Experience some of the most exotic and sought-after dive destinations in Indonesia on this one-way Banda Sea crossing trip from Sorong to Maumere. Starting in south Raja Ampat including Misool, you will be immersed in an amazing array of marine life on this 12-night adventure throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Locations we anticipate diving include Misool, Fiabacet, Boo, West Seram, Ring of Fire, Wetar and Alor. The trip will end with some fabulous muck diving in Maumere. Surveyors will love being aboard the beautiful Blue Manta Explorer, a spacious and luxurious vessel, with a large dive deck and dedicated camera room.
Trip Type: Fish Survey - click here to learn more!
Pricing: $6,950 based on double occupancy.
Accommodations: The Blue Manta Explorer sleeps up to 22 passengers. Staterooms on the upper, main, and lower deck will be assigned based on the availabilty of bedding setups for each reservation. All staterooms have a window, air-conditioning and a private ensuite bathroom.
Diving: The Blue Manta offers up to 4 dives daily. This trip is a one-way crossing through the Banda Sea, beginning in South Raja Ampat, including the Ring of Fire, and ending in Maumere, Flores. The water temperature in Raja Ampat is approximately 80-86 degrees F, with the potential for some current. In the Banda Sea and Maumere, the water temperature is approximately 77-82 degrees F, also with the possibility of currents. Approximately one day will be spent diving Alor, where the water temperature is typically 71-79 degrees F. It is recommended to bring an extra exposure suit for this portion of the trip. You can view a sample itinerary for this trip here. Please note: according to Explorer Ventures, due to dive conditions this trip is best suited for intermediate to advanced divers.
Price Includes: The trip package includes 12 nights of double occupancy accommodation, 11 days of diving, round-trip transfers to the ship from the airport or hotels on the day of arrival and departure, all meals, snacks, coffee tea, Milo, soft drinks, towels, toiletries, cabin service, tanks, and weights.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $350 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and REEF survey materials. The REEF Program Fee applies to all divers and/or attendees age 18 and up.
Other Fees Paid to REEF: A marine park and harbor fee of $250 per person will be paid to REEF in advance of the trip.
Additional Fees: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF. All flights and in-transit hotels, ground transfers outside of the trip start and end dates, optional Nitrox for $15/day, optional rental equipment, and optional souvenir purchases onboard. A fuel surchage may be added to each person's onboard bill. If applicable, the fuel surcharge amount will be determined approximately 30 days prior to the start of the trip. Gratuities for the crew are not included in the cost of the charter and are at each individual's discretion.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN.
About the Trip Leader: Dr. Christy Pattengill-Semmens is REEF's Co-Executive Director: Science and Engagement. Christy is an expert at Fish ID and has led dozens of REEF Field Surveys over the years to all of REEF's survey project regions.
How to Sign Up: To reserve your space or find out more, e-mail us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. A $1,000 deposit will be collected at the time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
How to Get There: This trip is a one-way crossing. The trip embarks from Sorong, and disembarks in Maumere. Participants should make arrangements to fly into Domine Edward Osok Airport in Sorong (SOQ), arriving in time for a 3pm departure. Return flights should be booked out of Frans Seda Airport in Maumere (MOF). Participants are responsible for booking their own airfare. REEF is not able to book air travel for participants.
Passports, Documentation and Visas: Visitors to Indonesia are required to have a passport that has at least 2 blank passport pages and is valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival, and proof of return flights. Tourists from most countries do not need to obtain a visa if staying in Indonesia for less than 30 days. Please consult the appropriate consulate for specific travel regulations.
Transfers: Transfers are included on the start and end dates of the trip, to either the airport or select local hotels. Airport or hotel pickup is provided in Sorong on the departure date if staying at one of the following: Swiss-Belhotel Sorong, Hotel Mariat Sorong, Royal Mamberamo Hotel, Hotel JE Meridien, or The Waigo Hotel. At the end of the trip, transfers are included to either the Maumere airport or a select local hotel, including Sylvia Hotel or Capra Resort.
*this trip is rescheduled from original dates
COVID-19 Considerations: It is the participant's responsibility to ensure that they understand and comply with all local requirements (for entry and visit as a tourist) of the host destination, and for exit and entry requirements for their home country. Be prepared for your plans to change. Be sure your travel insurance covers COVID-related issues. No travel is risk-free during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example, due to a new COVID-19 variant. Please be aware that REEF is not a travel agent. We are doing our best to interpret the information provided by our trip vendor and the host country’s government COVID-19 webpages. We encourage everyone to do their own research, interpretation, and due diligence. Please see REEF’s COVID-19 Considerations and Vaccine Policies section in our REEF Field Survey Trips Policies page for more information.