Indonesia

Raja Ampat – Maluku – Banda

Dive at the Heart of the Triangle of Biodiversity

Indonesia is home to the world’s most bio-diverse population of marine species with Indonesia representing its hottest spot. Nowhere else has a comparable density, not to mention diversity, of underwater creatures and life been recorded.

In order to fully appreciate the exceptional status of this region, suffice it to say that the whole Caribbean area has only 9% of the corals and 35% of the fish species found in Indonesian waters.

The reason for such a big difference is that the entire area of the Atlantic Ocean underwent a mass extinction of species during the last ice age. All types of corals and animals vanished during this period and the other species never regained the strength of their former numbers.

In Indonesia – the center of this biodiversity triangle – the variety seen underwater is truly astonishing. In certain bays and around small islands, you can find more species than in the entire Caribbean. In a research report conducted in 1997 on the island of Flores, respected marine biologists Rudie Kuiter and Gerald Allen counted 1,133 species of fish just in Maumere bay. This is still the highest number of species of fish ever counted in a specific area.

Raja Ampat

Famed as the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity, this area offers vibrant underwater colors but also majestic landscapes, so a perfect destination for keen photographers. The waters of the region? 1,500 virtually untouched islands, boast over 1,300 reef fish (25 endemic species), 600 hard corals and 75 % of all known coral species, plus 13 marine mammals and 5 species of endangered sea turtles. Wobbegong sharks hide under colorful coral shelves and the elusive Epaulette ‘walking shark’ comes out at night. Jump in at Neptune Fan Sea for a great drift dive, rushing along a gully past giant colorful gorgonian sea fans. Manta Sandy is well-known as one of the most consistent spots for finding congregating mantas.

Maluku & Banda (The Spice Islands)

Unlike other areas, with high populations and subsequent pressure from fishing, the Bandas’ relatively small human population has been a blessing for divers – offering a vibrant, healthy reef system with fish life in incredible numbers along with huge gorgonians and sponges and some truly monumental hard corals. Expect plenty of pelagics, widespread muck diving and unexplored coral gardens, as well as a rich colonial heritage on land. Dive Nusa Laut, which showcases the positive effects of a village taking care of its habitat, where the reef remains as unspoiled as it was hundreds of years ago and a favorite of many dive enthusiasts.

 WHAT DOES PACKAGE INCLUDE?

• Full board accommodation in double/twin deluxe cabin
• The shore activities/excursions according to the program
• Soft drinks, water, tea, American/Balinese coffee
• Five meals per day
• Diving activities (up to 4 dives/day)
• Dive cylinders, weights and weight belts
• Transfer from/to embarkation/disembarkation airport
• Administration/port clearance fee
• National Parks Entrance Fee
• Fuel Surcharge
• Government taxes

Special Oceanic Ventures Connoisseur Club Benefit: Welcome massage (1/2 hour per person)

Other activities that can be arranged: Kayaking, Limited visits on shore in some locations

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

• International and domestic air transportation
• Hotels and meals before and after the cruise
• Alcoholic drinks, espresso, cappuccino
• Dive equipment rental (other than dive cylinders, weights and weight belt)
• Nitrox refills
• Massages and Spa treatments (other than welcome massage)
• Travel insurance
• Onboard purchases
• Private tours
• Laundry
• On-board telecommunications
• Crew gratuities
• Fuel surcharge, estimated at approximately 100 USD/person/cruise
• Administrative/Port Clearance Fee, estimated at approximately $150 USD/person/cruise
• Transfer Air, Estimated at $250 per person each way
• Park Fee, estimated at $70 – $220 USD/person/cruise depending on the itinerary
• The estimated fees will be confirmed three months prior to departure

FARE?

Amount is in USD and per person double, discounted for cash & club membership plus extras see detail below based on trip. Please note that the price is the published one, per person in a deluxe cabin.  There is a $50 USD per person per night supplement for the 2 master cabins (Rama & Shinta).  Cabins will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  Additionally, there are some other additional costs not included in the cruise fee as noted above.

Deposit Required :

• Initial Deposit Due:                       $1,500 pp person per trip ($500 pp person for trips multiple trips).
• Additional Deposits Due:             9 month prior, 6 month prior
• Balance Due:                                  100 days prior
• Extras & Extensions:                    Due at or before final payment

Available Dates

2016	April 10-26, 2016

Paperwork Needed

A complete a Cruise Application and Waiver Agreement by each person will need to be completed at the time of booking.

Please complete the credit card from and return it to us.

We require diving insurance for all participants and strongly recommend trip insurance.

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All prices are subject to change until booked and ticketed.

As with most small island properties, cancellations are more of an issue so they have limited ability to fill unused spaces. We always recommend trip insurance to help avoid any unnecessary problems.  There are no refunds for missed flights or changes in plans. Travel Insurance (ie: comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance) purchased at the time their reservation is made, may help protect guests from financial disappointment if they are prevented from making their scheduled trip due to illness or family illness, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the airline or yacht from making its scheduled trip.

We require diving accident insurance. For your convenience below are links to Dive Assure . Both organizations offer Travel Insurance and Dive Accident Insurance and be purchased via our web site at https://oceanicventures.net/travel-insurance/.  Both Dive Assure and Travel Guard have a family plan. Dive Assure is diving insurance and also has a travel insurance option.

Please review the other terms and conditions.  Please remember, making a deposit means you agree with the terms.

Please plan to bring a copy of your logbook, c-card, and diving insurance.

As with all international travel, your passport Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity at the end of your trip.

You are responsible to make sure your passport is valid for travel.