North Twin Island - Mergui Archipelago

North Twin Island, twenty clicks north of its bigger sister, South Twin, is a low-key spot but often delivers some exciting encounters. We’re mostly there for South Pinnacle, a granite rock structure that starts just three metres down and bottoms out at 35. You'll often find yourself in strong currents here, but that's what brings in the bigger stuff: Zambezi sharks, rainbow runners cruising by, and eagle rays gliding through the blue. Mantas show up too, if you’re lucky. Visibility is usually top-notch, so it’s a good one for those who enjoy a bit of current and keeping an eye out for pelagics.

Location
Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.250000, 98.000000

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 North Twin Island

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 North Twin Island

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 are the typical depths for diving at North Twin Island dive sites?
While the general typical depths for North Twin Island are not specified, a prominent dive site, South Pinnacle, offers dives from 3 meters down to 35 meters. This specific pinnacle is known for its large granite boulders. Divers exploring this area can expect a range of depths depending on the specific site.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at North Twin Island?
Divers at North Twin Island can expect to encounter a rich variety of pelagic marine life, including Zambezi (bull) sharks, rainbow runners, eagle rays, and even manta rays. The site is characterized as a reef, with specific features like South Pinnacle, which is made up of large granite boulders. This diverse environment offers exciting underwater exploration.
How strong are the currents and what are the general diving conditions like at North Twin Island?
Divers visiting North Twin Island should be prepared for potentially strong currents. Despite this, the general diving conditions are excellent, with usually superb underwater visibility. This combination makes for an exhilarating dive experience, especially for those comfortable with drift diving.
What is the best season or time of year to go diving at North Twin Island for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best season or time of year for optimal diving conditions at North Twin Island. For more information on seasonal conditions and when to dive in the Mergui Archipelago, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or recommended for diving at North Twin Island?
Given the "intermediate" difficulty rating for North Twin Island, it is recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures divers are comfortable with potentially strong currents and deeper dives, such as those found at South Pinnacle. Always consult with your dive operator for specific certification requirements.
What is the average underwater visibility at North Twin Island dive sites?
Divers at North Twin Island can generally expect excellent underwater visibility. This superb clarity enhances the experience of observing the diverse pelagic life and the unique underwater features of the reef. Excellent visibility makes for truly memorable dives in the Mergui Archipelago.