happy to cater to all requests (within reason). Don’t be surprised to find French Fries next to Massaman curry, next to Sausages next to Fried Rice.
17) Is the food fresh?
One of the reasons we run shorter trips. All meals served are fresh and made right in the kitchen. Pop you head in and watch PeePah and her assistant prepare each meal.
As one of the great cuisines, the meals will always feature Western and Thai dishes and you will find an array of rare and exotic treats.
18) I have special dietary requirements - what should I do?
Tell us in advance. We will pass on your dietary requirements to PeePah – our amazing cook to prepare meals for you. We are easily able to offer Vegetarian, Vegan, Lactose intolerant, Halal and Kosher Meals. If you have specific food allergies – no problem – as long as we know about it ahead of time!
Several of our staff have food requirements, so please don’t be afraid to ask!
Currency:
The trips can be paid online before arrival through our secure online server (a deposit is required). Any balance due before departure can be paid in cash or credit card. Please note that all credit card transactions are liable to have a 3-5% surcharge due to exorbitant fees charged by Thai Banks.
19) Can I access ATM machines in Khao Lak?
Oh boy can you! There are three within 100 meters of our shop. You can easily access Maestro, Cirrus, Visa, and Master Card. If you are wondering about other cards/systems, just send us a note and we’ll walk over and look
20) Do I need cash on board?
There is very little to spend money on. Soft drinks, beer diving courses and rental equipment, t-shirts, and gratuities for the staff and crew. We are happy to make a running tally of your expenses and charge your card on land at the end of the trip. Please note that there is a 3% charge for payments with credit card on liveaboards.
21) What currency should I take on board?
Please, it’s Thailand, pay in Baht. If you only have Dollars/Euros/Pounds/Yen we will be happy to arrange any payments.
22) Is alcohol included in the price of the trip?
No. We understand that this is your vacation and we are constantly striving to make it the best experience. We offer Alcohol for purchase aboard the boat. Please understand that we are here to make the trip amazing, show you the most amazing marine life and assure you of meticulous safety standards.
23) Psst…What about other intoxicants? A little “weed” never hurts…
NO. If we smell or have reason to believe that anyone is high, on anything other than nitrogen, you are done. Day is over. If we choose to, you will not be snorkeling anymore that trip, and Wicked does not offer refunds in these instances.
Your safety and those of the people around depends on you making clear decision. Anything that affects you ability to make clear decisions is STRONGLY discouraged.
Aside from moral arguments, the use and/or possession of illegal substances in Thailand is very illegal.
We hope that you take this decision very seriously. If you chose an operation that allows such behavior, are you choosing one that cares about your life?
Wait three days, have a blast! In the meantime – enjoy what mother nature has to offer!
24) Can I recharge my torch, laptop, phone and camera?
Yes, the voltage is 220. And is on from 06.00 to 24.00
25) How much should we tip?
Thai culture is a tipping culture. It is not, however a culture that tips a huge amount. Americans and Russians might be used to 20%, Europeans to 5%, Latin Americans to 10%.
As in any situation where tips are given - it is up to you and should be given voluntarily based on the quality of service provided. We are sure you will notice how hard the staff and crew work to provide you with the best possible experience. We hope you will note how the safety and enjoyment of everyone relies on this teamwork, professionalism and attitude. Many of our guests give a gratuity based on 5-10% of the cruise price or more.
26) Where are the other guests from?
Wicked is a very eclectic mix of people and nationalities. English is used as our common language for briefings and courses. You will also hear Swedish, German, Dutch and of course Thai guests around you.
Rather than assume the other guests on our trips are German, or English or Swedish, assume they are divers or snorkelers who want to learn more about the marine life. We will also, no matter the nationality or orientation, present you and all the guests with a smooth, enjoyable and memorable holiday
27) Can we put our valuables in a safety deposit box?
You are able to place any valuables you wish in our safe (within reason – it’s not THAT large).
We also have a storage area for your bags during your adventure. Feel secure that your good s are safe while you are traveling.
28) Is there phone reception/email?
To many the idea of being on a boat in the middle of nowhere and out of contact with the pressures of the modern world is a little slice of heaven, there are others who do need to be in contact, whether for business or personal reasons.
For safety we do have a satellite phone on our boat. Email access is limited to the abilities of your mobile phone (3G is not available on the Similan Islands – yet). Mobile phone coverage is about 50% of the Similans, and about 10% of the Koh Tachai/Richelieu Trips.
Green?
29) What Kind of products do you use that are Green?
