HALMAHERA-RAJA AMPAT

….. COMING SOON …..

KOMODO-SUMBAWA

9 Days/8 Nights Labuanbajo – Bali Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 Embarkation in Labuanbajo

Day 2 Komodo-Flores Channel (4 dives)

Enjoy the diving in the beautiful and sometimes exhilarating channel formed by Komodo and Flores Islands. Currents in this area can be quite strong and we have to dive according to the tides. There are many dive sites and the sites chosen will be dependent on the currents. Komodo is an excellent place for spotting macro critters and the reefs and corals are spectacular too. See some photos here.

Sebayur Island

This island has a white sandy slope that turns into a mini wall. Look for leaf fish, ghost pipefish and a variety of nudis at the edge of the reef. Various nudibranchs, lionfish and moray eels make the wall their home. In the shallows the hard corals are decorated with anthias and we often find large cuttlefish and juvenile bicolour parrotfish. On the night dive look for Spanish dancers, crocodile fish and bobtail squid.

Tatawa Besar

This is a thrilling drift dive, starting at the north-western tip of Tatawa and continuing down the western side, reaching about 15 to 20 meters of depth. The fish life here is abundant and you will see an endless field of stunning orange soft corals as you glide along. Swim past coral heads inhabited by schools of sweetlips and batfish, and look out for turtles feeding on the reef. Mantas have been encountered here as well.

Tatawa Kecil

The West side of this small rocky outcrop presents a fantastic underwater terrain with enormous slabs of rock that have been worn down to form channels, canyons, caves and swim-throughs. On the north plateau crocodile fish lie on the scenic reef among a whole host of reef fish and schooling fusiliers.

Siaba Kecil

Here at Siaba Kecil we have a magnificent formation of hard coral from the shallows of the island till a depth of 20m/60ft. The current running from the south to north is the best way to dive this site. During the drift and also at the end of the drift we have a great chance to see green and hawksbill turtle feeding on the formation of hard coral, white tip reef sharks also can be seen here. Reef manta rays can occasionally swim by the coral garden of this site.

Batu Bolong

Underwater this rock is covered in a huge amount of soft and hard corals and full of fish life. In the shallows watch anemone fish and look out for turtles munching on the corals. Giant trevally, white tip reef sharks, snappers and emperor fish tend to congregate here. This site presents particularly good opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography.

Batu Tengah

This dive site is located in the middle of the Komodo National Park, 12 nautical miles to the north and 12 nautical miles to the south. The translation of Batu = Rock, Tengah = Middle. With a slope to the east of the site and a coral garden to the west Batu Tangah is a beautiful site where we often get to see turtles, cuttlefish and juvenile white tip reef sharks that hide under the table corals among the hard coral garden. Napoleon wrasse and big groups of snapper swimming on the slope with all the colourful decoration of the soft coral make Batu Tengah a high quality dive site.

Wainilo

This afternoon and night dive is situated off the north of Rinca Island. In the shallows, the hard coral reef is home to many different critters, including juvenile harlequin sweetlips and batfish. Away from the reef, the sandy slope is scattered with pulsing soft corals that hide demon stingers and starry night octopus, plus a moray eel which has not yet been classified by scientists and is only found here in Wainilo.

Day 3 Walk with dragons / Padar Island (2 dives)

Loh Buaya (walk with dragons)

Your day will begin with an exciting visit to Komodo National Park where you will be able to take a stroll with the famous dragon! Take a look at our Komodo Dragon photo album here. As you walk along the paths, also stay on the lookout for deer, wild boar and birds in addition to the giant lizards. After the walk we move to Padar Island for two dives.

The water temperature here and in the southern dive sites over the next few days can be a little cooler dropping from the normal 28/29 degrees Celsius (82-84 Fahrenheit) to a possible 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). Also due to the infinite nutrients in the water creating the amazing biodiversity in this area the visibility can sometimes be a bit greener. Neither one of these factors can spoil the amazing diving to be had in these areas.

After the second dive we visit one of the most incredible beaches in the Komodo National Park. A short walk brings us to the pink sandy beach. During this walk we also have the opportunity to see enjoy incredible views of the National Park with the sunset.

Three Sisters

The site here are full of interesting and beautiful features, such as massive steps and huge towers of stone, all wrapped in hard and soft corals and dotted with nudibranchs, small caves and overhangs. Reef sharks and humphead parrotfish are among the bigger creatures we see in this area. There is also a towering coral spire with a small cave at the bottom, where huge lobsters are often found hiding. Look for the tiny lady bugs on the soft corals and the resident frogfish sitting in the sponges.

Secret Garden

Is one of the top dive sites at Padar Island. As the name of the dive site suggests it has a beautiful coral garden of black coral along a mini wall covered with soft corals. There is a resident school of mobula rays that seem to like swimming through the dive site giving good opportunities to the divers to see them. Nudibranchs, leaf fish, frogfish and the incredible sea apples can be seen here too.

Day 4 Rinca Island (4 dives)

Horseshoe Bay is in the south of Rinca Island and we spend the whole day here. Here we dive the famous Cannibal Rock, one of the top ten dives sites in the world according to some diving publications. Watch dragons, wild pigs, deer and monkeys roam the beach and take a tender ride or kayak to get a closer look.

Cannibal Rock

This outstanding dive site covers a large area with sandy slopes in the north, deep mini walls in the east, a plateau full of life in the south and rocky areas in the west. The nutrient rich bay creates the most spectacular congregation of hard and soft corals in all parts of the dive site. Sponges, ascidians, sea squirts and tube anemones are abundant. A great diversity of nudibranchs can be seen here, along with frogfish, turtles, cuttlefish and other reef fish too.

Yellow Wall of Texas

As the name suggests this wall at the southern entrance to Horseshoe Bay is covered in yellow and orange soft corals. A tiny critter, the ladybug, comes in its multitudes here. Nudibranchs decorate the wall that usually has a slight current enabling you to slowly drift along and enjoy the view.

The Boulders

Inside the bay and opposite Yellow Wall of Texas there are large rocks that continue underwater to create places for large rays to rest and even sometimes nurse sharks hide in these underwater crevices. The boulders are covered in corals becoming a paradise for marine life. The elusive Rhinopias have been found here before.

Torpedo Alley

A marvelous night dive named after the pancake sized torpedo rays that can be found here. Coconut octopus, seahorses, colourful squid and the bizarre bobbit worm all live in the black volcanic sand. A very shallow dive with a maximum depth of 10m/30ft, spend time looking for all the strange inhabitants among the rocks, soft corals and in the sand.

Day 5 Manta Alley / Pink Beach (4 dives)

Manta Alley is located on the south end of Komodo Island. After two dives looking for manta rays we head up to the middle of Komodo Island to the Pink Beach area.

Manta Alley

Manta Alley is located in Tora Langkoi Bay along the south coast of Komodo. The dive site in fact barely pierces the ocean’s surface at the end of a line of rock islets. As can be guessed from its name many manta rays are known to frequent this site and it is the most popular one in Komodo for spotting them. The area can be described as a deep gully that works as a funnel when the tide changes, causing the water to rush through at speeds of up to three to four knots with the fall and rise of the tides and up to one knot even during “slack water” periods. Watch the mantas being cleaned on the North side or enter the ‘Alley’ to see them hover effortlessly in the current.

Pink Beach

The simple topography makes this site an ideal afternoon dive. A mini wall can be found in the middle of the reef, where clouds of glassfish swarm in the cracks and crevices. An abundant amount of fish life and unusual critters make their home here, including leaf scorpionfish, crocodilefish, nudibranchs and frogfish. On one side of the wall is a sloping coral reef full of life. On the other is a sandy area with healthy staghorn corals growing and providing shelter for juvenile harlequin sweetlips and mandarin fish.

Loh Liang Bay

This white sand muck dive is around the corner from Pink Beach situated inside Loh Liang Bay on Komodo Island. Search for all sorts of critters here – bobtail squid, flamboyant cuttlefish, frogfish, nudibranchs, Ambon scorpion fish, cockatoo waspfish and large moray eels living in the shallow rocks.

Day 6 Gili Lawa Laut / Komodo (4 dives)

Two celebrated dive sites await you, just north of Gili Lawa Laut Island. Crystal Rock and Castle Rock are both incredible locations, boasting the key elements for any impressive dive site: a wide variety of healthy corals covering the reef, plus tons of fish – both big and small and all sizes in between. Between the dives there may be a chance, depending on tides, to visit Gili Lawa Laut Island and take a short trek to the top of the hill for a wonderful view over the Komodo-Flores channel.

Crystal Rock

The rock jutting out of the surrounding crystal clear waters explains how this site got its name. But what is truly memorable here are the large schools of fusiliers and anthias flitting over the gorgeous soft corals and impressive table corals. In the deep blue, you can also see at times large tuna, mackerel and other fish schooling around a small mound to the northwest. A lone eagle ray is often spotted here cruising in the currents.

Castle Rock

Castle Rock is a submerged pinnacle situated a kilometre further north from Crystal Rock. Its exposed location means strong currents but experienced divers will love the thrills to be had on this dive. In fact, the main action comes from watching the staggering amount of fish such as batfish, groupers, midnight snappers and impressive schools of fusiliers and surgeons whipping past. Of course, divers aren’t the only ones interested in the huge amount of fish here, which explains the giant trevally as well as whitetips, blacktips and grey reef sharks hunting around for their next meal.

We will do two dives at Castle and Crystal Rock before going to Batu Montjo on Komodo Island for the third and night dive.

Batu Montjo

In the northwest of Komodo Island, Batu Montjo is a perfect site to dive as a third dive with a amazing formation of hard corals in the shallows. Many boulders covered with gorgonian sea fans lie in between the white sandy slopes. This combination of hard corals and gorgonian sea fans with all the fish swimming in between the coral garden makes for a perfect relaxing afternoon dive. Pygmy seahorses, leaf fish, jaw fish and turtles are often seen at this site. We have even seen manta rays passing by.
The night dive is on the sandy slope at Batu Montjo. Elusive stargazers hide in the sand, with only their big eyes and toothy snarl looking up into the stars. White V octopus, bobtail squid and ghost pipefish can also be found here.

