Underwater is such a magical place – suspended in time, moving at its own pace. There’s
always something new to discover and experience when you dive into the depths of what
mother nature has to offer. Diving enthusiasts typically know the kind of dive spots that exist
around the world, and many make it their life’s goal to experience them all. If this is you,
then we have some exciting news that will make you tremble with excitement in your
wetsuit!
It’s your chance now to explore the untouched Andaman Sea in and around Myeik
Archipelago, a jewel in Myanmar’s crown. Myeik Archipelago is a cluster of 800 pristine
islands big and small that have managed to stay beautiful and untouched. The sea is home to
innumerable aquatic species and corals who sparkle and glow in the clear waters. Thus,
these islands are a haven for diving enthusiasts.

The underwater scene in Myeik

Thanks to the archipelago’s isolation, the waters are yet to be polluted by human
intervention presenting some of the best dive sites in the world. The best time to enjoy a
dive is from October to May. From whales and sharks to manta rays, the underwater life will
amaze you.
In fact, these waters have one an enormous varieties of shark – Tiger, Grey Reef,
Hammerhead, Nurse and even the Spinner Shark. You can also find Silvertip and Whitetip
Sharks. A few lucky divers have also spotted Mobula Rays.
You will also be able to see an amazing variety of fishes here such as Frogfish, Ghost Pipefish,
Ribbon Eels as well as Lobsters, Octopuses, Crabs and other aquatic animals.

Liveaboard Diving in Myeik

Innumerable tour operators offer liveaboard diving in the Myeik Archipelago. You can get a
unique opportunity to be a part of dive cruises and enjoy the untouched marine life and
spectacular coral reefs around the area. There are yachts and cruise boats which sail at
regular intervals from popular ports in the Myeik Archipelago. Sail, dive and relax – that’s all
you will get to for a couple of days here.

These boats will also take you to the different islands where you will get exclusive
opportunities to meet the local Moken people the Salone people or the sea gypsies and
other nomadic tribes. The Salone people themselves are one of their kind in the world. They
are nomadic people who live on the water and earn their livelihood by fishing. Being on the
water over generations have made their masters of diving. You will be amazed by how long
they can hold their breath underwater. In the rainy season, these people come back to the
islands since the waters are too rough to stay and practice farming.
For years the area where the Salone people reside has been out of bounds for foreign
tourists. It was only in 1997 that it opened up and can only be accessed by liveaboard tour
operators from Myanmar and Phuket.

Dive Sites in Myeik

The coral reefs around these islands present innumerable diving sites. Here are a few to
explore:

Black Rock Islands: This 80-metre wide island lies at a northwest to southeast position and
has steep walls all around, especially on the west and south-west sides. This is the hotspot of
diving in Myeik. The island is located 100 miles north-west of Kawthaung, a town on the
Thailand Myanmar border.

South and North Twin Islands: These are two twin islands located close by. The North Twin
island is slightly smaller than the South and lies to the north of the South Twin Island. The
waters are visited by pelagic fish varieties such as Zambezi Sharks, Rainbow Runners and
Eagle Rays. The South Twin Island is a granite island with two small bays which are ideal for
diving and swimming.

Cockscomb Island: Another favourite of divers, Cockscomb Island is only 2 hours from
Kawthaung. There is a ‘hidden lagoon’ here which is the best place to dive.
Western Rocky Island: This is the southernmost dive site of Myeik islands and has extensive
walls and reefs where the most exquisite marine life resides. You will be able to see a wide
variety here including whales and sharks.

Burma Banks: Burma Banks has flat-topped seamounts which are ideal for diving. You will be
away from any human interaction and be surrounded by only pristine water of the Andaman
Sea. Doesn’t that sound fantastic?

Tips to go for a diving expedition in Myeik

Diving in these waters can only be done through Liveaboard ships. Hence, it is essential to
book the boat before venturing out. Usually, each expedition requires 4-5 days. So plan
accordingly. You can also take dedicated cruises which will combine diving with luxury
cruising as well as island exploration. These cruises will take around 10 days.

The waters are quite deep and at times can have strong currents and rough surface
conditions. Hence a modern to advance diving expertise is required for venturing into these
waters.
For the best experience, we recommend combining your diving expedition with island
exploration. Each of these islands has exquisite natural beauty and is the habitat of ethnic
tribes. Combining the visit will provide you with a holistic experience which we’re sure you
will remember forever.
So there you have it in a nutshell – the top dive sites in Myeik, Myanmar. A welcome
addition no doubt in any dive enthusiast’s bucket list of spots that will reignite your passion
for life and for the unexplored depths of nature!