Compared to the more heavily trafficked dive destinations throughout Southeast Asia, Myanmar's coastal regions and remote island chains have been spared the over-saturation of tourism that has impacted many other countries. Its seamounts, coral reefs and wrecks are nothing short of spectacular and await explorers willing to venture to this remote and little-dived area.
While Myanmar's marine environment may share many of the same species as its neighbour Thailand, the underwater landscapes found across the border offer a distinct contrast. Whereas the Similan Islands are renowned for their coral-encrusted granite boulders and schools of reef fish, the Mergui Archipelago is predominantly composed of limestone. These islands are riddled with ledges, crevices and swim-throughs that provide shelter and habitat for a diverse array of critters and fish not as commonly encountered in the waters to the south.
What makes Myanmar such an exciting scuba destination is the fact that new dive sites and undiscovered species are continually being documented, particularly in the north of the country. Its canyons, caves and pinnacles harbour a dizzying array of marine biodiversity – from the alien-like critters of the muck diving sites to the sheer walls covered with a riot of colourful sponges and soft corals.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about diving in Myanmar, from the best dive sites to eco-friendly dive resorts and the ideal time to visit.
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Best places to dive in Myanmar
Mergui Archipelago
Sprawling across nearly 36,000 square kilometres of the Andaman Sea, this archipelago comprises over 800 islands, each one seemingly more beautiful than the last. The remote nature of the Mergui Archipelago ensures that these reefs and atolls remain blissfully uncrowded, with divers often finding themselves the sole occupants of a particular dive site for days at a time. The islands remain almost entirely uninhabited, save for the occasional encounter with the enigmatic Moken, a nomadic sea-faring people who have called these waters home for centuries.
The Mergui's unique landscape of limestone islands has given rise to a vibrant underwater realm, including schools of shimmering tropical fish and even the occasional manta ray or whale shark. In fact, over 700 unique marine species have been documented in the archipelago, a staggering level of biodiversity that suggests the presence of rare and unusual creatures found nowhere else. Adding to its allure, the Mergui's narrow channels are swept by plankton-rich currents that sustain enormous gorgonian sea fans, some so massive they've actually collapsed in on themselves under their own weight.
Since the opening of Myanmar's borders to tourism, only a handful of dive operators have begun to explore the Mergui Archipelago and, due to its remote setting, this is the only practical way to access the southern islands. This sense of isolation and untamed wilderness is a large part of the appeal for divers seeking to escape the crowds and experience the thrill of true adventure.
Guide to diving in Myanmar
Burma Banks
This series of seamounts, or submerged volcanic mountains, sits over 125 kilometres offshore from the town of Kawthaung, hidden in the depths of the Andaman Sea. While the coastal regions of Myanmar are well-known and the Mergui Archipelago is increasingly visited, these mysterious underwater peaks have remained largely untouched by human exploration.
Situated on the edge of Myanmar's continental shelf, the Burma Banks exist in international waters that fall within the country's claimed economic zone, making them a tantalising target for adventurous divers and marine researchers alike. Reaching depths of hundreds of metres, these seamounts rise up dramatically from the surrounding seafloor, with coral gardens and even shipwrecks lying in wait on their sloping flanks.
Though there are six officially documented banks in this area - Big Bank, Coral Bank, Heckford Bank, Rainbow Bank, Roe Bank and Silvertip Bank - countless more unnamed peaks likely exist. Few liveaboards make the journey here, with large tidal changes and strong currents making the area only suitable to experienced divers. But with crystal clear waters and mesmerising coral displays, many consider the adventure to be well worth it.
Guide to diving in Myanmar
Scuba diving in Myanmar: Liveaboard vs resort
The diving opportunities in Myanmar are primarily concentrated in the remote south of the country and are best accessed via liveaboard boats departing from Thailand. This is largely due to the fact that much of Myanmar's coastline remains under strict military control and many of the best dive sites are scattered over a vast geographic area. As such, it’s less practical for day-trippers to access them.
That being said, resort-based diving options are slowly starting to emerge in the Mergui Archipelago, offering choices for those who prefer to stay on land. The Myanmar dive resorts in the area tend to be on the more expensive end of the spectrum, largely due to the remote setting. But when you set your eyes on the deserted beaches and uninhabited tropical islands that surround you, the price may well be worth it!
Most Myanmar liveaboard trips depart from either Rangoon or Khao Lak in Thailand, with the journey to the Mergui Archipelago itself taking between four to six hours. You can also find extended voyages incorporating dives at other renowned sites like the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock, allowing you to enjoy a comprehensive introduction to this unique corner of Southeast Asia.
Best dive resorts in Myanmar
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Myanmar
Tucked away on the southern shores of Nga Khin Nyo Gyee Island, this Myanmar eco-resort in the Mergui Archipelago is well set up for divers. It offers scuba diving and snorkelling trips to 10 sites in the surrounding area, many of which aren’t accessed by liveaboards. Each of the resort’s bungalows is sustainably built using locally sourced materials while communal meals are shared in the open-air dining area, often in the presence of visiting marine biologists.
"A secluded island with stunning white sand beaches, abundant sea life, hiking trails, bird watching, wonderful hospitality and not a soul in sight... what more could you want?” - Jojo (read more reviews here)
Complete with an onsite PADI dive centre, this private island resort in the Mergui Archipelago is what barefoot luxury dreams are made of. Each of the tented villas is beautifully appointed and offer stunning sea views while the all-inclusive meals include gourmet takes on both Burmese and international favourites. Sustainability is a high priority at this eco-friendly Myanmar resort, with everything from renewable energies to proper waste management and an organic garden onsite.
