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The Adventure Continues to... Komodo (New price to reflect three styles of rooms.) I am really looking forward to this trip. Bali is one of the most geographically beautiful and culturally rich destinations in the world, so I am hoping to do an extension to visit this paradise. The Boat We will be on a great new boat the Cheng Ho. For a recent review, go to: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cruises-liveaboards-charter-boats/213003-no-need-beware-kararu-cheng-ho.html and another review http://lizhanks.com/scuba/KomodoTripReport1.htm
We can expect lots of great food choices...
and plenty of spacious places to lounge..... and read
Diving Diving is done from from one of two 6 m by 2.50 m unsinkable aluminum tenders. You set your gear up once (using air or Nitrox) at the beginning of the trip and the crew of nineteen members takes over from there. Like the Bilikiki, you make a simple back roll to enter the water and come back up the ladder where ever you surface. Guests do about 35 dives on an eleven night trip. (There is no diving on the first day as we will be steaming to our first dive site. Boat photos are courtesy of Kararu Voyages.) Itinerary The itinerary has been reversed, but I still have it here as traveling from Bali to Bima, taking in North Lombok, Sumbawa and Sangean Island on the way to Komodo Island and the pristine Komodo Marine Park. Officially declared a World Heritage Site in 1991, it is one of the largest protected zones on the planet. We will now be flying to Bima and cruising back to Bali. The Komodo region - the islands of Rinca, Komodo, Banta and many other smaller isles and pinnacles - offer divers a huge array of possibilities. This area between the Pacific and Indian oceans and the number and variety of islands in the area, combined with currents of nutrient-rich water, wave action and wind exposure result in a a biological paradise of pristine reef, pelagic fishes and an enormous variety of interesting critters and invertebrates. Here is a sample of some typical days for our journey of nine diving days. Tulamben Rinca, North West Sumbawa Komodo National Park South Komodo & Rinca Gili Lawah Laut & Gili Lawah Darat Departure day
The photo on the left was taken in the Solomon Islands, but I believe these are also found in the Komodo area. I was intrigued by the pattern of the rind of this gorgonian, but a pygmy seahorse kept sticking his head in the photo.
Although Indonesia has two main seasons, dry and rainy, in the Komodo area, there is relatively little difference in the seasons. Indonesia has incredibly complex current patterns that are difficult to predict. Combine the equatorial convergence of wind and weather patterns from both the northern and southern hemispheres with the deep oceanic currents of both the Pacific and Indian oceans passing through more than 13,000 islands and the result is unpredictable and sometimes strange currents. It also results in extremely diverse environments and life forms. Fortunately, our experienced crew will help to make sure that during our trip, dive sites are carefully selected so currents should not pose problems. Typically, the northern shores are clearer and warmer (80-86F, and a 3mm suit or even a skin is fine), whereas the southern waters have poorer visibility and are colder (70-75F, so a 5 mm is normal although some divers are OK with a 3mm and a hooded vest). Cost Upper deck deluxe suites, king bed only, for couples: includes a computer (with photoshop) to use, large windows, more storage space and a bathrobe to keep. When paying by check or cash, price is $4625.00* per person. (Rooms 301 - 3.) Two single rooms on main deck with twin beds upper and lower, and four rooms on lower deck with twin beds side by side are $4240.00* when paying by check or cash. Double rooms main and lower decks, with twin beds side by side or upper and lower, or with a king bed, (rooms 107 and 108) $3975.00* when paying by check or cash. (*If you need to pay with credit card, simply add 4%.)
What's included in the cruise price? ... you might ask... Poseidon Ventures Tours will be planning all of the air and add-on itinerary. Contact them, 359 San Miguel Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660 USA. Phone: 714-644-5344, Toll Free: 800-854-9334, Fax: 714-644-5392 poseidon@fea.net. (There will be a short flight from Bima to Bali that is not included.) Call now to reserve your space. Call: 607-330-3504 (internet connection through our NY number) or 345-949-5864 (our Cayman number). Both ring on the same phone, the first one is just a lot cheaper for you. Click here to reserve your space. Updated April 14, 2008 (Underwater photos were taken elsewhere (including Lembeh, Fiji, Solomon Islands and PNG) of subjects typical of this trip.) |
Located
at the Sunset
House Hotel, Grand Cayman, Cayman
Islands
by The JavaScript Source
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dormant volcanic island of Satonda where, I am told, the twilight skies hold a rare surprise.
Rinca Island for the rest of the day's diving. Between dives we can explore by foot or binoculars the nearby beach where wild boars, monkeys and the odd Komodo dragon reside.
Bali is the next island west of Lombok. 
