Solitude 15D14N

Sorong (Embarkation Day) Our crew will be waiting to greet you at Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong. After you are comfortably settled onboard and have completed registration, we will have a safety/orientation briefing. After lunch, schedule allowing, we will have a check dive.

We spend the next two days diving on lively reefs, pinnacles, and sloping walls. Now in the middle of Raja Ampat, we can see a number of species of shark including the Wobbegong shark (carpet shark) hiding and camouflaging under the coral. There are White and Blacktip reef sharks on most dives and the occasional Grey Reef shark as well. Raja Ampat is famous for marine life concentration and diversity. Home to an abundance of macro critters, school fishing, and pelagic species, as well as several species of Rays. Making our way through the Dampier strait to Gam island, and on to the Fam islands, we have a chance to see mangroves and panoramas of lush green tree-covered islands exploring an array of dives sites. We will have 3-4 dives each day with one optional viewpoint hike. Overnight on the third day, we head south to Misool.

We continue our adventure to the south of Raja Ampat, in the area surrounding the big island of Misool. Misool is full of vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Giant Gorgonia fans on the reef walls play host to a variety of Pygmy seahorse species. The area is comprised of countless limestone islands, which give shelter to an array of reef-dwelling fish. Pelagic species can be seen patrolling the reefs looking for a meal. The reefs are abundant with a rainbow of healthy soft and hard corals. There are pinnacles, ridges, reefs, and small islands to explore, making this area sought after by most who venture this far. If you’re lucky you may encounter the endemic Raja Ampat Epaulette Shark (walking shark) or Manta Ray. Misool is very remote and in this area many times we have the reefs to ourselves. We have 3-4 dives today. Overnight we continue south to Koon island.

Today we dive at Koon island. The reef is a mixture of sloping white sand with patch reef and coral-covered walls descending into the deep. Currents can be strong here and all the dives are drift dives. Schools of Big Eye Trevally, snapper, sweetlips and many other small reef fish crowd the reefs. Whitetip and grey reef sharks can be seen patrolling the area. Big Napoleon wrasse and even Goliath groupers can sometimes be found in this area. We have 3-4 dives here today. Overnight we enter the Banda Sea and sail to Kurkap island.

Today we drive around the island of Kurkap and the surrounding reefs. Beautiful reefs and clear water make for beautiful dives. Tornados of Big Eye Trevally and Barracuda can be found off the white sand slopes of the large reef adjacent to the island. Red toothed triggerfish fill the water column feeding on passing plankton. Keep your eye out in the blue for passing tuna and sharks. As you continue along the reef the landscape transforms into steep walls with abundant coral. The top of the reef is shallow and covered in an impressively healthy coral reef. The island itself gives many possibilities for exploration as the corner of the island and its reef forms a big corner extending far from the island, affected by the passing current. We will have 3-4 dives today. Overnight we sail to Manuk island.

We wake up to the sight of a volcano in the middle of nowhere! Several species of sea birds circle overhead. We have 3-4 dives around Manuk island today. Beautiful corals and a multitude of fish species call this place home. You will have a chance to dive with many sea snakes today, as Manuk island is also called “Snake Island”. The occasional smell of sulfur and the sight of smoke rising from this active volcano give you a sense that you are in the land of the lost. Keep your fingers crossed for Hammerhead sharks. Overnight we sail farther south to Serua island.

Today we focus on a distinct area around Serua island. We dive here to search for Hammerhead sharks. Shallow reef tops give way to sloping reefs and walls that plunge into the deep. Abundant coral, giant sponges, and schooling fish such as Trevally, Surgeonfish, and fusiliers fill the water around the island. Always keep your eye out in the blue water for schooling Hammerhead sharks. Sea snakes can also be seen on most dives. The currents here can be strong and exciting. We will have 3-4 dives this day. In the early hours of the morning, we make the 3-hour journey south to Nil Desperandum Reef.

Today we have the pleasure of diving at Nil Desperandum. It is an extensive submerged reef with a relatively shallow reef top and walls that drop to the depths. There are impressive schools of fish, predatory action, and the chance to encounter Hammerhead sharks. Visibility is normally very good and the reef is healthy with very large sponges and beautiful coral. We have 3-4 dives today. If the weather and sea conditions allow, there is an option to move 2 hours east to finish the diving day at Dusborgh reef. Another beautiful reef surrounding a small island, full of life and colors. Overnight we continue west and sail to the Terbang islands.

We spend the day diving in the area of Terbang’s north and south islands. Characterized by steep walls, abundant coral, clear water, and plenty of fish. Currents can be strong and most dives are wall drift dives. We have 3-4 dives today and then sail overnight to the island of Nyata

Today we explore the walls and reef surrounding the small island of Nyata. More beautiful corals and abundant marine life await. The island has a white sand beach that you may have a chance to visit depending on the tide. We have 3-4 dives today and then sail overnight to the islands of Wetar and Reong.

We spend the day diving into the beautiful walls and reefs of the Wetar and Reong islands. Clearwater, an abundance of marine life, and endless possibilities for exploration await. We do 3-4 dives today and then sail overnight to Alor.

We explore the dive sites in the area between Pantar and Alor island today. Dive sites here are known for excellent visibility, strong current drift dives, abundant hard and soft coral gardens, and world-class muck diving. We will have 3-4 dives today. Overnight we sail towards Maumere.

Sailing along the northern coast of Flores headed towards Maumere, we stop to enjoy our last day of diving. Today we have 2-morning dives to explore more beautiful reefs. After the dives are finished, allow our crew to wash your equipment and hang it to dry. Relax during the afternoon as we continue our cruise to Maumere.

Disembarkation (Maumere) Our crew will transport you to the airport and say goodbye. We look forward to seeing you on board again! Thank you