Spectacular Scuba Exploration in Myanmar
The Mergui Archipelago, nestled in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Myanmar, is a hidden gem for divers seeking vibrant coral reefs, thrilling wrecks, and encounters with big pelagic species. Although specific dive site names may not be frequently highlighted in search results, the region is prized for its pristine, less-crowded underwater landscapes and diverse marine life.
This remote archipelago, home to over 800 islands, is a diver's paradise, boasting an impressive biodiversity of over 700 marine species. The majority of diving in Myanmar takes place within the Mergui Archipelago, with many operators based in neighbouring Thailand.
One of the premier ways to access this diverse underwater world is via luxury liveaboard yachts like The Phinisi, offering comfortable 10-night cruises to explore the best diving around Mergui. These cruises offer the opportunity to encounter rare marine biodiversity and pristine coral reefs.
Popular Mergui dive locations often feature dramatic underwater topography with pinnacles, reefs, and occasional wrecks, hosting species such as manta rays, sharks, turtles, and numerous tropical fish. These sites, such as Black Rock and Three Islets, offer intriguing topography and great diving conditions, making it comparable to other famed Andaman Sea dive regions but with far fewer tourists.
Three Islets, located closer inshore than other sites, offer great diving from bottom to surface and intriguing topography with a unique canyon and twin tunnels. Further south, Black Rock, a well-known dive site, is a magnet for pelagics during peak season, especially mantas.
The Mergui Archipelago also houses the Burma Banks, a series of five seamounts, which offer diving that is quite different. Silvertip Bank, one of the seamounts, features colorful soft corals and encrusting sponges. These more remote sites are gradually becoming more accessible as new resorts start to appear.
Myanmar, previously relatively unexplored as a modern travel destination, has become more accessible to visitors since 2011 due to a civilian government and improved foreign relations. Day-tripping and resort-based diving packages are slowly becoming more common, but most liveaboards servicing the area still depart from Ranong or Khao Lak in Thailand.
Diving in Myanmar tends to be slightly more challenging than neighbouring destinations due to strong currents and reduced visibility at times. All diving in Myanmar must be through an official dive operator due to much of the coastline still being under military control. Despite this, diving in the Mergui Archipelago remains blissfully uncrowded, with few dive operators and it's not uncommon to be the only boat on site for several days at a time.
The dive season in Myanmar runs from October until May, with the best diving being between December and April. During the monsoon months of June to September, boat operators and resorts close due to frequently poor weather and heavy seas.
The Mergui Archipelago offers untouched and unexplored delights that few have had the opportunity to experience. With its pristine dive sites, diverse marine life, and remote, unspoiled reefs, it's no wonder that the Mergui Archipelago is becoming a must-visit destination for divers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
- The luxury liveaboard yachts, such as The Phinisi, travel to the Mergui Archipelago for 10-night cruises, offering a chance to explore the region's rich coral reefs and diverse marine life.
- The Mergui Archipelago, with over 800 islands, is a destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, with an impressive variety of over 700 marine species.
- Black Rock, a popular dive site in the Mergui Archipelago, attracts pelagic species during peak season, particularly manta rays.
- The less-crowded underwater landscapes of the Mergui Archipelago, such as Three Islets, offer intriguing topography and great diving conditions, making it comparable to other renowned diving regions but with fewer tourists.
- New resorts are gradually making the more remote diving sites in the Mergui Archipelago, like the Burma Banks, more accessible to travelers.
- Despite the challenges of stronger currents and reduced visibility, the pristine dive sites of the Mergui Archipelago remain a hidden gem for divers seeking an exclusive and off-the-beaten-path adventure.
