Oceanatik logo
Oceanatik logo
HomeDestinationsDive SmartScuba Blog
Burma Banks

Burma Banks

The Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar

Depth
Depth Icon

350m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

23m - 68m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced

Burma Banks

The Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar

Burma Banks
Depth
Depth Icon

350m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

23m - 68m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced


About Burma Banks

The Burma Banks are a series of submerged rock formations and sea mounts in rather remote and isolated waters. This is known to be the best and most dived destination in Burma, a local and international favorite. These banks surface up to 15 meters above water and drops to more then 300 meters below water, making it a dive for advanced level divers. Here you will find abundance in corals, sponges and sea fans decorating these sea mounts. excellent display of marine life in abundance. This area is also known to be the worlds best shark diving area. These banks consists of several smaller banks, such as the Big Bank, Rainbow Bank, Heckford Bank, Coral Bank, and Silvertip Bank. Very interesting, exciting and thrilling dive. Much to see and explore.

Burma Banks Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Wall, Cave, Shark, Reef, Other, Drift, Deep

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

350m

Visibility Range

23m 68m

Experience Level

Advanced

Best Gas Mix

-1% at 348m / 21%

O2
Multi-Level Dive Planner
Photo gallery

No photos yet.

Be the first to share your shots from Burma Banks. Your photos help other divers plan their trip.

Marine Life

  • Barracudas
  • Cods
  • Groupers
  • Rays
  • Sharks
  • Turtles
  • Various
  • Whale
Weather Conditions

Water Temperature
Dive Operators near Burma Banks

We couldn’t find dive operators near “Burma Banks”. You can browse all operators in Myanmar here.

Location

Dive Site Hazards

  • Unstable Visual Ascents — Relying on wall visuals can destabilise ascents.

  • Gradual Depth Creep — Lack of visual bottom reference can cause unnoticed descent.

  • Unsignalled Downcurrents — Downcurrents can form without visible indicators.

  • Remote Silt Disturbance — Silt can be disturbed metres away from the source.

  • Rapid Stress Escalation — Stress can increase sharply when visibility or navigation degrades.

  • High Cognitive Load Navigation — Complex passages increase mental workload even on a line.

  • Situational Awareness Loss — Divers may fixate on sharks and lose depth or position awareness.

  • Subtle Behavioural Shifts — Changes in shark behaviour may be missed without active observation.

  • Blue-Water Reference Loss — Lack of visual references increases ascent and descent instability.

  • Hidden Depth Variations — Complex reef topography can conceal depth changes, leading to unintended profile variations.

  • Distraction from Marine Activity — High fish activity can distract divers and delay depth or gas awareness.

  • Rapid Surge Direction Changes — Surge near reef structures can reverse direction quickly, pushing divers sideways into unexpected areas.

  • Eddy Pull-Off Zones — Eddies behind structures can pull divers away from the main drift line.

  • Delayed Surface Pickup — Strong current can exceed surface tracking assumptions, delaying boat pickup.

  • Vertical Current Shear — Currents may vary by depth, causing vertical separation even when divers stay together.

  • Gradual Narcosis Onset — Narcosis may develop slowly, making self-assessment unreliable.

  • Task Fixation at Depth — Cognitive narrowing at depth can reduce awareness of time and ascent rate.

  • Increased Gas Density Breathing Load — Higher gas density at depth increases work of breathing.

Discover More

Discover Myanmar

South America - Brazil

Brazil’s vast coastline and tropical islands make it a captivating destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. From the vibrant reefs of the Abrolhos Archipelago to the historic wrecks of Recife and the dramatic underwater cliffs of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil offers dive experiences for every level. With warm waters, incredible marine biodiversity, and breathtaking underwater landscapes, Brazil is a must-visit destination for divers seeking adventure, beauty, and cultural charm both above and below the surface.

Learn More

Asia - Philippines

The Philippines, a tropical paradise nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, is a premier destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. With over 7,000 islands, it boasts pristine coral reefs, breathtaking underwater landscapes, and a rich diversity of marine life. From the iconic Tubbataha Reefs to the thresher shark encounters in Malapascua, the Philippines offers unparalleled diving experiences for both beginners and seasoned divers. Whether exploring shallow coral gardens or delving into historic WWII wrecks, every dive unveils a new world of adventure.

Oceania - Vanuatu

Vanuatu, a stunning South Pacific archipelago, offers some of the most diverse and exhilarating scuba diving experiences in the world. With its warm tropical waters, vibrant coral reefs, and historic wrecks like the famous SS President Coolidge, Vanuatu is a haven for divers of all skill levels. From exploring volcanic underwater landscapes to encountering rich marine biodiversity, Vanuatu’s pristine dive sites provide unforgettable adventures, all set against a backdrop of lush islands and tranquil lagoons.