The Myeik Archipelago (also known as the Mergui Archipelago) is located in Southern Myanmar just across the border from Thailand. It consists of over 800 islets varying in size from small limestone formations to islands hundreds of square kilometers in size. It is the prime diving destination in Myanmar.
The archipelago has opened up to the public in 1997, after several years of negotiation by Phuket dive operators. Because of its isolation, the seas and its islands are relatively untouched. An amazing array of flora and marine life lies in these waters making for an outstanding dive experience.
The islands at Myeik are similar to their Thai counterpart being mostly made up of limestone and granite. The islands usually consist of jungle, and the shorelines are characterized by beaches, rocky headlands and in certain places, mangrove swamps. Many of the islands are home to an extensive list of animals such as deer, monkeys and tropical birds. The Moken (sea gypsies) can also be seen living on some of these islands. They are a sea dwelling people who still practice the same fishing and boat building techniques for generations. Many of the other islands are uninhabited and are largely untouched by humans.
The region offers divers an excellent array of coral reefs, marvelous topography and an abundance of marine life. Encounters with large fish such whale sharks and rays are common from February to May in the Myeik Archipelago. Divers will also encounter an interesting assortment of small colorful fish and unusual reef creatures unique to these waters. Because of the area’s vast list of islands, there are sure to be unexplored dive sites waiting to be discovered.
The area’s untouched nature is also at risk. Trawling hurts the marine population while blast fishing has put permanent damage to the reefs. Despite these unfortunate circumstances, diving in Myeik is still a brilliant experience. Corals and marine animals are still in abundance in the Myeik Archipelago. Since many of these fish move from reef to reef, there always seem to be new groups of fish showing up in these waters.
The Myeik Archipelago is a new addition to the extensive dive sites available in Southeast Asia. The best time to come dive in these waters is from December to April when there is not much rain and visibility is at its best. If you are interested in exploring the underwater world of the Myeik Archipelago, then our Myeik Liveaboard Cruise is the tour for you. Visit sleepy fishing towns, snorkel or dive in the tranquil waters and explore the many islands by kayak from our comfortable boat. You can also see our Myanmar tours page for other great suggestions into this mystical and relatively untouched country. If you have any questions or would like to tweak any of our tours to fit your needs, please feel free to contact us.
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