Thailand is a bargain. . . . Whale shark season is usually from March through May, with excellent chance of encounters at Richelieu Rock. . . . Trips to the Burma Banks have been stopped due to political reasons, check before departure as some new areas are being added. . . .

Phuket

Fantasea Divers, April 1997, Walter Brenner, Wayne, PA. "Efficient operation. Crew most accommodating. 4­5 dives a day. Photographer friendly. Divemaster was Mark Strickland, world class photographer at no increase in cost. vis: 50­80 ft. water: 84­86 degrees. Nodiving restrictions enforced. He dove every dive. Saw at least 10 different kinds of nudibranchs and many of each. Several "dancing" flat worms, porcelain crabs, sea horses, anglerfish (frogfish), leopard sharks, a photographer's delight, both micro and wide angle."

Sheraton Grande Laguna, February 1997, Ruth Kleinfeld, Manchester, NH. "Wish we stayed longer! Extremely comfortable conditions, great weather. Andaman Sea is gorgeous. Terrific for boat snorkelers. (Plentiful tropicals in shallow water) Dive operation at hotel. We were the only Americans (mostly German) but Thai staff and divers all spoke English. Dropped off the hotel beach dives (short van ride to boat). Tended to cater to less experienced and terminated dives a little early. Limited to 100 feet for 20 minutes. Would repeat with this operation but would prefer fewer beginner. Water 80 degrees."

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