Exploring the Mergui Archipelago: Frogfish, Flatworms and Nurse Sharks in Southern Myanmar

On 29 December, Burma opens once again a wide range of underwater wonders to our masked eyes. After returning to the Mergui Archipelago, we begin another day of exploration in the remote southern islands of Myanmar, where every dive seems to reveal something different.

This is exactly what makes diving in Myanmar so fascinating. Even when we return to familiar areas, the reefs continue to surprise us with unusual marine life, hidden caves, incredible camouflage and encounters that are impossible to predict before entering the water.

High Rock and Dragon Island

Our first day takes us around High Rock and what we call Dragon Island, named for its distinctive shape. Above the surface, these remote islands are dramatic and isolated. Below the surface, they become a completely different world, filled with colourful reef life and small creatures that reward divers who take the time to look carefully.

A Frogfish Hidden in the Sponges

One of the first special encounters of the day is a frogfish hiding among a sea of sponges. It is so well camouflaged that finding it requires a careful eye and a little patience.

Frogfish are masters of disguise, and their camouflage is one of the reasons they are such fascinating subjects for underwater photographers. Their colours, textures and irregular shapes can make them almost disappear against the reef. Spotting one is often less about swimming around looking for a fish and more about learning how to recognise the shapes that do not quite belong.

The frogfish is also a perfect example of why slow diving can be so rewarding in the Mergui Archipelago. While larger animals may immediately attract attention, some of the most memorable encounters are with creatures that are hiding in plain sight.

Nudibranchs, Porcupinefish and Cleaner Pipefish

Among the other small treasures we find during these dives are colourful nudibranchs, porcupinefish and cleaner pipefish.

The cleaner pipefish are particularly challenging subjects for underwater photographers. They tend to live in cracks and sheltered spaces in the reef and, unsurprisingly, they do not seem particularly impressed by bright camera lights. Trying to photograph one can therefore become a real exercise in patience.

That combination of colourful nudibranchs, unusual fish and elusive small creatures is typical of the kind of diving we enjoy in the Mergui Archipelago. You never quite know what will appear in front of your mask next.

Flatworms Swimming Through the Reef

We also find a wide variety of flatworms around here, and they are absolutely stunning when they start swimming.

Yes, flatworms can swim, and swimming is their fastest means of movement. Watching one leave the reef and glide through the water is very different from seeing it resting on the seabed. Their colourful bodies seem to float through the water column, making them particularly beautiful subjects for divers and photographers.

Flatworms are another reminder that the Mergui Archipelago is not only about big animals. A dive can be packed with small discoveries, provided you slow down and pay attention to the reef.

Moray Eels Everywhere

We see moray eels every day here, but some of my favourites are the giant moray and the honeycomb moray. Which one is yours?

Moray eels are among the familiar characters of the tropical reef, but seeing different species during almost every dive never gets boring. They spend much of their time tucked into holes and crevices, with only their heads visible as they continuously open and close their mouths.

For divers exploring Myanmar’s reefs, these encounters are part of the everyday richness of the destination. Even a seemingly ordinary reef can reveal something interesting when you take the time to look into its cracks and overhangs.

Caves, Nurse Sharks and Rays in Southern Mergui

While they can reach up to around 4 metres in length, nurse sharks are generally gentle creatures. They feed on animals such as crabs, shrimps and lobsters, which are particularly numerous around these reefs. Their feeding behaviour allows them to suck prey out from cracks and crevices in the reef.

One of the best experiences in the southern part of the Mergui Archipelago is exploring the numerous cave systems found around these islands. These underwater caves and rocky passages often provide shelter for nurse sharks and rays, creating some particularly memorable encounters.

On this day, we are blessed by the presence of a sleepy nurse shark. Seeing a large shark resting peacefully inside a cave is one of those encounters that perfectly captures the character of diving in the Mergui Archipelago: remote, unpredictable and wonderfully wild.

These cave dives also offer a completely different perspective on the reefs. Instead of simply following the outside of a wall or reef, divers can explore sheltered spaces where animals find protection from currents and spend time resting. It is another reason why the southern Mergui islands are such an exciting area for underwater exploration.

Why We Love Diving in the Mergui Archipelago

From frogfish hidden among sponges and tiny cleaner pipefish tucked inside reef cracks to colourful flatworms, moray eels and sleepy nurse sharks in underwater caves, these dives show just how varied Myanmar’s underwater world can be.

The Mergui Archipelago is not a destination where every dive follows exactly the same script. Conditions, visibility, currents and marine life can all change, and that uncertainty is part of the adventure. One dive may be focused on macro life and camouflage, while the next reveals a large animal resting inside a cave.

For divers who enjoy exploration, photography and the excitement of not knowing what they are going to find, this is precisely what makes a Myanmar liveaboard experience so memorable.

Not Sure Which Burma Dive Trip to Choose?

With so many different dive sites and itineraries in the Mergui Archipelago, choosing the right cruise can be difficult. If you are not sure which Burma diving trip is right for you, take a look at our comparison of Burma’s best cruises to see the differences between the available itineraries.

Stay tuned for more fishy stories from the Mergui Archipelago…

Discover More

• Diving in Myanmar – Explore the remote underwater world of the Mergui Archipelago.
• Mergui Archipelago – Discover the islands, dive sites and marine life of this spectacular region.
• Myanmar’s Best Dive Sites – Explore more of the dive sites we visit in Burma.
• Western Rocky – Discover one of the most fascinating dive sites in the Mergui Archipelago.
• Frogfish: The Masters of Camouflage – Learn more about these remarkable reef predators.
• 101 Nudibranchs of Myanmar – Discover the colourful world of nudibranchs found in Burmese waters.
• Moray Eels in the Andaman Sea – Meet some of the moray eels you may encounter while diving in the region.