Anybody know of Myanmar based dive-operators?

Have friends who want to go in June.

I know the weather is far from perfect but their schedules do not permit otherwise.

Cheers

Rhodie

As far as I know, there is no diving operators except those near to ranong.

The only way to dive in Burmese waters that I am aware of is on a live-a-board out of Thailand and they only operate between November and April due to the seasonal monsoons. I haven't been yet, but I hear the Mergui Archipelago and Burma Banks have really fantastic dive sites.

Nudge SVB, He has several hundred hours diving in Myanmar Waters (took me on my first dive too!).

NomadJoe is correct. Still no Myanmar based dive specialists in the archipelago, hopefully that will change in future.

Moby Dick is still doing tours of the islands - but can't see anything about diving...

http://islandsafarimergui.com/

Ahh, phazey - happy times!!

Hi all,

Would be interested by an update or links about diving in Myanmar. I've seen a resort proposing dive courses (http://www.myanmarandamanresort.com/activities.htm)

I heard corals damaged in many places... But information is difficult to get.

Thanks for any info.

There are also some small diving operators located at Ngwe Saung beach - which is probably the most accessible to get to from Yangon.

Not sure if they will operate at this time of year given the weather. More than likely they will be closed until September - but you would need to get in touch with them to check.

Keep in mind that safety is an issue - there has been at least one fatal diving accident with a dive operator in Ngwe Saung earlier this year.

For info about Ngwe Saung and how to get there - see these two topics:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/592850-ngwe-saung-beach-myanmar-trip-report/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/592799-bus-services-to-ngwe-saung-and-chaungtha-tofrom-yangon-trip-report/

Mergui Archipelago:

There are various reports of damage to corals from dynamite fishing in the south.

There are still excellent diving areas in the archipelago - the only problem is getting there.

Only a few outfits operate through the islands - and certainly not at this time of year (during the peak monsoon season).

A lot of divers visiting the islands these days are on luxury private yachts. Very nice if you can afford it!

The islands of the archipelago will open up in late September, with the season running from October through to April..

One local outfit that is still offering dive trips is A-One Diving Ranong. Search for their details or PM me for info.

Hope this helps

SVB

Thanks again SVB, for these interesting and detailed reports, it definitely helps.

You def have more info than a LP guide ;D

I'll be writing a report as soon as i dive there !

Cheers