Trip Report - The Smiling Seahorse Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar)

[Barmaglot]

So, when you say it's like Richelieu Rock everywhere, my brain lights up!

Is it really like that?

For the most part, yes.

I also wondered if you know much about Burma Banks and how it compares with Mergui?

No personal experience, sorry.

 

[GDMP]

Thanks, @Barmaglot. Good to know. Gonna think about visiting later this year or early next

 

[Yamba]

Thanks for the comprehensive trip report, @Barmaglot!

I'm very interested in this trip. I did a Thailand Andaman liveaboard last year and loved Richelieu — it remains the fishiest place I've ever been, even above places like Cabo Pulmo, Roca Partida, Darwin's Arch, Kri, Munaseli, etc. Luckily for us, there weren't many divers when we were there either (I saw one other boat group underwater during 6 dives there). So, when you say it's like Richelieu Rock everywhere, my brain lights up!

Is it really like that?

The lack of protection, nets, etc, are very sad to see though.

I also wondered if you know much about Burma Banks and how it compares with Mergui?

Thanks in advance

Hi there, the diving in Myanmar can be very good at a couple of the best sites, but to say it's as good Richelieu everywhere is going to set you up for disappointment. Also something to keep in mind is apart from Western Rocky and Black Rock, the average viz is around 10mt. You can get lucky and have clear water all over, but that is rare. The big plus is having none to very few other dive boats around, the negative is giving a chunk of money to the Myanmar government

The Burma Banks many years ago (90s) was the place for very good sliver tip encounters. Unfortunately Indonesian shark finning boats turned up and caught them all. The Banks, there are a few of them, are submerged hard coral mounds with the tops in 10 -20mt. Way off shore so good weather is needed to comfortably get out there and dive. They were never very fishy, even back in the 90s, great for sliver tips and also a good number of nurse sharks, and a place with a chance of seeing something big swim by. But not great for schools of reef fish.

 

[GDMP]

Hi there, the diving in Myanmar can be very good at a couple of the best sites, but to say it's as good Richelieu everywhere is going to set you up for disappointment. Also something to keep in mind is apart from Western Rocky and Black Rock, the average viz is around 10mt. You can get lucky and have clear water all over, but that is rare. The big plus is having none to very few other dive boats around, the negative is giving a chunk of money to the Myanmar government

The Burma Banks many years ago (90s) was the place for very good sliver tip encounters. Unfortunately Indonesian shark finning boats turned up and caught them all. The Banks, there are a few of them, are submerged hard coral mounds with the tops in 10 -20mt. Way off shore so good weather is needed to comfortably get out there and dive. They were never very fishy, even back in the 90s, great for sliver tips and also a good number of nurse sharks, and a place with a chance of seeing something big swim by. But not great for schools of reef fish.

Legend, thanks @Yamba! Sounds like you know your stuff.