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Crescent, January 1998, Chuck Lane, San Diego, CA. Billed as virgin territory, we went through some interesting experiences to cross the border from Thailand into Burma. However, Sea Divers has the situation wired politically, though it eats up a full day and a half. The concept of the Crescent, a 60 ft sailing/diving fiberglass ketch, was very appealing, but they couldn't raise the sails without lowering the Bimini-vital protection against the midday sun. Even more vital since the cabins were so cramped and lacking in ventilation that you only went there to sleep or change. The salon could hardly seat the full crew. Dinners were al fresco on the hatch covers amidships. However, the Burmese cook made very tasty meals. . . . We hit an up welling and plankton bloom (water 72-77 F, vis 5-40 ft.) that soured our impression of the diving since most of us were expecting 80 F water with 100 ft vis. Saw some reef damage and fishing pressure, especially at the south end of the Mergei Archipelago; however, the overall life was disappointing. Decent soft coral in the north and some hard coral in the south. The number and variety of tropicals were interesting, but not outstanding. lots of sharks, a few sea snakes, and incredible numbers of octopus, cuttlefish, scorpionfish, lionfish, and nudibranchs. Lots of macro opportunities. . . . The high point was the New Year's Eve party on an uninhabited island. Great fun and one of the few times the crew went all out to do something special. Actually, the Kiwi divemaster was awesome and kept the trip from sliding into a funk (Good on ya Jason)! The captain was nearly invisible and the native cabin boy, cook, and dive assistant were efficient, but not very outgoing given the language barrier. . . . The boat needs a lot of work. For the price, there was far too much roughing it with no fans (much less A/C), no hot water (reduced to Evian showers on last day), and crude heads. The diving was a mix of California vis and temps with Costa Rican and Caribbean life. It was a pretty cool part of the world to visit, but for the money there are far better places. However, a nicer boat with better water conditions, and I'd call it worth a look. (Ph: 011-66-76-340406, Fax: 011-66-76-340586, e-mail: info@sealiveaboards.com, Website: sealiveaboards.com)
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