Diving Mergui

South Twin Island

South Twin is a grassy, tree-topped granite island, 1 kilometre long, lying in an east-west direction approximately 10 nautical miles due west of Loughborough Island. There are 2 small bays on the south side.

Topographically similar to the Similan Islands in Thailand, the Mergui's South Twin Island has deep, large rock structures forming gullies, long swim-through passages and overhangs.

In the shallows you'll find fine table corals hidden amongst the boulders and home to anthias and damsel fish. There are tiger cowries here and the elusive ribbon eel. Look carefully, as they are really very small, only showing maybe 3 centimetres above their holes in the sand. Male ribbon eels are black and females blue with bright yellow fins. Immature juveniles are all yellow. There are also colourful magnificent anemones and carpet anemones all being defended by plucky little anemone fish.

The deeper boulders are covered in brown disc anemones as well as purple soft corals, white bushy sea fans and crinoids. Agropora coral clings to the rocks in small patches. Various nudibranch species can be seen on the the rocks including twin magnificent and fried egg nudibranchs. Whitetip reef sharks can be seen under the boulders as can tawny nurse sharks. Solitary chevron barracuda can be seen patrolling the blue and large schools of rainbow runners often race by. Emperor angelfish and parrotfish are common as are schools of snappers, oriental sweetlips and fusiliers.

South Twin Reef Basics: Ribbon Eels
Depth: 5 - 40m
Visibility: 10 - 40m
Currents: Easy
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 25 - 28°C
Experience Level: Easy - intermediate
Number of dive sites: 2
Diving Season: October to May
Distance: ~85 km northwest of Kawthaung (5 hours)
Access: Mergui liveaboard diving from Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong in Thailand

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