LauraTaylor - Bluewater Dive Travel

LauraTaylor

LauraTaylor

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Reviews (24)

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Dive Into Lembeh

5
5
5
5

Dive Into Lembeh Resort is a one hour drive from Manado Airport on the Bitung side of Lembeh Strait. We received a warm welcome by owner Miranda and team with a delicious mango juice on a sultry night scented with tropical flowers while we completed our registration. I loved everything about the resort, the beautiful gardens and level setting over looking the pool and the Strait, especially the personal hot tubs on your bungalow deck heated for you just before returning from your afternoon dive.

The Indonesian style bungalows with AC were huge, thoughtfully decorated with a king bed, a single day bed and a long shelf desk with plenty of charging points. There was a filtered drinking water dispenser, fridge and tea and coffee in the room. There are also TV's in the room and wifi available throughout the resort.

The hospitality team were attentive, well trained and their English was very good. There was a full bar and lounge in the common area where delicious meals were served buffet style with plenty of variety. Self serve tea, coffee and cookies were available all day.

The resort sits on a fine black sand beach typical of Lembeh Strait. There is a large dive centre, individual gear hanging stalls and bins, a huge camera work room, with good lights, charging outlets, rinse pool bins and drying guns.

The diving was organised between 3 boats that were well set up for photographers. The dive guide ratio was 1:2 with some guests requesting a private guide, so they have a very large dive team including a photo pro. Most of the dive sites were within 20 minutes of the resort and they dived both sides of the Strait.

Lembeh is known for its' marvellous macro critters and their guides are excellent spotters. They also used slates and thoughtfully kept a written record of each creature spotted and photographed, so you could take a photo record of that list at the end of your dive. They offered Nitrox so 70 minute dives were the norm, sometimes even longer when you are totally absorbed photographing an adorable coconut octopus.

Visited on 10/2022 - Submitted on 03/12/2023
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Sea Passion Hotel

4
4
4
4

Sea Passion Hotel situated just over the bridge on Malakal Island in Palau, offers a waterfront experience at a reasonable price.

One of the best features of Sea Passion is its proximity to the dive operators and other resorts and restaurants on Malakal Island adds to its appeal, allowing guests to explore the local dining scene easily.

The environment at Sea Passion is charming, with a waterside location and a small pool and sandy beach for relaxing by the sea. The rooms are modern and recently renovated, featuring open bathrooms, water or green wall views, and essential amenities like housekeeping, toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, soap), WiFi access, and slippers for added comfort.

Meal options at Sea Passion include a hearty breakfast with both Western and Asian choices, including a cook-to-order egg station. For lunch and dinner, the menu leans towards simple American fare, offering items like hamburgers, hotdogs, and pizza. However, it's worth noting that the beverage selection is limited to beer only, with no wine or mixed drinks available.

The resort's bar operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 7 pm, mixing pretty good margaritas, making it a favourite spot for evening drinks.

Overall, Sea Passion Hotel offers a comfortable and enjoyable stay with its waterfront location, modern rooms, and delicious margaritas. While the meal options are straightforward, the proximity to other dining options on Malakal Island adds variety to the dining experience.

Visited on 02/2024 - Submitted on 03/24/2024
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Lembeh Strait

5
4
5
4

The muck diving capital of Indonesia attracts the curious diver and macro underwater photographers. This type of diving rewards the patient, slow moving diver having near perfect buoyancy and good air consumption with amazing critters and their habitat on a black sand or silty bottom. Good buoyancy control and etiquette is essential for good visibility and diver harmony to take care not to stir up the bottom with your fins.

Most of us depend on dive guides that know the sites well and have a super-power for spotting the sometimes miniscule, well camouflaged and unusual bottom dwelling creatures.

My favourites seen are the velvet Rhinopias, hairy frog fish, well any frog fish really, ghost pipe fish, seahorses and coconut octopus as they are all a good size for my camera set-up. The blue-ring octopus and mimic octopus are amazing to watch and so much smaller than one expects.

Most dive sites seem to be a special hangout for a particular species. You may spend 20-30 minutes searching before it is found by your guides. So meanwhile you mooch around until your own eyes become accustomed to the black sands and the small bits of fluff that hide their special jewels, just like a treasure hunt really.

Visited on 10/2022 - Submitted on 03/12/2023
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Fish 'n Fins Palau

4
4
3
4

Fish 'n Fins, operated by owner Tova, offers a dive experience with notable strengths and areas for improvement.

The dive center is conveniently located at the boat dock, providing easy access to the water. Guests are responsible for handling their gear, including setup and washing. The center also includes a shop, gear drying room, and the Barracuda Cafe Bar for post-dive refreshments.

