Myanmar, which was formerly known as Burma is a Southeast Asian nation that is home to more than 100 different ethnic groups and cultures. Myanmar borders Bangladesh, India, Laos, Thailand, and China. The country’s largest city is Yangon (which was previously known as Rangoon) is known for its busy markets, beautiful sights on land and epic dive sites under the surface.
Myanmar has only recently opened its waters to tourism, meaning that there are so many virtually unexplored and untouched coral reefs as well as encounters with incredible marine life.
We’ll help you find the perfect Liveaboard trip, that suits your needs:
It’s difficult to choose wich liveaboard that will suit your needs and how to find the best price on that boat.
So we’ve gathered the best boats and made it possible to compare prices across all the different booking platforms. This way, you’ll get the best boat for your needs at the best price.
Start by sorting the boats after your budget, and find a liveaboard that fits your budget and your needs:
October to May is the liveaboard diving season in Myanmar. The best conditions are from December to April, when the visibility is highest and the sea calmer. The sea temperature ranges from 26°C to 30°C
There are 8 PADI approved liveaboards available around Myanmar that travel around the Mergui Archipelago. The normal length of a dive safari in the area ranges between 6-7 nights.
Black Rock is a rocky island that’s around 100m in length. Wall dives at this dive site are second to none. They drop down to below 60m and have a major drop off all over. There is great visibility around the wall and it is important to be aware that there are extremely strong currents here, so make sure to stay as close to the rock as possible to avoid getting caught up.
This dive site has been known for being home to huge numbers of sharks. Even in the ’90s, divers would flock to the area to see these gentle marine creatures gliding through the surrounding waters. Currents are also strong around the bank, so a drift dive is usually the safest option. These dives are normally guided due to the strong and unpredictable currents. Dives at The Burma Banks begin at the bank and end up with the divers looking out into the deep, blue open ocean, spotting large silver tip reef sharks.
This is a fascinating and much-loved dive site in Myanmar. It consists of 3 rocks that all go down to 40m, which are home to some of the most incredible marine life found throughout the whole archipelago. Grey reef sharks have been known to frequent the area especially in and around the nearby canyon.
Sea World 1
Read full overview
Sea World 1 is the symbol of Asian hospitality, style, and warmth. Its air-conditioned cabins are located on the main deck to offer the best views the sea has to offer! It has been conceived to make you live a dream-like liveaboard experience while exploring the best diving spots in the Andaman Sea and Myanmar thanks to its extensive dive…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Many divers said that the reefs were entirely covered with yellow, orange and lavender soft corals.
- Many people commended the instructor on the the opportunity to dive close to whale sharks.
- Several divers reported that on their day off they visited a remote island and went snorkeling in the volcanic crater.
- Some divers said the dive masters main concern was safety and no incidents took place.
Things we don’t like:
- A couple of people noted that the beds they slept on were hard.
- Some people noted that there was limited space in the cabins for luggage and no lockers.
Where to book Sea World 1:
Deep Andaman Queen
Read full overview
The Deep Andaman Queen liveaboard is a 30m beauty providing a comfortable and relaxing dive vacation. The Deep Andaman Queen offers four to seven days liveaboard safaris traveling the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock, and Burma Banks. She was custom designed for diving and even offers separate entry and exit platforms.
Key facts
Things we like:
- Several divers stated that the itinerary was well planned and executed by the crew and staff.
- Many people were happy with the fact that they could meet like minded people that loved the under water life.
- The food was well prepared and everyone gave the chef compliments on the excellent work he did.
- A lot of divers said they would return to this magical liveaboard.
Things we don’t like:
- Some people said they were disappointed that they did not get to spot manta and whale sharks.
- A couple of people noted that the engine room was close to the lower decks and this caused a disturbance.
Where to book Deep Andaman Queen:
Diva Andaman
Read full overview
Dive in style on the 18th century schooner dive Liveaboard SY Diva Andaman. The 35m ship only loads fourteen divers, so you will have plenty of room to stretch your legs and relax in luxury between dives, including the opportunity to end your dive day with a Thai style massage. SY Diva will carry you to the best diving in…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Many people were happy with the diving staff for picking the best locations for dives.
- Divers said they saw a diverse amount of marine life an aquatic creatures.
- Some people stated that it was a magical moment when they opened their sails for the first time.
- Many people said they would return for another wonderful experience on board the liveaboard.
Things we don’t like:
- Many people were taken back by the small cabins and luggage space on the liveaboard.
- Some people claimed that the chef repeated most of his meals in frequent intervals.
- A couple of people noted that the weather was bad and this inferred with their dives,
Where to book Diva Andaman:
The Smiling Seahorse Liveaboard
Read full overview
Few places in the world remain largely undiscovered by the diving community, but the vast waters of Myanmar’s (Burma) Andaman Sea certainly qualify. The Smiling Seahorse is one of the few liveaboards in Myanmar, though the boat does split its time with dive sites in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Diving in the Andaman Sea is characterized by protected marine marks with…
Key facts
Things we like:
- New, purpose-built eco liveaboard (2018)
- Themed dive trips
- Photography room
- Mares-certified technicians onboard
- Rebreather-friendly
Things we don’t like:
- Alcoholic drinks not included in the price
- Nitrox surcharge
- The standard rooms do not have a private bathroom
Where to book The Smiling Seahorse Liveaboard:
Giamani
Read full overview
If you want great liveaboard diving and personal experience then the MV Giamani liveaboard is for you. The 24m steel-hulled boat only services ten divers at a time. The Giamani offers a one to six-night dive trips that will give divers an unmatched tour of the Andaman Sea.
Key facts
Things we like:
- Many people said the staff took good care of the equipment and helped with getting in and out of the water.
- Some people stated that there is a lot of room on the boat and the cabins are spacious.
- Some divers said they encountered a whale shark on their beautiful dives around Similan.
- Many divers said it was fantastic to do so many dives with a professional dive master who balanced safety with plenty opportunities to see marine life.
Things we don’t like:
- Some divers said you must go with low expectations as you are not always lucky to encounter large fish.
Information to know about liveaboard diving in Myanmar
- Even though the underwater experiences that Myanmar has to offer are second to none, it is important to remember that it has extremely strong currents and surface conditions can be difficult at times.
- Due to harsh conditions, Myanmar is the place to visit if you are a more advanced diver.
- The best time to dive Myanmar is between the months of October through to May, where visibility is excellent and can even reach as far as 50m.
- Water temperature ranges from 25C/77F-28C/82F, which is ideal.
- If you’re hoping to see large pelagics in the area, then diving in Myanmar between February and May will not disappoint, with the chance to see manta rays as well as whale sharks.
- Yangon International Airport is the main airport for international arrivals. However, if you are hoping to catch a liveaboard trip around the Mergui Archipelago, then this will require a further internal flight or a long, 2-3 day bus journey. Either way, it is not easy to get to however you will not be disappointed by what awaits.
- To help with the issue above, the majority of liveaboards traveling to Myanmar tend to leave from Ranong in Thailand, which is easy to get to from Bangkok or Phuket.
- The local currency is the Myanmar Kyat where there is roughly 1571.70MMK to 1USD.
- The local language spoken is Burmese, however, some locals do speak English. It might be wise to take a translation book with you.
Take a moment to look at this.
