RAJA AMPAT
Located in the Northwest corner of Indonesian West Papua, where the Indian and Pacific Oceans meet, we find pristine coral reefs (home to 75% of all known corals) beeming with an array of marine life scientists describe as a ‘species factory’.
This spectacular variety of marine life (over 1,300 species of fish, 600 mollusc species) combines with some of the natural world’s most exotic birds, including distinct Birds of Paradise. This is Raja Ampat: the undisputed epicentre of marine biodiversity and one of the richest marine ecosystems in the World.
The relative remoteness of Raja Ampat has been the region’s most outstanding defence against overuse and exploitation, resulting in a pristine ecosystem unfettered by the maelstroms of industrialisation, with ecological wealth unsurpassed anywhere else on the planet.
ITINERARY
Subject to change due to weather / animal behavior / ferry schedules
DAY 1 - EMBARCATION
Following a short flight to Labuan Bajo (Flores), you will arrive at the airport where we will pick you up to take you to the harbor.
Our crew will welcome you aboard Anne Bonny. After refreshments and a short tour and explanation about the ship, your safety on board, and the plan for the day, we set off in the direction of Sebayur, where we will do a check dive near Sebayur Kecil.
That night we will also enjoy the first night dive of the trip close to the same island.
DAY 2
The morning starts with a light breakfast followed by a first dive at a World Class Dive site named Batu Bolong (Hollow Rock) in the North of the Komodo strait. This dramatic underwater landscape is home to an incredible variety of fish and soft corals. Sharks, Giant Trevallies, Turtles, Barracudas, and Napoleon Wrasses are often spotted here.
Later in the day, we enjoy a colourful drift dive at Tatawa Besar, a site famous for its orange soft corals.
We head to Karang Makassar for our second dive, also known as Manta Point. It is the best site to see manta rays in large numbers (up to 20 or 30 if you’re lucky).
We will do our last night dive for the day in the same area.
DAY 3
Early in the morning, we dive the southern part of Batu Bolong, one of the most amazing dive sites of the Komodo archipelago.
We will then enjoy a drift dive running through amazing canyons, that lies 15 to 30 meter deep at Siaba Kecil. The canyons with spectacular caves are home to big pelagic fish, sharks, barracuda, and schools of giant trevallies and sweet lips. Lots of turtles can also be seen here.
Our third dive will be at Siaba Besar, a lovely Coral Garden, and a magical underwater playground. Satellite reefs grow beautifully in this protected bay, and a short swim over the sand will allow you to look at many different kinds of hard corals. This sheltered bay with a shallow reef is home to rare creatures such as dugongs, silver-tip sharks, ornate ghost pipefish, frogfish, and octopus.
We will end that great diving day with a night dive in the same location.
DAY 4
Early morning we move North to Gilli Lawa where we have 3 great dives planned for you: Cauldron and the Golden Passage are 2 action-packed drift dives in channels between two islands, and very good sites to experience Komodo’s famous currents.
Here we will find an amazing variety of marine life and underwater topography. The currents are perfect for schools of giant trevallies, groupers, turtles, white tip sharks, and sometimes Manta Rays.
The 3rd dive for the day will be at Coral Garden, a nice relaxing dive amongst some of Komodos’ healthiest coral gardens and great for spotting turtles and critters. We trek up to the famous Gilli Lawa viewpoint in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the magnificent landscape.
Night dive is offered in the area.
DAY 5
In the morning, we dive the world-class dive sites of Crystal and Castle rock: a profusion of marine life with over 1000 fish species and 300 different corals to explore on these sites, including various kind of sharks, hunting giant trevallies, clouds of fusiliers, tunas, giant groupers and occasionally dolphins.
While enjoying lunch, we navigate south onto Rinca Island to enjoy a “Dragon Walk” to see the last representative of the Jurassic Park on earth, the infamous Komodo Lizard.
