Born of a passion for exploration, our bespoke expeditions offer the ultimate diving trip. Join us in February 2021 for the next installment of our ongoing adventures in Myanmar!
28 Feb – 8 March 2021
I am intrigued and want to talk about this:
February 2021 marks the 10 year anniversary of the first expedition we did to Myanmar with Dr. Andrea Marshall and Off the Chart founder, Ric Parker. These exploratory dives in February 2011 discovered one of the most important Giant manta ray aggregation sites in the Andaman Sea and was the trip that immortalised the Legend of Black Rock.
To celebrate our 10th successive year we are planning an epic adventure. An adventure that will relive all the highlights of the past nine years on research expeditions. Black Rock and the Burma Banks will of course feature on our packed itinerary, along with a visit to the seldom visited, breathtaking Lampi National Park and diving at Thailand’s premiere dive spots and best manta aggregation sites.
Our itinerary will allow us to dive more of the famous dive sites in Myanmar such as the Three Islets and North Twin. Eight days on expedition totalling 28 dives at some of the Andaman Sea’s most remote locations!
Ric Parker, Rachel Adlard and Stephen Boot will again host the expedition, joined by some very special guests.
Anna Flam, a leading Manta Ray scientists from the Marine Megafauna Foundation and the Global Manager of Manta Matcher Database.
Alex Tyrrell, a professional underwater photographer and founder of dive4photos on Koh Tao.
Shin Sirachai Arunrugstichai, a conservation photographer from National Geographic (Thai edition) and shark researcher who is currently working on a story of the Mergui Archipelago.
Ben Carroll, a tropical marine ecologist and marine conservation biologist, with 20 years of research and conservation experience throughout SE Asia and the South Pacific, currently coordinating FFI’s Tanintharyi Marine Conservation Programme.
Soe Tint Aung, a marine biologist from Flora and Fauna International who has extensively studied the coral life in the Mergui Archipelago working on the Tanintharyi Conservation Program.
Join them for an exclusive Myanmar liveaboard combining a spirit of adventure, exploration and conservation, with the excitement of diving far flung locations.
With limited spaces available be sure to…
As always on expedition, science, research, exploration and trying new things always play an integral part of our itinerary. Along with our tenth year studying manta rays, we will for the third year running be working closely with Fauna and Flora International. After the success of the Baited Remote Underwater Videos we obtained at the Burma Banks in 2020 we hope to further our ground breaking research there.
For keen photographers we will be joined once more by Alex Tyrell from Dive4Photos. Alex will conduct photography class and workshops and will also lead our now legendary Blackwater dives out in the open ocean en-route to the Burma Banks.
Guests will have the opportunity to help photograph and identify manta rays while also attending presentations by Anna Flam from the Marine Megafauna Foundation. With ten years of amassed data from our studies in both Myanmar and Thailand, there are no better experts in the region to learn more from about this magnificent species.
On our 2020 Off the Chart Expedition to Myanmar we were reunited with Thanda Ko Gyi. Though Thanda has been on many expeditions with us this was the first time we were introduced to her work as founder of the Myanmar Ocean Project.
Both Thanda and Shin Sirachai Arunrugstichai explained their on-going work in Myanmar whilst on expedition with us. They stole the show with their presentations providing us valuable insight into the plight of the regional and their courageous commitment to a sustainable future in the Archipelago.
In 2021 expedition members will have the option to participate in Reef Clean-ups and Ghost New Removeal with Thanda. On our 10th Anniversary Expedition we will dedicate one day to the Myanmar Ocean Project visiting seldom visited sites and island communities.
We are extremely excited to be working with Thanda and the new areas of research and conservation it will add to our expedition.
Blackwater Diving is becoming ever popular, especially amongst underwater photographers, as it gives you the chance of seeing marine life that nobody else has seen. Originating in Japan, but pushed into the mainstream by Hawaiian dive operators, this style of extreme night diving is now spreading across the globe.
The dive is conducted in deep water whilst drifting along with the current. Using a downline attached to a buoy with a string of powerful lights that act both as a reference for the divers and to attract the marine life. On this dive the aim is to see larval creatures, open ocean drifters and possibly deep water species that migrate up to shallower water after dark.
27th February 2021- Pre-expedition
It is recommended that guests arrive the day before the trip and stay the night in Khao Lak.
There will be a non-mandatory but encouraged group dinner on 18th February to introduce your hosts and also the perfect opportunity for guests to get to know each other before we embark.
28th February - Departure Day
Guests will be transported by private mini-bus to Ranong (border town) from Khao Lak or Phuket. We will board the MV Deep Andaman Queen for lunch.
After clearing Thai and Burmese immigration we will motor into Myanmar waters heading north through the night.
Day One is a non diving day but guests will be able to set up their diving gear, prep camera equipment and begin diving courses (if applicable).
There will be a boat briefing in the afternoon and expedition introductions from your hosts.
1st March - Day One
Day one is a four dive day at the famous Black Rock, rated by Dr Andrea Marshall as one of her top ten manta ray dive sites in the world.
2nd March - Day Two
Two dives where we will be involved in helping Thanda and her work.
3rd March - Day Three
Day three is another four dive day at the famous Black Rock, let’s hope for plenty of Manta Ray action.
4th March - Day Four
Day four is a four dive day at famous Mergui dive sites and sites with great potential for Manta Rays.
5th March - Day Five
Day five is a four dive day at the famed Burma Banks. We plan to dive at least three different Bank locations during the day followed by a Black Water dive later in the evening.
