DIVE
MYANMAR

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

7 DAYS DIVING LIVEABOARD

AVAILABLE OCTOBER - MAY

Open Water+

10+ Logged dives

Blackwater dive

Nitrox available

7-day dive in Burma's Mergui Archipelago

Burma diving liveaboard, Mergui Archipelago in a week

Diving Itinerary Accordion

Day 1

Embarkation and Departure

Meet at our dive center between 10 AM and 12 PM.
At 2 PM, we will head to the immigration office to complete Thailand exit formalities and get the necessary stamps on your passport.
We will then join the beautiful MV Smiling Seahorse to begin our adventure.
After crossing the border into Myanmar, immigration officers will board at Kawthaung to perform the necessary border checks. Once all formalities are complete, we will set sail for the open sea!
Shortly after sunset, we will host a departure ceremony to celebrate the start of our journey.
It will then be time to enjoy your first delicious meal on board, before letting the waves rock you to sleep for your first night at sea.

Days 2 to 6

Exploration and Diving

Time to dive! We will do 4 dives per day in the Mergui Archipelago, weather conditions permitting.
After each dive, a meal or snack will be served to help you regain your energy before your next immersion.
Depending on the planned itinerary, we will do 1 or 2 dives on the last day.

Day 7

Final Dives and Return to Ranong

Our last dive will finish no later than 9 AM.
We will then head back to Kawthaung, where Myanmar authorities will return our passports after exit formalities.
We will cross the border back into Thailand, where you will receive a new entry stamp.
We expect to be back in Ranong around 4 PM.

⚠️ Important – Entry into Thailand

Please ensure your passport allows you to enter Thailand without a visa by land. If not, you must arrange the necessary visa or re-entry permit for Thailand in advance.

Healthy reef of the Mergui Archipelago Colorful and healthy reef of the Mergui Archipelago — Colorful and healthy reef of the Mergui Archipelago

harlequin shrimp in Black Rock, Burma — Harlequin shrimp

Frogfish close-up from a Mergui Archipelago diving cruise — Frogfish

In the Mergui Archipelago we will see

Our itinerary takes us through some of the most spectacular and remote dive sites in the Mergui Archipelago and Burma Banks. The exact route and number of dives at each site may vary depending on weather, sea conditions and currents.

Day 2: South Twin Island

Located on the outskirts of the Mergui Archipelgo, South Twin Island is a spectacular introduction to the region.

The site features a dramatic landscape of huge granite boulders surrounded by hard coral reefs, with large schools of fish filling the blue.

If we’re lucky, this is also where we may encounter our first majestic manta ray of the trip. Even without these magnificent visitors, South Twin is a fantastic way to begin our diving adventure.

We finish the first day with a night dive, searching for some of the area’s fascinating nocturnal creatures, including pygmy squid, swimming morays, octopuses, candy crabs, cowries, and nudibranchs.

Day 3: Shark Cave

Shark Cave is one of our favourite areas in the Mergui Archipelago.

The site features a spectacular swim-through and the opportunity to search for seahorses across three colourful dive sites located close together.

In the afternoon, conditions permitting, we may also visit a nearby local island, where you can discover a beautiful beach, a traditional fishing village and a Burmese temple.

Day 4: Black Rock

Following a night crossing, we arrive at the famous Black Rock — an exposed basalt rock formation rising from the open sea and arguably one of the best dive sites in the Mergui Archipelago.

This is where we hope to encounter the big stuff—manta rays, sharks, and other pelagic species that may be cruising through the blue.

Because Black Rock is located far out in the open sea, away from any other reef or island, this site attracts a wide variety of marine life. Acting as a fish magnet, it is a real ecosystem on its own. From the tiniest critters to the large pelagic, everything can potentially be spotted there, making this place one of the highlights of the Mergui archipelago dive sites.

Day 5: North Twin & Pinnacle

North Twin and its Pinnacle offer further opportunities to encounter pelagic fish and larger marine life.

We love this area for its impressive schools of fish in the blue, combined with an abundance of tiny critters hiding among the enormous sea fans and colourful soft corals.

It is a great place to alternate between looking into the blue for passing pelagics and slowing down to discover the smaller creatures living on the reef.

