Andaman Sea dive sites

No. The Burma Banks are located approximately 125 km offshore from Kawthaung, making them accessible only by multi-day liveaboard cruises departing from Phuket, Thailand or Kawthaung, Myanmar. Most itineraries combine the Burma Banks with the Mergui Archipelago over 7 to 10 day trips.

Advanced certification is strongly recommended. The shallowest points on the banks sit at 21 to 24 meters, meaning bottom times are short without Nitrox. Currents can be unpredictable, and the open-ocean location means no nearby shoreline for surface support. Nitrox certification is a significant advantage.

The Burma Banks are named partly for their reliable shark encounters. Silvertip sharks are the signature species, especially at Silvertip Bank. Blacktip reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks are common, and occasional nurse sharks rest on the sandy plateaus. The banks' proximity to 300-meter-deep water draws pelagic visitors year-round.

Open Water certification is sufficient. Anita's Reef has a gentle slope from 5 to 25 meters with no strong currents. It is one of the most beginner-friendly dive sites in the Similan Islands and excellent for night dives.

November to April during the Similan park season. The reef is sheltered on the east side of the island, making it accessible even on slightly rough days. Visibility is typically 15–25 meters.