High Rock - Mergui Archipelago

High Rock, often the first taste of Myanmar's Mergui, really throws you into the thick of it. We usually drop in on the north or east side, where the wall descends, giving way to a more gradual rocky reef as you round the south. The sheer volume of blue-lined snapper here is what grabs you – thick schools that move as one, occasionally parting to reveal giant moray eels peeking from crevices. We’ve also spotted plenty of cuttlefish here, often out in the open, not shy at all. It’s a great site for getting your eye in, a solid introduction to the energy of the Mergui.

Location
Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.150000, 98.050000
Type
pinnacle
Maximum Depth
5-25m

Best Time to Dive in Mergui Archipelago

The warmest water temperatures in Mergui Archipelago occur in May, averaging 30.8°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.5°C
  • February: 28.9°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 30.7°C
  • May: 30.8°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.5°C
  • August: 29.2°C
  • September: 28.9°C
  • October: 29.0°C
  • November: 29.2°C
  • December: 28.7°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Mergui Archipelago

Nearest Dive Centres to High Rock

Marine Life in Mergui Archipelago

Home to 173 recorded species including 106 reef fish, 49 hard corals, 8 seagrass & algae, 3 sharks & rays, 2 other, 2 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for High Rock

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at High Rock?
The typical depth range for diving at High Rock is not explicitly specified in our current data. However, divers can expect to explore a wall on its north and east sides, and a rocky reef on its south and west, suggesting a varied underwater topography. For more details on diving in the Mergui Archipelago, please visit our regional guide.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at High Rock?
Divers at High Rock can expect to encounter a diverse underwater landscape, featuring a wall on its north and east sides, complemented by a rocky reef on its south and west. The site is renowned for its sheer volume of fish life, with huge schools of blue line snapper being a prominent highlight. To learn more about marine species, explore our wildlife database.
How challenging is the High Rock dive site for different skill levels?
High Rock is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This suggests that divers should possess a certain level of experience and comfort in various diving conditions. While suitable for those with some prior diving experience, it may present challenges for absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive at High Rock for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at High Rock for optimal conditions is not specified in the current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the region, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications or experience levels are recommended for High Rock?
Given that High Rock is an intermediate difficulty dive site, it is recommended for divers who have completed at least an Advanced Open Water certification or possess equivalent experience. Divers should be comfortable with varying conditions and potentially deeper dives, although specific depth ranges are not provided.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the High Rock dive site?
Details regarding the usual current conditions and visibility at High Rock are not provided in the available data. Divers should always consult with their liveaboard operator or local dive guide for the most up-to-date site conditions before diving.