Day 6: Seafan Forest & Western Rocky

The name says it all: Seafan Forest is a spectacular underwater landscape mostly made of limestone; it is filled with cracks and impressive sea fans.

These formations attract a wide variety of marine life. You may frequently see schools of barracudas and batfish above the site, as well as tuna hunting schools of fusiliers as well as seahorses, frogfish, stonefish, and harlequin shrimp.

Keep an eye out in the blue, as whale sharks and manta are not a rare encounter there. We have even been lucky enough to encounter three whale sharks on a single dive here!

In the afternoon, we will make 2 more dives at Western Rocky before getting ready for our famous BBQ night.

Western Rocky

Western Rocky is one of the most famous dive destinations in Myanmar. It offers 4 different dive sites, including a spectacular underwater tunnel at around 20 metres, which passes right through the island.

Inside and around the rocks, you may find lobsters hiding in dark corners, slipper lobsters, and many different types of crabs, including sponge crabs, spider crabs, and anemone crabs.

We have also encountered bowmouth guitarfish, whale sharks, various shark species, harlequin shrimp, frogfish, and seahorses in this area.

Western Rocky is also a fantastic place for a night dive, when many fascinating creatures become active.

Day 7: The Last Pinnacle

On the last day of the trip, conditions permitting, we may explore a submerged pinnacle rising to around 18 metres below the surface.

This isolated underwater formation is exceptionally rich in marine life and offers one final opportunity to discover the incredible biodiversity of Myanmar’s waters.

With a little luck, larger pelagic species may also pass by during the dive, providing a spectacular finale to our adventure.

Blackwater dive

All cruises aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse, weather permitting, offer the opportunity to experience the incredible Blackwater Diving in the Andaman Sea.

If you’ve never experienced this unique style of offshore night diving, don’t worry! Before your first Blackwater dive, our team will give you a full presentation and safety briefing to explain what to expect and how to enjoy this unforgettable experience safely.

Logistics

✈️ 24-hour no-fly period

Please remember that you must allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and your flight. Our final dive usually finishes around 9:00 am.

For the latest flight schedules, check AirAsia.

🚌 Bus to Bangkok

You can also travel back to Bangkok by bus. The bus departs around 8:00 pm and arrives in Bangkok at approximately 5:00 am the following morning.

Please note: This itinerary is provided as a sample and may be modified by The Smiling Seahorse depending on the weather forecast, sea and diving conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

MV Smiling Seahorse

Mergui Archipelago
in a week

7 Days / 6 Nights / 21 Dives

Departure

Ranong at 2:00 PM

Return

Ranong around 5:00–6:00 PM

Price Per Diver

Rates valid from January 2026

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Standard

Air-conditioned | Shared bathroom | Twin or bunk bed

69,300 THB

Deluxe

Air-conditioned | Ensuite bathroom | Twin or bunk bed

79,800 THB

Master

Air-conditioned | Ensuite bathroom | Double bed

83,500 THB

What’s included?

Full accommodation and full board, including:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Afternoon snacks
- Dinner
All soft drinks, drinking water, fresh coffee, and tea
Fresh fruit, yogurt, and snacks available all day
12L scuba tank, weights, and weight belt
Free 1 Blackwater dive
PADI Professional Dive Guide, with a maximum of 4 divers per guide
Up to 21 dives
Towels and reef-friendly amenities

What’s not included?

Myanmar Visa & Fees

Myanmar E-Visa: You will need to apply for a Myanmar E-Visa. The cost is US$50.
Port of entry: Kawthaung—Apply for your E-Visa
Myanmar entry and diving fees: US$240 per person (subject to change without prior notice).

Required

If you do not have your own:

Personal Insurance
General travel insurance is highly recommended.
Dive computer rental: 300 THB/day
Equipment rental: 600 THB/day

Optional Extras

Extra Blackwater dive: 1,000 THB/person
Nitrox: 250 THB/tank or 4,500 THB for the whole cruise
15L tank: 300 THB/day or 1,800 THB for the whole cruise
Private guide: 4,000 THB/day
PADI Courses
UW Photo Coaching

Other Costs

Transfers: Transfers to and from the boat are available on demand.
Alcoholic drinks and cigarettes
Gratuities / tips: A tip of 1,000 THB/day/person is common practice.

