6 days trip from the 23th to 28th October 2019

Exploring the Mergui Archipelago: Seahorses, Whale Sharks and Western Rocky

Sawadee Ka! Welcome aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse for our second trip of the season in the spectacular Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar. Over six days, we explored dramatic limestone and granite islands, beautiful coral reefs, caves and swim-throughs, while enjoying plenty of time together on board.

Day 2: Seahorses and the First Whale Shark

Tiger-tail seahorse at Shark Cave

Wake up! It’s time to go diving! We started the cruise with an easy dive site to make sure everyone was happy and comfortable blowing bubbles together. Then we explored Shark Cave and its surroundings, where we spotted two beautiful tiger-tail seahorses and, to make the day even more special, the first whale shark of the season!

Unfortunately, there was no photo of the whale shark this time, but seeing it on one of the first dives of the season was already an unforgettable start to the trip.

Day 3: Granite Islands and Rare Marine Life

Hawksbill turtle at Western Rocky

It was time for a change of scenery as we headed towards some of the Mergui Archipelago’s stunning granite boulder islands. Beneath the surface, the diving revealed an impressive variety of marine life, including a blue ribbon eel, a bamboo shark and plenty of Maldives sponge snails.

After diving, it was time to relax together with a barbecue and a little rum. The combination of great diving, good food and beautiful surroundings made for another memorable evening aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse.

Barbecue food and drinks enjoyed aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse in Myanmar

Barbecue, drinks and good times aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse

Day 4: Diving Western Rocky

We headed back towards the limestone islands for another day of spectacular diving. The underwater scenery was filled with sea fans, soft corals and schools of barracuda in beautifully clear blue water.

One of the highlights was Western Rocky, where we crossed the island from south to north through an incredible 50-metre swim-through. It is the kind of dive that combines impressive underwater scenery with a real sense of adventure.

Macro marine life photographed around the Mergui Archipelago

Small marine life photographed during a dive in the Mergui Archipelago

Macro marine life around the Mergui Archipelago

Macro life around the archipelago

Day 5: Barramundi and More of Western Rocky

After a deep dive where we spotted a barramundi, a rare and territorial fish, we returned to Western Rocky. Those who had not explored the cave the previous day had the opportunity to discover it, while other groups visited Eagle Rock and the Islets.

With different dive groups exploring different parts of the site, everyone could enjoy the underwater scenery with plenty of space to themselves.

Barramundi fish at Dendro’s Peak

Horseshoe Island

Day 6: Heart-Shaped and Horseshoe Islands

We were getting closer to the mainland, but there was still time to enjoy some of the magnificent islands of the Mergui Archipelago. We visited the famous heart-shaped and horseshoe islands, where the focus shifted from diving to enjoying our final hours together aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse.

There was time to take pictures, kayak to the beach, jump from the sun deck and simply enjoy the last few hours of the cruise and the beautiful scenery around us.

Congratulations to Jeannie and Stuart for completing their Advanced Open Water Course, and to Giovanna and Cesar for joining the Nitrox family!

Thanks to all of you for this amazing trip. We had a blast and hope to see you soon on board!

The Smiling Seahorse team