MANTAS GALORE!

Liveaboard trip 11– 20/2, 2010

BURMA SAFARI

Mermaid I

We didn’t think it would be possible to beat the Manta action from the previous trip. As it turned out, it was very possible indeed! From the first minute to the last of both our dives at Koh Bon, we had these graceful creatures all around us. Rather than staying away, they actively seeked our company. Absolutely amazing!

Up north at Richelieu Rock we enjoyed the best visibility I’ve ever seen here; gin clear water with loads of scooling fish swirling the u-shaped rock. Taking a closer look, we discovered no less than seven Harlequin Shrimps, five Tigertail Seahorses, a shy Pineapplefish and six Ornate Ghost Pipefish.

Continuing our adventure, and crossing the border into Burma, we found Leopard Sharks, schools of Barracudas, Eagle Rays and big Marble Rays.

Macro opportunities were abundant, with a whole bunch of rare Nudibranchs, including Tambja Arikas and the much-sought-after Bunny Ears Nudi, Thorny Seahorses in every colur under the sky, Bent Stick Pipefish, Snake Eels and a, drumroll please, Flying Gurnard!

In the southern part of the Mergui Archipelago, we found lots of Frogfish, and more Harlequin Shrimps. We also did the best nightdive of the trip here, with several Spanish Dancers (complete with onboard Imperial Shrimps!), hunting Marble Rays, big Sponge Crabs and many Lobsters.

After two beautiful dives in the Similans, it was time for us to start heading back to Phuket. An excellent trip, with both big and small action, good visibility and calm seas.

PJ Widestrand

Tourleader and Video-Pro
Mermaid I

Liveaboard trips to Thailand, Burma, Bali - Komodo and Andaman Islands.