Last chance to join our exclusive ‘Off the Chart’ Manta discovery expedition to Myanmar. Once again expedition host Ric Parker will team up with leading Manta Ray scientists from the Marine Megafauna Foundation. Join us on a voyage to dive the more remote northern areas of Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago. As well as conducting on-going Manta Ray research, this discovery style Myanmar liveaboard will explore possible new Manta Ray aggregation sites and habitats based on information and data complied over the last six years working in the region.
Starting from the world famous dive site Black Rock, the discovery expedition will then head north beyond the range of standard Burma liveaboard trips. There will be numerous opportunities to dive ‘never dived before sites’ on our quest to find mantas and a chance to visit areas few people have gone before.
The northern reaches of the Mergui Archipelago are dotted with beautiful islands that abound in abundant topside nature, undisturbed by tourism. Each day holds mystery and excitement as we take manta ray science to new and exciting locations.
Expedition Itinerary
13th March 2017- Pre-expedition
Pre Expedition Dinner
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 13th March to introduce your hosts and also the perfect opportunity for guests to get to know each other before we embark.
14th March - Day One
Immigration
Guests will be transported by private mini-bus to Ranong (boarder town) from Khao Lak or Phuket where we will embark 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.
15th March - Day Two
The Adventure Islands
Day two is a four dive day around the Adventure Islands. This will be an exploratory day researching possible manta ray aggregation sites based on information from Myanmar scientists and researchers.
16th March - Day Three
Black Rock
Day three 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.
17th March - Day Four
Northern Extent
Day four is a four dive day reaching our mostly northerly point. This will be an exploratory diving day.
18th March - Day Five
Princep Island / Great Western Torres
Day five is a four dive day with both known and exploratory sites. Possible encounters of schooling Mobula Rays. There will be a chance to go to Princep Island. Get closer to the island’s abundant nature and hopefully spot giant hornbill birds.
19th March - Day Six
Black Rock / The Burma Banks
Day six is a three or four dive day depending on location. Exact location will depend on conditions and manta ray sightings.
20th March - Day Seven
Western Rocky
Day seven is a two dive day, both dives at Western Rocky before we motor back to Kaw Thuang to exit Myanmar and re-enter Thailand.
21st March - Day Eight
Koh Tachai and Koh Bon
Day eight is a four dive day split between two of Thailand’s best Manta Ray dive sites.
22nd March - Day Nine
Koh Bon
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
Presentation
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.
KHAO LAK
Liveaboard departure point
KAW THUANG
Myanmar immigration
BLACK ROCK
Manta Ray aggregation site
PRINCEP ISLAND
Previously unexplored dive sites
WESTERN ROCKY
One of Burma’s best dive sites
KOH BON
Manta Ray aggregation site
Rerouteing during a cruise can always happen if safe sea and/or dive conditions are not met. This is the decision of the Captain and the Dive Expedition Leader. Rerouteing is not considered as a cancellation and is not refunded.
DIVING DAYS: 8
NUMBER OF DIVES: 27-28
APPROX. DISTANCE: 900 KM
Expedition Vessel
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 third 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 28m long and 7m wide, she has plenty of room for the 21 guests and staff.
Deep Andaman Queen
LENGTH: 28M
WIDTH: 7M
MAX SPEED: 10 Knots
MASTER CABIN
The master cabin spans the entire width of the bow on the main deck. It features panoramic windows, a large double bed, fridge & T.V.
DELUXE DOUBLE
There are 3 deluxe double cabins. All are located on the main deck and feature windows with ocean views and spacious en-suite bathrooms.
DELUXE TWIN
There are 2 deluxe twin cabins. Both are located on the main deck and feature windows with ocean views and spacious en-suite bathrooms.
STANDARD TWIN
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.
STANDARD TRIPLE
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.
STANDARD QUAD
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.
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.
