Banda Sea to Raja Ampat-Best of Both Worlds October 30-November 11, 2022

The Banda Sea trip is one of my all-time favorite voyages. This area offers some of the most spectacular snorkeling in Indonesia. During our explorations we’ll experience the underwater beauty and stunning scenery of Ambon, Banda Sea and Raja Ampat.
The islands of the Banda Sea are off the beaten path feel, perfect to be explored by liveaboard.

The remoteness of these islands along with low human population means there has been less impact from fishing and pollution. The result is a vibrant, natural and healthy reef system.  Over 1,500 fish species and 500 coral species inhabit this magical area. 75% of all Coral species that exist in the world are located here.  The colorful reefs explode with soft and hard corals and are home to a rainbow of reef fish and marine life ranging from magnificent mandarin fish …… to majestic mantas.
October and November are the ideal months to enjoy clear skies and the calmest seas.

Itinerary:
October 30-November 11, 2022
On October 30th we’ll board the luxurious Coralia in Ambon and begin our travels through the heart of the famed “Coral Triangle”.
The sheer number and diversity of marine environments makes snorkeling in the Banda Sea a snorkelers dream.
This dynamic area features brilliant soft coral gardens, dramatic walls covered in massive gorgeous gorgonian sea fans, pinnacles, an ancient lava flow with huge table coral and more!
Beyond providing some of the best snorkeling in Indonesia the volcanic Banda Islands, also know as the Spice Islands, have had a long and fascinating history. Up until the middle of the 19th century this was the only place on Earth where the spices nutmeg and mace could be found. As a result this area became a crucial hub for the spice trade.

We’ll being our journey exploring Nusa Laut, a small island close to Ambon.  The village here protects the fantastic dive site of Amet Reef. Eagle rays, a huge school of jacks, hammerhead sharks and even a Dugong have all been seen here. The reef is very healthy and it is common to see bumphead parrotfish feeding in the shallows.
We’ll continue on to visit the historically significant island of Banda Neira, once the center of the Dutch/Portuguese Spice Trade dating back to the early 1600s. In Banda Neira we’ll visit an open air market, the old dutch fort, museum and a nutmeg plantation. We’ll learn about the incredible history of these remote islands. A highlight of Banda Neira is snorkeling with the psychedelic-colored mandarin fish.

As we travel through the Banda Sea to Raja Ampat we’ll enjoy the soft corals of Misool and the super fishy Dampier straits.
The variety of marine life should be phenomenal. We’ll swim through a parade of fusiliers, surgeons, banner fish, trigger fish and squadrons of jacks and barracuda. Other area highlights may include mobula rays gliding over the reefs, wobbegong sharks weaving along the sea floor and magnificent mantas. We’ll have the possibility of seeing some of the weird and wacky critters like the wonderpus octopus, mandarin fish, frog fish and seahorses. If we get lucky we may encounter dolphins, pilot whales and/or blue whales.

Our day to day itinerary will be based on real time tidal and weather conditions.
Our capable captain will position us to make sure we are in the best places at the optimum time. We have the luxury of time, when we find a spectacular site we love, we have the flexibility to stay. We can follow our hearts and the fish!
The rhythm of a typical day will start with watching the sunrise. Early morning coffee and light breakfast is available before we jump in for our first snorkel adventure, a full breakfast will follow. The afternoons will feature another exploration under the sea and perhaps a hike.
Our leisurely 12 days at sea will be full of fantastic snorkeling, village visits and relaxing time on board with other like-minded adventurers.

Our Yacht:

The Coralia is 157 x 30 feet.  There is ample deck space to enjoy the view, dine, or simply relax.
The spacious sun deck and lounge areas have comfy sofas and loungers. There is an indoor air-conditioned dining room.
On clear nights we can dine al fresco, under the stars.
There is even a massage therapist on board! Free WiFi is provided depending on the local cell phone reception.

The Coralia has eight spacious cabins that offer abundant comfort and style.
The four air-conditioned Deluxe cabins are located on the lower deck and have port holes.  The deluxe cabins are furnished with either a king bed plus a single or two twin beds.

The four Master cabins on the main and upper deck feature king size beds, a sofa and closet. A door opens to your private balcony with a sun chair and outside sofa.
All cabins have spacious en-suite bathrooms have warm freshwater showers, fluffy towels and hairdryer.  A safety box, regular and USB charging stations are provided.

November 11, 2022 We will disembark in Sorong. You may fly onward any time of day.

Trip Cost:
$6850.00 per person based on double occupancy in a deluxe cabin with king bed or two twin beds
$7450.00 per person based on double occupancy in a master cabin with king bed and private balcony
THIS VOYAGE IS CURRENTLY FULL, CONTACT WENDY@SNORKELINGETC.COM TO WAITLIST.

What to expect:
This is a snorkel-intensive program. You should be a proficient swimmer/snorkeler able to snorkel unassisted. A typical day features 3-5 hours of snorkel time.
Be prepared for steep stairs on the live-aboard and ladders on and off the dinghy/zodiac.
Snorkel sessions are guided by the helpful and experienced crew provided by the Coralia.
Evenings are free to enjoy the sunset, a leisurely dinner and the company of your fellow passengers.

Trip costs include:
♦ Transfers to/from the Coralia from Ambon/Sorong airports.
♦ 12 night accommodations on the Coralia.
♦ $280.00 for Port, fuel and Banda Sea National Park fees.
♦ All meals, snacks, soft drinks, coffee, tea and drinking water.
♦ All water-based and land-based activities while on board.

Trip costs exclude:
♦ International and domestic airfare.  Required flights within Indonesia approx. $550.00 p.p from Jakarta.
♦ Airport taxes for domestic flights and departure fees, payable at the airport.
♦ Hotels before or after the cruise.
♦ Alcoholic beverages.
♦ Massages on board.
♦ Laundry.
♦ Trip cancellation and medical insurance (essential).

I hope you will be able to join me in this exceptional journey!
For further information and an application please contact Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com

 

 

 

 

 

In the spirit of adventure,
Wendy Simon/CEO
Snorkeling Etc Inc.
Santa Cruz, CA.
831 254-5001