A private charter group wishing for a real adventure. We woke early for a great sunrise to view the birds of paradise, visited a remote school and had the children singing a welcome song for us. We dived with giant manta rays directly above our heads, dived and snorkelled on many amazing pristine reefs, snorkelled in and around a giant cave system, went on tender boat rides to view ancient rock art. We saw some beautifully coloured nudibranchs and lots of cryptic creatures and saw some of the worlds most colourful and fishiest coral reefs and deep walls covered in coral life. We saw hammerhead sharks and giant marble rays, visited forts and nutmeg plantations where wars were once fought. We lazed on beaches watching numerous sunsets with cocktail in hand and even visited a very special island that the British once traded for what is now known as Manhattan in the USA, after this tour we then dived on my favourite site on this island I like to call Manhattan Transfer. Aside from all this adventure we cruised in luxury onboard the Damai and were very well looked after. For our final night we had a great party and even invited the crew to join in the costume fun and games that ensued….
Here are a few of the favourite images from this trip…
Move your mouse/pointer over each image you can read more about each critter or scene, click and scroll to view larger images…
Heading on our way to see birds of paradise…
The group checking out the red bird of paradise…
After our trek we went to a lookout for a stunning view of the islands in the Dampier Straits…
The children sang a lovely song for us…
A truly heart warming experience…
On our way back to the after our trek and school visit…
While being cleaned the manta rays literally go right on top of us…
Not only for scuba divers, snorkelers thoroughly enjoy these special charters!
Enjoying a great sunset with a cocktail…
Snorkeling through this cave is yet another magnificent experience to be had in the Raja Ampat…
Take a dive light and enjoy the formations go underwater too!
Not a lot is known about these at all…
One of the more common species we see here in Indonesia…
Introduction to cryptic species. This crab hides within soft coral and decorates itself with the soft coral too…
For more info go to: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/01/150106-disco-clams-animals-science-oceans-light-predators/
Relaxing evening on a remote island
One of the many rich coral reefs we dive and snorkel…
Chosing the right time of the year can often mean best conditions and really clear water…
The Raja Ampat is famous for the most colourful reefs on the planet…
Low light shining down through the islets above onto the shallow reef…
Soft corals and sea fans galore…
On one of those perfect glassy calm days the batfish often come in really close to calm divers.
Smiling eyes say it all…
Fiona kindly gave a few sessions to help ease those muscles after diving and snorkeling
We finally arrived at an area where children play and adults relax…
Well cared for gardens and scenic throughout Banda…
After a tough trek we arrived at the top of this volcano…
The greener side of Gunung Api…
Great panoramic views of the village below from near where the old fort would have been…
Lovely light and dramatic coulds with children silhouetted watching as we leave the island…
As the sunsets, the music is coming…
Relaxing, chatting on Nailaka beach with the sun setting in front of us…
Typical Banda blue water and colourful coral packed walls…
Giant sea fan below the die site “Great Aunt Pams Magic Window”
Really go for it and enjoy a costume night on your holiday…
