Ondina · Indonesia · 11 nights
This exciting 11-night itinerary explores the diverse marine environments of Raja Ampat, Halmahera, and the Lembeh Strait. Divers will encounter vibrant coral reefs, current-swept channels, and unique muck diving sites. The journey offers opportunities to spot large pelagics, reef sharks, and an array of rare critters, alongside scenic island tours and wildlife encounters.
The journey begins with an airport pickup in Sorong, followed by a transfer to the liveaboard. After a welcome drink and settling into accommodations, enjoy an afternoon and night dive on the 'Green Light' reef patch just outside Sorong. The vessel then sets sail overnight towards Kri.
Dive sites: Green Light
Today focuses on the famous dive sites around Kri, including Mioskon, Sardine Reef, and Cape Kri, known for their stunning scenery and abundant schools of fish. Three day dives are planned, culminating in an excellent night dive in Yembeser, a site celebrated for its epaulette sharks and other fascinating critters.
Dive sites: Mioskon, Sardine Reef, Cape Kri, Yembeser
The morning offers a unique highlight with an early visit to spot the Red Bird of Paradise. Underwater explorations include dives at Mike's Point and Arborek, sites celebrated for their diverse marine life and healthy coral ecosystems. The boat then sails overnight to the Misool region for further adventures.
Dive sites: Mike's Point, Arborek
This day is dedicated to diving around Misool, exploring sites like Farondi, Fiabacet, and Boo. This region is famous for its abundant soft corals, sea fans, and impressive schools of fish. Three day dives are planned, complemented by a night dive to discover nocturnal creatures. A tender boat tour will explore the stunning limestone islands and caves of Misool.
Dive sites: Farondi, Fiabacet, Boo
Diving today features the iconic wall of Wayilbatan, home to some of the largest fan corals in the area, offering a breathtaking visual spectacle. A second dive is planned at Pelee for the afternoon, known for its vibrant coral ecosystems and diverse reef inhabitants. The boat will then sail overnight to Pulau Pisang.
Dive sites: Wayilbatan, Pelee
Three dives are scheduled around the rocky formations of Batuanyer, located near Pulau Pisang. These sites are rich in soft corals, schooling fish, Napoleon wrasse, and various species of jacks. The vibrant marine environment provides excellent photo opportunities. The vessel will overnight sail to the Patintie Straits.
Dive sites: Batuanyer
Today focuses on the current-swept dive sites within the Patintie Straits, including notable locations like Proco Channel, Batu Jabu, and Ric's Rock, a signature site discovered by the Ondina's manager. These areas are known for attracting pelagic species. A night dive is also planned, followed by an overnight sail to the Goraici group.
Dive sites: Proco Channel, Batu Jabu, Ric's Rock
Explore the Goraici Islands with three dives at sites such as Reenie's Rock, Batu Mandi, and Terumbu Gora. These locations offer a variety of reef structures and abundant marine life. After a full day of diving, the vessel will set course for an overnight sail to Pulau Tifore, continuing the journey through these remote Indonesian waters.
Dive sites: Reenie's Rock, Batu Mandi, Terumbu Gora
The day features two morning dives at Pantai Sago, renowned for its impressive wall where a school of approximately 1,000 barracudas can often be seen. An afternoon dive will be conducted along the coast of the island. After these dives, the vessel will travel overnight to the Lembeh Straits, preparing for unique muck diving experiences.
Dive sites: Pantai Sago
Today is dedicated to diving in the famous Lembeh Straits, a world-renowned destination for macro and critter photography. Four dives are planned, including coral sites like Angel's Window, the 80-meter long WWII Japanese Mawali wreck, and muck diving sites such as Hairball, Jahir, or Air Perang. The area is known for its incredible diversity of unusual small marine creatures.
Dive sites: Angel's Window, Mawali wreck, Hairball, Jahir, Air Perang
The day starts with an early morning dive in Batu Kapal or another site around the Lembeh Strait, focusing on more unique critter sightings. Following a second dive after breakfast in a shallow, quiet coastal area, guests will rinse their equipment. The afternoon offers a fascinating land excursion to see the Tarsiers in the Tangkoko Reserve, providing a glimpse into the local wildlife.
Dive sites: Batu Kapal
After breakfast, guests will be transferred to the airport in Bitung, marking the end of the liveaboard adventure.