Whale - Macro cruise (Sorong | SOQ - Ambon | AMQ)

Pindito · Indonesia · 11 nights

Duration
11 nights
Embarkation
Sorong, Indonesia
Disembarkation
Ambon, Indonesia
Dives
Approximately 24 dives in total

About this route

Embark on an extraordinary whale and macro cruise through the biodiverse waters of Indonesia. This special expedition offers guests a unique opportunity to observe cetaceans like whales and dolphins, guided by an expert specializing in marine mammals and whale activity. Beyond large marine animals, the itinerary also promises exceptional macro diving experiences, allowing enthusiasts to discover the intricate smaller wonders of the reef. With approximately 24 dives, this trip combines thrilling encounters with rare marine life with the discovery of vibrant underwater ecosystems.

Regions on this route

Raja Ampat, IndonesiaBanda SeaWaigeoBatanta

Highlights

Banda Sea

The Banda Sea is part of Indonesia's 'Ring of Fire,' characterized by deep oceanic trenches and volcanic islands. These waters are a migratory route for various cetaceans and offer nutrient-rich upwellings that support abundant marine life. Divers can expect a mix of healthy reefs, schooling pelagics, and the possibility of encountering larger marine mammals.

  • Cetacean migratory route
  • Volcanic seascapes
  • Abundant pelagic life
  • Healthy coral reefs

Batanta

Batanta island in Raja Ampat is a prime location for both vibrant reef diving and exceptional muck diving. Its sheltered bays and shallow sandy slopes are perfect for discovering a myriad of rare and unusual macro critters, making it a favorite among underwater photographers. The surrounding reefs are also healthy and host a variety of reef fish.

  • Exceptional muck diving
  • Rare macro critters
  • Underwater photography
  • Healthy reef systems

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is globally recognized as the epicenter of marine biodiversity, boasting an unparalleled concentration of coral and fish species. Its pristine reefs, dramatic seascapes, and nutrient-rich waters attract both large pelagics and an incredible array of macro life. The region offers diverse diving experiences, from vibrant coral gardens and current-swept channels to unique muck dive sites.

  • Epicenter of biodiversity
  • Pristine coral reefs
  • Rich fish life
  • Macro & pelagic encounters

Waigeo

Waigeo is one of Raja Ampat's major islands, renowned for its spectacular above-water landscapes, including karst formations and lush islands. Underwater, it features a diverse range of dive sites with vibrant coral gardens, walls, and slopes teeming with fish. The area also hosts a pearl farm and offers opportunities for unique marine life observations.

  • Dramatic landscapes
  • Vibrant coral gardens
  • Diverse fish populations
  • Pearl farm visit

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced Open Water
  • Minimum logged dives50
  • ExperienceDivers require Advanced Open Water certification with a minimum of 50 logged dives.

Shore excursions

  • Visit a local pearl farm to observe the cultivation process.
  • Experience the crossing of the equator during the cruise.

Good to know

  • A 24-hour waiting period is recommended after the last dive before flying.
  • Harbor fees of 80 USD, a fuel surcharge of 200 USD, and estimated national marine park fees of 200 USD per person are payable for the entire trip.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation Day – Sorong

    Today marks the embarkation day in Sorong, Indonesia. Guests will check-in to the Pindito liveaboard and settle into their cabins. Details regarding the exact check-in time will be provided closer to the departure date.

  2. Day 2: Cruise to Raja Ampat – Whale & Macro Encounters

    The journey begins with a cruise from Sorong towards the renowned waters of Raja Ampat. The focus of these initial days is a blend of whale and macro observations, with the Pindito's expert leading the search for cetaceans. The region is celebrated for its incredibly rich biodiversity, featuring diverse reef structures that host both large pelagic species and fascinating macro life.

  3. Day 3: Raja Ampat Exploration – Damper Strait

    Continue exploring the spectacular Raja Ampat archipelago, with a particular focus on the Damper Strait. This area is known for its strong currents, which attract large schools of fish and a variety of pelagic species. While continuing to seek out cetaceans, divers can also expect vibrant reefs teeming with smaller creatures, making it a prime location for both wide-angle and macro photography.

  4. Day 4: Raja Ampat Wonders – Waigeo

    Today's itinerary focuses on the Waigeo region of Raja Ampat, famed for its breathtaking landscapes both above and below the surface. This area features lush islands, beautiful bays, and diverse dive sites. In addition to potential whale and dolphin sightings, the reefs around Waigeo are incredibly healthy, supporting a vast array of marine life from tiny critters to larger reef inhabitants.

  5. Day 5: Raja Ampat Exploration – Batanta

    The cruise continues towards Batanta, another one of Raja Ampat's four major islands. Batanta offers a mix of pristine reef dives and excellent muck diving opportunities, perfect for macro enthusiasts. The expert onboard will continue to inform guests about the process and occurrence of whale activity, ensuring a comprehensive experience of the region's marine wonders.

  6. Day 6: Raja Ampat – Equatorial Crossing & Pearl Farm

    Today offers a unique experience, including the crossing of the equator, a significant milestone for any sea voyage. The Pindito will also anchor in a scenic bay near Mount Pindito, allowing for a visit to a local pearl farm. This day blends exceptional diving in diverse Raja Ampat sites with cultural insights and the opportunity to witness pearl cultivation.

  7. Day 7: Central Raja Ampat – Continued Whale & Macro Focus

    Continue the in-depth exploration of Central Raja Ampat, combining the pursuit of whale activity with exceptional macro diving opportunities. The expert onboard will provide further briefings on whale behavior and tracking. Divers will have the chance to experience the region's rich coral gardens and diverse marine ecosystems, often encountering both large and small marine inhabitants.

  8. Day 8: Raja Ampat Exploration – Focus on Pelagic & Critters

    Today's diving continues to highlight the dual focus of the trip: searching for larger pelagic species, including whales and dolphins, and meticulously exploring the reefs for unique macro life. Raja Ampat's underwater topography varies from vibrant coral slopes to hidden muck sites, offering a dynamic range of diving experiences tailored to both wide-angle and close-up photography.

  9. Day 9: Raja Ampat – Further Dive Explorations

    The Pindito continues its journey through Raja Ampat, dedicating more time to further explore this expansive and incredibly diverse region. Divers will visit a selection of the best dive sites, known for their abundant fish life, healthy corals, and potential encounters with large marine animals. The focus on whale activity and macro discoveries remains central to the day's plan.

  10. Day 10: Raja Ampat – Last Diving Day

    This is the final full diving day in the pristine waters of Raja Ampat. Guests will maximize their opportunities to explore more of the region's iconic dive sites, hoping for last-minute encounters with whales, dolphins, or incredible macro subjects. The expert onboard will provide a special briefing to summarize the journey's highlights and marine observations.

  11. Day 11: Relaxation and Cruise to Ambon

    Today is dedicated to relaxation as the Pindito cruises towards Ambon. There will be no diving activities as guests are recommended to wait at least 24 hours before flying after their last dive. The onboard team will ensure a comfortable journey, allowing guests to reflect on their incredible whale and macro experiences.

  12. Day 12: Disembarkation Day – Ambon

    The trip concludes today with disembarkation in Ambon, Indonesia. Guests will check-out from the Pindito liveaboard. The exact check-out time will be informed upon booking, aligning with flight schedules for onward travel.

Upcoming departures

No departures scheduled for this route right now.

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

PinditoPinditoIndonesia
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