The Andaman Islands, located to the east of India, to the west of Thailand, are largely volcanic in origin. Little has changed here over the centuries, including the marine life. 

With a total area of a bit more than 8,000 square kilometers (just under 500 square miles) and with roughly 500 islands (many of which are no more than rocks piercing the surface of the sea) the only practical way to access the best dive sites is by liveaboard

You'll enjoy the dramatic seascapes created by ancient volcanoes, now teeming with great fans, huge sponges and incredible walls of color sloping away into the blue ocean. .

Due to the fact that there is little commercial fishing in the Andamans, you will discover large populations of fish - particularly large species such as trevally, and barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, large groupers and tuna - plus Manta rays & Mobula rays at certain sites.

But, there's also plenty for the macro photographer, including species of damselfish, sweetlips & anemone fish which are unique to this region.

The Burma Banks and Mergui Archipelago are situated to the northwest of Thailand's legendary Similan Islands, along the coast of Burma.

Few of the islands are inhabited, the sandy beaches are white, the waters are clear . . . and the land belongs to exotic bird and animal species.  It’s nearly unheard of to find two boats in one place . . . lending to visitors the timeless sensation of being intrepid explorers.

The diving offers first and foremost, large numbers of big fish & pelagics . . .  Manta rays, sting rays, eagle rays, a variety of shark species (nurse sharks, leopard sharks, white tipped, black tipped, grey reef and more). 

But don’t let yourself get totally carried away with the rush of adrenaline caused by your interaction with these ocean giants . . . because most every dive also offers excellent macro opportunities. 

And you'll find a variety of dive sites from soft coral gardens and hard coral reefs, to current-exposed submerged pinnacles, steep walls, plus caves and caverns.

And while it is true that much of the diving here tends to be exploratory there are a few sites which are now regularly frequented by the liveaboards in service in this area which are consistently exciting.

The lovely Siren, offers regularly scheduled trips to the Andaman Islands and also, upon request for full boat charters, will take your group to the Burma Banks and Mergui Archipelago.

The SY Siren, a 34 meter sailing yacht, cruises the Andaman Islands from Port Blair, India, in the December to April period.

She takes 16 guests to ensure plenty of space for everyone.  However, she has facilities and ample room to host up to 18 guests on special charters.  She has 7 sails, a large leisure deck area & a spacious interior. Nitrox is free for all certified Nitrox divers. (Or you can be certified on board).

She covers large distances easily and her Andaman trips offer widely varied underwater scenery, ranging from steep slopes to towering pinnacles to pristine coral gardens that are equally suitable for snorkeling or diving.

Perhaps the most dramatic seascapes are found at the isolated volcanic islands of Barren and Narcondam, where the terrain includes ridges covered with huge fans and barrel sponges, and breathtaking walls that disappear into the abyss. At Barren Island in particular, spectacular fields of soft coral stretch into the distance, their vibrant colors accentuated by the dark volcanic substrate.   Read more about the Siren Fleet by clicking here >>>