LOB MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO
LOB - Diving In Mergui
First opened up to tourism in 1997, the Mergui Archipelago is one of the latest frontiers of scuba diving. Comprising of 800 and more islands, Mergui Archipelago's unexplored islands are scattered within 4600 square miles. One can only imagine the staggering amount of marine biodiversity there is! Shrouded in mystery, Mergui Archipelago is largely unexplored. Unlike most dive destinations in Southeast Asia, Mergui Archipelago does not have throngs of liveaboards clamoring with scuba divers. The distance between dive sites in the Mergui Archipelago and the lack of liveaboard operators, make each and every dive a memorable and intimate experience at the same time. Especially for underwater photographers, this makes sure that
With the number of years of isolation and the prime location of being in the midst of the Andaman Sea, Mergui Archipelago boasts of both macro and pelagic marine life. Expect a high density of coral coverage in the Mergui Archipelago along with varied species of critters and pelagics. From Frogfish, Pipefish, Nudibranchs, to Oceanic Manta Rays, and various species of Sharks, Mergui Archipelago is an underwater paradise and a majestic sight to behold.
Day 1 |
Singapore – Kawthaung via Phuket and Ranong - 08:00 SIN-HKT departure from Singapore to Phuket, on Jetstar flight - 08:55 arrival at HKT Phuket International Airport - 10:00 meet and greet at arrival hall with combi-van transfer to Ranong - 12:00 after 74km stop for lunch at Khao Lak, a seaside town Phangnga - 13:00 continue remaining journey to Ranong via combi-van - 16:00 arrival at Ranong Pier - 16:20 clear immigration from Thailand - 16:40 speedboat transfer to Kawthaung - 16:50 clear immigration into Myanmar - 18:30 reception onboard Mega Explorer, check-in and dinner |
Day 2 |
Rocky Island and Three Islet
- 09:00 dive 1 at Rocky Island - 12:00 dive 2 at Rocky Island - 16:00 dive 3 at Shark Cave - 19:15 dive 4 at Shark Cave |
Day 3 |
Black Rock
- 09:00 dive 5 at Black Rock southwest Wall - 12:00 dive 6 at Black Rock Manta Point part 1 - 16:00 dive 7 at Black Rock Manta Point part 2 |
Day 4 |
North Twin – South Twin Island
- 09:00 dive 8 at North Twin Island - 12:00 dive 9 at North Twin Island - 16:00 dive 10 at South Twin Island - 19:15 dive 11 at South Twin Island |
Day 5 |
Western Rocky – Fan Forrest Pinnacle
- 09:00 dive 12 at Western Rocky underwater cave - 12:00 dive 13 at Western Rock eastern Pinnacles - 16:00 dive 14 at Fan Forrest (18 hours No-Fly surface interval begins) |
Day 6 |
Kawthaung – Singapore via Ranong and Phuket
- 09:00 arrival at Kawthaung after breakfast - 09:15 check-out and disembark from Mega Explorer - 09:30 clear immigration from Myanmar - 09:45 speedboat transfer to Ranong - 09:55 arrival at Ranong Pier - 10:00 clear immigration into Thailand - 10:20 combi-van transfer to Phuket - 13:20 stop for lunch at lunch Khao Lak town - 14:20 continue remaining journey to Phuket via combi-van - 16:20 arrival at HKT Phuket International Airport - 21:00 HKT-SIN departure from Phuket to Singapore, on Jetstar flight |
*Note: Sample itinerary for reference only, subject to changes in weather and other unforeseen circumstances
INCLUSIONS | EXCLUSIONS |
5 nights accommodation onboard in Twin rooms with attached bathroom | Airfares and airport taxes |
Up to 14 guided boat dives | Dive and travel insurance |
All daily meals, snacks, hot beverages, coffee, tea | Dive gear rentals |
All onboard entertainment facilities such as Jacuzzi, Bluetooth-enabled audio player, USB-connectivity LCD panel TV with video/movie library, camera-docking stations etc. | Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages |
Hot water outdoor shower, fresh body towel, and refreshments after each dive |
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Tanks, weights and weight belts. |
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The dive season in the Mergui Archipelago runs from October to May. Andaman Sea experiences monsoon for the rest of the year and diving in the Mergui Archipelago is not possible. Manta and Whaleshark sightings are more common from February to May.
The best way to dive Mergui's dive sites is via a liveaboard, most of which depart from Ranong. From Ranong, it is approximately three hours to the liveaboard.