Smiling Seahorse · Thailand · 9D/8N
Embark on an extraordinary 9-day journey exploring the remote and pristine Mergui Archipelago and Burma Banks. This liveaboard offers a unique opportunity to discover Myanmar's untouched underwater world, known for its diverse marine life and spectacular dive sites. Expect encounters with large pelagics, vibrant coral reefs, and rare critters in relatively uncrowded waters. The itinerary provides a blend of exploratory dives and visits to renowned locations, promising an unforgettable adventure for experienced divers.
Today marks the embarkation day in Ranong, Thailand. Guests will meet at the dive center headquarters between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM for necessary immigration formalities. After clearing immigration, you'll transfer to Kawthoung, Myanmar, to board The Smiling Seahorse. The evening will be spent settling into cabins and enjoying a first delicious meal on board, ready for the adventure ahead.
The first full diving day begins with a morning brief before exploring South Twin Island, situated on the fringes of the Mergui Archipelago. This site is renowned for its consistent visibility and dramatic granite boulder topography. Divers often encounter impressive marine life, including manta rays, ghost pipefish, seahorses, and frogfish. The day concludes with a captivating night dive, perfect for spotting pygmy squid, candy crabs, cowries, and nudibranchs.
Dive sites: South Twin Island
Today's dives focus on "Shark Cave," a favorite site offering three distinct areas to explore. This vibrant location is known for its colorful coral formations and diverse crustacean life, including numerous mantis shrimp. Divers frequently encounter nurse sharks and large blotched stingrays here. The afternoon offers a chance to explore a pristine beach or a local fishing village, with a night dive at one of the day’s preferred sites ensuring further exciting discoveries.
Dive sites: Shark Cave
The itinerary proceeds to Black Rock, a solitary rock in the open sea, renowned as a prime location for encountering large pelagic species. This site is particularly famous for its "Manta Festival," where dozens of manta rays are commonly sighted. While currents here can be more challenging, the potential for thrilling encounters with sharks and other large marine life makes it a highlight of diving in Myanmar.
Dive sites: Black Rock
Today's exploration moves to North Twin and its pinnacle, where divers have increased chances of encountering manta rays and occasional eagle rays. The seabed features numerous sand patches interspersed with boulders, creating ideal resting spots for leopard sharks, which are regularly sighted sleeping. Giant sea fans are also prevalent here, often concealing a variety of fascinating macro critters for attentive divers to discover.
Dive sites: North Twin
The journey continues further west towards the legendary Burma Banks for a series of exploratory dives. This remote region offers a unique opportunity for exceptional underwater experiences, with the potential to be among the first divers to explore some of these untouched sites. The vast, open ocean environment of the banks holds the promise of significant pelagic encounters and unique discoveries.
Dive sites: Burma Banks
Today's dives begin at Seafan Forest, an incredibly scenic site adorned with giant sea fans on one side and vibrant purple soft corals on the other. This location is renowned for frequent whale shark sightings, with up to four individuals observed simultaneously. Following this, the next two dives will be conducted around the spectacular Western Rocky area, promising further amazing underwater experiences.
Dive sites: Seafan Forest, Western Rocky
The Western Rocky area stands out as a highlight of the Mergui Archipelago, featuring a unique tunnel that traverses the island and is home to numerous lobsters. Three dives are planned for this area, beginning with a submerged pinnacle known for spectacular scenery and schooling fish action. Divers often spot various shark species here, including bowmouth guitarfish, whale sharks, and reef sharks, alongside resident harlequin shrimp, frogfish, and abundant crustaceans.
Dive sites: Western Rocky
The final dive typically takes place in a volcanic area where blacktip sharks are often found congregating. This site is exceptionally rich in macro life, with numerous seahorses and rare species like shaded batfish, comet long fins, and pineapple fish. After the last dive, which concludes no later than 11:30 AM, the vessel heads back to Kawthoung, Myanmar, where guests can visit the local market. Following immigration procedures, guests return to Ranong, Thailand, arriving around 5-6 PM.