The islands and the surrounding waters of the Andaman Sea boast biodiversity rarely seen elsewhere. While abundant marine flora and fauna have contributed to the region’s growing popularity as a diving destination, it remains relatively untouched. For this reason, endangered creatures such as whale sharks and dugongs make their home here. 

About the Mergui Archipelago

Mergui is situated in the Andaman Sea, just off the Western shore of the Malay Peninsula in Myanmar. Thanks to the archipelago’s isolation, it has escaped much of mankind’s destructive impact on the environment. 

Imagine yourself sailing between 800 or so white-sand islands covered in tropical jungle. The water is clear turquoise and is undisturbed by the few local fishing boats and an occasional visiting yacht. Beneath the surface is a bounty of marine life waiting to be discovered. 

The area is important for migrating cetaceans. The aptly named Whale Bay is notable for its resident populations of Bryde’s and Omura’s (dwarf fin) whales. Blue whales, beaked whales, and killer whales occasionally pass by and Irrawaddy dolphins can be seen making their way through the bay. 

The Moken, with a total population of just under 3000, are the indigenous people of the Mergui Archipelago. They are renowned for their freediving skills and their intimate sense of the sea. In 2004 the Moken predicted an Indian Ocean tsunami well before it swept in. Heading to high ground, they escaped the wave which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. 

We will do our best to meet the so-called Sea Gypsies and dive with them as they have dived for generations.