Shark Lagoon - Mergui Archipelago

Shark Lagoon is often one of the first or last dives we do in Mergui, right near the Thai border. It’s a big, shallow lagoon, maxing out around 12 meters, connected to the open ocean by a low overhang. At high tide, you'll need to duck to get through, which adds a bit of fun. Inside, it’s mostly a sandy bottom with scattered coral, but the real draw is the atmosphere – the jungle-covered cliffs above are stunning, and it’s a good spot for birdwatching between dives. We often see reef sharks cruising the perimeter, and it's a very chill dive, perfect for warming up or winding down a trip.

Location
Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.600000, 97.700000
Type
reef

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 Shark Lagoon

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 Shark Lagoon

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 Shark Lagoon, and what kind of underwater topography can be expected?
While specific typical depths for diving at Shark Lagoon are not provided, divers can expect a unique underwater topography. The site features a large shallow lagoon connected to the open ocean via an overhang, which may require ducking at high tide. The bottom is primarily sandy with sparse coral growth, offering a distinct environment within this Mergui Archipelago reef dive.
What types of sharks and other notable marine life can divers expect to encounter at Shark Lagoon?
The provided information for Shark Lagoon does not specify the types of sharks or other notable marine life divers can expect to encounter underwater. However, the site is known for spectacular views of jungle-covered cliffs and is good for bird watching, suggesting a rich topside environment in the Mergui Archipelago. For general marine life information, you can visit our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Shark Lagoon, and is it suitable for less experienced divers?
Diving at Shark Lagoon is rated with an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests that while it offers a rewarding experience, it may not be ideally suited for less experienced or beginner divers. Divers should ensure they have the appropriate skills and comfort level for intermediate conditions in the Mergui Archipelago.
When is the best time of year to dive Shark Lagoon for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for Shark Lagoon does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings. To plan your trip to the Mergui Archipelago, we recommend consulting our general when to dive guide for the region.
What dive certifications and minimum logged dive experience are required to dive at Shark Lagoon?
The specific dive certifications and minimum logged dive experience required for Shark Lagoon are not detailed in the provided information. Given its intermediate difficulty, divers should possess a certification level and experience appropriate for such conditions. Always check with your dive operator in the Mergui Archipelago for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Shark Lagoon dive site?
Information regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at Shark Lagoon is not available in the provided data. Divers planning to visit this Mergui Archipelago dive site should inquire with their local dive operator for the most current conditions.