Venturing North: Kyun Phi Lar and the Enigmatic Shark Cave
Our northbound journey led us to Kyun Phi Lar, where the allure of Shark Cave beckoned. The healthy reef teemed with life—marbled rays, barracuda, the exquisite seahorse (was it smiling to see us?), a myriad of colourful nudibranchs, and the mesmerising Spanish dancer were just a few of the underwater treasures that graced our explorations.

Exploration at Black Rock: Unveiling Underwater Grandeur
We spent the following day at the infamous Black Rock, captivating us beyond measure. The site lived up to its prestigious reputation, hosting an astounding spectacle of marine life. Schools of jackfish, the impressive dogtooth tuna, the enigmatic spearer mantis shrimp, and the resplendent sea anemones, engulfing one side of the rock, left us spellbound.

Southbound Bound for North Twin: A Pinnacle of Aquatic Grandiosity
Our journey southward led us back to the Twin islands but this time we dived around the majestic North Twin and its awe-inspiring pinnacle. The sheer abundance of aquatic life surrounding this challenging pinnacle was a sight to behold. Schools of big-eye jacks, barracudas, rainbow runners, surgeon fish, and tunas orchestrated an underwater ballet. Delving deeper into the reef revealed a microcosm of macro creatures—cowries, shrimps, and nudibranchs, adding an extra layer of marvel to our diving experience.

For the night dive, we throw our bright pumpkin in the water and got ready for the first ever Myanmar Blackwater Dive!!!

Unveiling the Sea Fan Forest: Encounters with the Majestic Birostris Mobula
Our anticipation peaked as we revisited the remarkable Seafan Forest. The highlight of our journey unfurled as we were graced by the presence of the majestic Birostris Mobula, commonly known as the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray. The forest of sea fan is still intact and what an amazing place to explore!

Later that day, Western rocky was also up to our expectations, on the reef, in the blue, inside and outside the cave. Our sunset dive on Eagle Rock was like diving inside a dense school of fish.
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Gratitude and Celebrations
As the voyage drew to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this extraordinary trip. Special congratulations to Elaine for achieving her AOW and Nitrox certifications, Jessica for her AOW, and Martin and Navya for earning their Nitrox certifications. A heartfelt thanks to Franck for capturing the magic through his wonderful pictures.
This seven-day journey was not just an exploration but a collective immersion into the mesmerizing depths of Myanmar's aquatic wonders. It was so wonderful to be the first back in this amazing place and we sure look forward for more!

​Each dive, encounter, and shared experience further strengthened the bond between our diverse group of adventurers, leaving an indelible mark on our souls and kindling an insatiable desire for future expeditions. As we bid good bye to these mystical waters, we carry with us a trove of memories and a pledge to return, lured by the unexplored mysteries of the ocean.

The Mergui archipelago, which has remained inaccessible for half a century before it was opened to boutique tourism from 1997 to 2019 and closed again with the international Covid crisis. Still quite undiscovered, it is the cradle of an extraordinary diversity of species of corals and marine creatures. 
 
​Over more than 400 kilometers from North to South, a set of primary forests bordered by coves of immaculate sand dotted with limestone or granite rocks sometimes held in precarious balance – results of landslides following distant geological phenomena – forms one of the last marine paradises throughout the Indian Ocean.
 
The local population is made up of the Moken, who are nicknamed “nomads of the sea” (an expression which designates various groups in South-East Asia …
 
Myanmar's Mergui Archipelago has more than 800 islands spread across 12,000 square kilometers of crystal-clear waters just waiting to be discovered. Since the Burmese seas were opened to tourism, only a few boats have started to appear there, but the islands remain almost entirely uninhabited except for a few the local moken villages…

These "sea gypsies," display remarkable prowess in harpoon fishing and breath holding freediving, conscientiously harvesting from the sea only what is essential for sustenance and trade. Residing within the archipelago, a few thousand of these individuals—thought to have originated from southern China over 4000 years ago—have steadfastly preserved their distinct identity, resisting assimilation into the broader population. Traditionally dwelling on kabangs, their traditional boats crafted from large tree trunks, the Moken have evolved to include modest village settlements where they cultivate basic crops to supplement their fish-centric diet.