Ready for your dream diving holiday? Check our availability and book your adventure today!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 93 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Magda Kapusta 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My diving cruise with The Smiling Seahorse was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Everything was extremely well organized and seamless, making the entire vacation completely stress-free and enjoyable.
The crew was exceptional — professional, friendly, attentive, and always making sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. The food was amazing throughout the trip, with great variety and quality at every meal.
The boat itself is excellent: very comfortable, well maintained, and thoughtfully designed for divers. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the common areas are very well organized, giving everyone plenty of space to relax between dives.
What truly made the experience unforgettable was the incredible selection of dive spots. Every dive offered something special, with beautiful marine life, stunning coral reefs, and perfectly planned itineraries.
Overall, this was a full enjoyment vacation and one of the best liveaboard experiences I’ve had. I highly recommend The Smiling Seahorse to anyone looking for a perfectly organized diving adventure with a fantastic crew and unforgettable diving.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Laura Forsyth 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Another vote for the Smiling Seahorse - it's a very good boat. Purpose built for serious diving, the thought and care put into it by its owner and crew really shows. Everything you need is available, easy to access, well maintained and functional, without anything extraneous or funky.  There is a devotion to diving, to underwater photography, to the marine life, to the history and natural history of the Similan Islands and Burma, to the guest experience and developing our skills. Our group did the week-long South to North Andaman Sea trip in January 2026, and each day was better than the one before. The diving is exceptional, with healthy corals and masses and masses of fish, even before we got to the climax of Richelieu Rock. They include an black water dive on each trip, a truly unique opportunity.

We received tremendous support from the dive guides and the crew alike, who gracefully and respectfully accommodated everyone's needs.  Even the little things - one of the deck crew noticed that the little strap connecting the dust cap to my regulator was close to breaking off and offered to repair it. He did a beautiful job and I'll be reminded of his generosity and kindness each time I dive that reg. Our guide, James, has years of experience, like many masters, conveyed his knowledge with simplicity and clarity (and humor - whew!). I became a better diver following his example. I keep remembering the happy anticipation of standing at the stern, all kitted up, waiting for the captain's signal to jump. Next trip - Burma.

The cabins are simple and comfortable,  although you may want to bring a pad if you're not a fan of firm beds. A/C and hot water in each cabin - all good.

Everyone in our group, from the experts with many thousands of dives to the recently certified, to a couple of non-diving spouses, loved the Smiling Seahorse!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nadine Fischer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing time on the Smiling Seahorse liveaboard in Thailand. Everything was well organized, relaxed, and very professional.

Our dive guide Julien was fantastic. He showed us beautiful dive sites and even pointed out tiny nudibranchs we would never have seen ourselves. His eye for detail made every dive special.

The food was excellent, and the crew was incredibly friendly and helpful, especially when assisting with dive gear.

