Myanmar: Lost Islands of Mergui (5 days)

Your trip begins either from Yangon, flying down to Kawthaung, or with a drive from Phuket, Thailand to Ranong, with a crossing to Kawthaung. The choice is yours. Upon clearing immigration, leave from Kawthaung’s Myoma Jetty on a boat that will take you to Kyat Mauk island. This island is part of an archipelago of limestone islands, containing mountains, cliffs, caves, and stunning white sand beaches. This one of the world’s best kept secrets in terms of diving havens, with colorful soft corals and caves teeming with exotic underwater life. Today, you’ll make two fun dives and a night dive, upon which you’ll catch glimpses of, and have encounters with the likes of blacktip bharks, tuna, snapper, stingray, turtles, and other rare and beautiful sea species.

Start your day with a dive at Honor Rock, a site that’s similar in nature to Thailand’s famous Richelieu Rock, but far larger. Divers often rave about the quality of the coral here, as well as the huge seafan forest that can be seen underwater. Your second dive today will be through a tunnel/ cave at 20-meters depth, which extends under the entire island. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to catch sightings of Bowmouth Guitarfish, Grey Reef Sharks, Harlequin Shrimp, Seahorses, and more. Finish the day with a dive at South Rock, where you could see lobsters and reef fish.

Today, you’ll be diving sites around Macleod Island. If you wish to take a break from diving today, there are a slew of beachside activities you may choose to indulge in, from snorkelling, to swimming on remote islands, to relaxing with a good book. Alternatively, pay a visit to the Sea Gypsy villages. The Sea Gypsies here are called Moken, and while they currently mostly live on land, in the past they lived primarily on the sea. These people can dive up to 30 meters’ depth, using only goggles.

Today you may choose to either do some more diving, or explore the area by kayak. If you choose to dive, you can see the North Twin Island and its North Pinnacle, an area famous for its crystal clear waters, providing incredible visibility. Dive the Shark Cave, swimming with - you guessed it! - sharks. If you’re up for it, do a final dive at Gt. Swinton, where Barracuda parade around beautiful reefs. Alternatively, kayak through the archipelago’s lush mangroves.

Get in two final dives before the end of your trip - today, you’re off to Rocky Island and High Rock. These fantastic dive sites are famous for the tiny creatures that roam their waters, from Pipefish, to Frogfish, to Seahorses. After completing these dives, return to Kawthaung for your return journey home.