AnneR - Bluewater Dive Travel

AnneR

AnneR

My Dive Map

Reviews (8)

Banda Sea

4
5
4
5

In November 2022, I embarked on a journey to the Banda Sea during the Hammerhead season. Despite my guide's earnest efforts, I regrettably did not encounter any hammerhead sharks during my stay, unlike the trips both preceding and following mine. It seemed luck was not on my side.

Nevertheless, the absence of hammerheads did not diminish the allure of the coral formations and marine life. The Banda Islands, situated on the Ring of Fire with a chain of volcanoes, boast rich volcanic soil, which has fostered breathtaking coral formations, notably at Gunung Api (literally translating to "fire mountain").

Above the water's surface, the islands are steeped in history, with remnants of the Dutch colonialist period still prominently visible. Despite the lack of hammerhead sightings, my exploration of the Banda Sea was filled with captivating experiences both below and above the waterline and I would happily go back!

Visited on 11/2022 - Submitted on 03/27/2024
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Jakare Liveaboard

5
5
5
5

I recently returned from an unforgettable week onboard the Jakaré, where we embarked on a captivating cruise through South/Central and North Komodo. I am still in awe of the incredible experience I had!

The boat itself is small yet luxurious, creating a cozy and homely atmosphere from the moment you step onboard. The crew's warm smiles and exceptional service further enhance this feeling. There are three double bed cabins, each with an additional single bed, as well as two twin cabins available.

Mealtime on the Jakaré is a delightful affair, as everyone gathers together for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is no separation or isolation onboard; instead, Audrey, the cruise director, joins you for each delicious meal. We were truly spoiled by the talented chef and indulged in homemade ice creams, which may have contributed to a few extra kilograms!

One of the highlights of our experience was being the first and often the only ones at the dive sites. The absence of crowds made each dive even more enchanting and enjoyable. The Jakaré caters to both divers and non-divers, offering activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and wakeboarding. We also had the opportunity to venture ashore and witness the magnificent Komodo dragons. On our last evening, we were treated to a breathtaking beach dinner, creating a memorable finale to our journey.

I cannot recommend the Jakaré liveaboard enough, especially for families or those seeking a small yet well-equipped vessel. It truly exceeded my expectations, and I am already eagerly anticipating my return!

Visited on 07/2023 - Submitted on 07/10/2023
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KLM Neomi Indonesia

5
5
5
5

I went on the Neomi liveaboard back in November 2022 for their Banda Neira itinerary to try to catch a glimpse of the Hammerheads sharks. Even though unfortunately, the Hammerheads had migrated already, I had an amazing cruise onboard! The staff goes above and beyond to give you a good time.

Each group is created making sure to take in account the experience of each diver. I was with my private dive guide Ronny - we always were the last ones in the water. I like to dive slowly and long, and he catered to this very well. Ronny took the time to brief each dive site to the details and we always knew what to expect.
On the dives, we had a mix of wide angle and macro, to please everyone! There was even a mandarin fish dive one day after visiting Banda Neira island, which is an island full of colonialisme history.

The food was abundant and varied from meal to meal. They can cater to each dietary restriction.

The cabins are spacious and each cabin has their own balcony, which is a treat when you are navigating from dive site to dive site and want to spend time alone reading a book. The bed was very comfortable.

All in all it was a great experience. I will go back and recommend the Neomi.

Visited on 11/2022 - Submitted on 03/08/2023
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Komodo

5
4
4
4

Since my previous visit to Flores and Komodo Island, many remarkable changes have taken place. Over the course of ten years, the small town of Labuan Bajo has undergone significant development, now boasting an international hospital, numerous dive centers, a wide array of hotels and restaurants, and an impressive airport.

The diving in Komodo remains as awe-inspiring as I remembered. Expect to encounter stunning coral formations, frequent sightings of sharks, majestic manta rays, and captivating schools of fish. It's important to note that Komodo is primarily geared towards experienced divers, as the currents can be incredibly strong, particularly in North Komodo at sites such as Cauldron, Crystal Rock, and Castle Rock. Divers should exercise caution and feel comfortable navigating challenging conditions.

In terms of diving options, I wholeheartedly recommend choosing a liveaboard experience over day trips. Having personally tried both, I found that liveaboards offer several advantages. First and foremost, liveaboards allow you to be the first divers on the sites, ensuring an uninterrupted and immersive experience. Additionally, liveaboards offer flexibility in adapting to changing conditions, such as selecting alternate dive sites if currents prove too strong. On the other hand, day trips often result in crowded dive sites, as multiple groups arrive simultaneously.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Komodo as an affordable alternative to Raja Ampat. It offers a wealth of underwater wonders and provides a remarkable diving experience. To fully appreciate the destination, I recommend allocating at least five days on land as well. This will allow you to explore the captivating landmarks and natural beauty that Flores Island has to offer.

Visited on 07/2023 - Submitted on 07/11/2023
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Mari Liveaboard

5
4
4
5

I recently had the pleasure of spending 12 days aboard the Mari liveaboard in Raja Ampat, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped on board, I was impressed by the exceptional service and the professionalism of the crew.

The cabins on the Mari are spacious and well-designed, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of diving. The living areas are equally spacious, offering plenty of room for relaxation and socializing. Even with a full complement of guests, it never felt crowded.

