Queenesia II · Indonesia · 9D/8N
Embark on an exciting 9-day liveaboard journey aboard Queenesia II, exploring the vibrant waters around the Derawan Islands in Indonesia. This trip offers a mix of prolific reef diving and the chance to discover diverse marine ecosystems. Guests will have the opportunity to experience a range of underwater environments, from bustling reefscapes to potential encounters with larger pelagic species. The itinerary typically includes 2-4 dives daily, with a focus on maximizing underwater exploration in this rich region.
Guests will be transferred from the airport or hotel to the Queenesia II liveaboard. Following a warm welcome briefing from the cruise director, guests will be allocated their cabins and receive a ship orientation. Time will be available to familiarize with the vessel, set up dive equipment, and settle in comfortably for the journey ahead.
The first full day of diving commences, typically offering between two to four dives, including the possibility of a night dive. The Derawan Islands area is renowned for its diverse coral reefs, often featuring vibrant hard and soft corals, and a variety of reef fish. Visibility is generally good, and currents can vary, providing opportunities for both relaxed and exhilarating drift dives.
Continuing the exploration of the Derawan Islands, today's dives will focus on sites known for potential pelagic encounters. The area often features channels and deeper sections where stronger currents attract schooling fish and larger marine life. Divers might experience exhilarating drift dives along walls and slopes, with good visibility common in these open water sections.
Today's diving within the Derawan Islands will often shift focus to macro photography and searching for unique critters in shallower areas or muck diving sites. These locations are characterized by sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, or rubble, where keen eyes can spot fascinating small marine creatures. Currents are typically milder in these sheltered spots, allowing for detailed observation.
The exploration of the Derawan Islands continues, with divers returning to some of the area's most vibrant reef systems. These sites are often characterized by diverse coral gardens and pinnacles, providing habitat for a wide array of reef fish and invertebrates. Divers can expect a combination of drift dives and static dives, with conditions varying depending on tidal movements.
Focusing again on the Derawan Islands, today's dives will target deeper sites or exposed areas known for attracting larger marine life. These include potential encounters with schooling pelagic fish and sharks along walls and drop-offs. Currents can be stronger at these sites, providing exciting drift dives and enhancing the chances of seeing magnificent migratory species.
On the final full day of diving in the main Derawan Islands area, there will be another opportunity to explore sites rich in macro subjects and unique critters. These locations, often featuring sandy patches, rubble, or sheltered reef sections, are ideal for close-up observations of elusive species. Conditions typically remain calm, perfect for slow, detailed dives.
This day marks the final opportunities for diving on the trip, with one to two scheduled dives before the vessel begins its sail back to the harbor. Depending on the timing, these dives might be in areas closer to the disembarkation port or revisit a favorite site. Guests will then have time to relax and reflect on their underwater adventures during the journey.
After enjoying breakfast on board, guests will begin the check-out process. The crew will assist with organizing transfers to the airport, concluding the liveaboard adventure. Divers are advised to observe the recommended 24-hour no-fly period after their last dive.
No departures scheduled for this route right now.