Diving with Fish 'n Fins involves guides who vary in style, from assertive to laid-back. Each day features different guides, with an emphasis on equal work distribution among them. Dive times typically last up to 60 minutes, including a 5-minute safety stop, although durations may vary.

Dive groups usually comprise 6 to 9 divers, ranging from new to experienced, with divers using both air and nitrox. This diversity can sometimes limit dive site options and times, and multi-day divers may encounter repeated checkout dive sites, affecting their overall experience.

The best dive sites, such as Blue Corner for sharks and German Channel for mantas, are well-known and favored by divers. Strong currents on some dives are preferred for optimal fish and shark viewing, with reef hooks deployed to allow divers to observe the marine life.

The dive boats are comfortable and covered but have open sides, which can result in getting wet or windy during the ride. It's advisable to bring a light jacket for such conditions. The boats are equipped with sturdy walk-up ladders and dry boxes for personal items, although not all items may remain dry. Water, tea, and coffee are provided on board, but amenities like boat towels are not available. A pre-ordered lunch is enjoyed during a scenic beach stop.

Access and transfers are convenient, with hotel pickup and drop-off services offered. Tipping practices may vary as different guides are assigned each day.

In conclusion, Fish 'n Fins offers a diving experience with knowledgeable guides and comfortable boats. However, improvements in managing dive groups and minimizing repeated checkout dives could enhance the overall quality of the experience.

Visited on 02/2024 - Submitted on 03/24/2024
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Diving in Raja Ampat

5
4
5
5

The so-called epicentre of the coral triangle does not disappoint even the most jaded of divers. The water was unseasonably warm and perhaps slightly lower visibility than previous visits due to the earlier rains, but the fish life is still varied and prolific being a protected marine park.

We had 10 days of diving the Dampier Strait iconic sites. While there were no mantas spotted this trip, most impressive were the schools of Barracuda on most dives, jacks and sweet lips on others especially the Arborek Jetty dive.

Coming from Australia, I was excited to see so many barramundi cod but less enthusiastic than the guides to see wobbegong sharks which are common on our east coast. I particularly enjoyed a bi-plane dive which was richly encrusted with corals and home to tiny anthias decorating the wreck in bright colors.

Our last dive this trip was a gin clear dive on Sardine’s reef, where just hanging in one spot you could see entire layers of the marine food chain in action. It is only in such clear conditions you can truly see the magnificence and scope of the corals and fishes Raja Ampat has to offer.

Visited on 10/2022 - Submitted on 03/12/2023
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Sam's Tours Palau

4
4
3
4

Sam's Tours, located at their own boat dock on Malakal Island, offers a well-organized and spacious environment for both divers and snorkelers.
The dive boats at Sam's Tours are comfortable, covered, and provide side seating, ensuring a drier experience compared to other operators. Convenient walk-up ladders and a dry box under the driver's seat for personal items add to the convenience on board.
Gear handling is efficiently managed by the boat crew, although divers are reminded to retrieve their own wetsuits from the rack. Certified divers can enjoy complimentary Nitrox with 80cf/11l tanks filled with 32% Nitrox.
Camera handling is well organized, with a crate immediately provided for cameras. Refreshments such as water and punch are available on board, and lunch is served between dives. While boat towels and toilets are not provided, the overall comfort and functionality of the boats are acceptable.
Additionally, Sam's Tours facilitates access and transfers to/from hotels, ensuring convenience for their guests.
The diving experience with Sam's Tours relies heavily on the teamwork of the boat captain and the dive guides, who vary each day and ultimately decide on the dive site based on prevailing conditions. They also set the direction and pace of the dives.
During our two dive days, we noticed a significant difference in approach. The first day was characterized by a relaxed and non-prescriptive style from the guides. Dive times typically lasted around 60 minutes, including a safety stop. As photographers, we appreciated this unhurried pace, as it allowed us ample time to focus on interesting subjects without feeling rushed or losing sight of our group.
However, our experience on the second day was quite different. Our guide set a very fast pace for the first dive, which was unsatisfactory for photography. We expressed our desire for a slower pace during the surface interval, but unfortunately, the second dive followed a similar hurried pattern. We were even scolded for lagging behind the group, which was frustrating.
Overall, while the first day provided a positive experience with its relaxed approach, the second day's fast pace and lack of flexibility for photography detracted from our enjoyment.