Our soaps and detergents are all free-trade, organic and phosphate –free. This means that any grey water from the showers, sinks and kitchen all produce waste that will be broken down and absorbed by the environment.
In addition they are very high quality and fun to use.
When you dive with wicked – you make a difference.
30) Biodiesel? Isn’t that still producing Carbon?
We use 100% locally produced Biodiesel. We have taken a strong commitment to our community and the by spending our money here, rather than on petroleum imports, a significant portion of all income is spent here – in our community.
Biodiesel does produce carbon and is not the perfect solution. But in the marine environment, petroleum pollutants cause a severe and irreversible break in the bond between coral and the symbiotic algaes that live inside.
31) What about the Linens?
We have chosen to use 100% organic cotton sheets and towels. Both on the boat and on land you will find yourself in safe and guilt-free linens. (I also have to say that they are very comfortable) In the tropics and high humidity you don’t need much warmth, but the wicking abilities of natural cotton make for a comfortable and soothing sleep.
32) Bathrooms?
On the boat we have hot water showers and western style toilets. If you choose to sleep on the boat we have hot water showers and Western Style toilets. Our detergents and soaps are all organic, phosphate free.
If you choose to stay on land the toilets are more basic and the showers use ground water. While not warm, they are refreshing and brisk. Great way to wake up in the morning!
33) I am traveling alone - will I have to share a cabin/tent?
We at Wicked understand. We make every attempt we can to assure you of the most memorable holiday. We do, however have to accommodate all guests. If there are two males traveling solo, we will place them in the same cabin/tent. If we do have to place and solo male and female in the same cabin/tent, we will let you know. You may have the cabin/tent to yourself, but don’t count on it. If you are willing to pay the supplement, you can have the cabin/tent to your self.
We are also happy to arrange land based accommodation to assure you of solitary sleeping arrangements.
34) Will I see whale sharks?
These wonderful and increasingly rare creatures are amazing. Not us, nor anyone else can assure of seeing them. Whale Sharks have become increasingly uncommon and please don’t expect them. If you do, enjoy the amazing experience and celebrate. We do Whale Shark Research projects in late march and April of each year.
35) What are National Marine Park Fee requirements?
The Similan Marine National Park Entry Fee of 400 Baht per person per each entry for both divers and non divers and National Park Fee for divers of 200 Baht per diver per day (diver only). (Prices may change without prior notice from the Thai Forestry department).
36) What are National Marine Park Fees for?
These fees got to the maintenance and upkeep of this, and other less visited parks. It pays for the buoys, subsidizes the Thai entry Fees, pays for the protection and monitoring of the usage and damage (did you know several sites are off limits to divers?)
37) Can I touch things?
Wicked diving has a strict non-interferance policy. We are here to enjoy the underwater world. By touching things underwater we could destroy a home, ruin a relationship or get injured. Please avoid touching things.
Learning to control our movements and position in the water benefits our own comfort and safety as well as the health of the reef. Both are important! Reefs are constructed primarily by colonies of coral animals called polyps. By secreting a limestone skeleton, covered with a thin layer of living tissue, over many years these slow growing creatures essentially create their own geology. Although the limestone is durable, the soft-bodied polyps can easily be damaged by contact with hands, fins etc.
While the loss of one polyp doesn't appear to be such a big problem, this spot will be more susceptible to infections and can cause further mortality on the colony. Besides the impact on the coral, accidentally bumping into the reef can also harm you. Coral will easily cut through your soft skin, especially after you have spent some time in the water. Cuts in general, and coral cuts in particular, will heal slowly in the tropics, and are more susceptible to infection. For the mutual benefit of the reef and ourselves, we believe it’s both prudent and responsible to master the skills needed to minimize accidental close encounters with coral.
38) Is it okay to take souvenirs?
Yes - pictures and memories are strongly encouraged. Other than that and bad things could happen. Not only is it illegal to take souvenirs of any kind from a National Park in Thailand, but it could cause serious degradation.
Please Live and let live (or better yet, dive and let live). In contrast to its initial appearance of grandeur, living space on the reef is very scarce. Every little niche is or will be occupied soon by an organism of some type. Empty shells are a valuable part of the ecosystem, and they get recycled many times. Besides the obvious environmental concerns, some "live shells" can be quite dangerous. Some of the most beautiful (cone shells for example) contain animals that are highly toxic and when "captured" can cause serious problems. We discourage any shell collecting.
39) What about Trash?
43) What if I want to get closer to things?
