The 308,020-square-mile Andaman Sea is one of the most
ecologically rich waters of the world in both diversity and
abundance of sea life. Huge pelagic creatures sweep along the
extension of the Indian Ocean that washes the shores of
Thailand, Malaysia and Mayanmar. Whale sharks, rare lemon
sharks, manta rays, and blue and sperm whales cruise through,
while endangered leatherback turtles nest here. The 500 islands
provide habitat for more than 200 coral and 400 fish species.
Koh Surin Marine National Park protects this diversity from
overfishing, and clouds of fish sometimes block out the sunlight.
Divers will want to visit the sea on a liveaboard boat. The largest
and most luxurious are the Mermaid boats that leave out of
Phuket. Water temperatures in the 80s F and 100-foot horizontal
visibility make diving comfortable and easy. Take a day off from
diving to kayak through the islands' caverns to see a world of
bats and water frogs.
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