Name: Black Rock
Rating: 5.0

Black Rock is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Burma, Mergui Archipelago which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

Black Rock

North Twin Plateau is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Burma, Mergui Archipelago which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

North Twin Plateau

This site is known variously as "Shark Cave", "Three Islets", "Three Stooges", and "In Through The Out Door".

There is a canyon which leads to a small underwater cave that can be swum right through. Grey reef sharks were common in the canyon, and large nurse sharks were common in the cave, but both have become increasingly rare. Nevertheless a very interesting site with probably the greatest diversity of species in the Mergui Archipelago. Blotched fantail rays can be seen, as well as seahorses, scorpionfishes, Phraraoh cuttlefish etc..

Great care should be taken in the canyon and cave, as occasional bouts of "surge", which don't look serious on the surface, can cause very strong currents underwater.

Liveaboard

Three Islets is also known as Shark Cave.

Three Islets

An isolated rock that can be circumnavigated in one dive. Interesting critters such as frogfishes, ghost pipefishes and nudibranchs can be found.

Liveaboard

High Rock

One of a number of "banks" that rise from the sea bed. Originally misplaced on British admiralty charts. Silvertip Bank rises to a minimum depth of 14m. It was once famous for its silvertip sharks, which have all but disappeared now. Nurse sharks may still be occasionally spotted, and other sharks such as white tip reef sharks can be spotted if one descends down the edge of the bank. The coral reef is interesting, but has suffered extensive damage from dynamite fishing in the past.

The site is accessed by liveaboard, taking an overnight trip from the Mergui Archipelago or mainland Burma.

Silvertip Bank

The reef gradually slopes down to the east of the two smaller islands immediately east of Western Rocky Island, finishing at a depth of around 35m. The character of the dive is different to Western Rocky Island itself. Entry can be near the 2 small islands, or straight into deeper water to the east of them. Highlights are giant sea fans, occasional zebra sharks, octopus, schools of snapper, anemones and corals. Stingrays may be seen deep at the eastern end of the reef. It is best to finish the dive by returning back to the two small islands, and perhaps even swim across the channel to Western Rocky Island itself if you have enough time and gas. A school of sawtooth barracuda is often seen here.

Typically accessed by liveaboard boat doing a Mergui Archipelago cruise. Most boats are based in Thailand.

Eagle's Nest

This is a small, remote island. It can be circumnavigated in a single dive.

There is a large atmospheric arch at the south west side at about 20m depth. Various crustaceans live beneath it.

There is a tunnel/cave right through the island from south to north at a depth of about 15m. Light is always visible from one end or the other and it is generally safe to pass through, although the visibility can reduce if the silt is kicked up. It is important to take the RIGHT HAND exit of the cave as the LEFT HAND exit is very tight to squeeze through. Inside the cave are many longlegged spiny lobsters. Occasionally tawny nurse sharks are seen inside the cave.

The oustide of the island forms a wall hosting a lot of interesting marine life. Highlights are nudibranchs, scorpionfishes, anemones and corals, occasional giant frogfishes etc..

In the channel between the main island and the smaller pinnacle to the east there is often a school of sawtooth barracuda.

Adjoining to the east is "Eagle's Nest", an alternative and deeper dive site which can be done as a separate dive.

Very occasionally grey reef sharks, bull sharks, whale sharks and manta rays can be seen around the island.

Dive site access is typically by liveaboard boat as part of a Mergui Archipelago cruise that takes in other sites such as Black Rock and Shark Cave. Most boats are based in Thailand.

Western Rocky Island

Very popular dive site. A small cave is at the north point; and a coral garden within 6m is ideal for snorkelers.

Close to the shore. See GPS.

Koh Talu is also known as Ko Thalu.

Koh Talu

The shoal is few meters northwest from the rock, top is approx 5m deep.

Small rock and shoal just north from Joh Surin island.

Hin Kop is also known as Hin Rap.

Hin Kop



Just below Koh Ran Kai. Approx 2hrs by boat.

Koh Ran is also known as Koh Ran Bped.

Black Rock

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Black Rock