Raja Ampat, Indonesia
March 15 –25, 2013
ONLY ONE SPOT LEFT!!!
Raja Ampat is huge, 50,000 sq km, with hundreds of islands and an astounding diversity of habitats, which translates to wildly different diving experiences from pelagic drift dives to magic muck dives and even some habitats that are special to Raja Ampat such as clear water mangroves with corals growing right next to them! There are thousands of potential dive sites. Exploration is still continuing, and on every trip there are chances for new and amazing discoveries.
Liveaboard diving allows us to dive the entire region of Raja Ampat, Indonesia where its all about diversity - not only diversity of species, but also of dive sites. There are some areas where soft corals and sea fans dominate, others with an amazing range of hard corals, seagrass beds, mangroves, shallow reefs, drop offs, caves, black sand, white sand. Then there are the fish, lots of them, in more shapes and sizes than anywhere else in the world. Not only are there loads of fish, but all the levels of the food chain are well represented – from pygmy seahorses to top predators. In many places brightly coloured soft corals can be found close to the surface which, illuminated by natural sunlight, make these dive sites spectacularly colourful. The reefs in Raja Ampat just buzz with life! Manta rays, wobbegong sharks and epaulette sharks can all be found in the waters that make up Raja Ampat.
Dive Site Highlights
Boo Island Fantastic colourful corals, schools of snappers, trevallies, spanish mackerel and bumphead parrot fish. Ghost pipefish can be found in the shallow water and the "windows"- two rock formations with holes eroded through- is an awesome site for some dramatic photography.
Manta Sandy at Mansuar Island At just 18m on a sandy seabed is where we divers rest and wait for the spectacular shows performed by the manta rays. Several mantas are regularly seen at one time cruising in the narrow channel and to two coral bommies to be cleaned or just get an up close look at a curious diver! The mantas' wingspans reach up to 5m, some are totally black whilst others have various white markings making them identifiable. A site not to be missed and we will often dive here more than once
Sardine at Kri Island Fish, fish and more fish.... over 970 different species have been recorded here. White tips, black tips and wobbegong sharks, turtles, morays and giant clams, Schools of big eye jacks and the occasional marble ray. This site has so much of interest that one dive here is not enough
Happy Ending Known as one of the great critter diving sites of northern Raja Ampat, this shallow dark sand slope offers the keen-eyed diver the opportunity to spot mimic and wonderpus octopus, crocodile fish, snake eels and "solar powered" Phyllodesmium nudibranchs. Or simply follow one of our experienced guides and have all these wonderful creatures pointed out to you!
10 Night package Price Diver/Non Diver: $3465US pp/dbl occupancy
Package Includes: Essential dive equipment of Aqua Lung Wave BCD, Calypso regulator, 3mm shorty wetsuit, mask & fins. We have a large variety of sizes for all aboard each of our yachts. All meals, refreshments & snacks such as coffee, tea, herbal tea, cocoa, fresh water, carbonated soft drinks fruit juice, fresh fruit & cookies. Free local brand beer. Free Nitrox fills for all Nitrox divers!
Not included: International & domestic flights, hotel accommodations on either side of the cruise, marine park & port fees ($80EUR), travel insurance, gratuities.
Deposits: $1000US deposit required at the time of booking. $1500US due Sept 1, 2012. Balance due December 1, 2012.
Cancellation policy: No refunds of deposits will be issued. Be sure to have trip cancellation insurance.
