Critter and Nudibranch Expedition 2012

After the huge success of last years nudibranch hunt we just had to do the trip again.  On our 2011 expedition we found 483 different species of nudibranch, the challenge has been set!  If you are a nudi nut, a die-hard brancher, this really is the trip for you.  It’s not just nudibranchs of course, when you slow down and scour a range of habitats for seas slugs you can be guaranteed to find a whole host of other critters you would otherwise have missed.  If you love nudibranchs and critters this trip is not to be missed.

• Critter and Nudibranch Expedition 2012, Leg 1, 09 to 20 September 2012
• Critter and Nudibranch Expedition 2012, Leg 2, 22 September to 03 October 2012

Trip Outline

Leg 1: Labuan Bajo – Southern Rinca – Sangeang – Bima
09 September to 20 September 2012

We start from Labuan Bajo where we can immediatly start critter hunting on northern Rinca on our first day. Then we drop down into Padar where we have a few great sites for nudibranchs and other critters. The main part of this expedition is spending quality time in the famous Horseshoe Bay in the south of Rinca. This is where we dive the famous critter rich sites such as Cannibal Rock, Torpedo Alley, The Yellow Wall and a few other hot spots.  Divers should be aware that we may encounter some chilly water with temperatures as low as 22°C (72°F) a possibility; 5mm wetsuits or layers of suits are highly recommended for this leg.

Leg 2:  Bima – Sangaeng – Northern Sumbawa – Bima
22 September to 03 October 2012

For the second leg we plan to stay in the warmer waters of the North. We will be diving mainly around the critter rich volcanic black sand island that just about every diver loves so much – Sangeang. During this trip we will also have one or maybe two days exploring for new critter sites on northern Sumbawa. I have had my eye on an a giant bay on northern Sumbawa for many years and this is an ideal trip to go in search of new species. The bay in mind has lots of small islands with fairly shallow water channels that look like they could be great for unique habitats which may bring us some totally new species. The last couple of days will be spent in the bay of Bima where there is some great muck-diving to be found.

Why Nudibranchs?

Looking for nudibranchs is a real treasure hunt, your reward being the real live ‘jewels of the sea’.  The variety and beauty of nudibranchs knows no bounds and there is always the chance of finding something really special, something really amazing, a new species!  On our last trip we found many species that the experts and enthusiasts on board struggled to identify including a few that we think might be undescribed or even totally new species.  You are always guaranteed to find something new to you, even if you’ve dived the area many times before.  We have chosen this area for its wide variety of habitats and the fact that some of the sites are the most nudibranch rich in Indonesia, so expect lots of nudi’s you’ve never encountered before.

It’s not just Nudibranchs!

Much as we love nudibranchs, there’s a hell of a lot of other things to see too.  This area is really rich in critters with many of the ‘hit list’ species being found regularly.  From wonderpuss to boxer crabs, bob-tailed squid to hairy frogfish, pygmy seahorse to ghost pipefish, you are guaranteed some hot critter action on pretty much every dive.  That’s the beauty of slowing down and really focusing, it’s amazing what you find.

The Boat: The Cheng Ho

The Cheng Ho is probably the most spacious boat operating in the Komodo area.  The rooms are large and comfortable and there is a spacious lounge, a TV room and plenty of space on deck for enjoying the view.  The boat is designed for 22 guests but we will only book a maximum of 16 guests which ensures plenty of room and means we can offer single rooms with no single supplement*.

Details

Price:

• Leg 1 (11 nights) $4485
• Leg 2 (11 nights) $4485
• Legs 1 and 2 combined $8745†
• Includes: Return flight from Bali, airport tax, baggage allowance up to 30kg, one night hotel accommodation in Bali before the trip, all meals and four guided dives a day.  Single cabins available with no single supplement*.
• Not Included: Canned and alcoholic beverages, Nitrox, equipment rental, National Park/conservation fees, gratuities.

Flight Details:

• Both trips start and finish in Bali.
• Return flights from Bali to Labuhan Bajo/Bima are included in the trip.
• Baggage allowance up to 30kg included.
• One night at the Hotel Harris Tuban‡ before the start of the trip.

* There are a limited number of single cabins that are offered without a single supplement on a first-come-first-served basis.

† Includes food and accommodation between trips.

‡ or a similar alternative