Mergui Archipelago Cruise - 7 days

The only human inhabitants in this area are still the Sea Gipsies or Salon as they are called in Myanmar. Due to its isolation and the surrounding sea, the area is alive with an amazing diversity of flora, fauna and beautiful marine life.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Departure Day: Kawthaung – The Three Islets
Our trips starting from the Myoma Pier/Jetty in Kawthaung, is where your Guide / Tour leader will meet you.  The departure time will be around 12pm (1200 noon).   Transfers from the airport in Kawthaung or Ranong is included the price, just let us know in advanced when and how you arrive.  If you arrive earlier in the day, you should have time to observe this bustling border town. Our staff will assist you for some sightseeing around the area.  Enjoy the tranquil rhythms of this sleepy fishing town, visit the Pyi Daw Aye Pagoda with  an amazing view over Kawthaung, stroll through the lively market and walk along the coastline to the famous Victoria Point, the most southern tip of Myanmar's mainland and finish the tour with a ride through the fishermen’s settlement.  Or just find a teashop and watch the goings on at the waterfront. Be back at the pier around 11.30am (1130) to board MV Sea Gipsy.  You will find plenty of deck space for relaxing and enjoying the scenic cruise. After receiving a short briefing about the boat, crew and tour, you can then enjoy the sunset aboard and the peacefulness of the Andaman Sea.  Dinner under stars on the way to your first island.

Day 2 - 115 Island / The Three Islets – Bo Cho Island
Wake up early in the morning between the stunning Three Islets.   Enjoy the view at these virgin islands or just take a refreshing splash into the crystal-clear water before breakfast.  After breakfast you will have some more time to swim or snorkel with hundreds of fishes surrounding you.  Take the kayak and visit the small but amazing cave.  Late morning follow your guide through the lush tropical jungle to the other side of the island to a small beach. Here you can find many beautiful shells washed up from the ocean. Back on MV Sea Gipsy we will cruise to Nyaung Wee Island.  Here you will visit a small Salon (Monken) Village.  After lunch aboard and cruising further north we will arrive at Bo Cho Island to visit a large Sea Gipsy Village. Take some candy from the boat or bring some gifts, be prepared to get surrounded by curious kids. Walk through the village and visit the Pagoda located on the hill overlooking the entire Village.  Return to MV Sea Gipsy for some refreshments, relax by watching the homecoming fishermen in their little boats.   MV Sea Gipsy will then cruise up to Lampi Island, where we will stay overnight.  If time and tide permitting, we will visit the close-by mangrove forest, and you should have the opportunity to do some night fishing with our crew.  Dinner will be served on board.
    
Day 3: Bo Cho Island - Lampi Island - Tar Yar Island - Ko Phawt Island
We will cruise early morning to Lampi Island, a huge island, which is one of Myanmar National Parks. Visit the lagoon by kayak, and take the chance to explore the ancient mangrove forest at the southern tip of Lampi Island. Back on MV Sea Gipsy enjoy a rest while cruising to Tar Yar Island. Take the kayak and be ready for an extended tour along a 4km long tidal river. Follow the stream which leads you right to the heart of the island. Keep your eyes open and see monkeys, which are noisy when looking for food on large sand bars, exotic bird species, lizards and immerse variety of flora and fauna in this fragile eco-system.  The views and the sounds of the ancient rainforest remind one of the scenes seen in the movie 'Jurassic Park', without having the large man eater :).  Finish this amazing day on the sun deck with a nice drink and enjoy the sunset while cruising along the shore to Ko Phawt Island. Lunch and overnight in a secure bay nearby Ko Phawt Island.

Day 4: Ko Phawt Island - Sa Let Ga Let Island
After a delicious breakfast, you might like to take a refreshing plunge into the crystal clear water surrounding MV Sea Gipsy at this mooring. Get ready to visit Ko Phawt Island and learn from your guide more about the trees, herbs and wildlife around this intact island. You’ll be stunned by the striking view over the huge island and question yourself how the people here still live in perfect harmony with nature. We will return to the island after a delicious lunch aboard MV Sea Gispy to mingle with the island inhabitants. Why not try some of the ancient spear fishing techniques or try to paddle in one of their traditional canoes which are hand carved out of a single trunk. Return to MV Sea Gispy and relax while cruising to our next destination / island named Sa Let Ga Let Island. Dinner and overnight nearby.
Day 5: Sa Let Ga Let Island - WaAle Island - Pilar Island
This morning is a free time of leisure and enjoying yourself.  With our crew, try and catch some fish for dinner, or just relax on deck, while we cruise slowly to the beautiful Wa Ale Island. The rest of the day is all yours again, take the sea kayak and cross the bay to a small island or trek with our guide through the mangroves to the other side of the island. Enjoy the magnificent views or discover what kind of corals and fishes are found underwater by snorkeling or even scuba diving. (Scuba diving needs to be booked in advanced) Late afternoon we will continue cruising to Pilar Island to stay overnight in a secure bay.

Day 6: Pilar Island - High Rock(Hlaing Gu Island) - Zar Det Nge Island - Salon Island
After breakfast we resume our journey through the Mergui Archipelago by making our way to High Rock (Hlaing Gu Island). High Rock is known for its beautiful coral reefs and is also a famous dive site with the opportunity to see a lot of big fish or just take a Kayak and make your way around this small island / rock.  Explore the various secluded beaches and take a sunbath on one of them. Return aboard MV Sea Gipsy where an absolutely delicious lunch is awaiting you. In the afternoon relax in our cozy cushion corner and enjoy the fresh sea breeze, while cruising along to Zar Det Nge Island for some more snorkeling, kayaking or just relaxing aboard.  Continue traveling to Salon Island, where we will visit the local fishing vessels to buy fresh seafood for our famous BBQ Dinner tonight. MV Sea Gipsy will stay overnight at Salon Island.

Day 7: Salon Island – Kawthaung
Wake up early and take a last splash in the refreshing ocean. After breakfast we will cruise back to Kawthaung. Disembark MS Sea Gipsy to continue your travel itinerary.
 

Remarks: The itinerary can be adjusted depending on the flight arrival and departure times.  

Note: Schedule and Itinerary depends on the weather conditions and the discretion of the Cruise Director and Captain and depends on currents, dive sites activities, light, objective, sailing times etc. The itinerary can be changed within the group. Our tour leader will adjust the itinerary depending on group’s needs. The spots are usually possible, but not always guaranteed.