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!!!
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!!!
 Thailand Manta project leader |  Our Manta Queen for the week, Jamie Piyada |
 Vibrant coral reef |  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!!!!
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  Bluestripe Snappers |  A jackfish wave...  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.
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  Burma banks attracts all kinds of pelagic fish |  Giant coral bumies  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.
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  Oriental Sweetlips |  Beautiful marble ray on the sand  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!!!
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 day octopus going on a stroll  Our guests happily toasting with Jamie |  Clown fish in their anemone  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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