Day 7 Sangeang Island (4 dives)

The island of Sangeang is located northeast of Sumbawa. It’s a fairly small island but you’ll notice it right away since most of its landscape consists of Gunung Api, an active volcano. This natural phenomenon has made for some amazing topography, such as steep ridges dripping with hardened lava. There are several excellent dive sites here, all with good visibility, allowing you to truly appreciate the healthy reefs of soft and hard corals as well as different types of anemones.

Hot Rocks

Here the volcano has left its mark below the surface as well. In the shallows observe volcanic bubbles escaping from the seabed through air vents. Put your hands close to the ‘hot rocks’ and feel the heat from the sulphur-covered rocks. Besides the usual tropical reef species ribbon eels, cowries and Bargibanti pygmy seahorses can also be seen here.

Lighthouse Reef

This site presents many contrasts in terms of natural features and marine life. Strong currents can prevail in the exposed areas but there are also sheltered spots. Down around 20 metres macro lovers will be delighted, as the base of the wall and large black sand slope is excellent for spotting countless nudibranchs and other colourful critters. Black coral bushes hide ghost pipefish and saw blade shrimps.

Black Diamond

The rocky formation up in the shallows with fingers of coral going to the deep are covered with black coral and crinoids in any colour you can imagine. The black sand acts as a background to all the colour of this dive site and the corals will stand out in a way that you’ve never seen before. Among the black coral we often get to see one of the most incredible masters of camouflage, the ornate ghost pipefish and as the name suggests any ghost pipefish are a plus for divers. Big reef octopus, peacock mantis shrimps and nudibranchs are also seen here.

Bontoh Reef

Is located in the west part of Sangeang volcano where we have incredible sunsets and for this reason Bontoh Reef is a perfect place to dive as a third dive and night dive. With a very shallow area of black sand and small rocks covered with algae that gently slope down, Bontoh offers one of the biggest populations of spaghetti garden eels coming out from the sand. Among the small rocks is the perfect place for creatures to hide from predators and photographers. Critters spotted here include painted frogfish, juvenile angelfish, mantis shrimps and while we are swimming out in the sand we have the chance to see the wunderpus or mimic octopus.
In between the third dive and the night dive there may be an opportunity to visit the small village of Bontoh. Here they are building a boat right there on the beach!

Day 8 Satonda / Moyo Island (1-2 dives)

On the last full day of the cruise there will be one or two dives depending on the weather conditions and also on the flight times out of Bali the next day. After the dives we will travel over 150 nautical miles back to Bali.

Satonda Reef

Underwater the sloping reef and sandy bottom hide a large array of critters. An early morning dive provides a great opportunity to search for giant frogfish nestled in the sponges, or mushroom coral pipefish snaking among the fronds of the mushroom coral. Nudibranchs, pipefish, even ghost pipefish and Bargibanti pygmy seahorses are regularly seen here.

Moyo is a small island, inhabited by around 6,000 people, located in the West Nusa Tenggara province off the northern coast of Sumbawa. There are spectacular coral formations and crystal clear waters that make for great diving.

Angel Reef

This site lies off the west coast of Moyo and consists of a healthy coral reef with a vertical wall dropping to over 40 meters / 120 feet in depth. Angel Reef has huge elephant ear and barrel sponges along the wall. It is teeming with long fin banner fish and red tooth triggerfish. Search the sea fans here for a chance to see the Denise pygmy seahorse.

Panjang Reef

Located just north of Angel Reef is the submerged coral reef of Panjang Reef – ‘long reef’. The huge coral garden plateau is covered with pulsing soft corals, surrounded by a sloping reef full of big sponges and healthy hard corals. Bargibanti pygmy seahorses, leaf scorpion fish, ribbon eels and sea snakes can all be seen here.

Day 9 Disembarkation in Bali

Total: 23–24 dives

HALMAHERA-MISOOL-BANDA SEA

14 Days/13 Nights Ternate – Sorong Cruise Itinerary

….. COMING SOON …..

RAJA AMPAT & HALMAHERA

….. COMING SOON …..

CENTRAL FORGOTTEN ISLANDS

12 Days/11 Nights Saumlaki – Saumlaki Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 Embarkation in Saumlaki

The Forgotten Islands are part of a remote archipelago in the southeast corner of the Moluccas (Maluku Tenggara). Despite the remote feeling in other parts of Indonesia (such as Alor or Banda), the Forgotten Islands are isolated even by Indonesian standards, covering a 1,000 km long chain of islands staring at Timor and extending up to West Papua. The Tanimbar group of around 65 islands that separate the Banda Sea from the Arafura Sea include the island of Yamdena where the capital Saumlaki is where this cruise begins.

There are many groups of islands in this area and the Forgotten Islands are relatively undiscovered and still being explored. The exact itinerary around these islands will depend exclusively on the weather and current conditions. Also due to the big distances between island groups some of the days will include three day dives before heading off in the afternoon and travelling overnight. When the next location is closer and there are anchorage spots in sheltered bays we will offer a fourth dive, usually a night dive.

Dive sites in the Forgotten Islands are characterised by endless reefs and spectacular deep walls covered in soft corals, sea fans and huge sponges. These islands usually experience amazing visibility and warm water around 27-30C (81-86F). Here are the names of the islands we may visit (weather permitting) during your cruise:

Days 2-4 Serua/Teun/Nila/Nil Desperandum

Teun, Nila and Serua, often referred to as TNS, are all small, very remote volcanic islands only accessible by liveaboard, located just east of Damar. You will feel as if you have reached the ends of the earth and that may be why there is a growing interest in diving in this zone. Although the sites here remain relatively unexplored, experiences so far have revealed tremendous diving potential and splendid coral reefs.

Close to the small island of Nila are two atolls Dusborgh and Nil Desperandum. Weather permitting, we will spend two days in this area, making a small bay on the east side of the island of Nila our base. There is also a night dive opportunity here.

Nila/Dusborgh (4-5 dives)

Dusborgh is a submerged atoll with a surrounding reef that reaches all the way up to the surface. The reef then slopes steeply to deep walls. As with all of the Forgotten Islands the walls are covered in huge sponges and sea fans. With the amazing visibility keep an eye into the deep for passing pelagics. A small bay on the east side of the island of Nila has a night dive opportunity.

Nil Desperandum (4-5 dives)

Nil Desperandum means “don’t despair” possibly referring to a ship wrecked here centuries ago. It is a big atoll with very deep drop offs. Schooling sharks have been spotted in the deep here with a chance to see hammerhead, silky and grey reef sharks.

Days 5-6 Pulau Damar/Nusleur/Terbang (6 dives)

Close to the big island of Damar the small islands of Nusleur, Terbang Utara and Terbang Selatan are surrounded by pristine beaches that stretch out to coral reefs that then drop down to the most beautiful, untouched walls. From top to bottom, the reef is an explosion of different colours and forms and seems to be in constant motion from the swarms of fish darting about. You may find yourself floating in the midst of a huge school of fish as the sea creatures here appear quite curious, perhaps because they are generally not used to seeing many divers. Another unique attraction in this area is the wall of sulphur formed as a result of its proximity to the volcano on Damar. There is a possibility to visit a village on Damar where there is also a black sand night dive.

Days 7 Dai Island (3-4 dives)

The villagers on this island still practice traditional hunting with bow and arrow. Steep slopes provide hunting grounds for schooling barracuda and trevally. Large sea fans on the reef are surrounded by very healthy reef fish life. The shallows here are full of hard corals decorated with anthias.

Days 8-9 Dawera Island (6-7 dives)

This small island is in the northern part of the Babar group of islands. There is a seamount where the reef is untouched and so full of fish you won’t know where to look! Along the north side of the islands there are numerous wonderful dive sites ranging from Tanjung Raja where there are stunning soft corals to Sponge Delight where there is a huge resident school of barracudas and even a chance to see hammerhead sharks. The diving in this area is so good we may even stay an extra day.

Days 10-11 Exploratory Diving (7 dives)

Days 12 Disembarkation in Saumlaki

Total dives: 30-34 dives

BEST OF BORNEO & WEST SULAWESI

10 Days/9 Nights Tarakan-Palu Cruise Itinerary

Our journey will start and end in Tarakan, located on Tarakan Island. It is one of the major cities in northern Borneo, close to the Malaysian  border from Sabah, Malaysia. Tarakan is well connected to Singapore via Balikpapan. Tarakan is also well connected to Bali and Jakarta via Balikpapan.

This 9 day, 8-Night cruise takes us between the islands and reefs rising up from the Makassar Strait. After leaving the coast of Borneo, the ocean floor becomes very deep, very soon. As we continue farther out, a number of incredible coral reefs and islands grow up to the surface from the depths. Nutrient rich currents bring up big fish from the deep into shallower waters, allowing us to see them pursuing reef fish in hope of catching a meal.

Each island has its own unique character. We can see entire schools of manta rays at Sangalaki that are drawn here to feed on plankton. As well as turtles, Derawan has elusive treasures to be found; here we search for hidden critters. Maratua hosts massive marvels, such as sharks, barracudas and more mantas! At Kakaban island, plunge into the saltwater lake full with non-stinging jellyfish in the middle of the island. Dive the incredible walls encircling the island of Kakaban. In the shallow waters encircling Samama, we scan for an abundance of macro critters, hiding in plain sight.

Moving on, we cross over to the Sulawesi side of the Strait. We will follow the coastline to see the many picturesque islands and bays. Under the Dutch colonial government, Donggala was the main town and port in Central Sulawesi. After the main harbor was destroyed, ships needed to use the harbor in Palu, on the other side of the bay. Since then, Palu became the regional capital. We can expect to dive large reefs with immense soft and hard coral coverage, incredible pelagics, including sharks on almost each dive. 

