Marine Biology Dive Expedition "Wonders of Evolution" - 12.-31.10.2021
Live-aboard trip to Raja Ampat
Exceptional and very divers dives in one of the most beautiful and species-rich underwater wonderlands in the famous "Coral Triangle" are waiting for you. With more than 1,500 islands, the Raja Ampat archipelago is probably the largest underwater biosphere in the world.
Amazing coral formations, incredibly fish-rich waters, exciting wrecks from World War II and many more highlights such as Manta Rays, Carpet sharks, Pygmy Seahorses, Frogfish and an infinite number of different life forms, exceed your wildest expectations.
Itinerary:
12.-19.10.2021
- First week (extension) on Bangka Island (details under "Extension Week at Bangka Island)
19.-20.10.2021
- Flight to Sorong (Indonesia)
- Transfer to the boat M"SY Seahorse"
20.-30.10.2021
- 11 days/ 10 nights on board "MSY Seahorse" in double cabins on full board basis including, Tea, Coffee
- up to 4 dives per day (2 dives in the morning before lunch, 1 dive in the afternoon, 1 nightdive - good weather and sea conditions permitted)
- 12L tanks with DIN and INT connections (15L tanks available against extra charge)
- EANitrox for free !
- daily Marine Biology Seminars (details under "Marine Biology Program") including special Fluo-Nightdive
- Route: Sorong - Dampier Strait - Waigeo - Wayag - Kawe - Halmahera Sea - Bafanta - Balbulol - Seram Sea - Daram Island - Salawati - Sorong
30.10.2021
- Check out
- Transfer to Sorong Airport and departure
31.10.2021
- Arrival back home
Divers report incomparable experiences in Raja Ampat, where biodiversity and fabulous coral landscapes are unique! A real dive adventure! In the romantic bays, lagoons and canals, surrounded by rainforests, rocky islands and coral reefs, there is one of the most biodivers and species rich environment of the world. Diving takes place at selected beautiful spots. The preferences of the diving guests are taken into account.
The itinerary can be changed depending on the weather / sea conditions. The cruise director and the captain will conduct the program in the best interest and in coordination with the group.
Because of strong currents that may occur a SMB and a reef hook is highly recommended.
By participating in the marine biology experience seminars, the VDST Speciality Course "Marine Biology" can be certified!
You only have to pay the certification fee of 35,- Euro.
VDST instructors can have their participation recognized with 12 hours of training!
Prior registration is essential.
"MSY Seahorse" is a 33m long and 8.5m wide 2-mast Pinisi Shoner. She was refurbished and completely renovated in 2019 and is offering the most comfortable way to cruise the Indonesian Archipelago.
16 guests can be accommodated on board in spacious twin and double cabins. A crew of 12 will spoil the guest and fulfil all their wishes.
All cabins are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning and ensuite facilities including toilet, shower and hot water.
6 Standard double cabins (12 qm) with 2 separate beds 90 x 200 cm.
2 Deluxe cabins (13,5 qm) with one bed in size of 150 x 200 cm, table, TV and DVD Player.
The classical beauty of the "MSY Seahorse" combines traditional Craftsmanship with modern comfort. The 400 HP MAN-Engine guaranties a safe journey and steady travel speed of 9-12 knots.
Diving Program
The daily diving program includes up to 4 dives per day. The first two dives will take place in the morning and before lunch, the third dive in the afternoon and one night dive (good weather and sea conditions permitted) is possible. The four dive guides on board will give you before every dive a detailed briefing before you will enter the tender boats that will bring you to the dive sites. Diving in small groups and guided by the Indonesian Dive Guides. 12L Alu tanks with DIN and INT connections are available. 15L tanks are available against extra charge.
At Raja Amapt dive sites current is to be expected. SMB and Reef Hooks are highly recommended for your safety.