Although many snorkelers dive underwater, we have found that some people would rather not, or don't find the need to do so. If you see a fish several feet below you though, and you want to get a closer look, you'll have to dive down. By doing this, your snorkel will fill up with water, and you will not be able to breathe until you clear the passage of your snorkel of water once you have resurfaced. It sounds a bit iffy, but it's a common thing for more experienced snorkelers to dive down and fill their snorkel with water.
To clear the snorkel of water, you must resurface, give a good strong blow of the snorkel as your head reaches the surface once again, and the top of the snorkel has penetrated the surface of the water. This should clear most if not all of the water that has filled the snorkel, and allow you to breathe normally through the snorkel once again. If you use what is called a "purge" snorkel, (which we recommend), you will rarely get water back in your mouth. We also recommend trying this technique first in a pool.
Once you get comfortable doing this as well as the other techniques mentioned, you will feel more confident, and will have a more positive relaxed experience out on the reef.
44) Why take a group trip versus snorkeling on our own?
Most dive boats are exactly that: dive boats that cater to the needs of SCUBA divers, not snorkelers. Most often, independent snorkelers are told simply to use the beach. While shore snorkeling can be excellent, many of the most exciting snorkeling sites are more easily accessed by boat. At most shops, snorkelers are permitted to "tag along" on a dive boat if they wish: but are firmly instructed to stay out of the way of the divers, and when the dive is over, so is your snorkel. Wicked Snorkeling Tours offer your own guide. We dictate the timing and location, picking the most ideal sites for snorkeling, not diving. But that's just one significant answer.
It is also that our guides are trained in the local marine environment. Not only the fish life and coral, but the hazards as well. Our guides will make sure you have fun and avoid injuries to yourself or the corals.
45) What are your Safe Snorkeling Practices?
Wicked believes firmly in safe snorkeling practices. Our Similan guides provide a general snorkeling orientation at the start of each program, followed by any level of instruction or assistance that's needed. Whether you're novice or experienced, skills can always be developed and our staff is always happy to assist. We deliberately limit our groups to insure that everyone receives the personalized attention you deserve. Before entering the water, either from shore or from a boat, Wicked guides provide a brief evaluation of the site including any particular highlights. Also, any relevant conditions are briefly reviewed: surge, currents, depth, visibility, etc. And staff members will always be present to assist in any way needed: helping with a mask, entering or exiting the water, or helping you identify an unknown fish.
46) Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler?
We cater to both novice and experienced snorkelers. Every program is distinguished by snorkeling instruction on whatever level is needed, whether it's how to put on a mask, or how to improve your free diving skills.
We concentrate on allowing you to develop a calm confidence in the water regardless of swimming ability or previous experience. Your relaxation in the water enhances both safety and enjoyment. Plus, it also reduces any perception of threat in the animals we've all come to view.
47) What will the weather be like?
We have carefully chosen times that should give us optimum weather conditions. However, even the best preparations cannot guarantee good weather.
On most programs (see specific trips for details), tour fees include all local transfers as specified in itinerary, meals as indicated in the itinerary, accommodations as specified, all snorkeling activities, guided excursions, local taxes, services of the trip leader and National Park Fees
On most programs (see specific trips for details), tour fees do not include international or domestic airfare, medical immunizations, medical expenses, snorkeling equipment or wetsuit rentals, SCUBA-costs, accident/baggage/cancellation insurance, excess baggage charges, meals not specified in the itinerary, dishes and beverages not part of included meals, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone, or fax charges, room service, and other items of a purely personal nature. Other terms and conditions exist, please see all the information listed in the Terms and Conditions Link
Thanks for reading this far!
We are proud of all our trips, but one of the most famous and exciting is to the Richelieu Rock. There is very limited spaces on these trips as we do not do these trips every day. Please book ahead for spots!
While joining our liveaboard will give you more time at the site, we are also able to visit the site via speedboat three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday). This gives you the rare opportunity to dive Richelieu Rock and still sleep at your resort each night. We do two dives, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. If the weather cooperates, we will have you back in your resort by 5:00 – time for a shower, nap and sunset drinks. What a life!
Only 6200 Baht (what’s included?)
Richelieu Rock is Thailand's premier dive site and one of the best places in Thailand to see Big Pelagics like Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. This huge pinnacle climbing from the depths of the Andaman Sea attracts scuba divers from around the world. Huge fish, soft corals and an incredible array of small fish make Richelieu famous around the world. If you are in Khao Lak, Richelieu Rock is not to be missed. Itinierary
Richelieu Rock is part of the Surin National Marine Park, yet located about 18 kilometers east of the islands themselves. Richelieu Rock is just barely exposed at the lowest of tides-thus a navigational hazard for those boats not equipped with a GPS navigation system. Situated 200 kilometers Northwest of Phuket and 70 km from Khao Lak - the rock is closer to the Burmese (Myanmar) border than Phuket.
