Sailing cruises in the Mergui Archipelago
with Meta IV
From November to July Meta IV cruises the Mergui Archipelago on 6 day 5 night cruises.
She departs Saturdays at noon from Kawthaung in Myanmar’s south and returns to Kawthaung Thursday at noon.
Meta IV is a luxurious 85 foot (25m) Bermuda rigged ketch that takes just 8 guests in 4 comfortable cabins. She is high demand, there are few boats operating in Myanmar and there is even a shortage of hotel rooms, so early booking is recommended.
The Mergui Archipelago has over 800 islands yet welcomes fewer than 2,000 tourists per year. It was closed to tourists until the 1990’s. It is one of the few remaining unspoiled destinations in the world. Most of the islands are uninhabited.
While there is some snorkeling on these cruises, snorkeling is not the main focus. These are sailing and exploring cruises. Kayaks are also available for use on board.
Itinerary
Burma sailing cruise itinerary
Sat: Meet at the Kawthaung immigration pier at 11.30 hrs (or other agreed-upon pick-up point). Transfer to the yacht. Welcome drink on board, boat orientation and safety briefing. Departure toward Hasting Island at 12.00 hrs. Dinner on the beach in the evening.
Sun: Passage to Lampi Island, the largest in the region. Brunch on board, followed by a visit to a village of Moken sea nomads. Sail to Clara Island with a dinghy excursion into a nearby mangrove forest.
Mon: Passage to Pila Island. Barbecue on the long beach and jungle walk. Snorkeling, followed by a sun downer on deck.
Tue: Early morning sail towards the Mid Group. Explore its small islands, hidden coves and beaches. Visit Frost and Potter Islands, famous for their large fig trees by the beach.
Wed: Long, leisurely sail towards Zadetkyi Island with its beautiful bays and beaches. Exploring the reefs and their underwater wildlife. Dinner party on board.
Thur: Final passage towards Kawthaung. Arrival by noon.
This is a sample itinerary subject to change without prior notice as conditions dictate. Transfers from Phuket Airport by car, Ranong ferry pier by longtail boat or from Ranong Airport by car (all 3 in Thailand) or from Kawthaung Airport by car can all be arranged on request.
Prices
Burma sailing cruise Price
- Nov – May: Ask
Prices Include: 3 full meals per day and non-alcoholic-beverages, water, fuel, electric power, dinghy boat usage, snorkelling equipment, fishing equipment, sea kayak, service of crew during cruise, fees for local guide and interpreter on board, vessel insurance.
Prices Exclude: Other services not mentioned in package, alcoholic beverages, visa, immigration and other government fees, transfer to and from meeting point at Kawthaung immigration pier, personal health insurance and other personal insurances, other personal expenses, tips for crew members.
Fuel surcharge: Rates are based on a maximum oil price of USD120 per barrel. If the oil price rises above USD120 per barrel on the NSE Market the operator reserves the right to increase the cruise package price by USD10 for each USD10 increase of the per-barrel oil price.
The government charges foreign visitors a fee for entering the Mergui Archipelago. These are to be paid by the guests to immigration authorities before boarding. These fees are are separate from and additional to Myanmar visa fees. These fees are not included in the cruise price. At time of writing the fees varied between USD150-250 per person. The height of government fees is subject to changes and will be communicated according to best knowledge upon booking.
Guests need to ensure that they have all necessary visas for Myanmar and potentially for Thailand before arrival, in case these are required and if they cannot be obtained on arrival.
How to book
How to book
Please contact us to check availability.
Meta IV Description
Meta IV is a classic Teak wood two-master. She was built in 1998. She measures 85 feet in length or 25 metres. The yacht is crewed by her experienced skipper, a Myanmar guide and interpreter, a chef and a sailor. The ship is fully equipped with safety gear meeting international standards.
Meta IV has 2 double bed cabins and 2 twin bed cabins. These cabins can be booked by a couple or by a solo guest paying a single supplement. All cabins have fans and air conditioning. All cabins have private bathrooms with western toilets and showers.
The maximum number of passengers is 8. Meta IV does not accommodate children under the age of 12.