Technical Data
- Wooden Ship Type Pinisi
- Length 33 m, Beam 8,5 m, Draft 3,5 m
- Engine: MAN 2866LXE Marine Turbo Diesel, 400 HP, 9-12 knots travel speed
- 3 Generators, 220 Volt
- 11.000 L fresh water tank, Desalination Plant 6.000 L/day
- 2 Tenders (Aluminium), 6,5 m long, 100 HP Yamaha Outboarder each
- 2 Bauer Mariner Compressors, 1 Comp-Air Compressor with Nitrox Membran System
- 32 12L tanks with DIN and INT connections
- Rental Dive Equipment (limited) on board by Seaman Sub and Ozeanic
- Safety Equipment: 3 Life Rafts, Smoke Detectors in all cabins, 2 Oxygen Kits, EPIRB Emergency Locator, Satellite Telephone, FM & SW Radio, 4 VHF and SSB Radio, Furuno 90 NM Radar, 2 Furuno GPS Plotter and Depth-Sounder
13.-19.10.2021 Bangka Island Resort
To get used to the Indonesian sun and get rid of the JetLag quickly, we offer you the opportunity to relax on Bangka Island a week before the live-aboard trip. Explore the wonderful underwater world of this remote island.
It's like paradise here and you will feel like Robinson!
From Manado Airport, you drive to Bangka Island by car and boat. The resort is in a quiet location on one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the archipelago. The 8 bungalows are all located directly on the beach and are equipped with their own bathroom with shower / toilet, fan, mosquito net and terrace. The power supply runs from approx. 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. by its own generator.
An open restaurant, where meals are served, is also part of this very individual resort. Here you can relax and unwind from the outside world. A real gem that captivates you!
Diving
The Bangka Island Resort has a great house reef! Within the booked diving package you have daily two guided boat dives and an unaccompanied dive on the house reef directly in front of the resort free per dive day. There are also unique dive sites in the Bangka Archipelago right on your doorstep. A fabulous underwater world is awaiting you!
Fantastic dives on the east coast can be undertaken with colourful steep walls made of soft corals and gorgonians, beautiful hard coral formations, schooling fish, caves and overhangs. In the nearby coastal area off North Sulawesi there are many excellent macro diving spots. Here you also come across Dugongs, the rare Manatees. Shoals of Barracudas, Bumphead Parrot Fish, large Tuna and various Reef Sharks are also frequent companions for divers.
Excursion-Program
Another highlight is the Minahasa Highland Tour, a full day trip that is already included in the week's program. First stop will be at the small village of Woloan. The famous Minahasan style houses are built and prepared for shipping there. While the villager are preparing a traditional meal, you can not only watch but also try it. We continue to the Tomohon food and flower market. This surely has one or two surprises in store. After lunch at Lake Tondano, near a goldfish farm, the journey continues to Pulutan Village, where traditional pottery is made. On the way back, the “Japanese Caves” are explored and a stop is made at Lake Linow, which changes color. A special attraction that should not be missed!
Included Services
- 7 days/ 6 nights in double rooms
- All Inclusive (Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon-Snack, Diner, Drinking Water, Coffe and Tea)
- 4 days diving package including daily 2 guided boat dives and 1 non-guided Housereef Dive (total of 12 dives)
- EANitrox for free!
- Minahasa Highland Tour (full day trip)
19.10. – 20.10.2021
Transfer to Manado and overnight on full board basis at Murex Manado Resort
20.10.2021
Flight from Manado to Sorong and Check In on board "MSY Seahorse"
Marine Biology Program Raja Ampat
Right into the heart of the Coral Triangle, to famous Raja Ampat, leads our “Wonders of Evolution” Marine Biology Dive Expedition. Discover 500 different coral species, more than 1.300 fish species and the one or another surprise. On board exclusive “SY Seahorse” entertaining Marine Biology Seminars will take place and you will learn more about the colorful reefs and their inhabitants.
