Myanmar
Myanmar (sometimes known as Burma) is an exotic land whose waters only opened up in 1997, meaning that they are still relatively unexplored. The Mergui Archipelago nestles close to the southern Myanmar coastline. Its 800 islands are virtually uninhabited, save for the indigenous Moken Sea Gypsies. Some dive sites have been regularly visited, but every trip can offer opportunities to dive where no one else has dived before.
You can enjoy diving with manta rays, barracudas, tuna, frogfish, crabs of all types (spider crabs, decorative crabs, sponge crabs), seahorses, and many types of shrimps. There are sharks too; leopard sharks, blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks, and sometimes even whale sharks. All this along with a myriad of colourful reef fish.
The granite and limestone that characterises the islands means there are plenty of caves and large swim-throughs to explore. The outer islands often have better visibility and offer the chance of deeper diving. Its coral reefs are in excellent condition so huge sea fans and multi-coloured corals will dazzle you.
Shark Cave aka Three Islets
There are five different species of anemone to see on the walls and reefs here. Large tubastrea coral trees sprout from rocks, while crinoids and gorgonian fans thrive everywhere. Tiger tail seahorses plus many varieties of morays can be spotted, whilst nurse sharks can be spotted in the eponymous cave.
Western Rocky
Western Rocky is renowned for the huge underwater archway that passes through the entire island. The limestone is riddled with holes and crevices, providing hiding places for hinge-beak, saron, and harlequin shrimps, thorny oysters and cowrie shells. Keep an eye into the blue for whale sharks and for shovelnose rays on the nearby pinnacle.
Little Torres Island
Its remote location means that Torres is only dived on 10 night itineraries. The sites deliver a kaleidoscope of colours; hundreds of corals including table corals, mosaic corals, and red whip corals to name a few. Reef life is healthy and abundant, attracting sharks, mantas and the odd whale shark. When conditions are right, you can even see schools of devil rays.
Our Myanmar itineraries
Mergui Archipelago
10 nights
from USD 3400
Mergui Archipelago
7 nights
from USD 2485
our vessel
The Phinisi
Officially known as ‘Cheng I Sao', this vessel is a traditional phinisi built in Indonesia.
Full of character and charm, the yacht is built from hard teak wood to a traditional design. She has seven cabins that accommodate up to 18 divers. With 2 person and 4 person cabins to choose from, The Phinisi is an excellent choice for group charters. Guest comfort is always important, so each cabin is individually air-conditioned, with en-suite facilities, hot water on tap, and plenty of storage space.
The salon area boasts a complete entertainment system so guests can watch movies or view their latest photos. Fully air-conditioned, with a cocktail bar and comfortable seating, divers won’t want to leave. Meals are served outdoors in a covered area to the rear; sumptuous buffets of western and Thai dishes, which are only rivalled by The Junk.
Upstairs there is a partially shaded sundeck where you can watch the islands slide by in comfort. Downstairs, divers have their own individual dive stations where they can prepare for underwater action. Dive guides and Cruise Directors are hand-picked for their experience and knowledge. They love to share the secrets of the amazing dive destinations we visit.
vessel specifications
Facilities
Guests
18
Twin Cabins
2
Twin/Double Flexi Cabins
3
Quad Cabins
2
En-suite
Yes
Air-conditioning
Yes
Towels
Yes
Lounge/Bar
Yes
Technical information
Length
34m
Breadth
8m
Engines
x1
Generators
x2
Construction Material
Wood
Desalination Units
Yes
Diving Facilities
Courses
Yes
Equipment Rental
Yes
Nitrox
Yes
Rebreather Friendly
Yes
Photographer Friendly
Yes
Compressors
x2
Tenders
x2
Guides
x3
Safety Equipment
First Aid
Yes
First Aiders
Yes
Emergency Oxygen
Yes
Life Jackets
Yes
Life Rafts
Yes
Radios
Yes
Fire Fighting Equipment
Yes
Smoke Detectors
Yes
Life Rings
Yes