6th March - Day Six
Day six is a two dive day, split between Fan Forest Pinnacle and Western Rocky before we motor back to Kaw Thuang to exit Myanmar and re-enter Thailand. After a quick pitstop in the Smile Bar whilst in Kaw Thuang.
7th March - Day Seven
Day seven is a four dive day split between two of Thailand’s best dive sites.
8th March - Day Eight
Last day of the expedition will be two dives at Thailand’s premiere Manta Ray aggregation site. Then head back to Tap Lamu for disembarkation and transfers to Khao Lak or Phuket.
Post Expedition
On previous expeditions over the years we have held an informal dinner at one of Khao Lak’s popular eateries on the night we return to land, this is non-mandatory and not included in the expedition.
Possible Khao Lak Manta Ray Presentation by MMF researcher.
Liveaboard embarkation and Myanmar Immigration
One Myanmar site with possibilities for Manta encounters
Manta Ray aggregation site
Our most northerly site
Extremely remote, exciting diving
One of Burma’s best dive sites
Thailand’s premier dive site.
Manta Ray aggregation site
Liveaboard disembarkation point
Changes to dive sites and re-routeing is possible if safe sea and/or dive conditions are not met. This is the decision of the Captain and Expedition Leader. Re-routeing is not considered a cancellation and is non-refundable.
DIVING DAYS: 8
NUMBER OF DIVES: 28
APPROX. DISTANCE: 968 KM
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 25
An activity packed itinerary for this type of research expedition needs a substantial and reliable liveaboard vessel. The MV Deep Andaman Queen will once again be the chosen boat from which to explore the northern Mergui Archipelago and the Burma Banks before bringing us safely back to Thailand.
This is the sixth year that a Manta Research Expedition has been conducted from the Deep Andaman Queen. It is a large mid-range boat, perfect for extended trips out at sea. It is one of the largest liveaboard boats venturing into these areas, and at 31.5m long and 7m wide, she has plenty of room for the 25 guests and staff.
During the summer months of 2019 the Deep Andaman Queen underwent a major refit and now offers more room, comfort and facilities for our Off the Chart Expeditions.
LENGTH: 30.5M
WIDTH: 7M
MAX SPEED: 10 Knots
NUMBER OF CABINS: 11 Cabins
This twin engine steel hulled vessel accommodates guests comfortably in a variety of different cabins. The diving facilities are superb; boasting one of the largest dive decks in South-East Asia. The dive deck has separate entry and exit points, camera and equipment rinsing facilities and two fresh water showers. View full details of the Deep Andaman Queen.
The master cabins span the entire width of the bow on the main deck. It features large windows, a large double bed, desk, fridge & T.V.
There are 3 deluxe double cabins. All are located on the main deck and feature windows with ocean views and spacious en-suite bathrooms.
There are 2 deluxe twin cabins. Both are located on the main deck and feature windows with ocean views and spacious en-suite bathrooms.
This cabin is ideal for a buddy pair looking for a decent berth on a decent boat, at a decent price. Located on the lower deck with easy access to the main deck.
The triple cabin is on the lower deck towards the bow of the boat. The triple cabin offers great value for money for a mid-range Similan liveaboard.
The quad cabin is in the bow of the lower deck. It sleeps 4 guests on 2 twin bunks. Like all cabins there is air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom.
Our team work year round planning these exclusive expeditions. We combine the best aspects of liveaboard diving at remote locations, with interesting scientific work and other special activities to create an exciting adventure. We are on hand to answer any questions you may have before making the commitment to join us.
What are the chances of Manta Ray encounters? Is my diving experience enough to join the trip? What will be my role in the research? These are just some of the questions we often get asked. We will answer your inquiry as thoroughly and honestly as possible.
This is our commitment to ensure that our expeditions are right for you.
It is our guests that really mould each expedition into a long lasting and memorable experience. This is confirmed by the fact that on our most recent trips, over 50% of our guests have joined us on previous adventures. Contact us today to become part of our truly unique diving expeditions.
30% deposit is required within 2 weeks to confirm your booking. Balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation Policy: 120 days+ prior to trip departure date. All payment will be refunded, less 10% of total cost. Domestic ticket is non-refundable. 120-45 days prior to trip departure date. All payment will be refunded, less 40% of total cost. Domestic ticket is non-refundable. Less than 45 days prior to trip departure date. No refund will be made. Domestic ticket is non-refundable.
Alex Tyrrell is a professional underwater photographer based in Thailand. Originally from the UK, he now operates Dive4Photos, a dedicated underwater photography training facility on Koh Tao. He is a freelance photojournalist for numerous dive magazines and nature based publications and is a regular speaker at dive shows.
Ric is one of MMF’s most dedicated volunteers in South-East Asia working to help educate communities about the plight of manta rays in the region and helping to lead expeditions to observe these gentle giants in the wild. He also leads efforts to promote and collect data for MantaMatcher in Thailand and Myanmar.
“Boots” is a dive professional whose love for the ocean drives him passionately to protect the seas and everything in them, from the giant mantas down to the coral reefs. A keen conservationist he is always looking to further expand his knowledge and rarely lets an opportunity to be in or learn more about the oceans and its inhabitants pass him by.
Anna Flam is a field researcher for the Marine Megafauna Foundation, currently based in Tofo, Mozambique. Anna is the global manager for ‘Manta Matcher’- the Wildbook for manta rays. Having lived and worked in Thailand for 4 years she is not only incredibly fond of the region but has a wealth of experience as well.