"One of, if not, the BEST resort in Myanmar.” - Em (read more reviews here)
Best dive resorts in Myanmar
Best time to dive in Myanmar
Myanmar's dive season runs from December through April when the conditions are at their best. Early in the season, the waters are often exceptionally clear, with visibility that can reach up to 20 metres or more. This is largely due to the lack of thermoclines and plankton blooms, which can sometimes cloud the water later in the year. The temperature during this time hovers between a comfortable 24°C to 28°C (75 to 82°F).
While plankton blooms as the season progresses may reduce visibility to around 10 to15 meters, it's also the prime time to spot some of the ocean's larger creatures, including whale sharks and manta rays. The water temperature also reaches its peak late in the season, climbing as high as 30°C (86°F).
During the monsoon months of June through September, boat operators and resorts are forced to shut down due to the frequently poor weather and heavy seas that make diving unsafe and unpleasant. However, this respite allows the marine environment to regenerate, ensuring that the following season will be just as spectacular for those eager to take the plunge.
Guide to diving in Myanmar
Other things to do in Myanmar
Aside from being an incredible destination for scuba diving, Myanmar offers a wealth of cultural and natural wonders that draw visitors from around the world. The historic temples and landmarks scattered throughout the country provide unparalleled insight into the country's tumultuous past, from the ancient ruins of Bagan to the intricately-carved pagodas that dot Yangon.
Beyond the cultural treasures, Myanmar also boasts breathtaking natural scenery that begs to be explored. Trekkers can immerse themselves in the rolling hills of the Hsipaw Highlands or discover the tranquil waters and floating villages of Inle Lake. It’s a fascinating country that deserves a week or two of exploration, either before or after your dive trip.
FAQs about diving in Myanmar
When is the diving season in Myanmar?
Myanmar's dive season extends from December through April, with the waters usually exceptionally clear early on in the season. During this period, the visibility reaches up to 20 metres or more, largely due to the lack of thermoclines and plankton blooms, which can sometimes cloud the water later in the season. The water temperature during this time hovers in a delightfully comfortable range between 24°C to 28°C (75 to 82°F), making for a pleasant diving experience in a 3mm wetsuit.
As the season progresses, the plankton blooms that emerge can reduce visibility down to around 10 to 15 metres, but this also ushers in the prime time to spot some of the ocean's larger creatures. Divers may be fortunate enough to catch glimpses of whale sharks and manta rays that are drawn to the nutrient-rich waters.
The monsoon months of June through September force boat operators and resorts to shut down due to the frequently poor weather and heavy seas that make diving unsafe and unpleasant.
What is there to see scuba diving in Myanmar?
Scuba diving in Myanmar allows access to an incredible underwater world teeming with a diverse array of marine life. Among the bigger attractions are whale sharks and manta rays, whose broad, wing-like pectoral fins can span over 20 feet across as they effortlessly soar overhead. Alongside these pelagic wonders, divers can also spot several species of turtles, including the loggerhead, green and hawksbill varieties, as they forage among the coral reefs.
While schools of barracuda and trevally can sometimes be seen darting through the blue, the seafloor teems with a dazzling array of smaller marine life, from the undulating tentacles of nudibranchs to moray eels peeking out from their hiding spots. Amidst this abundance, divers are also enveloped by the serene beauty of towering sea fan gardens, their delicate, lace-like branches swaying gently in the current.
How much experience do you need to dive in Myanmar?
Scuba diving in Myanmar is a truly captivating experience, but one that requires a certain level of expertise. To fully discover the challenging dive sites found throughout this Southeast Asian nation, it is generally recommended that divers possess an Advanced Open Water certification, at minimum. This advanced certification indicates a diver has honed their skills beyond the basics, developing the confidence and competency to navigate more complex underwater environments.
Additionally, a minimum of 30 logged dives is advised, as this experience equips divers with the knowledge and muscle memory to handle the unique conditions they may encounter in Myanmar. It’s worth mentioning that the Burma Banks do experience strong currents, so divers should be confident in these conditions and familiar with using a reef hook.
Should I stay at a dive resort or on a liveboard in Myanmar?
While resort-based diving options are slowly starting to emerge in the Mergui Archipelago, multi-day liveaboard diving is still the most popular way to dive in Myanmar. This is because many of the country's most impressive dive sites are scattered across a vast geographic area which makes them impractical for day-trippers to reach.
Most Myanmar diving expeditions depart from either the country's commercial capital of Yangon or the Thai beach town of Khao Lak, with the journey out to the Mergui Archipelago itself taking between four to six hours. Some Myanmar liveaboard itineraries even incorporate dives at other renowned sites like the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock, allowing adventurous travellers to enjoy a comprehensive introduction to the diverse underwater realms of this unique corner of Southeast Asia.
If you prefer to stay at a Myanmar dive resort, they tend to cater to the higher end of the market, with prices reflecting the remote and pristine nature of the setting. But for those willing to make the investment, the rewards are immense - the chance to be surrounded by deserted beaches, untouched coral reefs and uninhabited tropical islands that feel like the very definition of Robinson Crusoe-esque paradise.
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