Mergui Archipelago

Created by webmaster. Last modified on 2002-08-19 00:50:43
Contributors: Dorothy Walker, Mariposa
Countries: Myanmar (Burma)

The Mergui Archipelago consists of over nine hundred islands and islets, all but two of them uninhabited and scattered over an area of 12,000 square miles. The area was strictly closed to all foreigners until 1997 when a limited number of yachts were granted permission to undertake diving charters. There is virtually no commercial fishing, no industrial pollution, no development at all.

As regards the possibilities of private yachts visiting the islands off the coast of Myanmar, the points to consider are 1) the actual obtaining of a visa, 2) the licence to sail in the waters and 3) the risks of rebel action in the area. Visiting Myanmar it is not easy, it may be dangerous in places and one must have a visa obtained in advance.

One of the dive operations here in Phuket told us that as a boat we would need a licence - which is of course meant for use by commercial boats - the cost is approximately US$1000 for a year. However there could be a possibility of being able to buy part of a licence that is not being currently used from one of the dive operations. We checked this out and the company informed us that they could arrange a licence for bigger yachts for US$3000 for a year and that it would be cheaper taking one of their trips at US$1000 for a week.

However the temptation of untouched islands and great diving is just too much! We are still working on it. Watch this space!

The only place on the coast that is even mentioned in tourist information is Kawthaing, (9º 58'N 98º 32'E) on the Isthmus of Kra. This is one of the few places where you can arrive and get stamped in and out of Myanmar on the same day.

If you do manage to get a visa/licence etc. the following are places mentioned as the dive spots by the various dive companies.

Stop off points for diving/anchoring:-

Barwell island - short distance from Kawthung

Cavern Island - nice dive on SW side

Boulder rock - tiny islet

Horsburgh Island - Large pristine beach on west side - great for sunsets

North Rock - good diving

McLeod Island - Beautiful anchorage in horse shoe shaped bay, short walk through rainforest brings you to perfect beach.

Western Rocky Island - good diving

Horseshoe Island - spectacular anchorage with cliffs and caves

Great Swinton Island - Idyllic anchorage with sparkling white beach - good snorkelling and diving. North side of the island has a large beach with a freshwater stream.

Colona Rocks - tiny islet, one of three - good diving

Stewart Island - good diving

Peacock Island - beautiful beach - good dive off south tip - slight current and good snorkelling.

Pu Nala - One of the few inhabited islands - small monastery with one monk. Also Sea Gypsy village who may trade shellfish, prawns etc.

North Sentinel - small island, barren - good diving

Clara Island - Anchor in a large bay - good for sunsets

Blackrock - Only anchor over night if weather permits. The diving is spectacular - 16 miles from the nearest land!

Myanmar Banks - not good as an anchorage and possibly too far away to be any good for yachts.

Little Torres Island - good diving

MacCarthy Island - good diving.