Samambaia · Indonesia · 11 nights
This expedition traverses the remote waters of Triton Bay and the southern reaches of Raja Ampat, revealing diverse reef ecosystems and thriving marine life. Expect vibrant coral gardens, schools of reef fish, and opportunities to encounter pelagic species, particularly around Misool's dynamic dive sites. The nutrient-rich currents in these regions support a high biomass, making for encounters with sharks, manta rays, and various macro life. This journey blends the pristine, untouched character of Triton Bay with the celebrated biodiversity of Raja Ampat's southern islands, offering varied underwater landscapes from shallow reefs to exhilarating drift dives.
Guests will arrive in Kaimana and be met by crew members at the airport. Following this, embarkation takes place at the port in Kaimana, with the vessel then setting sail towards Pulau Dramai. This day focuses on logistics and settling into your cabin.
Today explores the Kaimana Regency, known for its extensive 6000 sq km Marine Protected Area established in 2008. The region boasts exceptional marine biodiversity, offering chances to discover new underwater environments. Initial dives will be conducted to check buoyancy and ensure camera housings are properly sealed. The area is known for vibrant soft coral growth and schools of fish.
Dive sites: Batu Jeruk, Tim Rock, Goby Gully, 7th Heaven
The day is dedicated to diving around Pulau Aiduma, home to "Larry's Heaven" North and South, a renowned dive spot featuring a deep canyon. This area is celebrated for its biodiversity, with black coral formations in the canyon walls. A night dive is also planned, offering opportunities for encounters with walking sharks, which are commonly found here.
Dive sites: Larry's Heaven North, Larry's Heaven South, Black Forest
Today's activities focus on Pulau Namatota, home to a floating fishing platform (Bagan). The Bagan operators are often known for attracting whale sharks with their daily fish catches. Guests typically have the opportunity to interact with these gentle giants in the morning. Later, an afternoon dive is planned at "335sp Pinnacle", a site teeming with a reported 335 different species of fish and various corals.
Dive sites: 335sp Pinnacle
Pulau Pisang, situated between Triton Bay and Raja Ampat South, offers excellent diving conditions, particularly known for macro life. The reef is vibrant and rich in marine species, providing opportunities to spot pygmy seahorses, barracudas, eagle rays, bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, and various manta rays. Other common sightings include ribbon eels, hippocampi hippocampus, nudibranchs, and a diverse range of corals and sponges. Divers can also explore a spectacular cave filled with glassfish.
The day is spent diving in the Fiafabet area, a prominent site within the Misool No-Take Zone. This region is home to several well-known dive sites such as "Tank Rock", "Nudi Rock", and "Whale Rock", known for vibrant coral reefs. These reefs are rich in colorful soft corals and diverse marine life, including fusiliers, jacks, trevallies, barracudas, and various sharks. The area is also recognized for its exceptional macro life, featuring pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and tiny crustaceans.
Dive sites: Tank Rock, Nudi Rock, Whale Rock
This particular area of Misool is dedicated to a full day of diving, showcasing its reputation for world-class underwater experiences. The dive sites here are globally recognized for their pristine condition and abundant marine biodiversity, offering varied topography and a chance to encounter a wide array of marine species.
Today's diving centers around the Boo / Warakaraket area, famous for its signature dive sites, notably "Boo Windows". This iconic site offers unique rock formations and abundant marine life. Additional dives include "Hidung Boo" and "Magic Mountain", both known for their vibrant reefs and diverse marine ecosystems. The area is also home to a cleaning station for oceanic mantas, providing opportunities for encounters with these majestic creatures.
Dive sites: Boo Windows, Hidung Boo, Magic Mountain
The day focuses on the dive sites around Wayil, including "Barracuda Rock", "Wedding Cake", and "Dunia Kecil", all offering diverse reef structures. In the afternoon, a two-hour speedboat ride is offered, leading to hidden coves. Guests can enjoy the stunning views from the top of the limestone islands before relaxing on a pristine white sand beach, often with a refreshing swim.
Dive sites: Barracuda Rock, Wedding Cake, Dunia Kecil
Raja Ampat, meaning 'Four Kings', is explored today with a focus on Sele Pele, an island group featuring a renowned dive site. This site is distinguished by four pinnacles that are geographically separate but connected by a dense concentration of fish, often described as a 'fish soup'. After the morning dive, the crew will guide guests to additional secret spots known for their unique marine life and formations.
Dive sites: Sele Pele
Daram Island, a favorite area within Southeast Misool, has been a designated no-take zone since 2010, resulting in exceptionally abundant and colorful marine life. The day includes four world-class dives at sites such as "Andiamo", "Camel Rock", and "Candy Store". These locations are known for blacktip sharks, eagle rays, and other pelagic species. The area also offers rich macro life, making it a diverse diving experience.
Dive sites: Andiamo, Camel Rock, Candy Store
On the final day, the crew will assist with luggage and check-in for flights at the airport, allowing guests to relax onboard until their departure. The last dive of the trip typically concludes around 4 PM on the penultimate day. Divers are advised to observe a 24-hour no-fly period after their last dive for safety.