Day 1 Embarkation in Tarakan

Day 2 – Derawan (4 dives)

Part of the Coral triangle, Derawan Islands have one of Indonesia’s richest and diverse ocean life. Not just diversity of Cave dives, wreck dives, muck dives, drift dives, walls, plateaux. 

Old Pier

Gets its name, from you’ve guessed it; a pier! As we follow the coral slope down and work our way south and to the east along the shoreline, we can see an abundance of butterfly fish, angels, damselfish, anthias, wrasse, gobies, shrimp and nudis. Perhaps a turtle or two and the blue spotted stingrays and schooling fusiliers are for sure the highlight.

Shark Point

As we descend the coral lope that becomes a drop off. Amongst the crabs, turtles and morays, the big attraction here is the possibility of seeing some sharks along with the impressive sight of schooling jacks.

Blue Trigger Wall

This healthy coral reef slope and wall combination is home to schooling of fusiliers and blue triggerfish. As we go along this comfortable drift, what else is there to see? Batfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, nudibranch, turtle and shark, all have a good chance to be seen here.

Tuturuga Point

This dive site, a mix of sand and coral is impressive both by day and by night. As well as the usual suspects in this area, it is special for being home to frogfish, leaf fish, scorpionfish, flathead, Blennies, dragonet, octopus and rays.

Days 3/4 – Maratua (8 dives)

Here we have the chance to see some thrilling big creatures. Some best dives include, “The Channel” and “Big Fish” which has whirling schools of barracuda, grey reef sharks, thresher sharks, masses of turtles and schooling eagle rays schooling.

The East Wall

The two pillars at this site are the remains of a Japanese watch tower after it has been bombed during the Second World War. Here we can find a huge variety of seafans and black corals. The dive starts with a gentle slope that becomes a sharp, almost vertical drop-off. The barrel drum coral here are massive in size. This dive site is also called ‘Eagle-Ray Point’, because eagle-rays are often spotted here.

The Channel

Diving at beginning high tide when the current is flowing into the lagoon. With a considerable current, we can hook onto the reef to look out for eagle rays, barracudas, groupers and sometimes even whalesharks!

Coconut Wall

The drop off takes us along the coast drifting normally in a southeasterly direction. As well as anthias, flatworms, nudis and batfish, we can see schooling snappers and perhaps some sharks and majestic eagle rays.

Lighthouse

Here the drop-off slopes to a sandy bottom. The current here is mild and we can see a big school of batfish and sometimes leopard sharks. In the shallows we can see schools of of grouper and red snapper.

Paradise 123

Along this coral slope we can see…fusilier, sweetlips, butterfly, angel, grouper, damselfish, anthias, batfish, scorpion, blennies, shrimp, crab, nudibranch, turtles, rays and maybe black tipped reef sharks. What would be the ultimate treat to see here? To meet a thresher shark or two!

Kehedaeng

Here along this beautiful fringing coral reef we have the chance to see: Fusilier, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Scorpion, Blennies, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Turtle and even Sharks!

Turtle Traffic

Love green sea turtles? This dive is for you! Maybe we can see up to 30 on just one dive. Here we can experience a relaxing drift dive. We also have the chance to see small groups of barracudas, jackfish and stingrays.. Being mindful to look out for critters on the reef. This location is beautiful for macro photography.

Land excursion: Goa Halo Tabung, Maratua Island – We use our tender boats to reach the southwest coast of Maratua where we hop off onto a wooden bridge. We then walk a short half mile to Goa Halo Tabunge (meaning Halo Tube Cave). We are met with beautiful, turquoise, still water which we can enter using steps on the low side of the pool and begin our swim through the cave. Sea water enters through the crevices of the cave, which is why the water here is salty.

Donning snorkeling equipment and buoys, we can enjoy an easy and relaxing float through this tunnel-like cave. Surrounded by the chirping crickets, luscious greenery and tranquil atmosphere, this is a moment to savour.

Day 5 – Kakaban (4 dives)

Kakaban is best known for its non-stinging jellyfish lake, located in the centre of the island, a short walk from the coast. Kakaban was likely uplifted during the Holocene and sea water was trapped turning the area and formed a landlocked marine lake. The water is now a mix of salt water and fresh water from the rain. The non-stinging jellyfish have lived in this lake for hundreds of years with no known predators. Around the coastline of Kakaban island we are offered a large variety of diving, including corals, large pelagic and caves.

Barracuda Point

This exhilarating drift dive takes us along a combination of slope and drop off. We can see abundance of butterfly fish, angels, damselfish, anthias, flatworm gobies and perhaps some sharks and the famous schooling barracuda.

Cabbage Point

This dive site gets its name from the generous amount of cabbage coral coating the seabed. Amongst scorpionfish, moray eels and batfish, we can marvel at schooling fusiliers that almost move almost as if they are one lifeform. We may also come across some blue spotted stingrays along the way.

The Corner

That’s right, it’s located on a corner of the island! As we drift around this mix of slope and steep drop-off along the north eastern coastline, we can see schooling fusiliers, blue spotted stingrays and some mean looking giant trevallies. What else? Butterfly, anthias, surgeon, scorpion, blennies, shrimp, nudis and turtles.

The Wall

Here we can hope to be mesmerized by a huge school of jacks.Leaffish, turtles, sharks, trevallies and tons of reef fish are all possible.

Land excursion: Danau Kakaban – Translates to ‘Kakaban Lake’. Using our tender boats to reach Kakban’s shore, we will take a short walk to the lake’s edge. Here we will snorkel and amongst four species of non-stinging jellyfish. They don’t sting because they have no predators within the lake. The topography is a mix of sand and vegetation with a maximum depth of just 23ft (7m). Here we can also see gobies, shrimp, crab, nudibranch and snakes.

Days 6/7 Sangalaki (7 dives)

This area is famous for the large population of turtles and manta rays year round and guests will frequently see them feeding. The island has a turtle nursery run by the local government which can be visited. Whale sharks are frequently seen off the coast of the island.

Sandy Ridge

Macro lovers are in for a treat right here. Nudibranch, sea slug, flat worms, and other small critters galore! Butterfly fish, angel fish, and sweet lips are always resident at this site.

Turtle Town

We can expect to find…turtles! As well as unexpected surprises. Napoleon wrasse and cuttlefish. This reef is full of butterfly fish, banner fish, angel fish, surgeon fish, fusiliers, trevally, sweet lips, moorish idol, damsel fish and much more. Paradise for macro lovers too! It’s also a great spot for night dives.

Coral Garden Sangalaki

Here we dive an extremely beautiful and healthy coral reef. We can find a real variety of interesting creatures here including frog fish, crocodile fish, mandarin fish, butterfly fish, angelfish, and mantis shrimp. For those who enjoy macro, we can find tiny critters such as anemone shrimps, coral crabs and sea fan crabs.

Manta Run

Manta rays will rise up from the deeper water, and then after reaching the surface, they will circle around in order to feed on plankton. Manta rays are more often seen during the afternoon. This diving spot has a good reef, good visibility and a wide variety of reef fish.

Manta Parade

As the name suggests, we are very likely to meet a number of mantas here. It’s also a great place for snorkeling with manta ray here as they rise to the surface. Here, mantas are mostly seen from morning to noon. Coral reefs in this area are patchy and here we can find huge schools of fusiliers and surgeon fish. Various gobies and ghost pipe fish can also be found here. If we are lucky, we can also find leopard sharks here!

Eel ridge

This sandy bottomed dive site has a ‘field’ full of sand eel/ghost eel. A very different and surreal diving experience! Visibility is better during the morning to noon compared to the afternoon. We can be lucky to find lobster and mantis shrimp here too.

Manta Avenue

Manta rays can be found swimming on the surface during morning to noon. It is a shallow diving/snorkeling site, with a beautifully healthy reef. Here we swim with butterfly fish, angel fish, surgeon fish, and fusiliers. There’s also the manta beauty salon located here…a secret manta cleaning station, where mantas get cleaned by cleaner fish. The manta will swim gracefully, circling around whilst we enjoy the beautiful underwater scenery.

Days 8/9 – Central/West Sulawesi-Palu (7 dives)

This area really is a world away from the tourist track. Liveaboards haven’t been cruising this area for long at all and so it’s unlikely we’ll see many others around. The diving here is incredible and this location’s appeal extends further than the diving; charming little fishing villages, deserted sandy beaches fringed by palm trees, surrounded by turquoise waters. Heaven on Earth.

Batu Suya

This site is a vertical drop-off with a unique coral reef formation. There are some magnificent overhangs and swim-throughs. Be on the look out for crabs and rare nudis. Be sure to explore the cracks and mini caves that are coated in colorful soft and hard corals, massive sponges, whip corals, black corals and huge gorgonian fans.. As well as some pretty cool frog fish, and crocodile fish we might even get to see a completely transparent glass perch.

Gili Raja Wreck

This wreck is a sunken cargo ship coated in black coral. The wreck is a World war 1 boat at 295ft/90m long and can be entered. Other key draws of this site are eagle rays, blue-spotted stingrays and schooling silversides. A big variety of reef fish as well as nudibranchs, shrimp, crabs, and starfish.

Anchor

Owes its name to a large anchor within the reef that is coated in beautiful coral. This long and thin reef is surrounded by large sandy areas that are interrupted by wonderous hard coral bommies coated in sponges, gorgonians, feather stars as well numerous shrimps and nudis. Be sure to peek under the table corals to see baby sharks taking a nap. Bumphead parrotfish and turtles are often seen here. Be on the look out for ghost and seaweed pipe fish.

Pasi Utara

This fantastic seamount is a great place to spot sharks. It also boasts beautiful gorgonians and soft corals as well as snappers, grunts, mackerels, rays and jack fish.

Pasi Pome

This site is a cone shaped sea mount that is circled by big schools of fish. We can be lucky to spot red, brown, and white leaf fish, nudibranchs,shoals of jack fish, batfish, snapper, surgeon fish, harlequin grunts, frog fish and pygmy seahorses. When there is some current running, we may glimpse grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and black/white tip reef sharks.

