Northern Rocky - Mergui Archipelago

Northern Rocky, a modest limestone outcrop, sits a short skip west of MacLeod Island, about 50 km from Kawthaung. It looks a bit like a sail from the north, an unassuming start to a surprisingly vibrant wall dive. We love the colour here, especially if you’re into orange; cup corals and fan corals coat the rock face, and it’s a good spot to find hawkfish perched on gorgonians. The wall drops to around 23 meters before giving way to jumbled boulders. Currents can pick up, so it's best suited for intermediate divers, but it’s a solid dive for those who appreciate the smaller details and a splash of fiery colour.

Location
Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.885800, 97.962200
Maximum Depth
23m
Difficulty
Intermediate

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 Northern Rocky

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 Northern Rocky

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 Northern Rocky, especially on its northern side?
Northern Rocky offers a captivating rocky wall dive with jumbled boulders extending outwards at deeper depths. Divers can explore this site down to around 35 metres, making it suitable for those comfortable with deeper profiles. While the site reaches these depths, much of the exploration typically occurs around 23 metres.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to encounter at Northern Rocky?
Divers at Northern Rocky will be captivated by the vibrant coral formations, particularly the abundant orange fan corals and cup corals that extensively cover the walls. Numerous gorgonian seafans are also present, often with crinoids clinging to them and hawkfish residing among their branches. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Northern Rocky, particularly regarding currents and overall conditions?
Diving at Northern Rocky is rated as Intermediate difficulty, indicating that it requires a certain level of experience. While specific current patterns are not detailed in the provided information, divers should be prepared for varying conditions typical of an intermediate site. This makes it a rewarding experience for those with some prior diving experience.
What is considered the best time of year to dive Northern Rocky for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Northern Rocky for optimal conditions and marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving at Northern Rocky?
Given that Northern Rocky is an Intermediate difficulty dive site, it is recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience to safely navigate the deeper sections and potential varying conditions. Always dive within your certification limits.
What are the typical current patterns and surface conditions like when diving the northern shore of Rocky Island?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding typical current patterns or surface conditions when diving the northern shore of Rocky Island. Divers should always consult with local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on site conditions before entering the water.