A massive underwater limestone pinnacle rising up from 50 meters to the just below the surface. Horseshoe shaped with several smaller boulders surrounding it at the depths, protection from currents is assured for the experienced guides. Steep walls and deep crevices offer both stunning scenery and great hiding places for all manner of amazing creatures.
The unique shape and location are part of what Richelieu so special. There are no other pinnacles or submerged rocks anywhere nearby so all the marine life in the area have one place to go. As this is the single pinnacle, it also generates a strong disturbance to the tidal currents. This creates strong upwellings of cold water – which causes plankton. And this plankton feeds the diverse fish and corals. Itinierary
Located in the middle of the sea, Richelieu provides no shelters for the boats. So this is not a site if you get too sea-sick (if that’s the case -join our liveaboard instead). It also means more coordinated entry and exits. As these Currents can cause drift, we require everyone to have and use a safety sausage.
As currents can be strong, dropping down fairly quickly can be part of these dives. Experienced guides in the area prepare for this and will have you drop off the site so you can drift into by the time you have descended.
Aiming for a depth down of 30-35 meters are optimum for both maximum time and pleasure! Many of the outlying boulders have incredible treats for the intrepid visitors. A slow circle of a site should bring you right up to the 5m safety stop by the end. As there is a current and very little protection – this is definitely a site for using a surface marker buoy.
You can dive here over and over and see something new. The currents change constantly, and it's not always an easy dive. But, if you have an experienced dive guide and they give a good detailed briefing, you can learn how to hide from the currents and have a very enjoyable dive.
Currents
As currents can be strong this is definitely a site that should be done with an experienced guide. In addition we recommend that divers be certified and experienced as Advanced Divers or higher.
Could you send me more information?
While Richelieu Rock has long been famous as the easiest place to see Whale Sharks, but a worldwide decline in numbers has really reduced the number of encounters. The frequency of encounters over the last 4 years has been about once every 2 weeks.
We frequently see such quotes as…
”Up until 2000 it was a case not of "will I see a whale shark?" but more like "how many whale sharks will I see?" These days whale sharks are less common however some years are better than others.”
“Sightings occur 50-70% of the time, depending on the time of year. Generally, from February to April are the best times for a visit to enjoy some of the most exhilarating liveaboard diving in Thailand.”
This is complete hogwash and is just a way to sell trips. It’s just not true. As a matter of fact, seeing a Whale Shark is less common than seeing one.
Go here if you would like to learn more about Whale Sharks. Not only can you learn a lot, but you can also join in research and conservation projects.
Disappointed? Don’t be, the Richelieu Rock has an amazing amount of diversity. Expect to see schools of chevron barracudas while larger sharks and rays can be seen in the deeper water.
Vast Schools of Snappers, Tuna, Mackeral, Jacks and Trevallies circle the site hunting and hiding from one another.
Could you send me more information?
The crevices, cracks and fields of soft corals are home to such an amazing diversity of fish such as White-eyed Morays, Nudibranchs, Tigertail Seahorses, Harlequin shrimps, Ghost pipefish, Lionfish, Glassfish, Frogfish, Leaffish and even some very exotic species like Pineapplefish. Just keep your eyes open, take your time and enjoy. There is so much to see.
We will pick you up at your resort and drive you to the pier. We try to depart by 9:00 Am, with a little more hour travel time on the speedboat. We do have snacks, but recommend having a breakfast before we pick you up. Our first dive is a bit deeper than our second one, so it might be bit shorter – depths on Richelieu should be watched. We’ll have our lunch together during the surface interval onboard. After the second dive, we offer some refreshing fruits on the return journey home. If all goes well, we will have you back in your resort by 5:00 – time for a shower, nap and sunset drinks. What a life!
Following up on the Lost divers "story" who sold their story before they were even warm. A great point is brought up in today's "Daily Telegraph" - which sounds like an Australian newspaper. The Best line...
"For the simple feat of "surviving" their extreme sport – which also happens to be their job – the couple has been showered with lucrative publishing deals, while the rest of us who live safely and quietly are struggling to afford a holiday."
These guys were/are professional diving instructors who had plenty of training - all of which was to AVOID the mistakes they made. Not about their survival, but the whole point of all this training we go through is to prevent accidents.