Visited on 02/2024 - Submitted on 03/26/2024
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Sipadan Water Village, Mabul Island

5
5
4
4

The setting for the Sipadan Water Village or SWV as they are known, is all over-water. The nicely appointed bungalows, reception, dive center and restaurant are connected by a series of boardwalks and all enjoy a refreshing ambiance and cooling breeze. The most outstanding quality we encountered was the professional and friendly hospitality of their well-trained staff who are very attuned to the needs of the guests, from the transport, concierge, reception, restaurant and dive centre.

Our over-water bungalow was large, with a huge sea-facing deck, and offered AC, which we did not need. The only downside was the long walk to the dive center, especially when carrying a big camera. Wifi was only available at Reception, which was the center node also housing the bar and jars of fresh baked cookies. The restaurant was nearby and we had a water-side table for most meals. Meals were served buffet style, with eggs cooked to order at breakfast. Plenty of fresh fruit and salads and multiple tasty protein choices including vegetarian, shellfish and crab.

On arrival at the resort, Manny from the dive team provided an orientation and offered a check out dive on their house reef. We were tired from diving Sipadan that morning, so unfortunately missed that dive. But we were given a thorough tour and explanation of dive and gear organisation for our dives the next day. The dive center has a coffee and snack station, also providing water fillls and fresh towels for the boat each day. We set up our gear ready for the early start to Sipadan.

Our dive guide the next morning was Manny again, and with only 4 divers and a guide it was a fast and comfortable trip to Sipadan and nice to dive with such a small group and competent guide. The surface interval between dives was spent at the island where sheltered picnic tables, and shower and restrooms facilities are available. Depending on the dive schedule, we either had breakfast or lunch provided by the resort on the island. We were lucky to have 3 dives at Sipadan that day because our fellow divers had booked prior to the change to the current maximum of 2 dives per day, so it was a long day before returning to the resort, having seen the resident schools of jacks and bump headed parrot fish, and plenty of turtles. The barracuda were elusive, seeming to avoid the crowds, as there are 257 permits for divers every day.

The next day we did local dives around Mabul and Kapalai, with the Kapalai house reef being a trip favourite. We had a different guide who was a great spotter of frog fish and nudis.

We left SWV very satisfied with the whole experience and would not hesitate to recommend it for your stay in Mabul.

Visited on 04/2023 - Submitted on 06/14/2023
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Palau Dive Adventures

5
5
5
5

Palau Dive Adventures offers a fantastic diving experience with some notable highlights.

The best aspects of Palau Dive Adventures are their knowledgeable guides and the careful decisions made regarding dive sites and prevailing conditions. The guides, Chris and Jason, ensured that we had the best position for Mantas at German Channel and tried and succeeded to avoid the crowds at other dive sites.

Palau Dive Adventures differentiates itself by offering a Monday to Friday program designed for singles, couples or small groups of divers who will dive together with the same group and mostly the same dive guides throughout the week. This program is meticulously planned to visit a different dive area each day, providing guests with continuity and a comprehensive overview of the best dive sites in Palau. Additionally, they can also arrange dive courses that can be undertaken throughout the week.

The dive boats provided by Palau Dive Adventures are comfortable, covered, and feature front-facing seats, ensuring a pleasant journey for each guest. The boats accommodate a maximum of 8 divers, providing an intimate and personalized diving experience. The walk-up ladder is convenient, and there's a dry box under each seat for personal items. Refreshments such as water, Gatorade, and cordial are available on board, along with a spray jacket and towels for added comfort between and after dives.

The handling of cameras is commendable, with the crew asking guests how they prefer their cameras to be handled. We had our own crate and they identified a safe place for it.

One of the standout features of Palau Dive Adventures is the quality of lunch provided, sourced from a top Korean restaurant, King Palace, ensuring that divers are well-fed and satisfied during the breaks between dives.

Access and transfers are convenient, with pick-up services by boat from the Palau Pacific Resort jetty or other locations where guests are staying. For guests not staying at waterfront hotels, pick-ups are available at Sam's if the area is not busy.

Additionally, Palau Dive Adventures offers a "Concierge" service, providing transportation to local restaurants, laundry services, and enhancing the overall guest experience beyond diving.

Overall, Palau Dive Adventures stands out for its excellent guides, careful dive site decisions, comfortable boats, and comprehensive services, making it a top choice for diving enthusiasts visiting Palau.

Visited on 02/2024 - Submitted on 03/27/2024
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Seaventures Dive Rig Resort

5
4
4
5

Seaventures Rig is a one-of-a-kind dive resort situated on a converted oil rig. Upon arrival, diving equipment and people were lifted to the main deck using an open elevator. We were well-received with a cold drink and a thorough briefing. The main deck housed the dive center, restaurant, bar, and offices, providing refreshing breezes and panoramic views of Mabul and stunning sunsets.

