Forgotten Islands- Saumlaki to Ambon October 16-28, 2022

Only a few times a year are the conditions just right to embark upon a once in a lifetime voyage through the Forgotten Islands from the Southern Banda Sea ending in famed Raja Ampat.
This trip is an ocean expedition at its finest. We will cruise remote, seldom visited islands at a leisurely pace. This is snorkeling as it is meant to be enjoyed, true exploration, away from the crowds, discovering sites that very few have the opportunity to explore. We’ll discover unique and spectacular scenery both above and below the ocean where volcanic activity has created a remote island paradise, only accessible by live aboard. The remoteness of these islands along with low levels of human population mean less fishing and pollution pressures resulting in a vibrant, natural and healthy reef system.

We can expect reefs bursting with life, huge sea fans and sponges, monumental hard corals and an extraordinary variety and volume of fish life. Best of all we’ll share this adventure with like-minded avid snorkelers and be guided by the expertise of the top notch, enthusiastic crew of the Coralia.

Itinerary:
October 16, 2022   We board the Coralia, our home for this epic journey, in the port of Saumlaki in the Tanimbar Islands.
Indonesia’s “Forgotten Islands” – also known as the Southeast Moluccas is a 1,000 km long chain of archipelagos stretching from Timor to West Papua. Undeveloped, distant from population centers and far off any beaten path, these “Forgotten Islands” have been largely isolated from the rest of Indonesia and the world.
We will occasionally share the waters with local villagers in their wooden fishing boats but this is remote territory. We’ll be snorkeling on reefs that very few are privileged to explore. Culturally, most of the Austronesian peoples of the islands of Maluku Tenggara appear to be closely related, sharing similar languages, myths, and traditional beliefs. They are known for their powerful woodcarvings and sculptures depicting ancestral figures, distinctive hand woven ikat fabrics, and plaited bamboo and palm baskets.

Our day to day itinerary over the next 12 days 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!
This voyage is all about maximum marine bio-diversity. We’ll snorkel shallow reefs, explore dramatic walls covered with enormous fans and soft corals. We’ll check out sea mounts for majestic mantas. We’ll explore beautiful and eerie mangroves. Marine life will include everything from the nudibranchs, clouds of jeweled colored anthias, butterfly fish, parrot fish, swirling schools of jacks and barracudas, tasseled wobbegong sharks. Our guides will use their eagle eyes to look for cryptic critters like scorpionfish, stonefish, hiding octopus and maybe even a seahorse.

The evenings are free to watch the sunset and revel in the days’ adventures. We may dine under the stars and enjoy sharing our experiences of the day with our fellow snorkelers.

Itinerary:
From Saumlaki our voyage will follow the Outer Banda Arc. We’ll head straight to Dawera to explore the profusion of soft corals and schools of  jacks, batfish, pyramid fish, triggerfish and hundreds of fusiliers all try to avoid the hunting reef sharks and jacks.
As we cruise north to the volcanic inner archipelago we’ll see the scenery change from clusters of limestone islands to dramatic isolated volcanic peaks of the Damar Islands, Pulau Nila and Seru. We plan to visit the island of  Manuk, the most easterly volcano in Indonesia
and home to totally cool (non-biting) sea snakes. Our voyage will continue north through the historic Spice Islands.

Over many hundreds of years, the Banda islands were the center of the highly lucrative nutmeg trade. We can explore the markets and forts built under the Dutch occupation. The real richness and beauty of these islands is the magnificent marine life. In Banda Neira we’ll snorkel at dusk and look for gorgeous psychedelic Mandarin fish.  Nusa Laut is a small island close to Ambon and 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. On the last full day on board we will do two snorkels in Ambon Bay and enjoy our goodbye dinner inside the harbor.

October 28, 2022  Our adventure comes to an end on October 28th in Ambon. We will disembark the Coralia early morning.
You may fly onward any time of day or even consider extending your time in Ambon.

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 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.

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 SOLD OUT. CONTACT WENDY@SNORKELINGETC.COM TO WAITLIST

WHAT TO EXPECT:
♦This is a snorkel-intensive program. You should be able to snorkel unassisted for at least an hour.
♦ A typical day features 4-5 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 Liveaboard.
♦ Evenings are free to enjoy the sunset, a leisurely dinner and the company of your fellow passengers.

PRICE INCLUDES:
♦ Transfers to/from airports and hotels.
♦ Harbor Fees.
♦ National park fees.
♦ 12 night accommodations on board the Coralia
♦  All meals, snacks, soft drinks, tea, coffee, drinking water on board.
♦ Multilingual guides on board.
♦ All offered snorkel and land excursions.

PRICE EXCLUDES:
♦ Round trip domestic and international airfare.
♦ Airport taxes for domestic flights and departure fees, payable at the airport.
♦  Alcoholic beverages.
♦ Massages on board
♦ Laundry
♦ Tips for the crew.
♦ Travel Insurance. Essential.
♦ Items of a personal nature.

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

 

 

 

 

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