Scattered like pearls on a blue velvet bedsheet, Mergui archipelago is a tropical paradise stretching between Kawthoung in the South and Mergui in the North only accessible by boat from the Ranong/ Kawntaung southern Border. 
Myanmar's waters remained relatively unexplored but offer unique topography for experienced divers: with numerous caves, thousands of pinnacles covered in soft corals, incredibly rich Marine life and exclusive dive sites, this is diving like you've never experienced before!
Diving in Burma gives you the opportunity to meet giant Manta Rays, schools of Barracudas, weird Frogfish, crabs of all types (spider crabs, decorator crabs, sponge crabs ...), Seahorses and pipefish, and varied crustaceans including the "photographer- pleaser: the colourful Harlequin Shrimp.
Different types of sharks also inhabit the area and often swim alongside divers and you are sure to be wowed by the size of the coral bummies if you ever got to the Burma banks!

If you have a drone, Mergui is also a great archipelago to visit from above! We hope you like our aerial shots. 

Check here the best dive sites in Myanmar
 
Marine life in the Andaman Sea...
Ultimate Marine Life guide to Mergui Archipelago…
 
An Underwater photographer’s ultimate guide to the Mergui Archipelago...
Mergui Archipelago: Myanmar's diving destination…

** Mantis Shrimp ​Fun Fact #1: The Peacock of the Sea**

The peacock mantis shrimp earns its dazzling nickname due to its vibrant and iridescent coloration. These marine gems come in a range of spectacular shades, including vibrant greens, blues, and fiery reds. Their bodies are adorned with intricate patterns, making them a true art piece. 

** Mantis Shrimp Fun Fact #4: Mantis Shrimps are Neither Mantis, nor Shrimp

​While the name "mantis shrimp" might suggest a curious fusion of a praying mantis and a shrimp, they're neither related to mantises nor actual shrimp. These captivating creatures belong to the stomatopod family, a group of marine crustaceans that have evolved into a unique and independent branch of the evolutionary tree. So, the next time you're pondering their peculiar moniker, just remember that mantis shrimps are in a league of their own, defying conventional categories in the animal kingdom.

Mantis shrimp have a fascinating life cycle. Fertilized eggs are attached to specialized swimmerets on the female's abdomen using a sticky secretion. The female protects and fans the eggs, ensuring oxygen circulation and preventing the growth of harmful fungi or bacteria during the incubation period, which lasts several weeks.
Once ready to hatch, the female releases the eggs into the water, where they become tiny larvae known as nauplii. These larvae go through multiple developmental stages, feeding on plankton and small organisms until they reach maturity, just like other crustaceans. We can see them very regularily on our blackwater dives. After reaching maturity, they settle on the reef.

The raptorial appendages of the mantis shrimp have different shapes depending on the species. Some have claw-like appendages known as "spearers," while others have appendages that resemble hammers, giving rise to the name "smashers."
The peacock mantis shrimps are "smashers" and are particularly fascinating because they can strike with a force greater than most other animals, despite their relatively small size.  It is believed that this incredible punching ability is a result of the mantis shrimp's unique muscle structure, which combines spring-like mechanisms with a locking mechanism to store and release energy rapidly.
Below are a few photos of Spearing Mantis Shrimp (Lysiosquilla maculata). They are much lighter in colour and live in a vertical burrow in the sand, while peacock mantis shrimp prefers rocky areas on the reef.

The Andaman Sea in Thailand and Myanmar is a paradise for divers enthusiasts, boasting a diverse ecosystem that is home to an array of captivating marine life. Among the majestic creatures that roam these waters, sharks hold a special place in the hearts of many... 
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In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of sharks that you can encounter in the Andaman Sea...

1. Leopard Sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum):

2. Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus)

4. ​Nurse Sharks (Nebrius ferrugineus)

9. Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus)

The vast oceans are home to a multitude of captivating and unique creatures, and among them are the enigmatic sea snakes. These serpentine reptiles have adapted to life in marine environments and are renowned for their remarkable features. In this blog post, we will delve into the intriguing world of sea snakes and explore their fascinating characteristics.
 
