Raja Ampat 2017

19-27 March 2017 with the Underwater Tribe

 

Raja 2015 GroupWe had such an incredible trip in Raja Ampat on the Mermaid II in March 2015 that we have already decided to do it all again in 2017! Just like we did for our 2015 trip, we have perused the moon calendar to be sure that we have chosen the best month and the best time to visit this amazing diving location. The dates we have chosen are 19-27 March 2017 for an 8 night trip that will be departing from and returning to the city of Sorong. One of the best attractions of the Mermaid II is the fact that it’s a steel hulled boat complete with two powerful engines capable of moving us between locations quickly, efficiently, and quietly!

As we know the Raja Ampat area extremely well, we will be working closely with the Mermaid Cruise Director in order to choose the best dive sites at the best possible time each day. Weather depending, we plan on spending 4 to 5 days diving the colourful reefs of the Misool area as well as 2-3 days of diving the Dampier Strait area. This agenda proved to be the perfect plan on our trip this past month as there is a lot of variety between the two areas and this ratio was the perfect mix. Our journey will take us to all of the best sights in the Raja Ampat region and will offer us the chance to dive with never ending fields of soft corals, schooling fish, the mysterious wobbegong shark, nudibranchs, a chance whale encounter, mantas, and so much more! The Raja Ampat area is perhaps the most complete diving destination in all of Indonesia and boasts a higher count of fish species than anywhere on the planet. This is the ultimate liveaboard destination as resorts are limited to a small number of dive sites due to distances involved. We will be hitting all of the hotspots to make sure we see all that Raja Ampat has to offer.

Soft Coral on Arborek Pier

The Underwater Tribe will be conducting an “informal” photo event on this charter as opposed to a full photo workshop. What is an “informal” photo event? We will be giving some photo presentations during the evening including slideshows and videos about certain techniques as well as answering questions from everyone and helping out with photo reviewing or technical help. However, we won’t be scheduling “photo tuition” seminars during the day. Of course having one of the Underwater Tribe group leaders on hand to answer questions and review photos is always a great opportunity to learn more and improve your underwater photography.

Wayag Arial Photo

The price for this trip is €3200 Euros per person based on twin/double shared cabin. The cruise price includes transfer to/from the vessel on boat departure/arrival days around the town of Sorong, all meals, snacks, soft drinks, fruit juice, tea/coffee/drinking water, fruits, tanks, weights, weight belts, torches for night dives and diving with experienced dive guides.

The cruise price does not include €200 per person for Raja Ampat National Park/Port fees, airfares to/from Sorong, transfers outside of Sorong, nitrox at €6 per fill (all dives nitrox package €120), beer and wine are available for sale on board, rental equipment or on board dive courses.

 

Summarized:

19-27 March 2017

€ 3200 per person based on twin/double share

Sorong to Sorong Itinerary

Pricing Includes:

8 nights aboard the Mermaid II liveaboard

Up to 4 dives per day (except day before departure)

Coffee, Juice, Soft Drinks, 3 meals per day

Guided Dives

Informal Underwater Tribe Photo Tuition

Transfers to and from Sorong airport to boat on arrival and departure day

Does Not Include:

International or Domestic Flights

A €200 Euro Marine Park/Harbour Fee

Any Hotel Stays or Transfers to Hotels if Arriving Early

Alcohol (Beer and wine can be purchased on board, liquor not available)

Crew Gratuity

Nitrox (available at extra charge)

Excess Baggage Fees

Indonesian Visa Fees or Airport Taxes

For more information and booking please email us at: