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Trip report: 30th April 2024, nice encounters in Mergui Archipelago

21/5/2024

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​Day 1: was an amazing day of diving! Our check dive at High Rock and our Second at Dragon Island were both filled with wonderful underwater encounters. We were delighted to come across a big school of fusiliers, a ghost pipefish, and some stunning nudibranches. We decided to go and explore South Twin for the 3rd dive and the night dive, which turned out to be a brilliant choice. The water there was crystal clear, allowing us to marvel of a Trevally gliding through the blue, playful batfish, elusive octopus, fascinating mantis shrimp, and even tiny pygmy squid during the night dive.
High rock - dive site in Mergui Archipelago Myanmar
High rock
Grouper under table coral Andaman Sea liveaboarc
South Twin dive site - Myanmar
South Twin dive site - Myanmar
An impressive scorpion fish myanmar diving
Scorpion fish
dragon island myanmar dive site
Lobster at South Twin Pinnacle, Mergui Archipelago
Lobster at South Twin Pinnacle, Mergui
​Day 2: brought us to the Shark Cave area for four more dives, a paradise for macro photography enthusiasts. We were thrilled to discover Seahorses nestled in beautiful seafans, delicate pipefish peeking out from cracks, intricate decorated crabs showcasing their vibrant colors, as well as elegant cuttlefish, ever-changing octopus, and graceful stingrays resting on the sandy bottom. The sight of a large school of yellow trevallies, batfish, snappers, and fusiliers manoeuvring gracefully in the blue waters added an extra touch of magic to our underwater adventures.
Myanmar Tigertail seahorse
Tigertail seahorse
Shiny trevallies
Shiny trevallies
village in mergui archipelago
blotch spotted marble sting ray
coral reef in myanmar
Days 3 and 4: brought us to the breathtaking Burma Banks after a peaceful 10-hour westward cruise. The diving experience in this area was nothing short of extraordinary, as we found ourselves immersed in warm, crystal-clear waters with visibility exceeding 40 meters. As we explored the vast underwater landscape, we were mesmerized by the sight of giant sandy mountains rising from the depths and adorned with vibrant coral bommies, teeming with a diverse array of marine life.
​

One of the highlights of our dives was encountering the serene and magnificent nurse sharks, a sight that left us in awe. We were fortunate to witness numerous Nurse sharks during our time exploring this underwater paradise. Additionally, the waters were alive with large schools of surgeonfish, majestic Napoleons, formidable giant trevallies, sleek snappers, and the most impressive school of fusiliers one could imagine. It was a truly unforgettable experience for everyone on board.
A friendly nurse Shark
A friendly nurse Shark
large school of fish wide angle photography andaman sea
ray in a school of fusilier
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The Burma banks are surrounded by very deep water with no reef westward before the indian Andaman islands which make them such a perfect spot to meet pelagic critters on our Blackwater dives! The highligh of the week was certainly meeting this rare cuskeel. This photo shows it fromt he front and the first photo of the article shows it side. What a wonderful specimen!!!
But this cool fish was not alone in the water, we got some very productive blackwater dives with plenty of photogenic crustaceans, fish larvaes, sea angels and even a coral polyp larva. Did you know these were having a pelagic life before settling down to create the reefs as we know them?!
Sea angel blackwater dive mergui
sea angel
Rare Cusk eel Myanmar blackwater
Rare Cusk eel
blackwater baby crab
shrimp on blackwater dive
blackwater shinny fish
Zoanthella Larval coral polyp
Larval coral polyp - Zoanthella
​​Days 5 and 6: saw us returning to the mesmerizing Mergui Archipelago, this time diving in the Western Rocky area. Our first stop was the Seafan Forest, a site adorned with towering pinnacles draped in magnificent giant seafans. Here, we were treated to the sight of schools of snappers, big-eyed Trevally, and fusiliers gracefully swimming among the colorful marine life. Amidst this underwater jungle of seafans, we were delighted to spot a Seahorse, adding to the enchanting experience.

Our exploration then led us to The Cave of Western Rocky, where we encountered the usual array of beautiful nudibranches, shrimps, and crabs. However, the true highlight was the unexpected appearance of a massive Marble Ray at the far end of the cave, leaving us in awe of nature's wonders. A beautiful clown Frogfish was also waiting for us on the other side of the cave close to a pair of Harlequin shrimps!