Sea snakes belong to two subfamilies, Hydrophiinae (true sea snakes) and Laticaudinae (sea krait, who are semiaquatic).
 
In Thailand and Myanmar we have the chance to encounter regularly representatives of these two families: 

Yes! while surrounded by (sea) water, Sea snakes can die of thirst.
While they live in the oceans, sea snakes cannot extract fresh water from the saline sea. Kraits may drink water from land or the sea surface, but True sea snakes (while they have teh ability to expel part of the salt they ingest) must wait for rain to drink the relatively fresh water floating on the sea's surface.

Sea snakes are extremely venomous creatures (their bite will create quite a lot of damage), however, they are not considered aggressive towards humans and will only bite if they feel threatened or provoked.
 
It's important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid handling or disturbing these fascinating creatures if encountered in their natural habitat. The same apply to all underwater creatures: Do not touch!
The same caution should be exercised with snakes found washed up on beaches. Snakes may feign death as a defense mechanism, and even a deceased or decapitated snake can still reflexively bite.
 
Survival tip: In the event of being stranded at sea, it is possible to consume sea snakes for sustenance. They are not poisonous (ie: can be eaten) but to survive, you better avoid getting bitten!

True sea snakes are skilled predators that primarily consume small fish, fish eggs, and young octopuses. These sea snakes can be active either during the day or at night, displaying versatility in their feeding habits. On the other hand, sea kraits are nocturnal feeders that primarily target eels as their preferred prey. They supplement their diet with crabs, squid, and fish they find while exploring the reef and crevices.
 
While there have been no observations of sea kraits feeding on land, we know that they do return to land to facilitate the digestion of their prey.
In their natural habitat, sea snakes face predation from eels, sharks, rays and other large fish.

In summary, while reptiles, including sea snakes, generally lay eggs, they employ different methods of hatching. Viviparous species, like yellow-bellied sea snakes, give birth to live young after internal development and maternal nourishment. Oviparous species, such as sea kraits, lay eggs externally, and the embryos develop inside the eggs with nutrients from the yolk sac until they hatch independently.

Brace yourselves for an extraordinary journey into the depths of the ocean aboard The MV Smiling Seahorse. Get ready to embark on an awe-inspiring underwater adventure where you'll have the chance to encounter an array of remarkable marine life, including these superstars of the sea: sea snakes!

The ribbon Eel is the only member of its genus. Scientists thought for a long time that there were 3 types of ribbon eel, the black, the blue, and the yellow species. But now we know they form a unique species changing sex and colour during its lifespan!

Every individual is born as male.
Juveniles and sub-adults are black with a yellow dorsal fin. When they reach adulthood, they keep the yellow fin but the body turns blue and starts developing female reproductive organs.
​When they reach their full size, they turn into female and change their color to complete yellow.
They will then find a mate, lay their eggs, and die within a month.

Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the oceans, their size implies slow growth rates and great longevity. Male Whale sharks reach sexual maturity in around 30 years (their adult size is rarely bigger than 8 meters). Females get much bigger but it takes them 50 years to be ready to conceive. 

While they could live up to 100 or 150 years old and mother a few hundreds pups, this late development implies slower potential population renewal as most whale sharks will not live long enough to have a descendant. 
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They have to steer clear of a lot of threats such as fishing nets...before they get a chance to breed.

Whale sharks are ovoviviparous and this is known thanks to a single pregnant female caught in nets in 1995 (nicknamed "big Mamma" ) containing 300 embryos in her utero at various stages of development. Some were still in their eggs, others already hatched, the biggest was 64 cm long.

Where whale sharks go to give birth is still a mystery, it is believed that whale sharks are born between 40 – 70cm but surprisingly no diver has ever seen a whale shark under 2m longs and it is still unknown where they spend their time before reaching this size. 

​As it is one of the few places they can still hide in… it is believed that baby whale sharks are born in very deep water and spend the first years of their lives at depth.

Watch a baby whale shark swimming off in this video: