11 nights onboard the Dewi Nusantara

Join Blue Planet as we explore the heart of the Coral Triangle between Ternate in Halmahera and the mega-diverse Raja Ampat region. The trip will visit muck sites, oceanic and inshore reefs. We're especially excited to be joined by Dr. Richard Smith, a marine biologist and photographer who has run extensive dive trips throughout the region. Indonesia + the Dewi + Richard = OMG OMG OMG!!!

The Coral Triangle

The Coral Triangle -- the area of tropical oceans and seas between Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and East Timor -- is what marine scientists refer to as the global epicenter of marine biodiversity and a major center for marine evolution: the “Amazon of the Seas”. As you leave this area in any direction, the number of species in the ocean decreases. Extensive watery mangrove forests provide nurseries for a large variety of marine species that have sustained the sea-faring island people of Indonesia for millennia. The sparkling coral reefs serve as breeding grounds for whales, dolphins and sea turtles and many fish, providing the seeding stock for the future of our planet’s coral reefs.

Raja Ampat

Within the Coral Triangle, the absolute pinnacle of biodiversity is reached around Raja Ampat. The reefs here are teeming with fishes, over 1,700 species have been recorded from Raja Ampat alone (there are around 700 in the entire Caribbean). Many of these are found nowhere else. The huge variety of habitats sustain this richness, and it is these that also make this region such a joy to dive. Richard will be giving evening lectures on the marine life of this spectacular region during the trip.

Dewi Nusantara

Living aboard Dewi Nusantara is as close to a five star experience as is possible in the faraway corners of the Indonesian archipelago. With an overall length of 57 meters, this three-masted topsail schooner moves with a grace and stability that only larger sailing vessels can offer. Relax in the lounge or on the massive sun deck and then enjoy meals in the luxurious dining facilities.

Dewi Nusantara’s air conditioned staterooms are all individually designed, and are each adaptable for either twin or double use. These 20 square meter cabins are some of the most spacious on any dive liveaboard, each with its own elegant en-suite bathroom and more. The Master Suite has a double bed and sumptuous furnishings, its own jacuzzi bath, and 180 degree views over the ocean from the rear of the vessel.

Travel

We will join Dewi on November 17th in Ternate. Ternate can be reached by domestic carrier from any of Indonesia’s international entry ports: Manado, Bali or Jakarta although the former is geographically closest and probably the easiest option with direct domestic connections to both Ternate and Sorong. Garuda is the country’s more reliable domestic carrier and has additional weight allowance for scuba gear.  The trip will end on November 28th in Sorong, West Papua and is well served with Indonesia’s domestic airlines. We are able to help arrange domestic flights to Ternate and from Sorong.

Upon cancellation of a reservation for any reason, the refund of the deposit and payments made or due will be contingent upon Blue Planet reselling the participant's reservation. Any refund may also be subject to a cancellation fee and payment of any non-refundable fees imposed by the tour company, dive operator or any other contractor associated with the trip. 

Dive accident insurance is required for all divers on this trip. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your vacation investment. Contact us if you need more information. 

This special trip will begin in the sultanate of Ternate, off the Island of Halmahera. Once onboard the Dewi, we will dive some of the highlights around this unique island before beginning to head eastwards towards Raja Ampat. En route are several fantastic dive sites that are rarely dived and off the beaten path. 

Once in Raja Ampat, we will enjoy the rich soft and hard coral reefs, schools of fish and pristine vistas that the area is renowned for. The town of Sorong, located on the 'beak' of the Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua, is the closest point for visiting the marine park and where we'll end our tour.