Further dives around Eagle Rock and The Islets revealed the underwater splendor of the archipelago, with remarkable visibility allowing us to marvel at schools of yellow fin barracuda and trevallies cruising through the pristine waters. It was a truly unforgettable experience, with each dive unveiling a new and exciting facet of this incredible marine world.
Diving Myanmar at Western Rocky
Western Rocky never disappoint
The Blue dragon only need to eat for the first few months of its life before they become self reliant!
Did you know? The Blue dragon only need to eat for the first few months of its life before they become self reliant!
Seafan Forest
The astonishing Seafan Forest
A beautiful giant seafan
A beautiful giant seafan
Durban dancing shrimps
Durban dancing shrimps
A grumpy frogfish
A grumpy frogfish
​On our final day of diving, Day 7, we savored the opportunity to explore the depths of Dendro's Peak, a deep pinnacle nearby teeming with marine life. Here, we were fortunate to encounter elusive ghost pipefish, elegant stingrays gliding effortlessly through the water, and schools of majestic big-eyed Trevallies. Each sighting added to the magic of the underwater world, leaving us in awe of its wonders.

Our last dive took us to the breathtaking lagoon of Volcano Island, where we embarked on a unique diving experience. Beginning with a tranquil descent into the shallow waters, we eventually surfaced within the confines of the island itself. Here, surrounded by the untouched beauty of nature, we were enveloped in a sense of serenity and harmony, punctuated only by the melodic sounds of native birdlife. It was a fitting conclusion to our underwater journey, offering a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility to carry with us as cherished memories.
A couple of butterfly fish
A couple of butterfly fish
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Picture
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Trip report: Myanmar Manta Expedition 2024 - Mergui Archipelago & burma banks

20/5/2024

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Trip report: Myanmar Manta Expedition 2024
Setting sail from Ranong on the 20th of April, 2024, we were filled with excitement as we welcomed back aboard our Manta Queen, Jamie Piyada, for our annual Manta Expedition, guiding her and our esteemed guests on a remarkable journey in Myanmar through the Mergui Archipelago and the Burma Banks. With divers hailing from Germany, France, India, USA, Malaysia, and Singapore, our diverse group was eager to explore the underwater wonders of this pristine marine paradise. It was also such a pleasure welcoming back 5 return guests this week. Thanks for coming back again and again, it is so nice sharing these adventures with friends (old and new).

Our VIP Marine Biologist this week: Jamie Piyada from Thailand Manta Projects

Joining us on board was Jamie Piyada Monmaneerat, leader of the Thailand Manta Project. Through multidirectional research, the Thailand Manta Project works tirelessly to shed light on Manta populations all around Thailand as well as the threats impacting their lives and habitats. 
Jamie's dedication to spreading knowledge and advocating for the protection of majestic species like the Manta Ray inspired us all. Her daily presentations provided invaluable insights into Manta behavior, conservation efforts, and the importance of sustainable Manta tourism.
We were also extremely grateful for the support of our guests who raised 32,000thb for this cause and hope this money will help Jaimie preserve the manta ray population in Thailand so that we keep meeting them underwater!!!​
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Thailand Manta project leader
Our Manta Queen, Jamie Piyada
Our Manta Queen for the week, Jamie Piyada
Vibrant coral reef
Vibrant coral reef
Spanish Garden in the Mergui Archipelago
Spanish Garden in the Mergui Archipelago

Dive Sites and Discoveries: diving Mergui Archipelago and the Burma banks

Our expedition began with dives at High Rock, Dragon Island, Tower Rock, and Spanish Garden in the Mergui Archipelago. Navigating the tunnel of Tower Rock was a highlight of our first day, where we encountered a beautiful Eagle Ray amongst tropical reef fish. 

Venturing further north for the second day of diving, North Twin Island greeted us with stunning granite boulder formations and a diverse array of reef critters, including swarms of Shrimps, Moray Eels, and Parrotfish.

​Arriving at Black Rock, a renowned Manta cleaning station, we eagerly anticipated encounters with these graceful giants. While Manta ray sightings eluded us this time, the dive site offered breathtaking crowds of Trevally, Rainbow Runner, and a majestic Bull Shark coming up from the depths!!! Exciting!!!!
Giant trevallies
Giant trevallies
Bluestripe Snappers
Bluestripe Snappers
A jackfish wave...
A jackfish wave...
A school of fish hugs the coral shoal
A school of fish hugs the coral shoal

Macro Adventures and Night Dives

Around Shark Cave, macro enthusiasts were treated to the sightings of Tigertail Seahorses, Pipefish, and even a rarer Frogfish. The night dive revealed a hidden world teeming with Decorator Crabs, sponge crab, moray eels hunting under the cover of darkness, Nudibranchs crawling out from under their rocky hides, and the so colorful Peacock Mantis Shrimp.