At sunset, we set sail again to the Flying fox island, where every evening, around 6 pm, thousands of fruit bats return to the main island of Rinca. After watching their flight, we enjoy our last BBQ dinner.
DAY 6
After breakfast and the last exchange of photos and memories, the crew will say ourfondest farewell and transport you either to your hotel or airport.
We are looking forward to welcoming you aboard.
GETTING THERE
The Raja Ampat park is only accessible by liveaboard. It is 4-6 hours of navigation from Sorong Harbour, located in the town of Sorong.
The airport of Sorong receives flights from Jakarta and Makassar. If you fly to Raja Ampat from abroad, we advise arriving to Jakarta and taking a direct flight to Sorong.
If you fly from Bali, get ready for a short overnight transit. We advise booking IBIS hotel Makassar for your short rest before the flight to Sorong.
NORTHERN NORWAY & TROMSØ
From the middle of November until the end of January, the days are short with only a few hours of sunlight per day. The interior of Northern Norway has an Arctic climate in winter, with snow, strong winds and severe frosts. However, the coastal areas have rather mild winters. Thanks to the Gulf Stream and warm air currents caused by the Coriolis effect, the harbors along the coast of Northern Norway are free of ice throughout the year. Nice calm winter days regularly occur and the low position of the sun can create the most beautifull sunrises and sunsets.
Tromsø, situated at 69° North is considered the most northern city in the world and has a population of around 50.000. It is the largest urban area in Northern Norway and the third largest north of the Arctic Circle. The city center of Tromsø contains the highest number of old wooden houses in Northern Norway, the oldest house dating from 1789. The Arctic Cathedral, a modern church from 1965, is probably the most famous landmark in Tromsø. We recommend you arrive at least one day prior to check-in, just in case your flight is delayed. This also gives us the opportunity to explore the town's museums and cozy city centre or to go on an excursion. Visit www.visittromso.no/en for more information and ideas.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
EXPEDITION VESSEL
Our liveaboard is created for comfortable and safe cruises with family and friends. There are three cabins: a Master Cabin with a large double bed and two bunk beds and two Double cabins with a large double bed and one bunk bed.
The vessel is perfect for 6 adults and 4 kids, but can comfortably fit up to 8 adults. The cabins are spacious, equipped with a bathroom with a hot shower, AC, wall fans, charging station, journaling table and many drawers for safe storage.
DIVING
TEMPERATURE – 27 – 31℃ (80-88°F). WETSUIT – 3 mm
DIVING DEPTH – Max 35 m (100 Feet)
CURRENT – Currents are consistent on a number of dives, while some others are really quiet. Some dives on reefs or pinnacles have to be done on the current exposed side to enjoy the best fish life and can, therefore, be slightly “sporty”. Our dive guides always check the current before the dive and will inform you of the conditions. A reef hook and SMB are recommended
VISIBILITY – Up to 30 m (90 Feet)
COLD WATER DIVING
These videos are a great resource to learn more about cold water diving and wetsuits.
LOCATION
WEATHER
The weather is rather variable; even during the “dry” season in this region, rain can fall anytime. Temperatures are around 30 °C.
Generally calm seas with a few temporary storms; slight swell in the most northern part. There is no clear separation between dry and wet seasons.
The best time to visit Raja Ampat is from October through June.
INSURANCE
It is strongly recommended to carry Extended Medical Insurance, Emergency Evacuation Insurance, and Trip Cancellation Insurance.
RESOURCES
Download Splitwise App
Download WhatsApp
Download Navionics
DETAILS
INCLUDED:
Accomodation in Skjervøy, boat (Merry Fischer 795 with 115HP Yamaha motor), fuel, dockage, cruising permits, boat insurance, port & charter taxes, damage waiver, cleaning fee.
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare, hotel in Tromsø, ferry between Tromsø & Skjervoy, travel insurance, gratuities, food, snacks, beverages, drysuit or wetsuit, mask, fins & snorkel.
We divide shared group costs using the Splitwise app and settle up on the final day.
Questions?
Let’s talk!
