Burma Dive Sites

The Mergui Archipelago and the remote Burmese Banks are today the "must" for every serious sea lover. Myanmar opened its rich waters to foreigners in 1997, after a closed period of over 50 years. More than 800 islands are scattered on 3600 km2, waiting for exploration. Some of them are inhabited by the sea-gypsies that once were the sole population of the Siam's West Coast, the only people you may see during your trip. A few dive shops operate the Burmese waters. So just imagine: underwater, untouched reefs, no boat engine to tear your ears apart, no curtains of bubbles to obstruct your vision; at the surface, deserted beaches, fishing villages, amazing rock formations� Do not miss this unique opportunity to explore truly non-crowded sites. You'll be cruise a long lost archipelago, one of the last.

There are many of beautiful dive spot in the archipelago. Among them following spot are our favorite dive sites in this region;

High Rock

A bizarre little rock in the ocean with a single tree perched on top of it. This site has more for macro fans as the little guys are in abundance and the visibility is usually poorer than other areas in the Archipelago. On close inspection you will find nudibranchs, bearded scorpionfish, pipefish and seahorses around the submerged rocks.

Depth: 10 - 30m
Visibility: 5 - 20m
Currents: Can be strong

Rocky 1

It is a nice dive site for beginner and refresh diver. The visibility is not so great but very beautiful coral life and plenty of fishes make to famous to this site. The current is moderate. It is the home of Cuttlefishes, huge and beautiful scorpion fishes, pufferfishes, lobster and eels. Many kinds of beautiful nudibranchs are found in this site.

Depth: 10 - 28m
Visibility: 10 - 30m
Currents: Moderate

Shark Cave (Ok Rock/Three Islets)

One of the most extraordinary dive sites, these three rocks that rise out of the sea from depths of 40-meters or more harbors some of the best marine life in the archipelago. Huge schools of fusilier and silversides surround you upon entering the water. The sandy base of the islands reveals unusual anemones and starfish, while the walls are covered with orange cup corals, whip corals, and green tubastrea coral. It is one of the better areas to see harlequin shrimp and harlequin ghost pipe fish.

For the thrill seekers there is a huge canyon to the north of the middle island and leads to a cave at around 16 meters, the entrance is usually guarded by several grey reef sharks that may lose their shyness and swim up to you if you stay quiet and motionless. The tunnel is around 20 meters long and has many cup corals and sponges along its walls.

Depth: 10 - 40m
Visibility: 20 - 40m
Currents: Can be strong

Black Rock

Probably the best dive site with the most potential for big stuff in the archipelago. It is fairly remote and thus attracts the big fish. The island itself is like a set of steps dropping down to over 70 meters deep. Although visibility can change dramatically here due to strong currents at certain times of the month, it�s best to start the dive in deeper waters, watching the currents, and keeping a look out for larger life including manta rays and their smaller cousins, mobula rays. Gray reef and other species of shark are seen here regularly. Whale sharks as well. Some of the fish you will see here include black-spotted pufferfish, spotted hawkfish, scorpion fish, and blue-ringed angelfish. If you are a moray eel fan, then this is your dive site. Many unusual and rarely seen morays are common, including extra-large common green, zebra, and fimbriated and white-eyed morays. Octopus and cuttlefish can be found here, the latter easy to photograph.

Depth: 10 - 50m
Visibility: 20 - 50m
Currents: Can be strong

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