Cruising westward to the Burma Banks, we immersed ourselves in an underwater Eden of sand dunes covered by giant coral bumies, some are so big they must be thousands of years old. Giant Trevally, Surgeonfish, and Barracudas dominated the blue, while encounters with Nurse Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, and one majestic Manta Ray added to the thrill of diving in these pristine waters.
Peaceful nurse shark on the reef
Peaceful nurse shark on the reef
diving the burma banks
Burma banks attracts all kinds of pelagic fish
Giant coral bummies
Giant coral bumies
A cute band of surgeon fish
Huge schools of surgeon fish

Final Days and Farewells

As our expedition drew to a close, we explored Seafan Forest and Western Rocky, encountering Seahorses, Barracudas, and a magnificent Marble Ray. Jamie's insightful presentations about the Mobulae family and ocean conservation inspired us to reflect on the importance of preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.
On our last day, we dived the deep pinnacle of Dendro's Peak and explored Volcano, marveling at the beauty of Ghost Pipefish and the tranquility of the island's lagoon.
Cuttlefish and Yellow tail fusilier
Cuttlefish and Yellow tail fusilier
Oriental Sweetlips
Oriental Sweetlips
Beautiful marble ray on the sand
Beautiful marble ray on the sand
A lionfish in his natural environment
A lionfish in his natural environment

Gratitude and Reflection

As we bid farewell to the Mergui Archipelago, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our fellow divers and to Jamie for her invaluable contributions to manta ray conservation. 
Thank you, we learned so much this week! About Manta Ray behaviors (feeding, reproduction), about cleaning stations, about the treats facing Manta rays and solutions that already exist! We even saw a video of a baby manta ray being born. What a cute Burrito!!!
A vibrant underwater world with a variety of colorful coral, reef octopus, and sea creatures
A day octopus going on a stroll
Our guests happily toasting with Jamie
Our guests happily toasting with Jamie
A small, brightly colored anemone fish swimming among the tentacles of a sea anemone
Clown fish in their anemone
Our Sharky didn't want to miss this photo!
Sharky also posed for the photo!
Our journey through Myanmar's underwater realms has been a testament to the beauty and diversity of our oceans, reminding us of the urgent need to protect and preserve these fragile ecosystems.
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Trip Report: Dive into Adventure in the Andaman Sea - 13th to 18th April 2024

12/5/2024

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Embarking on our last Thailand cruise of the season, we left Tap Lamu pier, near Khao Lak on the 21st of April, we were thrilled to welcome aboard a diverse group of passionate divers from across the globe. With adventurers from Australia, Hawaii, and a delightful group of 10 French divers, our journey promised to be an unforgettable exploration of the underwater wonders of the Andaman Sea. As Franck, our onboard photographer wasn't onboard on this trip, these photos are from the 7th to 12th of April.
cloud of fish in the andaman sea
Similan islands is beautiful

Similan Islands: Unveiling Nature's Canvas

Our voyage commenced with two days of exploration in the Similan Islands National Park. As we delved into the depths of Shark Fin Reef, West Of Eden, Elephant Head Rock, Turtle Rock, Three Trees, and Christmas Point, we were greeted by a spectacular array of marine life.
First, a giant guitarfish made an appearance. This Rhynchobatus djiddensis, also known as the whitespotted wedgefish, is a large species of guitarfish that are actually rays, not sharks, despite their shark-like appearance. One of the most noticeable differences between sharks and rays is the location of their gills. Sharks have gill slits located on the sides of their bodies, allowing water to pass through and over their gills as they swim. In contrast, rays have their gill slits located on the underside of their bodies.

