Liveaboard Diving Holiday in Myanmar (Burma) in 2020

Following the COVID-19 lockdown, we’re all longing for a safe and memorable holiday. Why not book a liveaboard diving package in the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar (Burma)?

Now that lockdown procedures are easing up in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us are dreaming of happy holidays filled with friends and adventure. We know that global travel isn’t going to be easy this year, but there is a convenient solution. Keep your holiday travel local to avoid inconvenient health checks and expensive international flights. You might even be surprised by the wonders of what lies right in your backyard.

Why don't you try something new and adventurous? Book a luxury liveaboard diving holiday and cruise the unexplored islands of Myanmar with The Smiling Seahorse dive centre based in Ranong.

Our boat, alone in Mergui Archipelago (Burma)

Where do we go?

​Our liveaboard diving trips will bring you to visit the hidden treasures of Myanmar.

Much fun during a liveaboard diving holiday in Myanmar

​The exquisite and remote Mergui Archipelago  These largely unknown islands stretch for thousands of kilometres along the western coast of Burma. They have only recently been opened for tourism and diving and most people are still unaware of their existence. The best way to visit these unexplored regions is aboard one of our exclusive liveaboard diving cruises.

The coveted Burma Banks 
125 km offshore from the southern town of Kawthaung, the secrets of the Burma Banks are waiting to be discovered. Enjoys these giant sand dunes coming up from the depths to meet large pelagic fishes (such as nurse sharks, silvertip shark or whale sharks) and discover the deep blue.

Why choose us?

Your exclusive diving holiday with The MV Smiling Seahorse team will take you where no other liveaboard boats will be in sight for days. The Mergui Archipelago is composed of over 800 islands and 3000 islets, lined with white sand beaches fringing verdant jungle forests. 
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​Imagine towering granite cliffs, dark green mangroves and clear turquoise waters with nothing to disturb your reveries  but the sounds of waves and birds singing.

​With exceptional facilities and a very friendly staff, we will be pleased to offer you a full service package that will cater to your every need and desire. With our PADI instructors team as your guides, they will show you the abundant marine life with focus on individual tastes. Whether it's macro life that tickles your fancy or you prefer larger fish, we will be sure to point out something to make you smile.

​If you wish to learn more about scuba diving, we provide safe and complete diving education with experienced and passionate PADI instructors. 

We only teach small groups to ensure you enjoy high quality and personalised training.

Vibrant colours underwater in Myanmar's Archipelago

What can you see?

Manta ray gliding through blue waters of Burma

The islands of Myanmar are spread out over a massive area of 12 000 square kilometres. You will encounter a marvellous biodiversity of marine and terrestrial life including numerous corals, anemones, fishes, birds, and reptiles.

In the sea and mangrove swamps lives a plethora of spectacular marine animals.  You might encounter a big pelagic fish or mammals such as schools of Bottlenose dolphins, Minke whales, Whale sharks, and Giant manta rays. There are also many minuscule curiosities to be found in every nook and cranny of the reef. Many varieties of crustacean, pipefish, nudibranch and frogfish to name a few, are sure to bring a little tear to your eye.

The local government with the help of many enthusiastic marine biologists and conservationists, have worked tirelessly to keep this tropical paradise unspoiled by tourism. You can read more about the fascinating marine life that thrives in the Mergui Archipelago documented by several Environmental conservation projects.

The Smiling Seahorse Liveaboard boat​

Our new liveaboard diving boat, the MV Smiling Seahorse was designed for your safety and comfort. Built at the end of 2018 with a steel hull, it’s not the standard converted Thai fishing vessel often used for diving in the area.

The boat was made to be confortable and convenient for divers with a large diving platform and plenty of storage. It will also satisfy underwater photographers that want to rinse, charge and safely store their most fragile electronics in the world class camera room.

The MV Smiling Seahorse: Myanmar savvy liveaboard

Our 8 luxury cabins sleep up to 16 divers. All wood-panelled and air-conditioned, they are equipped with their own en-suite bathrooms and will accommodate both couples and solo travellers. 
Delicious meals will be served 4 times per day, created in style by our awesome on-board Thai chef. Discover more about our diving boat  and its bountiful amenities.

Thai and Western cuisine on board

​How to get here?

There are cheap domestic flights 3 times a day from Bangkok to Ranong that take only one and a half hour. 

By car, Ranong is only a 4 hours drive from Phuket and 2.5h away from Chumphon (where you can get onto boats to/from Koh Tao, Koh Phangan or Koh Samui).   

The passage from Ranong (Thailand) to Kawthoung  (Burma) takes about 20 minutes by boat, crossing over the river which separate the two countries.
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If you are already in Myanmar, we are also happy to pick you up in Kawthoung.​​ (There are daily flights from Yangoon to Kawthoung).

BOOK NOW

We will be open again from October 2020 to May 2021 for a new diving holiday season.

If you need any information about cruising in the Mergui Archipelago (Burma), contact us by filling the form and book your next diving trip away from the crowds.

We look forward to organise your dream diving holidays and show you our little piece of tropical paradise !

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