Pelabuhan Jetty

The critter diver’s choice. Under the jetty at Donggala’s Harbour we can find a variety of frogfish, seahorses, razorfish, nudibranchs, pipefish and many other treasures hidden in the sand. The seagrass here provides protection for miniature marvels.

Mutiara Wreck

This 260ft/80m long boat sank in 1954. The wreck lies on one side and the holds are now covered in soft and hard corals. This wreck can be entered and frequently here we find Longnose hawkfish, pygmy seahorses, crab and shrimps.

Enu Wall

This incredible reef lies to the side of the Bay of Palu. It descends down to 300ft/90m and is a combination of small caves, ledges and crevasses. We can find longnose hawkfish swimming along the overgrown ledges. Shoals of grunts, yellow and red pygmy seahorses are all possible here. What else? Black snappers, surgeon fish,frog fish,butterflies,napoleon wrasse, and the odd reef shark, ghost pipefish and bump heads.

Natural Reef

Natural Reef has a mix of sand and coral areas along with overhangs creating unusual topography. Here we can find napoleon wrasse, nursesharks and stingrays. As well as stonefish,lionfish, leaf fish, nudis, sweetlips and octopus hiding in holes in the reef.

Alex Point

Along a fringing reef, which is mostly flat in the shallows. It then falls steeply down to around 100ft/30m and levels out on a sandy bottom where there are plentiful bommies.One of these massive coral bommies is frequented by a station of cleaner shrimps, black snappers and harlequin grunts. Apart from invertebrates like fantastic gorgonian fans, hard corals, feather stars and slugs, there are ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorse to be found.

Green Wall

Green Wall is a vertical wall covered by hard corals and gorgonian sea fans. The reef is beautiful here and the bottom is rocky, which makes it easy for an abundant amount of different species to hide. Green Wall attracts grunts, grouper, angelfish, batfish, mackerel, moray eels, and boxfish. As well as eagle rays, sweetlips, frogfish, leaf fish,flatheads, scorpionfish, dragonets, octopu and sharks.

Day 10 – Disembarkation in Palu

Total dives: 30

SELAYAR-TAKA BONERATE-MAUMERE BAY

11 Days/10 Nights Makassar-Maumere Cruise Itinerary

As exclusive as it gets; The Arenui cruises this South Sulawesi route only once a year. Our embarkation point is in Makassar which can easily be reached by domestic flight from Jakarta. Our journey from Makassar to Maumere will bring us first via Selayar. This area is blessed with unlimited dive potential as well as pristine white sandy beaches and a relaxing atmosphere; truly wonderful. We can spot tiny pygmy seahorses hiding in delicate sea fans. An abundance of reef fish can be seen here such as fusiliers, snappers, and occasionally tunas, mantas, eagle rays and sharks can be seen passing by. 

We then continue our journey between the 21 islands of Taka Bonerate National Park; the world’s third largest atoll. In 2015 the Taka Bonerate National Park was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.The atoll consists of separate table reefs enclosing a lagoon filled with massive reefs.

Immaculately clear waters offer a wide range of different types of reefs, from barrier reefs to fringing reefs and atolls to steep drop-offs, as well as slopes and flat seabeds. So many opportunities for us divers to be amazed by the incredible beauty of this underwater world here. Besides the 242 species of corals, Taka Bonerate boasts 526 species of colorful and unusual reef fish as well as 112 species of macroalgae.

Here we have very good chances of getting up close with turtles, mantas, dolphins, turtles, sharks and even sperm whales! We will glide past majestic giant gorgonian fans and black corals. This unspoilt underwater paradise brings us an immense variety of sealife including scorpion fish, tuna, nudis, napoleon wrasse, as well as hawksbill, green and Pacific Ridley turtles. Taka Bonerate is home to areas of the world’s highest marine diversity. With over 50 amazing dive sites, the park is absolute heaven on Earth for divers.

Day 1 Embarkation in Makassar

Day 2 – Sarontang/Pulau Kambing (3-4 dives)

Sarontang/Pulau Kambing (meaning Goat Island) lies in the strait between Selayar island and Bira. Wonderous sharky waters and incredible wall dives. As well as colorful coral gardens and hunting grounds of mackerels, tunas and giant trevallies. Giant bumphead parrotfish can be seen here in groups cruising by. On the same dive you might spot illusive scorpionfishes, cuttlefish or perhaps an octopus and if we’re lucky a beautiful orange and black juvenile zebra batfish.

Main Dive Sites: Coral Garden, Eagle’s Rock, The Cave, The Great Wall of Goats

DAY 3 – Central Selayar – Tanjung Tampu  (4 dives)

Exploratory diving around Tanjung Tampu.

DAY 4 – Central Selayar – Tanjung Cumi  (4 dives)

Opera Wall

This is a stunning wall with huge black coral formations in the deeper sections. The dive can be dived both deep and shallow and all depth levels offer beautiful macro opportunities. We usually aim to swim a little along the wall which enables us to cross over the top of our Shark Point site – here we swim through a ‘fish soup’ of schooling bannerfish and snappers, huge barracuda are often resting here and large marble rays are not uncommon. We finish the dive along the reef top where there are usually too many turtles to count, sea snakes and for those looking for smaller critters, leaf fish, orang-utan crabs, shrimps, velutinids and nudibranch are all residing here!

Shark Point

This site is a 10 minute boat ride from the resort and starts as a deep wall which bottoms out to a sandy slope at around 30 meters. We start the dive along the wall which is covered with gorgonians, black corals and colourful sponges. Before dropping down to the slope we swim through schools of snappers, jacks and schooling bannerfish – a resident great barracuda is also known to hang in the shallows here too! Once on the slope we follow the reef down to around 40 meters where both white tip and grey reef sharks are frequently patrolling the reef and the blue. This is also an ideal spot for seeing large marble rays, tuna and napoleons as well as eagle rays passing overhead. On days when the larger predators are not present this site still offers fantastic diversity and numerous turtles can be seen on every dive here as well as leaf fish, sea snakes, huge giant trevallies and small schools of barracudas. The reef top at the end of the dive offers beautiful corals and this is often where we find interesting critters including various shrimps, orang-utan crabs, giant clams and blue spotted stingrays.

Canyon

Here we often see schools of bat fish and on the deep sand bottom we sometimes see sharks passing back and forth. Stingrays are not uncommon here and it is not unusual to see an eagle ray swooping by overhead or in the blue. This is a beautiful dive site, best dived when the currents are running a little stronger.

Outside

The Outside dive site starts as a sandy slope which we usually drift along in the current – here we hope to see large napoleons, schools of bat fish and occasionally large rays. The slope soon becomes a stunning vertical wall which is pocked with ledges, caverns and interesting formations. Along the wall look out for nudibranch, shrimps, beautiful anemones and some large sweetlips as well as sea snakes and long-nose hawkfish amongst the soft corals.

DAY 5/6 – South Selayar (8 dives)

Unspunnenstein

A Swiss dive site name. This site is a steeply sloping reef and wall with alcoves and cracks in which many reef fish can be found. Here we should be on the lookout in the patches of Halimeda algae for the (you’ve guessed it!) halimeda ghost pipefish along with flatworms, shrimps and nudis.

Doda

Similar topography to Unspunnenstein with a deep sloping reef and wall. Tons of soft corals, gorgonians and sponges, colorful and abundant. Here we find an especially beautiful reef flat here with many staghorn corals, habitat of wrasse, harlequin sweetlips fish and other colorful species of reef fish. Look out for ghost pipefish, shrimp, leaf fish, turtles and crabs species. Some banded seasnakes may also meet us there.

Apatana Höhle

Heading in a southerly direction we head towards ‘the hole’. Along this slope of sand and coral we can expect to find schooling of fusiliers and batfish; lionfish, garden eels, blue spotted stingrays, razor fish and anemone shrimp along with an abundance of reef fish. Reaching the hole of an impressive overhang with a 130ft/40m maximum depth. Perhaps we’ll see some bumphead parrotfish cruising bay too.

Little Wall

Be ready for some impressive gorgonian seafans of many colors and kinds. Scanning these fans we can find illusive pygmy seahorses. Check out the anemones for orangutan crabs and look around for blue spotted stingrays and bumphead parrotfish.

DAY 7/9 – Taka Bonerate (11-12 dives)

Takabonerate is a marine park located in the Flores Sea, South Sulawesi.These islands are the habitat of a huge variety of sea life and bird species and are hardly visited by tourists. No phone or internet signal means we switch off from everyday life and engage with nature, from your luxurious abode; The Arenui vessel. 

An incredible variety of wall and garden reef dives are to be explored. There is practically no current on most dives and so those who like to relax and enjoy the view without treading the current, are going to me more than comfortable. The rangers do their jobs well keeping the reefs pristine. The underwater features are amazing, almost as if diving in an aquarium. The beached on the surrounding islands are beautiful, white soft sand. The scenery is truly wonderful. Heaven on earth.

Visibility on average is great. What life can we see here?… this place is a haven for baby sharks that swim in the shallows around the colorful and clean coral reefs. We can see other pretty reef creatures such as, butterfly fish, cardinal fish, angelfish, grouper, surgeon fish, damselfish, batfish trevallies, snapper, fusiliers, sweetlips, wrasse, parrot fish, trigger fish, bumphead fish, scorpion fish, lobster, eagle rays, nudibrands, crocodile fish, moray eels, schooling mackerel, and bigger predator fishes like barracuda, tuna and adult sharks

Main Dive Sites: Jinato Wall Paradise, Small Totoke Spot, Bajang Pogo, Huntu Ceria, Uka, Pinky Fish, Taka Mallori, Ibel Orange, Corina Corner, Pasitallu Raja, Kolam Ganterang.

DAY 10 – Maumere Bay (3 dives)

Maumere Bay is an extensive, beautiful bay surrounded by volcanoes and gentle hills and rimmed by islands. Maumere Bay encompasses the whole area around Maumere town, all the way to the East until Tanjung Darat and including the islands of Besar, Dambilah, Pangabatang, Babi and Pamana.