The diving in Raja Ampat is world-renowned, and the Mari certainly lives up to that reputation. We visited some of the best dive sites in the region, with our dives at Kri Island and Chicken Reef standing out as particularly spectacular. Ungke, our dive guide, made excellent choices, ensuring we experienced the vibrant marine life and stunning coral gardens that Raja Ampat is famous for.

The crew of the Mari is what truly sets this liveaboard apart. Ungke and his team are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to ensure every guest has a memorable experience. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist with a smile. The level of service provided rivals that of higher-end boats I've been on, and I cannot commend them enough for their efforts.

The food on board was excellent, with a variety of delicious dishes served at each meal. The quality of the food was consistently high, and dining was always a pleasant experience.

Overall, my time on the Mari liveaboard was incredibly rewarding. The excellent service, fantastic diving, and the professionalism of the crew made it a trip to remember. I would happily recommend the Mari to anyone looking to explore the wonders of Raja Ampat. Thank you to the entire team for providing such a wonderful experience.

Visited on 05/2024 - Submitted on 05/28/2024
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Papua Paradise Eco Resort

5
5
5
5

I visited Papua Paradise in May 2024, and it has quickly become one of my favorite resorts in Raja Ampat. I stayed in a Deluxe Bungalow over the water, which was beautiful and spacious. Although there is no AC, the nights were cool enough that I didn't find it necessary.

A major advantage of Papua Paradise is their daily transfer service to the resort, offering flexibility that most other resorts in Raja Ampat do not.

As a macro diver, I loved the local dive sites, discovering numerous critters I hadn't seen before. There is plenty of marine life, but the famous sites of the Dampier Strait are further away. However, the resort can organize day trips there, which include three dives and a lunch on one of the nearby beautiful islands.

The staff are incredibly welcoming, learning and using your name from the moment you arrive. They greet you warmly upon arrival and departure, always with a smile.

The massages are exceptional, offered in a beautiful setting. The food is served buffet style, with western dishes for lunch and local cuisine in the evening.

I wouldn't hesitate to return to Papua Paradise, and I'm already secretly planning my next visit!

Visited on 05/2024 - Submitted on 06/01/2024
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Scubaspa Yang Liveaboard, Maldives

5
5
5
5

My experience aboard the Scubaspa Yang was truly exceptional and stands out as one of the most remarkable trips I've ever undertaken. The vessel itself was essentially a floating resort, offering a wide range of amenities that ensured a memorable and luxurious week on board. These amenities included a well-equipped gym, a spa, beautifully appointed cabins, and spacious common areas suitable for both solitary relaxation and group gatherings.

The crew aboard the Scubaspa Yang were not only highly skilled but also incredibly accommodating. I was particularly impressed with my dive guide, whose dedication to ensuring our comfort and delivering the dive experience we desired was exceptional. It was evident that he cared deeply not only for our well-being but also for the marine environment, which served as his workplace.

Culinary offerings on the boat were diverse and delectable, with some dishes even being prepared right before our eyes, such as the delightful crème brûlée for dessert. The beachside BBQ event was undoubtedly one of the trip's highlights, providing a memorable dining experience.

If I had to mention a single aspect I found less enjoyable, it would be the transition from the main vessel to the diving dinghy. However, with the assistance of the crew and a few good-natured laughs, I quickly adapted and overcame this minor challenge.

For those seeking encounters with larger marine life, the Scubaspa Yang offers a genuine treat. Each dive presented opportunities to witness sharks, various species of rays, and abundant schools of fish. Regrettably, the condition of the corals on the Best of Maldives Itinerary appeared to be less pristine. Nevertheless, this did not significantly diminish the overall quality of the diving experience.

If you find yourself torn between the Scubaspa Yin and the Scubaspa Yang, rest assured that they are nearly identical vessels, differing only in terms of one gym accessory. The teams alternate between the two boats on a weekly basis, ensuring that you can expect a consistent and exceptional experience regardless of your choice.

Selecting this vessel for your Maldives adventure is a decision you can make with unwavering confidence, as it promises to deliver the finest and most unforgettable experience in the region.

Visited on 09/2023 - Submitted on 11/02/2023
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Spice Island Divers Ambon

5
5
5
5

I stayed in Spice Island divers in November 2022 and I had a great time. Their ocean front bungalows are very spacious, clean and beautifully decorated. They also have more budget rooms in the back of the garden. John welcomed me with open arms upon my arrival, we talked about the schedule of the next following days. Boat diving takes place 3 times a day but you can shore dive in the front at any time (that dive is full of nudibranches, I rarely saw so much of them on one dive). You are assigned one dive guide for your whole stay. Mine was called Alan, he was great in showing me all kinds of underwater critters, helping me with my camera and in general being very good company!

Breakfast lunch and dinner is served in servings, you begin with an entry, main course and dessert. Everything was of excellent quality and tasted delicious. All resort guests are gathering in the restaurant around the same time, and you meet extraordinary people!

This resort caters well to photographers of all levels. Guides are well-trained in searching for critters and helping you take the best pictures. They help you with your gear as well.
There is an AC camera room in which you can leave your camera overnight.

Overall a great experience, I will be back soon!

Visited on 11/2023 - Submitted on 03/07/2023
Read all Spice Island Divers Ambon Dive Resort reviews

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