nicobar/andaman/burma

[holdown]

Has any speared in these areas of se asia? If so any recommendations on charters, etc. Thanks for any info, holdown

[DeepThought]

I speared once in Nagapali(spelling?) beach in Burma. It was during a long trip in SE Asia, not a diving specific trip.
From the beach itself I didn't see too much life, but I befriended some restaurant owner/fishermen and he took us by a longtail boat to some Island nearby with nice reefs and gave me a makeshift spear to catch fish with. Can't say that reef fish mostly below the size of a kilo is a reason to plan a spearfishing trip for, so unless you're into exploring new grounds it's probably not the place to go to.
The area in the Burma banks is supposed to be more rich, but you will probably need a charter to get there (maybe from Thailand) and I have no idea if they allow spearfishing or freediving for that matter. Maybe you could get to that area by yourself and befirend a local fishermen.
Sorry that I can't give you any better information.
Good luck.
Report if you'll find something good.

[quinp]

A Burma banks trip is awesome, one of the best dive trips I've ever done! Clean, unspoiled reefs full of life. Also big manta rays and turtles.

Took a week-long live-a-board, New Years 1999. Calm, glass-like seas during this time. It's an annual event sponsored by the Bangkok Sub Aqua Club. I think they've recently changed their name, but the trip is still ongoing.

Spearfishing not allowed (too bad as there was plenty of large edible fish and lobster). I did manage to sneak a couple pristine tiger cowrie shells though.

I highly recommend this trip!