Myanmar Liveaboard

Myanmar Liveaboard Diving

Myanmar liveaboard diving expeditions only started exploring the Mergui archipelago in 1997 when Burma opened the borders for tourism. Since then, liveaboard operators have begun searching the chain of 800 islands for new dive sites.

This relatively unexplored liveaboard destination already offers some excellent dive sites with untouched reefs and an abundance of marine life.

Because of the islands’ remoteness, you will be most likely be the only liveaboard that you will see for the whole week, and for even more unwinding on your diving holiday, phone reception and wifi are not possible for the entire trip.

DESTINATIONS

Myanmar (Burma) dive boats offer various liveaboard trips to the Mergui archipelago. Whereas one liveaboard offers a week-long scuba diving in Myanmar, including the Burma Banks, others will depart from Khoa Lak and first stop at the diving sites in the Similan islands such as Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock before crossing the border.

Marine Life

Myanmar brings some fantastic dive sites, including Western Rocky, where you can see anything from Frog Fish and Harlequin Shrimps as well as Whale Sharks and Manta Rays.

Black Rock is a rocky outcrop 100 miles from Kawthaung. Well worth a visit to the large schools of Barracudas, Trevallies, and Snappers, along with the large pelagics such as Manta Rays. Shark Cave offers beautiful soft corals, seahorses, Ornate Ghost Pipe Fish, Nurse Sharks, and a great cave!

Another highlight is the Burma Banks, where you can expect 50-meter visibility, Silver Tip Sharks, and Nurse Sharks.

Marine Life

Myanmar brings some fantastic dive sites, including Western Rocky, where you can see anything from Frog Fish and Harlequin Shrimps as well as Whale Sharks and Manta Rays.

Black Rock is a rocky outcrop 100 miles from Kawthaung. Well worth a visit to the large schools of Barracudas, Trevallies, and Snappers, along with the large pelagics such as Manta Rays. Shark Cave offers beautiful soft corals, seahorses, Ornate Ghost Pipe Fish, Nurse Sharks, and a great cave!

Another highlight is the Burma Banks, where you can expect 50-meter visibility, Silver Tip Sharks, and Nurse Sharks.

MYANMAR LIVEABOARD SEASON

Due to weather conditions in the monsoon season, a Myanmar diving cruise is only available from November until April. You get the least amount of rain at this time of the year, and the Andaman sea is calm, whereas the monsoon season brings along strong winds and heavy rainfall.

HOW TO GET THERE

A Myanmar diving cruise can depart either Khoa lak or Ranong, depending on which liveaboard you choose.

When the liveaboard departures from Khoa Lak, you will get picked up by a minibus from Phuket and the Khoa Lak area and get transferred to the liveaboard. These liveaboards also include two days of diving in the Similan Islands.

The liveaboards that depart from Ranong also includes minibus pick up around Phuket and Khoa Lak. Just bear in mind this is a 5-hours drive, whereas you can choose a short domestic flight from Bangkok daily. From Ranong, you will cross over to Kawthaung for immigration procedures.

MYANMAR VISA

Depending on the visit period, there is a fee to pay onboard your liveaboard before your Myanmar diving trip can start. The price is US$200 up to US$250 per cruise that needs to be paid in cash.

It is essential that your US dollar bills are new and that they are in perfect condition. Otherwise, Myanmar immigration officers reject your payment. Besides this, bring along two passport size photos that are not older than six months old, as well as a copy of your passport.

Besides this, bring along two passport size photos that are not older than six months old, as well as a copy of your passport.

For the latest updates about visas for Myanmar, go to the official immigration website.

Reviews

Loved it

Rated 5 out of 5
27 February 2019

I would highly recommend a trip up to Myanmar. Black Rock was the highlight, loved it.

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