The Silent Struggle Beneath the Waves
The turquoise waters of Myanmar’s Andaman Sea are more than postcard-perfect. Beneath the surface lies a delicate ecosystem that supports some of the most endangered marine species in Southeast Asia. These creatures live on the edge of survival, facing threats from climate change, illegal fishing, and careless tourism.
At Love Andaman, we’re not just tour operators—we’re passionate stewards of the sea. Our goal is to introduce you to this fragile world while helping preserve it for future generations.
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🌊 Species You May Encounter on a Love Andaman Tour
1. Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Status: Critically Endangered
Known for its colorful shell, this turtle plays a crucial role in reef health by controlling sponge populations. You may spot it while diving at Nyuang Oo Phee Island or snorkeling around เกาะเซลาวา พม่า (Se La Va Island).
🛡️ What Love Andaman does: We maintain strict “no-touch, no-feed” guidelines and avoid nesting areas during critical seasons.
2. Dugong (Sea Cow)
Status: Vulnerable
A gentle herbivore feeding on seagrass meadows, dugongs are often shy. While rare, sightings near protected zones on the southern edge of Se La Va Island have been reported.
🌱 Fun Fact: Dugongs are indicators of healthy seagrass—without it, they starve. This is why we support marine plant protection efforts.
3. Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
Status: Endangered
The gentle giants of the ocean, these filter-feeders cruise Myanmar waters from February to May. Occasionally, our snorkeling trips near the outer reef drop-offs have reported sightings.
📸 Love Andaman policy: We don’t chase or bait whale sharks. All encounters are natural, ensuring minimal stress for the animal.
4. Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)
Status: Endangered
Iconic for their bold features and massive size, these reef dwellers are often targeted for illegal fishing. They’re commonly seen on dives at deeper sites around Nyuang Oo Phee.
🐠 Tip for divers: Stay still and keep your distance. They’re curious but easily frightened.
🌎 Eco-Tourism is Not a Buzzword—It’s a Responsibility
Myanmar’s tourism boom must not come at the cost of biodiversity loss. Love Andaman supports marine research, hosts beach clean-ups, and trains our crew in wildlife-respectful practices.
🌿 Want to learn more about what sustains these species? Check out Marine Plants of Myanmar’s Andaman Sea →
