So many magical moments on our December expedition on the Pindito. We had amazingly calm seas, blue skies and fantastic marine encounters. Our super fun and enthusiastic group made the experience extra special.
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- It’s raining fish!
We started our journey in Ambon and traveled north to through the Spice Islands to Raja Ampat.
The Spice Islands played an important role in history in the 15th to the 17th Century. For centuries the indigenous people traded with nutmeg because this special seasoning was found only on these islands. Nutmeg used to be as valuable as gold and the power struggle over who controlled the land was violent.
These days the islands are peaceful and a joy to explore.
From day one we had extraordinary sightings; from the smallest Mandarinfish to magnificent Mantas. Even our wonderful snorkel guides Din, Eric, Ronan and Lea were amazed when we encountered Dugongs and Dolphins that swam so near we could hear them sing. I loved the Banda Sea itinerary. There was a huge range of marine environments. We snorkeled around pinnacles and along long reef walls, covered with vibrant colored corals. Octopi peeked out at us, Dartfish flashed by and at times the schools of fish were so dense we could hardly see the reef at all. I could handle more moments like this in my life. Snorkeling the lava flow of Gunung Api was a trip. The water was warm and super clear. The bright hard coral transitioned to voluptuous soft coral while we swam by Banded Sea snakes, Moray eels, mating Squid and a variety of one of my favorites….the helicopter-like Boxfish.
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- A magical manta moment
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- Never enough!
Besides our awesome undersea adventures we all enjoyed life on board. The crew took wonderful care of us both in the water and during our time relaxing and eating on the Pindito. Evening were spent enjoying the sunset before dinner. Several times our energy lasted long enough so that we could dance to some great upbeat music that Ronan and Eric spun for us!
I’m incredibly excited to return to the Pindito and the Banda Sea in October 2016.
Wendy Simon
“The trip for us was really special. Honestly the trip of a lifetime. We really enjoyed your company and just everything about the trip”. Marc D
” All of my time in Indonesia was so memorable and it all went smoothly, thanks to you. All of the travel arrangements worked flawlessly”. Barry W
“My time on the Pindito was truly magical. The crew, the boat, the setting were all outstanding”. Ava F.