Pulau Babi’, translating to ‘pig island’ to the northern part, is bordered by a thick coral reef. Toward the south there is a small tidal flat and at the southern end of the island, the barrier reef tapers. It has deep walls with lots of cracks and crevices with leather corals in the shallows. Babi is home to many dive sites, including the famous ‘crack’.

Mandarin Patch

Can you guess what we find here? That’s right, the illusive and beautiful mandarin fish during dusk. This is a small reef on a gentle slope with many sponges and corals that are home to many creatures such as shrimps, trigger fishes, cuttlefish, eels, lobsters, and nudis. Be on the look out for stonefishes, ribbon eels and even  ghost pipefish.

Zubinarius (one for the critter divers!!)

A not long known site that was found to be home to shaggy frogfishes (Antennarius hispidus). It is a true muck site with sand and mud. Aside from frogfishes there are also a lot of other critters like large seahorses, octopuses, nudibranchs, small pipefishes, coconut crabs, sea cucumbers and slugs.

The Crack

This ‘crack’ was formed during an earthquake in 1992. Located in a reef 20 meters (66 ft) below the water, the 70-centimetre (28 in) crack reaches a length of 30 meters (98 ft).
Corals grow in it and a lot of reef fish live here. We then dive along a steep wall, full with coral growth, mostly hard corals, large sea fans and reef fish.  Look out into the blue for sharks and rays as well as up close to the reef for smaller life like nudibranchs, leaf scorpionfishes, eels and morays, octopus, lobsters and frogfish…

DAY 11 – Disembarkation in Maumere

Total dives: 33-35

SELAYAR-TAKA BONERATE-MAUMERE BAY

12 Days/11 Nights Makassar-Maumere Cruise Itinerary

As exclusive as it gets; The Arenui cruises this South Sulawesi route only once a year. Our embarkation point is in Makassar which can easily be reached by domestic flight from Jakarta. Our journey from Makassar to Maumere will bring us first via Selayar. This area is blessed with unlimited dive potential as well as pristine white sandy beaches and a relaxing atmosphere; truly wonderful. We can spot tiny pygmy seahorses hiding in delicate sea fans. An abundance of reef fish can be seen here such as fusiliers, snappers, and occasionally tunas, mantas, eagle rays and sharks can be seen passing by. 

We then continue our journey between the 21 islands of Taka Bonerate National Park; the world’s third largest atoll. In 2015 the Taka Bonerate National Park was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.The atoll consists of separate table reefs enclosing a lagoon filled with massive reefs.

Immaculately clear waters offer a wide range of different types of reefs, from barrier reefs to fringing reefs and atolls to steep drop-offs, as well as slopes and flat seabeds. So many opportunities for us divers to be amazed by the incredible beauty of this underwater world here. Besides the 242 species of corals, Taka Bonerate boasts 526 species of colorful and unusual reef fish as well as 112 species of macroalgae.

Here we have very good chances of getting up close with turtles, mantas, dolphins, turtles, sharks and even sperm whales! We will glide past majestic giant gorgonian fans and black corals. This unspoilt underwater paradise brings us an immense variety of sealife including scorpion fish, tuna, nudis, napoleon wrasse, as well as hawksbill, green and Pacific Ridley turtles. Taka Bonerate is home to areas of the world’s highest marine diversity. With over 50 amazing dive sites, the park is absolute heaven on Earth for divers.

Day 1 Embarkation in Makassar

Day 2 – Sarontang/Pulau Kambing (3-4 dives)

Sarontang/Pulau Kambing (meaning Goat Island) lies in the strait between Selayar island and Bira. Wonderous sharky waters and incredible wall dives. As well as colorful coral gardens and hunting grounds of mackerels, tunas and giant trevallies. Giant bumphead parrotfish can be seen here in groups cruising by. On the same dive you might spot illusive scorpionfishes, cuttlefish or perhaps an octopus and if we’re lucky a beautiful orange and black juvenile zebra batfish.

Main Dive Sites: Coral Garden, Eagle’s Rock, The Cave, The Great Wall of Goats

DAY 3 North Selayar – Pulau Pasitanete (4 dives)

Exploratory diving around Pulau Pasitanete and Pulau Pasitanete Lighthouse.

DAY 4 – Central Selayar – Tanjung Tampu  (4 dives)

Exploratory diving.

DAY 5 – Central Selayar – Tanjung Cumi  (4 dives)

Opera Wall

This is a stunning wall with huge black coral formations in the deeper sections. The dive can be dived both deep and shallow and all depth levels offer beautiful macro opportunities. We usually aim to swim a little along the wall which enables us to cross over the top of our Shark Point site – here we swim through a ‘fish soup’ of schooling bannerfish and snappers, huge barracuda are often resting here and large marble rays are not uncommon. We finish the dive along the reef top where there are usually too many turtles to count, sea snakes and for those looking for smaller critters, leaf fish, orang-utan crabs, shrimps, velutinids and nudibranch are all residing here!

Shark Point

This site is a 10 minute boat ride from the resort and starts as a deep wall which bottoms out to a sandy slope at around 30 meters. We start the dive along the wall which is covered with gorgonians, black corals and colourful sponges. Before dropping down to the slope we swim through schools of snappers, jacks and schooling bannerfish – a resident great barracuda is also known to hang in the shallows here too! Once on the slope we follow the reef down to around 40 meters where both white tip and grey reef sharks are frequently patrolling the reef and the blue. This is also an ideal spot for seeing large marble rays, tuna and napoleons as well as eagle rays passing overhead. On days when the larger predators are not present this site still offers fantastic diversity and numerous turtles can be seen on every dive here as well as leaf fish, sea snakes, huge giant trevallies and small schools of barracudas. The reef top at the end of the dive offers beautiful corals and this is often where we find interesting critters including various shrimps, orang-utan crabs, giant clams and blue spotted stingrays.

Canyon

Here we often see schools of bat fish and on the deep sand bottom we sometimes see sharks passing back and forth. Stingrays are not uncommon here and it is not unusual to see an eagle ray swooping by overhead or in the blue. This is a beautiful dive site, best dived when the currents are running a little stronger.

Outside

The Outside dive site starts as a sandy slope which we usually drift along in the current – here we hope to see large napoleons, schools of bat fish and occasionally large rays. The slope soon becomes a stunning vertical wall which is pocked with ledges, caverns and interesting formations. Along the wall look out for nudibranch, shrimps, beautiful anemones and some large sweetlips as well as sea snakes and long-nose hawkfish amongst the soft corals.

DAY 6/7 – South Selayar (8 dives)

Unspunnenstein

A Swiss dive site name. This site is a steeply sloping reef and wall with alcoves and cracks in which many reef fish can be found. Here we should be on the lookout in the patches of Halimeda algae for the (you’ve guessed it!) halimeda ghost pipefish along with flatworms, shrimps and nudis.

Doda

Similar topography to Unspunnenstein with a deep sloping reef and wall. Tons of soft corals, gorgonians and sponges, colorful and abundant. Here we find an especially beautiful reef flat here with many staghorn corals, habitat of wrasse, harlequin sweetlips fish and other colorful species of reef fish. Look out for ghost pipefish, shrimp, leaf fish, turtles and crabs species. Some banded seasnakes may also meet us there.

Apatana Höhle

Heading in a southerly direction we head towards ‘the hole’. Along this slope of sand and coral we can expect to find schooling of fusiliers and batfish; lionfish, garden eels, blue spotted stingrays, razor fish and anemone shrimp along with an abundance of reef fish. Reaching the hole of an impressive overhang with a 130ft/40m maximum depth. Perhaps we’ll see some bumphead parrotfish cruising bay too.

Little Wall

Be ready for some impressive gorgonian seafans of many colors and kinds. Scanning these fans we can find illusive pygmy seahorses. Check out the anemones for orangutan crabs and look around for blue spotted stingrays and bumphead parrotfish.

DAY 8/10 – Taka Bonerate (11-12 dives)

Takabonerate is a marine park located in the Flores Sea, South Sulawesi.These islands are the habitat of a huge variety of sea life and bird species and are hardly visited by tourists. No phone or internet signal means we switch off from everyday life and engage with nature, from your luxurious abode; The Arenui vessel. 

An incredible variety of wall and garden reef dives are to be explored. There is practically no current on most dives and so those who like to relax and enjoy the view without treading the current, are going to me more than comfortable. The rangers do their jobs well keeping the reefs pristine. The underwater features are amazing, almost as if diving in an aquarium. The beached on the surrounding islands are beautiful, white soft sand. The scenery is truly wonderful. Heaven on earth.

Visibility on average is great. What life can we see here?… this place is a haven for baby sharks that swim in the shallows around the colorful and clean coral reefs. We can see other pretty reef creatures such as, butterfly fish, cardinal fish, angelfish, grouper, surgeon fish, damselfish, batfish trevallies, snapper, fusiliers, sweetlips, wrasse, parrot fish, trigger fish, bumphead fish, scorpion fish, lobster, eagle rays, nudibrands, crocodile fish, moray eels, schooling mackerel, and bigger predator fishes like barracuda, tuna and adult sharks

Main Dive Sites: Jinato Wall Paradise, Small Totoke Spot, Bajang Pogo, Huntu Ceria, Uka, Pinky Fish, Taka Mallori, Ibel Orange, Corina Corner, Pasitallu Raja, Kolam Ganterang.

DAY 11 – Maumere Bay (3 dives)

Maumere Bay is an extensive, beautiful bay surrounded by volcanoes and gentle hills and rimmed by islands. Maumere Bay encompasses the whole area around Maumere town, all the way to the East until Tanjung Darat and including the islands of Besar, Dambilah, Pangabatang, Babi and Pamana.

Pulau Babi’, translating to ‘pig island’ to the northern part, is bordered by a thick coral reef. Toward the south there is a small tidal flat and at the southern end of the island, the barrier reef tapers. It has deep walls with lots of cracks and crevices with leather corals in the shallows. Babi is home to many dive sites, including the famous ‘crack’.

