PASSAGEACROSSTHEANDAMANSEA

The Andaman Sea, glimpsed at from the sandy shores of Phuket and southern Thailand is traversed only by the most intrepid of yachtsman. The sea is perhaps the most exquisite corner of the Indian Ocean, stretching five hundred miles from South East Asia to the Andaman chain.

From Burma’s Mergui Archipelago to India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands there is a most extraordinary ethnographic mix not to mention bio diversity and marine life. It is also very beautiful with many an uninhabited island ringed by dazzling white sands.

For the first time ever, Pandaw will be offering an expedition across this sea exploring both the Mergui and Andaman archipelagos. Both areas have until recently been closed by their respective governments and such an expedition would have been unimaginable.

Currently only the East coast of the Andaman Islands are open to us, but these are rich in scenic, ethnographic and marine interest. There will be expeditions into the interior of the larger islands to view rain forest rich in orchids, opportunities to swim off white sandy beaches and snorkel in coral reefs. There are good walks too on long sandy beaches and on jungle trails.

No vessel could be more suitable for this than the historic Andaman Explorer, built in 1963 as a Norwegian coast guard vessel and later converted into the plaything of an Italian plutocrat. Lovingly refitted by Pandaw, with her twelve sumptuous staterooms, the Explorer is ready for longer expedition cruises, going deeper into these remote regions than any vessel before.

This sea expedition represents a very unique opportunity and we anticipate considerable interest so early booking essential.

Please note: This expedition requires a sufficient level of fitness and agility to climb in and out of tenders from the ship and at shore. Launching and boarding inflatable and rigid tenders can be challenging. Please be aware that the Andaman Explorer has a steep gangway and a good level of fitness is essential to ensure guest safety. There may be rough water which can challenge those with limited mobility. Launching and excursions are dependent on safe weather conditions as deemed by the Master of the Andaman Explorer and sea conditions.