Myanmar

The offshore pinnacles of the Mergui Archipelago are a prime seasonal hotspot for these gentle giants, especially during the later months of the dry season.

Whale Sharks

Oceanic and reef mantas are frequent visitors to cleaning stations like Black Rock, providing breathtaking encounters in the clear blue water.

Manta Rays

The remote Burma Banks are famous for sightings of these large predators, along with nurse sharks and grey reef sharks.

Tigersharks

The healthy coral and crinoid habitats across Myanmar's reefs harbor numerous species of camouflaged macro life, including these beautiful pipefish.

Ornate Ghost Pipefish

Myanmar, particularly the remote Mergui Archipelago in the Andaman Sea, offers one of the last true frontiers for scuba diving in Southeast Asia. Comprising over 800 largely uninhabited islands, this region provides an exceptional sense of exploration and discovery. The diving in Myanmar is characterized by its raw natural beauty, featuring dramatic underwater topography, deep-water pinnacles, and expansive coral reefs that have remained largely undisturbed due to limited tourism. Divers can experience exhilarating encounters with larger pelagics, including whale sharks, manta rays, and various shark species, alongside a remarkable diversity of tropical fish and rare macro critters. Most diving in the Mergui Archipelago is conducted via liveaboard expeditions departing from Thailand or southern Myanmar, as the islands are remote and lack shore-based infrastructure. This isolation has helped preserve the health of the marine ecosystem, making it a premier destination for experienced divers seeking adventure off the beaten path. Whether you are exploring the legendary Black Rock, the intricate tunnels of Shark Cave, or the vibrant coral gardens of the Burma Banks, Myanmar's underwater world delivers a powerful and authentic experience in one of the most pristine maritime environments in the world.

Liveaboard diving is the only way to truly experience the Mergui Archipelago. These expeditions typically last between 5 to 10 days and depart from either Ranong, Thailand (with a border crossing) or Kawthaung, Myanmar. The vessels vary from comfortable mid-range boats to more luxurious yachts, providing a unique platform for intensive diving and exploration of the hundreds of remote islands. Because of the archipelago's vast size and the lack of other dive boats, these liveaboards offer an exclusive and adventurous experience, reaching sites that feature some of the best visibility and most pristine reefs in the Andaman Sea.

The Strand Yangon

Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort

Bagan View Hotel

Transport in Myanmar is an adventure in itself. Domestic flights are the most efficient way to travel between major tourist hubs. An extensive but sometimes slow bus and train network connects the rest of the country. To reach the Mergui Archipelago, the gateway is Kawthaung in the far south, which can be reached by flight from Yangon or via the border crossing from Ranong, Thailand. Within cities, taxis and trishaws are common. For the diving islands, liveaboard vessels are the only practical form of transport.

Liveaboard Diving in Myanmar

Experience Overview

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Remote Reach

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Where to Stay in Myanmar