A rare, untouched chain of 800 islands. Remote, cinematic, and reserved for private charter.
Sailing the Untouched Islands of Myanmar’s Andaman Frontier
Hidden for decades from the outside world, Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago is one of the last true frontiers of tropical seafaring. Scattered across the Andaman Sea near the Thai border, its 800 islands remain largely uninhabited — a wilderness of coral reefs, jungle-clad peaks, and pearl-white beaches where sea eagles glide overhead and nomadic Moken fishermen still move with the tides. The Mergui Archipelago Expedition charts a path through this pristine region, combining exploration, anthropology, and luxury afloat. Days are devoted to island landings, coral dives, and encounters with the Moken community. Nights unfold at anchor beneath brilliant skies, the yacht’s deck alive with quiet conversation and the scent of frangipani carried by the wind.
Day 1 – Kawthaung Embarkation
Join your yacht at Kawthaung, Myanmar’s southern gateway. After customs clearance and a welcome reception on deck, cruise out through the misty channels of the Mergui coast. Anchor near Horseshoe Island for a first swim in calm turquoise waters. Dinner on board introduces regional Burmese flavours — ginger, tamarind, and kaffir lime.
Day 2 – Barwell Island
A leisurely morning sail north brings you to Barwell Island. Kayak through sea caves, snorkel coral shallows alive with blue-spotted rays, and picnic beneath the palms. Late afternoon, walk the island’s inner trails as hornbills call from above. Overnight at anchor under a wide, starlit sky.
Day 3 – Lampi Marine National Park
Enter Myanmar’s first marine national park, a sanctuary of rainforest and mangrove estuaries. Explore by tender along tidal creeks, spotting mudskippers and monkeys. Join your naturalist for a guided snorkel among soft corals and giant clams. Evening barbecue on a hidden beach framed by limestone cliffs.
Day 4 – Moken Village Visit
Visit a small Moken settlement, meeting families who still live by free-diving and fishing from handmade kabang boats. Learn about their animist traditions and sustainable relationship with the sea. Return aboard for a slow afternoon sail toward Great Swinton Island, where the yacht drops anchor in a protected bay.
Day 5 – Great Swinton Island
Dive at the island’s northern reef where soft corals drift like underwater gardens. Ashore, follow jungle paths to a freshwater waterfall before cooling off in the lagoon below. Sunset cocktails and dinner served on deck, accompanied by the sound of cicadas and gentle surf.
Day 6 – Clara Island & Loung Lon Channel
Navigate through the Loung Lon Channel, a scenic corridor flanked by forested islands. Stop at Clara Island for snorkelling or paddleboarding along coral shelves. The chef prepares a seafood lunch featuring freshly caught lobster. Evening anchorage in glassy waters ideal for night swimming.
Day 7 – Shark Island & Boulder Bay
A morning dive at Shark Island reveals schooling barracuda and passing reef sharks in crystal visibility. Continue to Boulder Bay, one of the archipelago’s finest beaches. Trek ashore for panoramic views before returning to the yacht for sundowners.
Day 8 – MacLeod Island
Anchor at MacLeod Island, one of the few with an eco-lodge presence. Optional massage and wellness session ashore or a guided jungle walk identifying orchids and tropical flora. Afternoon sail through open seas as dolphins follow the bow wake.
Day 9 – Frost Island & Elphinstone Reef
A day dedicated to diving. Explore the vibrant coral ridges of Elphinstone Reef — frequented by turtles, whale sharks, and manta rays during the season. Non-divers can join the marine biologist for a reef-monitoring snorkel or photography session.
Day 10 – Phi Lar Island
Sail south to Phi Lar, an island of glassy shallows and palm-fringed lagoons. Set up a shaded day camp for swimming, kayaking, and barefoot lunching on grilled fish and chilled white wine. Evening under sail as the yacht glides toward Kawthaung.
Day 11 – Coastal Passage & Reflection
A relaxed day at sea retracing the outer islands. Guests can join the crew on the flybridge, review navigation routes, or enjoy a private spa session. Farewell dinner aboard celebrates the expedition with traditional Burmese dishes and tropical cocktails.
Day 12 – Disembarkation at Kawthaung
Arrive back at Kawthaung for customs clearance and onward travel. Farewell brunch served as the yacht moors, with panoramic views across the Mergui coast and Thailand’s distant silhouette to the south.
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