Overall, a wonderful experience – It was our 2nd trip and we will definitely come again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Udi Nehab 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An Unforgettable Week Underwater!
I just wrapped up a phenomenal week-long liveaboard trip in the Similan Islands with The Smiling Seahorse team, and I cannot recommend them enough. The dives were absolutely gorgeous, but what really set the experience apart was Julian’s amazing spotting skills—he has an incredible eye and made sure we didn't miss a thing.
The entire crew was attentive, professional, and always right there to assist with all of our needs, making the whole week completely seamless. On top of the world-class diving, the food was fantastic. Everything was incredibly tasty, and they offered a great variety of dishes that really hit the spot after a long day in the water. Five stars across the board—if you're looking for a top-tier liveaboard operation, this is the team to go with!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tsachi Yeshurun 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went for a 9 day dive safari in Myanmar, the mergui archipelago, with the smiling seahorse. One of the unique experiences I had. My first (and second and third) Blackwater dive, dives I will never forget. The staff are wonderful, the dive guides are amazing, they actually care and put in a lot of extra effort and the ship crew were helpful and nice. I dove with Julian, the dive master, who I would dive with anywhere anytime, and we enjoyed the presence of camille, the owner, who lit up the place with her positive energies. I've been on fancier boats, but I enjoyed this one much better.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lee Waggener 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Safe, clean, friendly staff always willing to help, easy on and off the boat, good dive sites. Guides are awesome. The dive crew very accommodating.  Nice camera room. Keep the same tank entire trip. Some sites we went in small groups in a dingy. The return the dingy would slowly pull you back. Thankful we did nit have to struggle getting back in the dingy Some times we would just float back to the boat. We were divided  into groups so everyone wasn’t getting ready at the same time. Plenty of food and snacks.  Only complaint is the chairs and beds are hard as cement. Compared to the good stuff that was nothing.  I would for sure go again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ray Busard 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did seven days on the Smiling Seahorse level over. The crew the boat everything was amazing. The divers did 20+ dives and as a snooker we did four snorkels, which was totally unexpected and so delightful. Took us to some of the best Dive spots in the world and the pictures proved that’s true. The food on board was over the top!!  I would recommend this trip to anybody around the world!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   ליאור ארד 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just returned from a week-long liveaboard with the club, and the experience was simply outstanding. The entire team demonstrated high professionalism throughout, with in-depth safety briefings and modern, well-maintained equipment.
A special thanks to our amazing dive guides: James, Velika, Katie, and Mint. Each of them brought great energy and uncompromising expertise. Thanks to them, we felt in safe hands during every dive, and they knew exactly how to lead us to the most beautiful spots in the pristine sites we visited.
The boat was very comfortable, and the excellent food between dives rounded out the experience perfectly. This is without a doubt a top-tier diving club, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a week of peace and world-class diving!"
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Itai Stadler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An outstanding liveaboard experience from start to finish. The hospitality on The Smiling Seahorse is truly exceptional — warm, attentive, and genuine, making you feel welcome and taken care of at every moment.
The dive sites were beautiful and well chosen, offering a great variety and excellent conditions. Each dive felt thoughtfully planned to maximize both safety and enjoyment.
What really sets this liveaboard apart is the extraordinary professionalism of the crew and dive instructors. Their experience, calm approach, and attention to detail were evident throughout the trip. Briefings were clear and thorough, underwater guidance was excellent, and safety was always the top priority — without ever taking away from the fun.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for high-quality diving combined with top-level service and professionalism. I would gladly dive with them again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Yossie Bar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was amazing!!!

Katie the diving guide is absolutely magnificent, friendly, crazy in a good way...

The team is just extraordinary!
Humble, helping wherever they can, the food is delicious and also satisfying, the boys helps greatly every time you come up from a dive...

The guides are funny and resourceful... It was really just a perfect time.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 227 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Magda K 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic !
My diving cruise with The Smiling Seahorse was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Everything was extremely well organized and seamless, making the entire vacation completely stress-free and enjoyable. The crew was exceptional — professional, friendly, attentive, and always making sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. The food was amazing throughout the trip, with great variety and quality at every meal. The boat itself is excellent: very comfortable, well maintained, and thoughtfully designed for divers. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the common areas are very well organized, giving everyone plenty of space to relax between dives. What truly made the experience unforgettable was the incredible selection of dive spots. Every dive offered something special, with beautiful marine life, stunning coral reefs, and perfectly planned itineraries. Overall, this was a full enjoyment vacation and one of the best liveaboard experiences I’ve had. I highly recommend The Smiling Seahorse to anyone looking for a perfectly organized diving adventure with a fantastic crew and unforgettable diving.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   ScenicPath 
 
 
 
