Top Dive Sites

Black Rock

Description: Black Rock is the crown jewel of the Mergui Archipelago, a solitary granite outcrop rising dramatically from the sea. Known for its thrilling pelagic action, the dive site features steep drop-offs and submerged boulders adorned with vibrant corals.

Marine Species: You’ll encounter schools of barracudas, jacks, and snappers. Friendly manta rays and whale sharks are frequent visitors, often delighting divers with their presence.

Unique Encounters: Black Rock is famous for its large pelagic species, including grey reef sharks and eagle rays. The sheer volume of marine life makes each dive here exhilarating.

Photography: The dive site offers outstanding opportunities for underwater photography, with its abundant marine life and stunning topography. Look for wide-angle shots of mantas gliding past or macro shots of colorful nudibranchs.

Suitability: More suitable for advanced divers due to strong currents and deeper profiles. However, experienced divers find Black Rock exhilarating and rewarding.

Shark Cave

Description: Shark Cave, also known as Three Islets, offers a mix of adventure and beauty. The site features a cavern where you’ll almost always encounter Blacktip reef sharks resting inside.

Marine Species: Notable species include ornate ghost pipefish, frogfish, and harlequin shrimp. The outer areas are frequently visited by passing manta rays and marble rays.

Unique Encounters: Blacktip reef sharks are the main attraction here, but don’t overlook the ornate ghost pipefish and rare frogfish camouflaged against the reef.

Photography: This site is a treasure trove for macro photography enthusiasts, with its array of small yet vibrant critters. Additionally, catch the majestic sharks as they glide silently through the waters.

Suitability: Suitable for intermediate to advanced divers, particularly those comfortable with cave environments and possible low visibility inside the caves.

Western Rocky

Description: Western Rocky is another highlight of the Mergui Archipelago, noted for its amazing underwater terrain including a large tunnel that passes through the entire island.

Marine Species: Here, you can spot nurse sharks, bamboo sharks, and the elusive whale shark. Turtles, lionfish, and a myriad of reef fish also call this site home.

Unique Encounters: The tunnel itself provides an adventurous swim-through experience. Additionally, encountering nurse sharks resting inside the tunnel adds to the thrill.

Photography: Offers both wide-angle and macro photography opportunities. Capture the dynamic underwater tunnel or close-up shots of the resident critters like the vivid nudibranchs.

Suitability: Accessible to divers of various skill levels, but a minimum of intermediate experience is recommended due to the potential complexity of navigating the tunnel.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: The Mergui Archipelago benefits from tropical waters, with temperatures generally ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F) year-round. During the dry season, from November to April, temperatures can be a bit cooler, offering some relief from the intense tropical heat. Bringing a 3mm wetsuit will typically suffice, although some prefer a 5mm for longer dives.

Visibility: The visibility in the Mergui Archipelago varies considerably depending on the season and dive site. During the peak season (November to April), visibility is often at its best, ranging from 15 to 30 meters (49 to 98 feet). However, it’s essential to note that pelagic-rich waters can sometimes stir up plankton, slightly decreasing visibility but increasing the chance for larger marine sightings.

Currents and Tides: The currents in the Mergui Archipelago can range from gentle drifts to more challenging conditions. Many dive sites, especially those around pinnacles and atolls, experience moderate to strong currents which can significantly enhance the overall diving experience by bringing in nutrient-rich waters, supporting a vibrant marine ecosystem. It’s advisable to consult local dive operators on the best times to dive each site and always follow their guidance. Timing dives with slack tides can offer more manageable conditions.

Safety Tips: Given the remoteness of the Mergui Archipelago, it’s crucial to dive with a reputable liveaboard or dive operator experienced in these waters. Always ensure you have comprehensive dive insurance, and consider carrying a DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) for increased visibility at the surface. Stay within your skill limits, and be prepared for deeper and drift dives if they are on the agenda. Thoroughly check your dive gear before each dive, as repair and replacement options are limited once aboard a liveaboard.

Regulations: Dive regulations in the Mergui Archipelago include obtaining permits to enter Myanmar’s protected marine areas. These permits are usually arranged by the dive operator or liveaboard. Respecting local marine conservation efforts is paramount: avoid touching or disturbing marine life, maintain neutral buoyancy to prevent coral damage, and adhere to guidelines provided by your dive operator. Fishing and collecting marine specimens are strictly prohibited.