Mandarin Patch

Can you guess what we find here? That’s right, the illusive and beautiful mandarin fish during dusk. This is a small reef on a gentle slope with many sponges and corals that are home to many creatures such as shrimps, trigger fishes, cuttlefish, eels, lobsters, and nudis. Be on the look out for stonefishes, ribbon eels and even  ghost pipefish.

Zubinarius (one for the critter divers!!)

A not long known site that was found to be home to shaggy frogfishes (Antennarius hispidus). It is a true muck site with sand and mud. Aside from frogfishes there are also a lot of other critters like large seahorses, octopuses, nudibranchs, small pipefishes, coconut crabs, sea cucumbers and slugs.

The Crack

This ‘crack’ was formed during an earthquake in 1992. Located in a reef 20 meters (66 ft) below the water, the 70-centimetre (28 in) crack reaches a length of 30 meters (98 ft).
Corals grow in it and a lot of reef fish live here. We then dive along a steep wall, full with coral growth, mostly hard corals, large sea fans and reef fish.  Look out into the blue for sharks and rays as well as up close to the reef for smaller life like nudibranchs, leaf scorpionfishes, eels and morays, octopus, lobsters and frogfish…

DAY 12 – Disembarkation in Maumere

Total dives: 37-39

BEST OF BORNEO & WEST SULAWESI

12 Days/11 Nights Palu-Tarakan Cruise Itinerary

Our journey will start in Palu, Central Sulawesi and end in Tarakan, located on Tarakan Island, Borneo. Tarakan is one of the major cities in northern Borneo, close to the Malaysian border from Sabah, Malaysia. Both Palu and Tarakan are both well connected to Singapore via Balikpapan. They are also well connected to Bali and Jakarta via Balikpapan.

This 12 day, 11 night cruise takes us through the Makassar Strait from Palu to Tarakan in the Northeast of Borneo. This means we get to experience very distinct dive areas, all in one cruise. Leaving Palu, we follow the coastline to see the many picturesque islands and bays. Under the Dutch colonial government, Donggala was the main town and port in Central Sulawesi. After the main harbor was destroyed, ships needed to use the harbor in Palu, on the other side of the bay. Since then, Palu became the regional capital. We can expect to dive large reefs with immense soft and hard coral coverage, incredible pelagics, including sharks on almost each dive.

When then continue towards the Borneo coast, a number of incredible coral reefs and islands grow to the surface from the depths. Nutrient rich currents bring up big fish from the deep into shallower waters, allowing us to see them pursuing reef fish in hope of catching a meal.
Each island has its own unique character. We can see entire schools of manta rays at Sangalaki that are drawn here to feed on plankton. As well as turtles, Derawan has elusive treasures to be found; here we search for hidden critters. Maratua hosts massive marvels, such as sharks, barracudas and more mantas! At Kakaban island, plunge into the saltwater lake full with non-stinging jellyfish in the middle of the island. We will dive the incredible walls encircling the island of Kakaban. In the shallow waters around Samama, we scan for an abundance of macro critters, hiding in plain sight.

Day 1 Embarkation in Palu

Days 2/4 – Central/West Sulawesi-Palu (11 dives)

This area really is a world away from the tourist track. Liveaboards haven’t been cruising this area for long at all and so it’s unlikely we’ll see many others around. The diving here is incredible and this location’s appeal extends further than the diving; charming little fishing villages, deserted sandy beaches fringed by palm trees, surrounded by turquoise waters. Heaven on Earth.

Batu Suya

This site is a vertical drop-off with a unique coral reef formation. There are some magnificent overhangs and swim-throughs. Be on the look out for crabs and rare nudis. Be sure to explore the cracks and mini caves that are coated in colorful soft and hard corals, massive sponges, whip corals, black corals and huge gorgonian fans.. As well as some pretty cool frog fish, and crocodile fish we might even get to see a completely transparent glass perch.

Gili Raja Wreck

This wreck is a sunken cargo ship coated in black coral. The wreck is a World war 1 boat at 295ft/90m long and can be entered. Other key draws of this site are eagle rays, blue-spotted stingrays and schooling silversides. A big variety of reef fish as well as nudibranchs, shrimp, crabs, and starfish.

Anchor

Owes its name to a large anchor within the reef that is coated in beautiful coral. This long and thin reef is surrounded by large sandy areas that are interrupted by wonderous hard coral bommies coated in sponges, gorgonians, feather stars as well numerous shrimps and nudis. Be sure to peek under the table corals to see baby sharks taking a nap. Bumphead parrotfish and turtles are often seen here. Be on the look out for ghost and seaweed pipe fish.

Pasi Utara

This fantastic seamount is a great place to spot sharks. It also boasts beautiful gorgonians and soft corals as well as snappers, grunts, mackerels, rays and jack fish.

Pasi Pome

This site is a cone shaped sea mount that is circled by big schools of fish. We can be lucky to spot red, brown, and white leaf fish, nudibranchs,shoals of jack fish, batfish, snapper, surgeon fish, harlequin grunts, frog fish and pygmy seahorses. When there is some current running, we may glimpse grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and black/white tip reef sharks.

Pelabuhan Jetty

The critter diver’s choice. Under the jetty at Donggala’s Harbour we can find a variety of frogfish, seahorses, razorfish, nudibranchs, pipefish and many other treasures hidden in the sand. The seagrass here provides protection for miniature marvels.

Mutiara Wreck

This 260ft/80m long boat sank in 1954. The wreck lies on one side and the holds are now covered in soft and hard corals. This wreck can be entered and frequently here we find Longnose hawkfish, pygmy seahorses, crab and shrimps.

Enu Wall

This incredible reef lies to the side of the Bay of Palu. It descends down to 300ft/90m and is a combination of small caves, ledges and crevasses. We can find longnose hawkfish swimming along the overgrown ledges. Shoals of grunts, yellow and red pygmy seahorses are all possible here. What else? Black snappers, surgeon fish,frog fish,butterflies,napoleon wrasse, and the odd reef shark, ghost pipefish and bump heads.

Natural Reef

Natural Reef has a mix of sand and coral areas along with overhangs creating unusual topography. Here we can find napoleon wrasse, nursesharks and stingrays. As well as stonefish,lionfish, leaf fish, nudis, sweetlips and octopus hiding in holes in the reef.

Alex Point

Along a fringing reef, which is mostly flat in the shallows. It then falls steeply down to around 100ft/30m and levels out on a sandy bottom where there are plentiful bommies.One of these massive coral bommies is frequented by a station of cleaner shrimps, black snappers and harlequin grunts. Apart from invertebrates like fantastic gorgonian fans, hard corals, feather stars and slugs, there are ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorse to be found.

Green Wall

Green Wall is a vertical wall covered by hard corals and gorgonian sea fans. The reef is beautiful here and the bottom is rocky, which makes it easy for an abundant amount of different species to hide. Green Wall attracts grunts, grouper, angelfish, batfish, mackerel, moray eels, and boxfish. As well as eagle rays, sweetlips, frogfish, leaf fish,flatheads, scorpionfish, dragonets, octopu and sharks.

Days 5/6 Sangalaki (7 dives)

This area is famous for the large population of turtles and manta rays year round and guests will frequently see them feeding. The island has a turtle nursery run by the local government which can be visited. Whale sharks are frequently seen off the coast of the island.

Sandy Ridge

Macro lovers are in for a treat right here. Nudibranch, sea slug, flat worms, and other small critters galore! Butterfly fish, angel fish, and sweet lips are always resident at this site.

Turtle Town

We can expect to find…turtles! As well as unexpected surprises. Napoleon wrasse and cuttlefish. This reef is full of butterfly fish, banner fish, angel fish, surgeon fish, fusiliers, trevally, sweet lips, moorish idol, damsel fish and much more. Paradise for macro lovers too! It’s also a great spot for night dives.

Coral Garden Sangalaki

Here we dive an extremely beautiful and healthy coral reef. We can find a real variety of interesting creatures here including frog fish, crocodile fish, mandarin fish, butterfly fish, angelfish, and mantis shrimp. For those who enjoy macro, we can find tiny critters such as anemone shrimps, coral crabs and sea fan crabs.

Manta Run

Manta rays will rise up from the deeper water, and then after reaching the surface, they will circle around in order to feed on plankton. Manta rays are more often seen during the afternoon. This diving spot has a good reef, good visibility and a wide variety of reef fish.

Manta Parade

As the name suggests, we are very likely to meet a number of mantas here. It’s also a great place for snorkeling with manta ray here as they rise to the surface. Here, mantas are mostly seen from morning to noon. Coral reefs in this area are patchy and here we can find huge schools of fusiliers and surgeon fish. Various gobies and ghost pipe fish can also be found here. If we are lucky, we can also find leopard sharks here!

Eel ridge

This sandy bottomed dive site has a ‘field’ full of sand eel/ghost eel. A very different and surreal diving experience! Visibility is better during the morning to noon compared to the afternoon. We can be lucky to find lobster and mantis shrimp here too.

Manta Avenue

Manta rays can be found swimming on the surface during morning to noon. It is a shallow diving/snorkeling site, with a beautifully healthy reef. Here we swim with butterfly fish, angel fish, surgeon fish, and fusiliers. There’s also the manta beauty salon located here…a secret manta cleaning station, where mantas get cleaned by cleaner fish. The manta will swim gracefully, circling around whilst we enjoy the beautiful underwater scenery.

Day 7 – Kakaban (4 dives)

Kakaban is best known for its non-stinging jellyfish lake, located in the centre of the island, a short walk from the coast. Kakaban was likely uplifted during the Holocene and sea water was trapped turning the area and formed a landlocked marine lake. The water is now a mix of salt water and fresh water from the rain. The non-stinging jellyfish have lived in this lake for hundreds of years with no known predators. Around the coastline of Kakaban island we are offered a large variety of diving, including corals, large pelagic and caves.

Barracuda Point

This exhilarating drift dive takes us along a combination of slope and drop off. We can see abundance of butterfly fish, angels, damselfish, anthias, flatworm gobies and perhaps some sharks and the famous schooling barracuda.