 Verified A well-run boat with a fantastic crew and dive staff - highly recommended!
Another vote for the Smiling Seahorse - a very good boat. Purpose built for serious diving, the thought and care put into it by its owner and crew really shows. Everything you need is available, easy to access, well maintained and functional, without anything extraneous or funky. There is a devotion to diving, to underwater photography, to the marine life, to the history and natural history of the Similan Islands and Burma, to the guest experience and developing our skills. Our group did the week-long South to North Andaman Sea trip in January 2026, and each day was better than the one before. The diving is exceptional, with healthy corals and masses and masses of fish, even before we got to the climax of Richelieu Rock. They include an black water dive on each trip, a truly unique opportunity. We received tremendous support from the dive guides and the crew alike, who gracefully and respectfully accommodated everyone's needs. Even the little things - one of the deck crew noticed that the little strap connecting the dust cap to my regulator was close to breaking off and offered to repair it. He did a beautiful job and I'll be reminded of his generosity and kindness each time I dive that reg. Our guide, James, has years of experience, like many masters, conveyed his knowledge with simplicity and clarity (and humor - whew!). I became a better diver following his example. I keep remembering the happy anticipation of standing at the stern, all kitted up, waiting for the captain's signal to jump. Next trip - Burma. The cabins are simple and comfortable, although you may want to bring a pad if you're not a fan of firm beds. A/C and hot water in each cabin - all good. Everyone in our group, from the experts with many thousands of dives to the recently certified, to a couple of non-diving spouses, loved the Smiling Seahorse!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   izacassia 
 
 
 
 Verified Best scuba diving Safari in Thailand
These guys are incredible! 7 days of diving from the south to the north of the Andaman Sea. The staff are incredibly helpful and the food and atmosphere was great. Special thanks to Velika, our guide, that showed us many sea creatures from the micro (picachu) to the large (white tip shark). It was an adventure! Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   yiftah s 
 
 
 
 Verified The smiling seahorse experience
Amazing crew, beautiful dives and unbelievable atmosphere... Had the best two weeks of my life! ❤️❤️❤️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Udi N 
 
 
 
 Verified An Unforgettable Week Underwater!
I just wrapped up a phenomenal week-long liveaboard trip in the Similan Islands with The Smiling Seahorse team, and I cannot recommend them enough. The dives were absolutely gorgeous, but what really set the experience apart was Julian’s amazing spotting skills—he has an incredible eye and made sure we didn't miss a thing. The entire crew was attentive, professional, and always right there to assist with all of our needs, making the whole week completely seamless. On top of the world-class diving, the food was fantastic. Everything was incredibly tasty, and they offered a great variety of dishes that really hit the spot after a long day in the water. Five stars across the board—if you're looking for a top-tier liveaboard operation, this is the team to go with!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alon kedar 
 
 
 
 Verified מעל ומבר
צללתי אתם באירגון של buddy divers היה נפלא מעל ומעבר לציפיות. הארגון היה מעולה, הצוות מקצועי, תומך ועוזר כל הדרך מלבישת הסנפירים לפני ועד עזרה בכל צורך. תודה גדולה למדריכת צלילה בשם ג׳וי היה נהדר. אלון
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Oren K 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful experience with the Smiling Seahorse
After 9 wonderful days of a diving safari in Myanmar on the Smiling Seahorse liveaboard, I have to say that it’s been a long time since I’ve come across people who are so professional at what they do. The dive guide team is top notch! The crew that takes care of the boat and the diving equipment is extremely professional, always thinking about every single detail and showing endless care for the guests. The boat feels very homely and warm, and it’s especially well suited for underwater photographers. Simply pure pleasure incredible diving, warmth, and love for the guests both above and below the water. Oren Kidron
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   עדי א 
 
 
 
 Verified Don’t miss this liveaboard trip!
The trip was amazing! I had so much fun and I really didn’t want it to end. Velica my guide was the nicest, so caring and professional and fun to dive with, and made me feel very safe. All the stuff was very friendly, professional and personal, and made the whole experience something I’ll never forget. The boat was comfortable and clean, the food was delicious, and the overall vibe on board was relaxed and fun. Beautiful dive sites and amazing dives. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an unforgettable diving adventure. I would definitely dive with them again!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Yossie Feldman 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience, go!!!
It was amazing!!! Katie the diving guide is absolutely magnificent, friendly, crazy in a good way... The team is just extraordinary! Humble, helping wherever they can, the food is delicious and also satisfying, the boys helps greatly every time you come up from a dive... The guides are funny and resourceful... It was really just a perfect time.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Are R 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing company to go diving with.
They picked us up at Koh Phayam even though they are based in Ranong, and helped us organize our transport onwards from Ranong after the trip. James organizes everything with a steady hand and a twinkle in the eye. You will not be bored during briefings on the smiling sea horse. Our guide, Veli Ka, was just amazing as well. So full of knowledge and safe and fun to dive with. All the crew were really nice - seems like a great work environment. The boat itself was really comfortable with a big lounge, sun deck, AC rooms with private bathrooms. Not crowded at all. The food was mouth watering as well. 5 stars!

