MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO Home to over 800 islands scattered across 12,000 square kilometres of unexplored ocean, the Mergui Archipelago is undoubtedly Myanmar’s jewel in the dive crown. Following the country’s independence in 1948, the archipelago was offlimit
GETTING THERE
While Kawthaung is an option, many divers avoid the hassle of travelling from Myanmar by doing a liveaboard trip from Thailand. In most cases, you’ll just need to get to Phuket International Airport and your dive operator will take care of the rest.
MARINE LIFE
Barracuda, dogtooth tuna, batfish, unicornfish and trevallies, as well as a whole range of reef life, from schooling reef fish to seahorses and exotic nudibranchs. Between February to May, whale sharks and manta rays are commonly spotted
“Home to some of the best dive spots in Asia, promising incredible marine biodiversity, the Mergui is a gold mine for divers who are prepared to go off the beaten track.”
Black Rock
This 80-metre wide islet is a favourite spot amongst divers visiting the Mergui Archipelago. Black Rock is known for its steep rocks and abundance of marine life, most notably silvertip, whitetip and blacktip sharks, as well as mantas and other rays. Currents can be strong and running downward, especially on the deeper sides of the islet, which might make diving challenging; hence, it is vital to stay close to the rocks during your dive. Its crystal-clear waters mean visibility of up to 35 metres, allowing you to see past the rocky walls and catch a glimpse of the big pelagics lurking in the blue. Western Rocky
Located closer to the southern side, Western Rocky is a small barren island that is about 60 metres wide with two small islets to the east. In addition to countless large lobsters and crabs, it is not uncommon to see frogfish, seahorses, and harlequin shrimp, and even rarities like guitarfish and whale sharks. For those that are more experienced, there are underwater passages that go through the island’s centre, allowing you to dive, quite literally, into the heart of the island.
“Its crystal-clear waters mean visibility of up to 35 metres, allowing you to see past the rocky walls and catch a glimpse of the big pelagics lurking in the blue.”
Shark Cave
Another highlight, Shark Cave features numerous underwater limestone caves and tunnels, as well as collections of large rocks that are home to nurse sharks.
The site starts five metres below the surface and reaches a maximum depth of 16 metres. The tunnels are around 20 metres long with ceilings covered in marigold cup corals and floors adorned with yellow sponges. Once you dive through the final tunnel of the cave, you’ll reach a coral garden where you can find giant moray eels, cowries, and more. It is important to note that whilst swimming through the tunnels, you might encounter the occasional grey reef shark, which are known to be aggressive, so be sure to stick close to the sides to allow them to swim past you. Additionally, bring a torch to help you navigate through the tunnels.