MERGUI ADVENTURE CRUISE

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This is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any
land you know about - Rudyard Kipling Letters
from the Far East 1898
Tourism Authority of Thailand International
License 31/0099
MERGUI ADVENTURE CRUISE A magical
combination of sailing, exploring beautiful
islands and bays, kayaking, snorkeling and
diving, approximately 11 degrees north of the
Equator amongst the tropical islands of the
exquisite Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar (Burma)
During the 17th century this area was a crucial
link in the Mediterranean Masulipatam maritime
trading route. At Mergui, Siams major port in
the Bay of Bengal, the continuing journey to the
Gulf of Siam had two alternatives. Firstly,
overland through perilous forest belt, a
preferred route for the transportation of small,
valuable merchandise. The other was an arduous
sail around the Straits of Malacca, an
undesirable option due to the on-going threat of
piracy. At this time the East India Company
controlled the areas maritime trading they too
were plagued by bounty-seekers. Many treasures
spilled into the depths, much of which remain
beneath the archipelagos waters to this day and
await discovery. Comprising over eight hundred
islands and covering an area of ten thousand
square miles, these pristine islands had, until
January 1997, been closed to all foreigners for
over fifty years.
Salet Galet a channel between Lampi Island and
Wa Ale Kyunn
This beautiful area is totally untouched by
modern development, with a rich history of
maritime trade, mysticism and piracy. The modern
Mergui Archipelago is as it was in days gone by,
bar the piracy! Due to the archipelagos
virtual isolation, the islands and surrounding
seas are alive with an amazing diversity of
wildlife, flora and fauna. Parrots, hornbills,
sea eagles, Brahminy kites and herons fill the
skies, whilst on land the animal population
includes wild cattle, elephants, monkeys, deer,
wild pigs, tigers, rhinoceros and the odd
crocodile
. The only human inhabitants in the area are
the sea gypsies, a nomadic sea-faring race whose
lifestyle has changed very little over the years.
They have been the sole inhabitants of the
Mergui Archipelago over the years and still
practice the same fishing and boat building
techniques used for generations
S/y Gaea in Salet Galet
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One of the many pristine beaches on Wa Ale Kyunn
the perfect spot for a barbecue lunch
Diving on a coral reef
Idyllic relaxation
Come and explore a long-lost region with
incredible natural beauty and rare wildlife.
Sail around the islands and kayak along jungle
rivers and mangrove estuaries. Trek the hills
and trails through the lush tropical rain
forest. Dive and snorkel the pristine coral
reefs and rocky bays.
Leisurely kayaking along a jungle river
Diving with a Manta Ray
Exploring the rain forest
Underwater in the Mergui Archipelago
Snorkeling at Nine Pins
Early morning in the rain forest
Divemaster Carl
Relaxing in Paradise
Inquisitive wildlife!
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The Moken people
The Moken People, otherwise known as sea
gypsies, are a shy and mystical nomadic race
who wander throughout the Mergui Archipelago.
They are the only inhabitants living here, apart
from a few Burmese fishermen. During the monsoon
season they seek shelter at what is known as the
sea gypsy village on one of the islands,, where
the children can attend the little school,
overseen by the resident monk.
Sea gypsy boats
A happy Moken girl!
Mokens at play!
Welcome aboard !
Live-aboard Sailing yacht Gaea home for our
Mergui Archipelago Adventure Cruise A very
comfortable wooden ketch-rigged trimaran, length
51 ft x beam 26 ft. She is professionally built
and maintained. Spacious well laid-out decks
with awnings and deck cushions. Main engine 110
hp diesel. Equipped with 2 petrol driven
compressors, dive tanks, weights and lights, GPS
navigation system, depth sounder, VHF and SSB
radios, auto pilot, CD System, TV and Video.
12V, 100V 22V charging facilities. 3.5 meter
RIB dingy with 25 hp outboard. Equipment
provided Dive tanks, weights/belts and torches.
Linen and towels. Relaxation facilities A large
sun deck, with canopies area. Equipped with
stereo system, TV and video. Sit-on-top
kayaks. Accommodation 8 passengers in 3 double
and 2 single cabins, big main saloon and well
equipped galley, shower and toilet plus deck
shower. Diving directly from the yacht with easy
access to the water or from RIB dingy A note
The vessel Gaea was chartered by the BBC TV
(British Broadcasting Corporation) taking the
film crew to the Surin Islands (Thailand) and
then on to the Andaman Islands (India).
Sensational footage, including swimming elephants
plus unique shoots of the remote and virtually
untouched Andaman Islands were broadcasted
worldwide in the wildlife documentary 'Land of
the Tiger' The Unknown Seas   We look forward
to seeing you soon !
Gaea at anchor
Loving the view!
Off to the next destination
South East Asia Liveaboards Co Ltd, 225
Rat-U-Thit 200 Year Road, Patong, Phuket, 83150
Thailand www.seal-asia.com e-mail
info_at_seal-asia.com Tel [phone] 340932
Fax [phone]