Cabbage Point

This dive site gets its name from the generous amount of cabbage coral coating the seabed. Amongst scorpionfish, moray eels and batfish, we can marvel at schooling fusiliers that almost move almost as if they are one lifeform. We may also come across some blue spotted stingrays along the way.

The Corner

That’s right, it’s located on a corner of the island! As we drift around this mix of slope and steep drop-off along the north eastern coastline, we can see schooling fusiliers, blue spotted stingrays and some mean looking giant trevallies. What else? Butterfly, anthias, surgeon, scorpion, blennies, shrimp, nudis and turtles.

The Wall

Here we can hope to be mesmerized by a huge school of jacks.Leaffish, turtles, sharks, trevallies and tons of reef fish are all possible.

Land excursion: Danau Kakaban – Translates to ‘Kakaban Lake’. Using our tender boats to reach Kakban’s shore, we will take a short walk to the lake’s edge. Here we will snorkel and amongst four species of non-stinging jellyfish. They don’t sting because they have no predators within the lake. The topography is a mix of sand and vegetation with a maximum depth of just 23ft (7m). Here we can also see gobies, shrimp, crab, nudibranch and snakes.

Days 8/9 – Maratua (8 dives)

Here we have the chance to see some thrilling big creatures. Some best dives include, “The Channel” and “Big Fish” which has whirling schools of barracuda, grey reef sharks, thresher sharks, masses of turtles and schooling eagle rays schooling.

The East Wall

The two pillars at this site are the remains of a Japanese watch tower after it has been bombed during the Second World War. Here we can find a huge variety of seafans and black corals. The dive starts with a gentle slope that becomes a sharp, almost vertical drop-off. The barrel drum coral here are massive in size. This dive site is also called ‘Eagle-Ray Point’, because eagle-rays are often spotted here.

The Channel

Diving at beginning high tide when the current is flowing into the lagoon. With a considerable current, we can hook onto the reef to look out for eagle rays, barracudas, groupers and sometimes even whalesharks!

Coconut Wall

The drop off takes us along the coast drifting normally in a southeasterly direction. As well as anthias, flatworms, nudis and batfish, we can see schooling snappers and perhaps some sharks and majestic eagle rays.

Lighthouse

Here the drop-off slopes to a sandy bottom. The current here is mild and we can see a big school of batfish and sometimes leopard sharks. In the shallows we can see schools of of grouper and red snapper.

Paradise 123

Along this coral slope we can see…fusilier, sweetlips, butterfly, angel, grouper, damselfish, anthias, batfish, scorpion, blennies, shrimp, crab, nudibranch, turtles, rays and maybe black tipped reef sharks. What would be the ultimate treat to see here? To meet a thresher shark or two!

Kehedaeng

Here along this beautiful fringing coral reef we have the chance to see: Fusilier, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Scorpion, Blennies, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Turtle and even Sharks!

Turtle Traffic

Love green sea turtles? This dive is for you! Maybe we can see up to 30 on just one dive. Here we can experience a relaxing drift dive. We also have the chance to see small groups of barracudas, jackfish and stingrays.. Being mindful to look out for critters on the reef. This location is beautiful for macro photography.

Land excursion: Goa Halo Tabung, Maratua Island – We use our tender boats to reach the southwest coast of Maratua where we hop off onto a wooden bridge. We then walk a short half mile to Goa Halo Tabunge (meaning Halo Tube Cave). We are met with beautiful, turquoise, still water which we can enter using steps on the low side of the pool and begin our swim through the cave. Sea water enters through the crevices of the cave, which is why the water here is salty.

Donning snorkeling equipment and buoys, we can enjoy an easy and relaxing float through this tunnel-like cave. Surrounded by the chirping crickets, luscious greenery and tranquil atmosphere, this is a moment to savour.

Day 10 – Derawan (4 dives)

Part of the Coral triangle, Derawan Islands have one of Indonesia’s richest and diverse ocean life. Not just diversity of Cave dives, wreck dives, muck dives, drift dives, walls, plateaux. 

Old Pier

Gets its name, from you’ve guessed it; a pier! As we follow the coral slope down and work our way south and to the east along the shoreline, we can see an abundance of butterfly fish, angels, damselfish, anthias, wrasse, gobies, shrimp and nudis. Perhaps a turtle or two and the blue spotted stingrays and schooling fusiliers are for sure the highlight.

Shark Point

As we descend the coral lope that becomes a drop off. Amongst the crabs, turtles and morays, the big attraction here is the possibility of seeing some sharks along with the impressive sight of schooling jacks.

Blue Trigger Wall

This healthy coral reef slope and wall combination is home to schooling of fusiliers and blue triggerfish. As we go along this comfortable drift, what else is there to see? Batfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, nudibranch, turtle and shark, all have a good chance to be seen here.

Tuturuga Point

This dive site, a mix of sand and coral is impressive both by day and by night. As well as the usual suspects in this area, it is special for being home to frogfish, leaf fish, scorpionfish, flathead, Blennies, dragonet, octopus and rays.

Day 11 – Samana (3 dives)

About 15 min by boat from Sangalaki is another dive location, Samama, perfect for macro. We are likely to see pygmy seahorses and a lot of nudibranchs. The island has a large area of mangrove and the dive sites are all very shallow. Currents are very mild and so we can take some good, long dives. Sunlight filters onto the hard and soft corals illuminating them in a rainbow of color. Reef life is abundant with many schools of fish. Be on the lookout for blue ribbon eels at the edge of the reef. Minute pygmy seahorse can be found camouflaged in gorgonian seafans.

Day 12 – Disembarkation in Tarakan

Total dives: 38

BEST OF BORNEO & WEST SULAWESI

12 Days/11 Nights Tarakan-Palu Cruise Itinerary

Our journey will start and end in Tarakan, located on Tarakan Island. It is one of the major cities in northern Borneo, close to the Malaysian  border from Sabah, Malaysia. Tarakan is well connected to Singapore via Balikpapan. Tarakan is also well connected to Bali and Jakarta via Balikpapan.

This 9 day, 8-Night cruise takes us between the islands and reefs rising up from the Makassar Strait. After leaving the coast of Borneo, the ocean floor becomes very deep, very soon. As we continue farther out, a number of incredible coral reefs and islands grow up to the surface from the depths. Nutrient rich currents bring up big fish from the deep into shallower waters, allowing us to see them pursuing reef fish in hope of catching a meal.

Each island has its own unique character. We can see entire schools of manta rays at Sangalaki that are drawn here to feed on plankton. As well as turtles, Derawan has elusive treasures to be found; here we search for hidden critters. Maratua hosts massive marvels, such as sharks, barracudas and more mantas! At Kakaban island, plunge into the saltwater lake full with non-stinging jellyfish in the middle of the island. Dive the incredible walls encircling the island of Kakaban. In the shallow waters encircling Samama, we scan for an abundance of macro critters, hiding in plain sight.

Moving on, we cross over to the Sulawesi side of the Strait. We will follow the coastline to see the many picturesque islands and bays. Under the Dutch colonial government, Donggala was the main town and port in Central Sulawesi. After the main harbor was destroyed, ships needed to use the harbor in Palu, on the other side of the bay. Since then, Palu became the regional capital. We can expect to dive large reefs with immense soft and hard coral coverage, incredible pelagics, including sharks on almost each dive. 

Day 1 Embarkation in Tarakan

Day 2 – Derawan (4 dives)

Part of the Coral triangle, Derawan Islands have one of Indonesia’s richest and diverse ocean life. Not just diversity of Cave dives, wreck dives, muck dives, drift dives, walls, plateaux. 

Old Pier

Gets its name, from you’ve guessed it; a pier! As we follow the coral slope down and work our way south and to the east along the shoreline, we can see an abundance of butterfly fish, angels, damselfish, anthias, wrasse, gobies, shrimp and nudis. Perhaps a turtle or two and the blue spotted stingrays and schooling fusiliers are for sure the highlight.

Shark Point

As we descend the coral lope that becomes a drop off. Amongst the crabs, turtles and morays, the big attraction here is the possibility of seeing some sharks along with the impressive sight of schooling jacks.

Blue Trigger Wall

This healthy coral reef slope and wall combination is home to schooling of fusiliers and blue triggerfish. As we go along this comfortable drift, what else is there to see? Batfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, nudibranch, turtle and shark, all have a good chance to be seen here.

Tuturuga Point

This dive site, a mix of sand and coral is impressive both by day and by night. As well as the usual suspects in this area, it is special for being home to frogfish, leaf fish, scorpionfish, flathead, Blennies, dragonet, octopus and rays.

Day 3 – Samana (4 dives)

About 15 min by boat from Sangalaki is another dive location, Samama, perfect for macro. We are likely to see pygmy seahorses and a lot of nudibranchs. The island has a large area of mangrove and the dive sites are all very shallow. Currents are very mild and so we can take some good, long dives. Sunlight filters onto the hard and soft corals illuminating them in a rainbow of color. Reef life is abundant with many schools of fish. Be on the lookout for blue ribbon eels at the edge of the reef. Minute pygmy seahorse can be found camouflaged in gorgonian seafans.

Days 4/5 – Maratua (8 dives)

Here we have the chance to see some thrilling big creatures. Some best dives include, “The Channel” and “Big Fish” which has whirling schools of barracuda, grey reef sharks, thresher sharks, masses of turtles and schooling eagle rays schooling.

The East Wall

The two pillars at this site are the remains of a Japanese watch tower after it has been bombed during the Second World War. Here we can find a huge variety of seafans and black corals. The dive starts with a gentle slope that becomes a sharp, almost vertical drop-off. The barrel drum coral here are massive in size. This dive site is also called ‘Eagle-Ray Point’, because eagle-rays are often spotted here.

The Channel

Diving at beginning high tide when the current is flowing into the lagoon. With a considerable current, we can hook onto the reef to look out for eagle rays, barracudas, groupers and sometimes even whalesharks!

