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Best Diving in Myanmar ?
Best Diving in Myanmar ?
Myanmar offers some of the most pristine and untouched dive sites in the Andaman Sea. Relatively unaffected by tourism, the region is home to a wide variety of marine species found nowhere else. The northern islands remain largely unexplored, making them a hotspot for adventurous divers and underwater photographers. New species are still being discovered, offering unique experiences for divers seeking rare marine life and untouched coral reefs.
Liveaboard Diving in Myanmar ?
Liveaboard Diving in Myanmar ?
Myanmar remains one of the last largely unexplored diving destinations in Southeast Asia. After decades of restricted access due to military rule and limited infrastructure, the country only opened to visitors in 1997, with diving initially offered through Thai-operated liveaboards. Since 2011, improved governance and foreign relations have made Myanmar an increasingly attractive destination for adventurous travelers, offering pristine, untouched marine environments few have experienced.
Diving in Myanmar is almost entirely centered around the Mergui Archipelago, a remote group of 800 islands spanning nearly 13,900 square miles in the Andaman Sea, as well as the distant Burma Banks, a collection of five seamounts. The Mergui Archipelago remains challenging to access, requiring long journeys, which ensures uncrowded dive sites and pristine reefs. Many liveaboards focus on the southern islands, as the northern areas are extremely remote, making multi-day trips ideal for discovering rarely visited reefs. Divers can expect to enjoy nearly exclusive access to vibrant coral gardens, diverse marine species, and untouched underwater landscapes.
Myanmar liveaboard trips offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most remote and pristine dive sites in the Andaman Sea, making it a top choice for divers seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, and uncrowded underwater experiences.
Best Time for Myanmar Liveaboard Diving ?
Best Time for Myanmar Liveaboard Diving ?
The liveaboard diving season in Myanmar runs from October to May, with peak conditions between December and April. The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain and rough seas, closing most operators during this period.
December – mid-January: Clearer water, good visibility, temperatures 24–28°C (75–82°F).
February – mid-April: Plankton blooms reduce visibility to 10–15m, but this is the best period for spotting whale sharks, manta rays, and other pelagics. Water temperature may reach 30°C (86°F).
Myanmar Marine Life & Photography Opportunities ?
Myanmar Marine Life & Photography Opportunities ?
The marine biodiversity in Myanmar rivals that of neighboring Thailand but offers a completely different diving experience. Unlike the Similan Islands, known for coral-encrusted granite boulders and reef fish, the Mergui Archipelago features limestone islets with ledges and crevices that shelter a wide range of critters and reef fish. Over 700 marine species have been recorded, including rare macro subjects such as harlequin shrimp, ornate ghost pipefish, frogfish, tiger-tail seahorses, pineconefish, and Rhinopias scorpionfish.
Strong currents carry plankton-rich waters through the channels, supporting massive gorgonians and attracting large filter feeders, including whale sharks and manta rays during peak seasons. Myanmar is a photographer’s paradise, with uncrowded dive sites offering unique opportunities to capture both macro and wide-angle scenes without competing divers.
Myanmar Diving Difficulty ?
Myanmar Diving Difficulty ?
Diving in Myanmar is slightly more challenging than Thailand’s Similan Islands. Currents can be strong, particularly during full and new moons, and visibility may vary at inshore sites. Exposed reefs further offshore can experience swell and chop approaching the monsoon season. Despite these challenges, the reward of pristine, uncrowded reefs makes Myanmar liveaboard diving highly sought after by experienced divers.
Top Dive Sites in Myanmar ?
Top Dive Sites in Myanmar ?
Western Rocky
Western Rocky
A limestone islet in the southern Mergui Archipelago, covered in vibrant soft corals, orange tubastraea, and anemones. Features several pinnacles and a 66-ft tunnel through the center, with abundant marine life—perfect for a full day of diving.
Black Rock
Black Rock
Located at the northern limit of most liveaboards, Black Rock attracts mantas and pelagics during peak season. The site is similar in size to Western Rocky and offers excellent macro opportunities along steep walls.
Three Islets
Three Islets
Closer to shore, these rocky outcrops feature complex limestone pinnacles, canyons, and twin tunnels. Despite sometimes limited visibility, the abundance of unusual marine life makes this site a must-dive.
Burma Banks
Burma Banks
Farther offshore (60–80 miles), the Burma Banks offer a different diving environment with flat plateaus, sparse hard coral, and occasional soft corals. Silvertip sharks were once abundant, making this remote site attractive for adventurous liveaboard divers.
How to Get to Myanmar ?
How to Get to Myanmar ?
Most liveaboards depart from Ranong, Thailand, as international flights into Yangon (RGN) are limited. Travelers typically connect via Bangkok, Phuket, or the Middle East. From Yangon, domestic flights reach Myeik (MGZ) or Kawthaung (KAW), with resort transfers including speedboat journeys to the archipelago.
How to Dive in Myanmar ?
How to Dive in Myanmar ?
Nearly all diving in Myanmar is via Thai-based liveaboards, covering the southern Mergui Archipelago. Day trips and resort-based diving are emerging but limited due to military-controlled areas. Luxury resorts offer diving packages for the few accessible northern islands, but multi-day liveaboard trips remain the best way to explore the region’s pristine reefs.
Practical Information for Myanmar Travelers
Practical Information for Myanmar Travelers
Currency: Myanmar Kyat (MMK)
Language: Burmese
Main Airport: Yangon International Airport (RGN)
Time Zone: Myanmar Standard Time (GMT+6:30)
Electricity: 230V
💡 These additional fees are mandatory for divers joining Myanmar liveaboards.
E-Visa for Liveaboard: 50 USD
Myanmar Entry & Diving Fees:
6D/5N: 180 USD
7D/6N: 240 USD
8D/7N: 260 USD
9D/8N: 280 USD
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