The modest accommodations were located on the three floors above the main deck, while the deluxe rooms required climbing a rabbit warren of stairs to the fourth floor. The air conditioning and wifi worked perfectly, the beds were comfortable, and the private bathrooms were "wet" rooms where the shower drained across the floor.

A notable convenience was the camera room on the main deck, eliminating the need to carry cameras to the top floor. This room was continuously monitored by CCTV and remained unlocked.

The meals were served buffet-style and offered a delicious variety of hearty and healthy options. On one memorable night, a special BBQ with fresh fish was organized as a farewell for a group, accompanied by live music. There was always someone attending the bar, ready to answer any questions and keep the keys safe.

One of the highlights of the resort was the house reef, where the checkout dives took place and where divers can freely explore at their own pace. Navigating the reef was easy with numbered support columns and excellent visibility. The marine life was interesting, featuring juvenile species, macro life, and unfortunately, some newly discarded waste that had not yet become part of the habitat.

Visited on 04/2023 - Submitted on 07/03/2023
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Palau Siren

4
4
4
5

The Palau Siren Liveaboard offers a floating hotel type experience in Palau with some notable highlights and areas for improvement.

The Palau Siren is a beautifully presented traditional Phinisi. One of her best features is undoubtedly the a la carte plus buffet breakfast served after the first dive, providing guests with a delightful start to their day. The liveaboard, owned by Master Liveaboards, boasts a large lounge, dining area, and well-appointed cabins.

The cabins are equipped with modern showers, toilets, and daily housekeeping services, including fresh towels. However, some guests may find the air conditioning to be noisy and prone to temperature fluctuations. Additionally, there is no onboard WiFi, but guests can purchase local SIM cards for internet access, although coverage may vary depending on the location.

Meals onboard are of very good quality and plentiful, with a wide selection of breakfast options cooked to order plus a generous hot buffet of side items. Delicious lunches and dinners are served buffet-style as well. The onboard bar offers a selection of local light beer on tap, cocktails, and some spirits to enjoy after diving is completed for the day.

The dive team on the Palau Siren Liveaboard comprises the Cruise Director/instructor, assistant CD, and two experienced guides, maintaining an overall ratio of approximately four guests to one guide, although this ratio may vary slightly on different dives. Dive briefings were engaging and informative, featuring rotations among the team and supplemented by humorous anecdotes and visually appealing graphics displayed on a large screen in common areas. However, there were instances where the dive plan did not achieve its objective due to misjudged current conditions.

Diving activities are conducted from banana boat skiffs, with travel times ranging from 20 to 40 minutes. While the dive boats are comfortable and covered, the open sides can lead to exposure to wet and windy conditions, especially during rough weather. It's important to note that there is no provision for water onboard the dive boats, but the ever cheerful hospitality team always serves water or juice before and after the dive.

Equipment handling is primarily self-setup, and equipment stays on your allocated skiff. Tanks are filled in situ, and the crew ensures wetsuits are rinsed after each dive. Guests should be self-sufficient in terms of camera handling, although the crew is supportive in passing equipment as needed.

Nitrox at 31% is available, with guests required to sign for each tank, although an on-site O2 analyzer is not provided. The compressors onboard are essential for dive operations but can be noisy.

The itinerary is collaboratively decided with input from the Cruise Director, boat captain, and skiff drivers, taking into account prevailing conditions and a routine itinerary. However, there may be room for improvement in optimizing the itinerary for the best diving experiences throughout the trip.

During our 10-night trip, we found the itinerary somewhat disappointing as we spent 4 nights in Malakal Harbor (2 at the beginning and 2 at the end), 2 nights at Ulong, and just 4 nights in the Ngemelis area. The diving experience was notably better in the Ngemelis area, which hosts premier dive sites like Blue Corner and German Channel. The Ulong area was also good, but Malakal Harbor had poor visibility and lacked marine life. Pelileu dives were conducted using the skiffs, with one boat remaining behind for guests opting for a land tour at Pelileu instead of a second dive.

For non-divers, the liveaboard offers snorkeling and kayaking options, adding to the variety of activities available during the trip.

Overall, the Palau Siren Liveaboard offers a memorable diving experience with excellent meals, comfortable accommodations, and knowledgeable guides. However, improvements in air conditioning stability, WiFi availability, and itinerary. The Palau Siren Liveaboard offers a floating hotel type experience in Palau with some notable highlights and areas for improvement.

Visited on 02/2024 - Submitted on 03/29/2024
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