Coconut Wall

The drop off takes us along the coast drifting normally in a southeasterly direction. As well as anthias, flatworms, nudis and batfish, we can see schooling snappers and perhaps some sharks and majestic eagle rays.

Lighthouse

Here the drop-off slopes to a sandy bottom. The current here is mild and we can see a big school of batfish and sometimes leopard sharks. In the shallows we can see schools of of grouper and red snapper.

Paradise 123

Along this coral slope we can see…fusilier, sweetlips, butterfly, angel, grouper, damselfish, anthias, batfish, scorpion, blennies, shrimp, crab, nudibranch, turtles, rays and maybe black tipped reef sharks. What would be the ultimate treat to see here? To meet a thresher shark or two!

Kehedaeng

Here along this beautiful fringing coral reef we have the chance to see: Fusilier, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Scorpion, Blennies, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Turtle and even Sharks!

Turtle Traffic

Love green sea turtles? This dive is for you! Maybe we can see up to 30 on just one dive. Here we can experience a relaxing drift dive. We also have the chance to see small groups of barracudas, jackfish and stingrays.. Being mindful to look out for critters on the reef. This location is beautiful for macro photography.

Land excursion: Goa Halo Tabung, Maratua Island – We use our tender boats to reach the southwest coast of Maratua where we hop off onto a wooden bridge. We then walk a short half mile to Goa Halo Tabunge (meaning Halo Tube Cave). We are met with beautiful, turquoise, still water which we can enter using steps on the low side of the pool and begin our swim through the cave. Sea water enters through the crevices of the cave, which is why the water here is salty.

Donning snorkeling equipment and buoys, we can enjoy an easy and relaxing float through this tunnel-like cave. Surrounded by the chirping crickets, luscious greenery and tranquil atmosphere, this is a moment to savour.

Day 6 – Kakaban (4 dives)

Kakaban is best known for its non-stinging jellyfish lake, located in the centre of the island, a short walk from the coast. Kakaban was likely uplifted during the Holocene and sea water was trapped turning the area and formed a landlocked marine lake. The water is now a mix of salt water and fresh water from the rain. The non-stinging jellyfish have lived in this lake for hundreds of years with no known predators. Around the coastline of Kakaban island we are offered a large variety of diving, including corals, large pelagic and caves.

Barracuda Point

This exhilarating drift dive takes us along a combination of slope and drop off. We can see abundance of butterfly fish, angels, damselfish, anthias, flatworm gobies and perhaps some sharks and the famous schooling barracuda.

Cabbage Point

This dive site gets its name from the generous amount of cabbage coral coating the seabed. Amongst scorpionfish, moray eels and batfish, we can marvel at schooling fusiliers that almost move almost as if they are one lifeform. We may also come across some blue spotted stingrays along the way.

The Corner

That’s right, it’s located on a corner of the island! As we drift around this mix of slope and steep drop-off along the north eastern coastline, we can see schooling fusiliers, blue spotted stingrays and some mean looking giant trevallies. What else? Butterfly, anthias, surgeon, scorpion, blennies, shrimp, nudis and turtles.

The Wall

Here we can hope to be mesmerized by a huge school of jacks.Leaffish, turtles, sharks, trevallies and tons of reef fish are all possible.

Land excursion: Danau Kakaban – Translates to ‘Kakaban Lake’. Using our tender boats to reach Kakban’s shore, we will take a short walk to the lake’s edge. Here we will snorkel and amongst four species of non-stinging jellyfish. They don’t sting because they have no predators within the lake. The topography is a mix of sand and vegetation with a maximum depth of just 23ft (7m). Here we can also see gobies, shrimp, crab, nudibranch and snakes.

Days 7/8 Sangalaki (7 dives)

This area is famous for the large population of turtles and manta rays year round and guests will frequently see them feeding. The island has a turtle nursery run by the local government which can be visited. Whale sharks are frequently seen off the coast of the island.

Sandy Ridge

Macro lovers are in for a treat right here. Nudibranch, sea slug, flat worms, and other small critters galore! Butterfly fish, angel fish, and sweet lips are always resident at this site.

Turtle Town

We can expect to find…turtles! As well as unexpected surprises. Napoleon wrasse and cuttlefish. This reef is full of butterfly fish, banner fish, angel fish, surgeon fish, fusiliers, trevally, sweet lips, moorish idol, damsel fish and much more. Paradise for macro lovers too! It’s also a great spot for night dives.

Coral Garden Sangalaki

Here we dive an extremely beautiful and healthy coral reef. We can find a real variety of interesting creatures here including frog fish, crocodile fish, mandarin fish, butterfly fish, angelfish, and mantis shrimp. For those who enjoy macro, we can find tiny critters such as anemone shrimps, coral crabs and sea fan crabs.

Manta Run

Manta rays will rise up from the deeper water, and then after reaching the surface, they will circle around in order to feed on plankton. Manta rays are more often seen during the afternoon. This diving spot has a good reef, good visibility and a wide variety of reef fish.

Manta Parade

As the name suggests, we are very likely to meet a number of mantas here. It’s also a great place for snorkeling with manta ray here as they rise to the surface. Here, mantas are mostly seen from morning to noon. Coral reefs in this area are patchy and here we can find huge schools of fusiliers and surgeon fish. Various gobies and ghost pipe fish can also be found here. If we are lucky, we can also find leopard sharks here!

Eel ridge

This sandy bottomed dive site has a ‘field’ full of sand eel/ghost eel. A very different and surreal diving experience! Visibility is better during the morning to noon compared to the afternoon. We can be lucky to find lobster and mantis shrimp here too.

Manta Avenue

Manta rays can be found swimming on the surface during morning to noon. It is a shallow diving/snorkeling site, with a beautifully healthy reef. Here we swim with butterfly fish, angel fish, surgeon fish, and fusiliers. There’s also the manta beauty salon located here…a secret manta cleaning station, where mantas get cleaned by cleaner fish. The manta will swim gracefully, circling around whilst we enjoy the beautiful underwater scenery.

Days 9-11 – Central/West Sulawesi-Palu (11 dives)

This area really is a world away from the tourist track. Liveaboards haven’t been cruising this area for long at all and so it’s unlikely we’ll see many others around. The diving here is incredible and this location’s appeal extends further than the diving; charming little fishing villages, deserted sandy beaches fringed by palm trees, surrounded by turquoise waters. Heaven on Earth.

Batu Suya

This site is a vertical drop-off with a unique coral reef formation. There are some magnificent overhangs and swim-throughs. Be on the look out for crabs and rare nudis. Be sure to explore the cracks and mini caves that are coated in colorful soft and hard corals, massive sponges, whip corals, black corals and huge gorgonian fans.. As well as some pretty cool frog fish, and crocodile fish we might even get to see a completely transparent glass perch.

Gili Raja Wreck

This wreck is a sunken cargo ship coated in black coral. The wreck is a World war 1 boat at 295ft/90m long and can be entered. Other key draws of this site are eagle rays, blue-spotted stingrays and schooling silversides. A big variety of reef fish as well as nudibranchs, shrimp, crabs, and starfish.

Anchor

Owes its name to a large anchor within the reef that is coated in beautiful coral. This long and thin reef is surrounded by large sandy areas that are interrupted by wonderous hard coral bommies coated in sponges, gorgonians, feather stars as well numerous shrimps and nudis. Be sure to peek under the table corals to see baby sharks taking a nap. Bumphead parrotfish and turtles are often seen here. Be on the look out for ghost and seaweed pipe fish.

Pasi Utara

This fantastic seamount is a great place to spot sharks. It also boasts beautiful gorgonians and soft corals as well as snappers, grunts, mackerels, rays and jack fish.

Pasi Pome

This site is a cone shaped sea mount that is circled by big schools of fish. We can be lucky to spot red, brown, and white leaf fish, nudibranchs,shoals of jack fish, batfish, snapper, surgeon fish, harlequin grunts, frog fish and pygmy seahorses. When there is some current running, we may glimpse grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and black/white tip reef sharks.

Pelabuhan Jetty

The critter diver’s choice. Under the jetty at Donggala’s Harbour we can find a variety of frogfish, seahorses, razorfish, nudibranchs, pipefish and many other treasures hidden in the sand. The seagrass here provides protection for miniature marvels.

Mutiara Wreck

This 260ft/80m long boat sank in 1954. The wreck lies on one side and the holds are now covered in soft and hard corals. This wreck can be entered and frequently here we find Longnose hawkfish, pygmy seahorses, crab and shrimps.

Enu Wall

This incredible reef lies to the side of the Bay of Palu. It descends down to 300ft/90m and is a combination of small caves, ledges and crevasses. We can find longnose hawkfish swimming along the overgrown ledges. Shoals of grunts, yellow and red pygmy seahorses are all possible here. What else? Black snappers, surgeon fish,frog fish,butterflies,napoleon wrasse, and the odd reef shark, ghost pipefish and bump heads.

Natural Reef

Natural Reef has a mix of sand and coral areas along with overhangs creating unusual topography. Here we can find napoleon wrasse, nurse sharks and stingrays. As well as stonefish, lionfish, leaf fish, nudis, sweetlips and octopus hiding in holes in the reef.

Alex Point

Along a fringing reef, which is mostly flat in the shallows. It then falls steeply down to around 100ft/30m and levels out on a sandy bottom where there are plentiful bommies. One of these massive coral bommies is frequented by a station of cleaner shrimps, black snappers and harlequin grunts. Apart from invertebrates like fantastic gorgonian fans, hard corals, feather stars and slugs, there are ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorse to be found.

Green Wall

Green Wall is a vertical wall covered by hard corals and gorgonian sea fans. The reef is beautiful here and the bottom is rocky, which makes it easy for an abundant amount of different species to hide. Green Wall attracts grunts, grouper, angelfish, batfish, mackerel, moray eels, and boxfish. As well as eagle rays, sweetlips, frogfish, leaf fish, flatheads, scorpionfish, dragonets, octopus and sharks.

Day 12 – Disembarkation in Palu

Total dives: 38