Smiling Seahorse · Thailand · 8D/7N
Embark on an extraordinary liveaboard adventure through the Mergui Archipelago, a realm of dramatic granite formations and rarely visited dive sites. This cross-border journey from Thailand into Myanmar promises unparalleled diving experiences designed for those seeking unique underwater encounters. Expect thrilling offshore pinnacles, vibrant coral reefs, and world-class night diving, all far from the usual crowds of divers.
Day one begins with a meeting at the dive center headquarters between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Following this, guests will proceed to immigration for Thai exit stamps before boarding the MV Smiling Seahorse. After crossing into Myanmar, immigration officers in Kawthaung will complete border screening, celebrating the start of the cruise with a sunset ceremony.
The diving day begins at South Twin Island, characterized by scenic granite boulders and excellent visibility. This site often presents opportunities to spot majestic manta rays, while macro enthusiasts can search for ghost pipefish, seahorses, and frogfish. The day concludes with a night dive, where pygmy squid, candy crabs, cowries, and nudibranchs are commonly sighted.
Dive sites: South Twin Island
Today's dives focus on Shark Cave, a renowned site for its diverse marine inhabitants and beautiful coral formations. Divers commonly encounter eagle rays, grey reef sharks, and nurse sharks resting in the cave, alongside blotched stingrays, frogfish, leaf fish, and spearing mantis shrimp. The afternoon may also include a visit to a pristine beach or a local fishing village.
Dive sites: Shark Cave
Black Rock, a small outcropping in the open sea, is famous for its potential for large pelagic encounters. This site is known for frequent sightings of manta rays, often in significant numbers, as well as various shark and ray species. Due to its exposed location, conditions can be more challenging with currents, offering a different style of diving experience.
Dive sites: Black Rock
Today's dives explore North Twin and its pinnacle, where manta rays and eagle rays are frequently observed. The topography of many sand patches between boulders makes it a common spot to find resting leopard sharks. Giant sea fans often conceal fascinating marine life, encouraging close inspection. The day offers diverse opportunities for both pelagic and macro sightings.
Dive sites: North Twin, North Twin Pinnacle
The morning begins at Seafan Forest, a site named for its abundance of sea fans that attract various fish species, including schools of barracudas, batfish, and hunting tuna. The afternoon brings exploration of Western Rocky, one of Myanmar's most famous dive sites, featuring a tunnel at 20 meters depth that traverses the island. This area is excellent for spotting lobsters, crabs, and a variety of unique marine life, making it a prime location for night dives.
Dive sites: Seafan Forest, Western Rocky
The final dive of the trip takes place in a volcanic area known for a resident group of blacktip sharks. This unique site also offers opportunities to find seahorses and rare tropical fish species such as the comet longfin, shaded batfish, and pineapple fish. Divers are encouraged to explore the nooks and crannies of the reef for hidden treasures, concluding the diving adventure.
Dive sites: Volcano Dive
After the last dive, the vessel returns to Kawthaung, offering an opportunity for souvenir shopping and a refreshing local beer. Following the return of passports from Burmese authorities, guests will head back to Thailand to receive new entry stamps. The trip concludes with arrival in Ranong around 5:00-6:00 PM.