Mergui Archipelago Explorer

DAY 1 > DEPARTURE DAY: KAWTHAUNG – THE THREE ISLETS

Your guide will meet you at the airport/ pier in Kawthaung and transfer you to your boat for check in. Along the way, observe the bustling border town. If you are interested and if time permits, you may take part in a short sightseeing tour (optional). Stroll through the lively market near the Jetty, visit the famous Victoria Point, the most southern tip of Myanmar’s mainland, photo stop at the King Bayint Naung statue. Visit the Pyi Daw Aye Pagoda with scenic views across the river to Ranong and finish the tour with a short drive through the fishermen settlements on the out skirts of the town. Overnight cruise to The Three Islets.

Wake up with a stunning view at The Three Islets. After breakfast, swim and snorkel with tons of fishes through the crystal-clear water. Later follow our guide through the lush tropical jungle to a small beach, where you can find a lot of beautiful shells swapped in from the ocean. During lunchtime we will cruise to the largest sea gipsy settlement in the area on Bo Cho Island. Be prepared to get surrounded by curious kids. Bring some small gifts and be even more overwhelmed by their warm welcome. Walk through the village and take scenic pictures from the Pagoda located on the hill overlooking the entire village. Chill-out onboard and observe the daily life of the almost extinct sea-gypsies. Overnight at Bo Cho Island.

DAY 2 > THE THREE ISLETS – BO CHO ISLAND

Wake up with a stunning view at The Three Islets. After breakfast, swim and snorkel with tons of fishes through the crystal-clear water. Later follow our guide through the lush tropical jungle to a small beach, where you can find a lot of beautiful shells swapped in from the ocean. During lunchtime we will cruise to the largest sea gipsy settlement in the area on Bo Cho Island. Be prepared to get surrounded by curious kids. Bring some small gifts and be even more overwhelmed by their warm welcome. Walk through the village and take scenic pictures from the Pagoda located on the hill overlooking the entire village. Chill-out onboard and observe the daily life of the almost extinct sea-gypsies. Overnight at Bo Cho Island.

DAY 3 > BO CHO ISLAND – LAMPI ISLAND

Early morning cruise to Lampi Island. This huge island, which is one of Myanmar National Parks, gives more than just one stop. Our first stop will be, on the southern tip, right in front of a lagoon. Learn how to use a kayak and take the chance to explore the ancient mangrove forest with your friend. So you will be well prepared for the afternoon tour. Take a short rest, while we cruise to our next stop on the island. Here we will take kayaks for an extended tour through the 4 km long tidal river. Follow the stream, which is leading us right into the heart of the island. Immerse yourself in this fragile eco-system, while passing nosy monkeys looking for food on large sand bars. The views and the sounds of the ancient rainforest reminds one of scenes seen in the movie Jurassic Park. By sunset we will cruise along the shore of this vast island and stop at another sea gipsy village. Tonight end up tired, but happy in your open-air gazebo. Good night, sleep tight. Overnight at Lampi Island.

DAY 4 > LAMPI ISLAND

After early breakfast get yourself ready to follow a Moken hunter up to West peak on Lampi Island (medium strength about 3.5 hours). Learn more about the trees, herbs and wild life from him. Be stunned with a striking view over the huge, intact island and question yourself how the people here still live in perfect harmony with nature. Return back to the boat and get rewarded with our delicious lunch. After lunch go back and mingle yourself with the island inhabitant. Maybe try out some ancient spear fishing techniques or paddle in one of their traditional canoes which is hand-carved out of one single trunk. Overnight at Lampi Island.

DAY 5 > LAMPI ISLAND – SHARK CAVE – GREAT SWINTON ISLAND

Today will be an easy going day. We depart for a famous dive site called Shark Cave. Here we will try to fish some fresh food for dinner….before we continue our trip to the beautiful Great Swinton Island. The rest of the day is all yours: take the sea kayak and cross the bay to a small islet or trek through the mangroves to the other side of the island. Enjoy the magnificent views or discover what kind of corals and fishes you can find underwater. Overnight at Great Swinton Island.

DAY 6 > GREAT SWINTON ISLAND – BOLDER ISLAND – MACLEOD ISLAND

After breakfast we will continue further south to reach Bolder Island. Climb around the vast granite boulders and rock formations and find some ideal backdrops for your photo album. Explore the various secluded beaches and take a sunbath on one of them. Return to the boat and eat as much as you like from the absolutely delicious food. Late afternoon relax in our cozy cushion corner and enjoy the fresh sea breeze, while we reach our last island in our odyssey. Tonight we will have a BBQ dinner on-shore special prepared for us at Nabucco’s Andaman Resort on Macleod Island. Grant yourself a sundowner at the exotic cocktail bar and watch the amazing sunsets of the archipelago. Overnight at Macleod Island.

DAY 7 > MACLEOD ISLAND – PIRATE ISLAND

Today we cruise to Pirate Island to meet some villagers and walk through a shady cashew nut plantation across the island. This island is a jewel and has the most white and softest sand that you ever have seen. Sun, sand and sea…. Relax and enjoy your perfect holiday far away from overcrowded beaches. Overnight at Pirate Island.

DAY 8 > PIRATE ISLAND – BLUE LAGOON – BIRD-NEST ISLAND

After breakfast we continue our trip to Blue Lagoon. Its name comes from the hollow middle of the island which harbors a large lake with a small passage to the sea. When the tide is low you are able to enter the lagoon by kayak and take some memorable photos. Later on we cruise further to Bird-nest Island. The edible bird’s nests are among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans. The nests have been used in Chinese cooking for over 400 years. Traditional harvesting from high cave walls requires specialized climbing techniques and experience. To retrieve the bird’s nests, collectors are required to stand on bamboo scaffolding that is usually hundreds of feet tall and centuries old. Overnight near Bird-nest Island.

DAY 9 > BIRD-NEST ISLAND – HORSE SHOE ISLAND – KAWTHAUNG

One last stop at Horse Shoe Island for swimming and snorkeling. When the time comes, we will have to say goodbye to this amazing archipelago and return to Kawthaung.

Note: The route depends on the weather conditions, flight availability, tidal movements and political situation.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Full-board accommodation in Twin shared cabins onboardSoft Drinks, Water Tea and Coffee on MV NauticaFree use of sea kayaks and snorkelling equipmentHalf-day sightseeing tour around KawthaungEnglish speaking tour leader (other language speaking guides available against surcharge)Free option of scuba diver (only for certified divers)

NOT INCLUDED

Mergui Archipelago and Visa FeesInternational airfaresExpenditures of personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, tip for crew etc.Services not mentioned aboveTrip cancellation and medical insuranceFree option of scuba diver (only for certified divers)Rental scuba equipment

Extension: Guests are able to extend their trip to the Mergui Archipelago at the Andaman Resort on McLeod Island or at the Andaman Club / Casino & Golf Resort at Kawthaung or maybe with one of our amazing land programs within Myanmar.