And then to assume their insurance will cover everything, so it's no problem. John Lippman, the head of DAN Asia Pacific (disclaimer - I know him) says their insurance would only cover 100,000 of the search, which at last estimate is likely to cost in excess of 400,000. Yet they are busy getting an AGENT and flying to New York to meet with him so they can sell their story.
As a Dive Medic, working in evacuations and a professional diver - these guys are really dodgy characters.
Anyhow...today's article....
For the simple feat of "surviving" their extreme sport – which also happens to be their job – the couple has been showered with lucrative publishing deals, while the rest of us who live safely and quietly are struggling to afford a holiday.
The pair was swept out to sea after allegedly disregarding the rules and surfacing away from their dive boat on Friday. They were found after a 19-hour air and sea search which cost taxpayers an estimated $100,000.
The subsequent story and self-filmed footage of them waving for help has already netted them a four-figure sum from the UK's Sunday Mail, and they're now negotiating with the US 60 Minutes for a deal rumoured to be worth $250,000.
But the couple's eagerness to cash in on their "misfortune" has not just ticked off ordinary people like me. Angry volunteers who risked their lives in the rescue operation have called for the cost to be repaid.
As they jetted out to New York yesterday, the couple said the rescue would be covered by insurance. But with thousands of dangerous rescue missions each year, our volunteers are fed up with people taking unnecessary risks in the name of extreme sport at a rising cost to the community.
President of the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association Gary Raymond is worried about the message it sends when people are able to make money from their "acts of stupidity".
"It makes them out to be survivor heroes, but if they don't obey the rules of their sport they are just survivor fools," he said.
"It should be mandatory for people who do extreme activities to have insurance and, if they don't, they should pay the cost of the rescue."
Mr Raymond said it would send a more preventative message if Neely and Dalton donated all of the money from their story to the rescue associations that saved their lives.
"These sports have rules for a reason. Like the caver (Geoff McDonnell, who got stuck in the Wombeyan Caves) a few weeks ago, these people broke the rules. The chance of the casualty rate rising after that is huge because we have to go into the same environment in which they got themselves into trouble," he said.
"They have a choice. We don't."
Common Names
English language common names include whitetip reef shark, blunthead shark, blunt-head shark, light-tip shark, reef whitetip, reef whitetip shark, white tip reef shark, white-tip reef shark, whitetip shark, and white-tip shark. Common names in other languages include aileron blanc de lagon (French), arava (Tuamotuan), cazón (Spanish), cazón coralero trompacorta (Spanish), daaha (Somali), endormi requin (French), eno-eno (Gela), faana miyaru (Maldivian), gursh (Arabic), ikan yu (Malay) libaax (Somali), maog (Niuean), malu (Samoan), mamaru (Tahitian), manô lâlâ kea (Hawaiian), marracho de covas (Portuguese), miyaru (Maldivian), mweshar (Carolinian), nemuribuka (Japanese), pako korak (Marshallese), papa (Swahili), papa sarawanzi (Swahili), pating (Tagalog), peu (Carolinian), requin à pointes blanches (French), requin corail (French), riffhai (German), stompkophaai (Afrikaans), te alabafrnua (Tuvaluan), te bakoa (Kirabati), tintorera punta aleta blanca (Spanish), valkoevähai (Finnish), weißspitzenhundshai (German), and witpuntrifhaai (Dutch).
Geographical Distribution The whitetip reef shark has a wide range in the Pacific Ocean, including South Africa and the Red Sea to Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Taiwan, Riu Kiu Islands, Philippines, Australia and New Guinea. It is common in Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia, northward to the Hawaiian Islands, and southwest to the Pitcairns. In the eastern Pacific, the whitetip reef shark resides in waters off the Cocos and Galapagos Islands, and Panama north to Costa Rica. It is one of the most common reef sharks in the Pacific Ocean, along with the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos).
Habitat
The whitetip reef shark typically lives along the bottom in clear, shallow waters surrounding coral reefs. It has been reported at depths to 1,083 feet (330 m). Rarely coming to the surface, this shark is capable of lying motionless on the bottom substrate for long periods of time. During daylight hours, whitetip reef sharks form aggregations in caves, sometimes appearing stacked up like a pile of logs. The same sharks often return repeatedly to the same cave for long periods of time, changing location only periodically. The whitetip reef shark is most active throughout the night. Site fidelity is strong with each shark maintaining a small home range for months or years at a time.
Biology
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