​After it disappeared into the deep blue sea, an elusive Ribbon Eel was discovered by our eagle-eyed dive guides! Its long and brightly-colored ribbon-like body captivated our attention as it gracefully swayed amidst the coral reef.
Did you know that Ribbon Eels are protandric hermaphrodites, meaning they start as males and can change into females as they mature?
clown Anemone fish
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Anemonefish
ribbon eel

Koh Bon and Koh Tachai: More Unforgettable Encounters

Continuing our journey, we ventured to Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, where we were treated to extraordinary encounters with marine marvels. At Koh Bon Pinnacle, the deep waters revealed three magnificent Marble Rays gracefully gliding through the depths, leaving our divers awe-inspired. Meanwhile, Koh Tachai's granite boulder pinnacle offered an abundance of marine diversity, from Surgeon Fish and Batfish to a mesmerizing school of Chevron Barracuda. The sighting of Black Tip Sharks added an exhilarating thrill to our underwater escapade, and no dive at Koh Tachai pinnacle would have been complete without visiting the lobster harem! So many of these spiny lobsters under the same roof!
longnose emperors
Marble ray
It is also near the Similan islands that we took a Blackwater Dive to meet all the weird little critters living their best pelagic life :)
pink jellyfish
shrimp on blackwater dive

Richelieu Rock: A Symphony of Marine Life

As our expedition neared its conclusion, we spent the last 2 days of the cruise at Richelieu Rock, renowned as one of the world's premier dive sites. Situated in the Surin Islands Marine National Park, Richelieu Rock boasts a wealth of biodiversity and is celebrated for its stunning coral formations and vibrant marine life. Its strategic location in the open sea makes it a magnet for pelagic species, including Whale Sharks, Tunas, and Giant Trevally, offering divers a chance to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With its kaleidoscope of colors and teeming marine ecosystem, it's no wonder Richelieu Rock consistently ranks among the top 10 dive sites in the world. The amount of life was absolutely stunning, with a massive school of Emperor, Big Eyes Trevally, and Rainbow Runner chasing all over the place. We also have schools of Batfish, Chevron Barracuda, and African Pompano. Some solitary massive groupers and Great Barracuda. And for the macro lovers like us, we have the beautiful ghost pipefish, Hairy Shrimp, Porcelain Crab, and Anemone Egg Fish.
Harlequin Shrimp
tiger egg cowrie
Ghost pipefish

Celebrating Milestones and Memories

As we bid farewell to the Andaman Sea, we extend heartfelt thanks to our guests whose camaraderie and enthusiasm enriched our journey. Special congratulations are in order for Dorota and Nicholas, who successfully completed the Nitrox course, and for Manu, whose 100th dive marked a significant milestone in his diving journey.

In retrospect, our seven-day odyssey through the Andaman Sea has left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. From the vibrant reefs of the Similan Islands to the majestic depths of Richelieu Rock, each dive unveiled a treasure trove of marine marvels, reaffirming the ocean's boundless beauty and our unwavering passion for exploration. As we reflect on our voyage, we are reminded that beneath the waves lies a world of wonders waiting to be discovered, beckoning us to dive deeper and embark on new adventures. 
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  • When & Where
    • Schedule and Prices
    • Destinations >
      • North Andaman Thailand >
        • Similan Islands
        • Surin Islands >
          • Richelieu Rock
        • The essential Underwater photo Guide to diving Thailand
      • South Andaman Thailand >
        • Phuket & Koh Phi Phi National Parks
        • Koh Lanta National Park
        • Koh Lipe and Tarutao National Park
      • Mergui Archipelago >
        • Liveaboard diving holiday in Myanmar
        • Burma's best dive sites
        • The Ultimate Underwater photo Guide to diving Burma
  • ABOUT
    • Our Boat >
      • DELICIOUS FOOD
    • Diving in Thailand in 2025-2026
    • Diving in Myanmar/Burma in 2025-2026
    • Blackwater diving in Thailand and Myannmar
    • Marine life in Thailand's Andaman Sea
    • Marine life in Mergui Archipelago
    • Dive Courses >
      • Learn to Dive
      • Continue diving education
      • Rescue diver
      • Professional Dive Courses
      • Hone your dive skills with a specialty course
      • Photo coaching in Thailand on the Smiling Seahorse
    • Guest Book
    • FAQ
  • Plan your trip
    • Our hotels recommendations
    • Khao Sok National Park
    • Taxi services >
      • Taxi services to and from Ranong
      • Taxi services to and from Phuket
      • Taxi services to Tap Lamu and Khao Lak
    • 10 things to do around Ranong
  • PROMO
    • HOT DEALS
    • Special Expeditions >
      • 8D Whale shark expedition - 20 March 2026 - North and South
  • gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • CONTACT
  • BLOG
    • Most popular posts