7 days dive in Burma Mergui Archipelago

Burma diving liveaboard, Mergui Archipelago in a week

Itinerary of Our Dive Cruise

Day 1 – Check-in & Departure

10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Meet at our dive center for check-in at 170 Ruangrat Road, Ranong.

2:00 pm
We will head to the Thai immigration office to complete the necessary departure formalities and obtain your exit stamps from Thailand.

We will then make our way to our boat, the magnificent MV Smiling Seahorse.

After crossing the border into Myanmar, immigration officers will board the boat in Kawthaung to carry out the necessary border-crossing checks. Once all formalities are completed, we will head out to sea!

Shortly after sunset, we will hold a departure ceremony to officially launch our voyage.

Then it’s time to enjoy your first delicious meal on board before settling in for your first night at sea, gently rocked to sleep by the waves.

Days 2–6 – Diving & Exploring

We will enjoy 4 dives per day, with a meal or snack served after every dive so you can refuel and relax between your underwater adventures.

The exact dive sites and itinerary may vary depending on weather, sea conditions and currents.

Day 7 – Final Dive & Return to Ranong

Our last dive will finish no later than 9:00 am.

We will then return to Kawthaung, where the Burmese authorities will return our passports after completing the necessary departure formalities.

We will cross the border back into Thailand, where you will receive a new Thai entry stamp.

We expect to be back in Ranong around 5:00 pm.

Important – Re-entering Thailand: Please make sure your passport allows visa-free entry into Thailand by land border. If it does not, you will need to arrange the appropriate Thai visa or re-entry permit in advance.

Some of the dive sites we will explore:

Our itinerary takes us through some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Mergui Archipelago, with a mix of dramatic underwater landscapes, pelagic encounters and fascinating macro life.

The exact route and dive sites may vary depending on weather, sea conditions and currents.

South Twin Island

Located on the outskirts of the Mergui Archipelago, South Twin Island is a spectacular site to begin our adventure.

The underwater landscape is dominated by huge granite boulders and hard coral reefs, surrounded by large schools of fish.

If we’re lucky, this is where we may encounter our first majestic manta ray of the trip. Even without these magnificent visitors, South Twin is a fantastic introduction to the diving in the Mergui Archipelago.

We finish our first day of diving with a night dive, searching for fascinating nocturnal creatures such as pygmy squid, swimming morays, octopuses, candy crabs, cowries and nudibranchs.

Shark Cave

Shark Cave is one of our favourite areas in the Mergui Archipelago.

The site features a spectacular swim-through and offers the chance to find seahorses across three colourful dive sites located very close to one another.

In the afternoon, we may also visit a nearby local island, home to a beautiful beach, a traditional fishing village and a Burmese temple.

Black Rock

Following a night crossing, we arrive at the famous Black Rock — an exposed basalt rock formation rising from the open sea and arguably one of the best dive sites in the Mergui Archipelago.

Black Rock acts like a magnet for marine life passing through the area and is incredibly rich in biodiversity.

Here, we’re hoping to encounter the big stuff — sharks, manta rays and whatever other pelagic species may be passing through the area.

Because the site is located far out in the open sea, conditions can be more challenging. Strong currents and the exposed location make this a very different style of diving compared with other areas of the Mergui Archipelago.

North Twin & Pinnacle

North Twin and its Pinnacle offer further opportunities to encounter pelagic fish and larger marine life.

We love this site for its impressive schools of fish in the blue, as well as the incredible variety of tiny creatures hiding among the giant sea fans and colourful soft corals.

It is the perfect place to keep one eye on the blue for passing pelagics while searching the reef for fascinating macro life.

Western Rocky & Seafan Forest

On our return journey, we will dive around an area known as Western Rocky.

Our first two dives of the day may take us to the spectacular underwater scenery of Seafan Forest, where magnificent coral formations and the site’s exposed location attract huge schools of fish.

This is also one of our favourite places to search for the ever-grumpy stonefish, perfectly camouflaged among the reef.