We gave our Scuba Instructors one job:
Find the best and most popular liveaboards in Myanmar (Burma) and review them.
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:
Top 7 Liveaboards In Myanmar (Burma) in 2023
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All the top liveaboards in Myanmar (Burma):
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 platform and gearing up area. In a cozy and refined atmosphere, you can watch our talented chef prepare delicious dishes in the kitchen while enjoying your favorite drink. Fresh and delicious flavors, innovative cuisine, rich in aromas and flavors of Asia, the menu is an explosion of taste where Thai, Burmese, Indian and Chinese cuisines meet.
Key facts:
Year built:2017- Rental equip:No
Max divers:18- Camera station:No
- Internet:No
Min logged dives:No minimum- Nitrox:No
Aircon:Yes
Year built:2017
Rental equip:No
Max divers:18
Camera station:No
Internet:No
Min logged dives:No minimum
Nitrox:No
Aircon:YesOur Overall Review
Things we like:
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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.
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Several divers reported that on their day off they visited a remote island and went snorkeling in the volcanic crater.
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Some divers said the dive masters main concern was safety and no incidents took place.
Things we don't like:
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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.
The newly-renovated Phinisi joined in 2018 the growing fleet and is now offering unique diving experiences in the Andaman Sea. Like its big brother The Junk, its elegant style perfectly combines colonial and contemporary influences. Admire the colorful landscapes of Thailand, so beautiful you’d feel like in a fairytale; no wonder they call it “the land of a thousand smiles”. The Andaman Sea, meanwhile, contains in the heart of its crystal clear waters the dream of every diver and snorkeler. There’s such a wide variety of fauna & flora and you might even encounter sharks. Visit some of the best dive spots in the world, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock in Thailand but also the newly opened to divers Myanmar.
Key facts:
- Year built:2018
- Rental equip:No
- Max divers:18
- Camera station:Yes
- Internet:No
- Min logged dives:No minimum
- Nitrox:No
- Aircon:Yes
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Some divers reported that the group was small and this made the whole trip more intimate and directed.
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Several divers commended the dive master and diving instructors on their excellent knowledge and briefings.
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People stated that the food was a mix of Thai and Western cuisine and was prepared to perfection. .
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Some people noted that the Phinisi was a overall great boat with all of the necessary facilities.
Things we don't like:
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Some people expressed that they felt hard done not being able to see any big pelagics.
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Some people were taken back due to the fact that they had to share a cabin with 4 people.
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:
- Year built:2012
- Rental equip:Yes ($)
- Max divers:21
- Camera station:Yes
- Internet:Yes (free)
- Min logged dives:No minimum
- Nitrox:Yes (free)
- Aircon:Yes
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Several divers stated that the itinerary was well planned and executed by the crew and staff.
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Many people were happy with the fact that they could meet like minded people that loved the under water life.
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The food was well prepared and everyone gave the chef compliments on the excellent work he did.
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A lot of divers said they would return to this magical liveaboard.
Things we don't like:
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Some people said they were disappointed that they did not get to spot manta and whale sharks.
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A couple of people noted that the engine room was close to the lower decks and this caused a disturbance.
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 the Similans islands, Richelieu Rock & Mergui Archipelago in Burma.
Key facts:
- Year built:2012
- Rental equip:Yes (free)
- Max divers:14
- Camera station:Yes
- Internet:No
- Min logged dives:No minimum
- Nitrox:No
- Aircon:Yes
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Many people were happy with the diving staff for picking the best locations for dives.
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Divers said they saw a diverse amount of marine life an aquatic creatures.
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Some people stated that it was a magical moment when they opened their sails for the first time.
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Many people said they would return for another wonderful experience on board the liveaboard.
Things we don't like:
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Many people were taken back by the small cabins and luggage space on the liveaboard.
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Some people claimed that the chef repeated most of his meals in frequent intervals.
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A couple of people noted that the weather was bad and this inferred with their dives,
The MV Bavaria Liveaboard is a baby among boats, built in 2016, but offers top of the line amenities to divers looking to enjoy the world class diving of Thailand and Burma. The MV Bavaria includes twelve luxurious cabins, and accommodates non-divers with a 25% discount. No more compromising on your vacation, the Bavaria gives great food and activities for your entire party.
Key facts:
- Year built:2016
- Rental equip:Yes ($)
- Max divers:24
- Camera station:No
- Internet:Yes (free)
- Min logged dives:No minimum
- Nitrox:Yes (free)
- Aircon:Yes
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Several divers reported that they had great diving instructors that knew what they were doing and found the best diving locations.
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Some people noted that the liveaboard was spacious with big cabins with a balcony and the boat all the luxury amenities you would expect from a A-Class liveaboard.
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Several divers commended the crew on being professional and hospitable while engaging with the guest.
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Many people noted that the food was amazing and it resembled a 5-star restaurant.
Things we don't like:
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Some divers said that the locations of the dives were lacking in larger marine life.
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A few people claimed that they would have liked more land excursions.
The MV Smiling Seahorse is an upgrade of the famous MV Thai Sea. This beautiful 25 meters/82 feet liveaboard, which debuted in November 2018 is built with guest comfortability in mind along with enjoyable scuba diving liveaboard cruises at Thailand’s best dive sites. The MV Smiling Seahorse caters to 16 guests. With the safety of guests assured, the MV Smiling Seahorse guarantees an enjoyable experience while you explore the remote and pristine waters of Burma and some of Thailand’s best dive sites in the Andaman Sea.
Key facts:
- Year built:2018
- Rental equip:Yes ($)
- Max divers:16
- Camera station:Yes
- Internet:No
- Min logged dives:No minimum
- Nitrox:No
- Aircon:free
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Several divers reported that the diving instructors were insightful and knew where to find the best diving locations.
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Many people commended the crew on being diligent and taking care of the needs of the passengers while forming bonds with them.
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Many people were happy with the food served on the cruise and they stated they would be back for more.
Things we don't like:
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Some people said that the briefings were short and did not look well prepared.
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A problem...
If you want great liveaboard diving and personal experience then the MV Giamani liveaboard is for you. The 24m steel-hulled boat only services ten divers at a time. The Giamani offers a one to six-night dive trips that will give divers an unmatched tour of the Andaman Sea.
Key facts:
- Year built:2013
- Rental equip:Yes ($)
- Max divers:10
- Camera station:Yes
- Internet:No
- Min logged dives:No minimum
- Nitrox:No
- Aircon:Yes
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Many people said the staff took good care of the equipment and helped with getting in and out of the water.
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Some people stated that there is a lot of room on the boat and the cabins are spacious.
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Some divers said they encountered a whale shark on their beautiful dives around Similan.
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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:
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Some divers said you must go with low expectations as you are not always lucky to encounter large fish.
Best time to go
Best time to goOctober 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
Related Reviews
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.
Top Liveaboard Dive Sites
Black Rock
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.
The Burma Banks
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.
Shark Cave Island
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.
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.
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