“Threads and Protection of Coral Reefs”, “Invertebrates – the unknown creatures”, “Camouflage & Illusion”, “Environmentally friendly Diving”, “The Principle of Self-Interest”, “Reef Sharks & Mermaids” are few of the Marine Biology subjects you can join on board. You will learn an easy way of fish identification and get to know the different Marine Turtle species. Observe the Fluorescence of corals and other creatives in psychedelic colors during special “Fluo Nightdives”.
Participating in the Marine Biology Program is free of charge, so come and join us on this very special Dive Expedition. By participating in the Marine Biology program you are enabled to get "Marine Biology" specialty course certified.
Rediscover the reef and underwater world, something new and exciting is awaiting you!
Guest Opinions and Press Reviews:
„Thank you for the informative Marine Biology Workshop that immediately made you want more."
Tauchclub Frankfurt (Dive Club Germany)
„At the end of the "Dangerous Marine Species" Seminar all 55 participants were prepared for their next diving holiday and will complete their Medic First Aid Kit accordingly. Thanks to Constanze Conrad for a very informative evening.“
Bergsträsser Anzeiger (Daily Newspaper Germany)
„Will see the sea with different eyes in future. Thanks for that!“
Tauchclub Padertaucher (Dive Club Germany)
„There was a very positive feedback from the entire club to your seminar. Not only the adults, but especially the kids / teens were impressed by your uncomplicated, empathetic way of doing things and your well-founded expertise. The interactive seminar design has also helped to make it a remarkable event. You was great!!!"
DUC Lübeck (Dive Club Germany)
„I was participating in the Eco-Diver program, identified and counted fish and invertebrates. I learned a lot about life in the reef and could make a small contribution to reef protection. It was a wonderful week full of new experiences.“
Sandra Langenbach (Germany)
„Thanks again for your tour guidance and expert explanations that have completed our underwater experiences!“
Sigrid Jerk (Switzerland)
„Great Seminars! I have rarely learned so much worth knowing and new information so entertaining. Constanze`s Marine Biology Seminars are highly recommended!“
Seastar Online Magazine (Germany)
Constanze has been active worldwide in reef and dolphin protection projects for more than 20 years. In 2005 she was waraded as „Reef Check Champion of the Year“ by UCLA. Beside research, public relation was always a very important topic in her live. "You only can protect what you know" is her motto.
Since many years she is organising and conducting speciality courses, special dive expeditions and is well known for her entertaining marine biology workshops and seminars.
Constanze has published in various German- and English-language print media, was for five years author of the column "Red Sea News" of the German diving magazine "Unterwasser" and editorial member of online magazine "Scubanova".
She was involved in several international TV productions for ARD, ZDF, WDR, SWR, ARTE, SF, TSR and BBCas protagonist, author, location scout and scientific advisor and was also portrayed by German ZDF TV society magazine "Mona Lisa".
As an expedition leader she has gained a lot of experience in organizing and conducting trips to warm water regions, such as Galapagos, French Polynesia or Sudan, as well as in cold waters, such as Iceland and the Antarctic, guaranteeing that this tour will once again a unique experience and trip of a lifetime.
Dive Expedition Raja Ampat incl. Marine Biology Program
4.170,- Euro per person in double cabin
Supplement Sundeck Cabin: 300,- Euro
Extension week at Bangka Island Resort
1.170,- Euro per person in double room
Single Supplement: 190,- Euro
Supplement Ocean View Cottage: 110,- Euro per person in double room
Number of Participants: 16 persons
Rates includes:
11 days/ 10 nights on board "MSY Seahorse" in double cabins with ensuite facilities and air-conditioning
Full Board, Softdrinks, Tea, coffee
up to 4 dives per day
12L tank, EANitrox for free!
Marine Biology program and seminars conducted by famous Marine Biologist Constanze Conrad
Marine Biology guided dives incl. 1 "Fluo-Nightdive"
VDST Speciality Course Marine Biology possible
VDST instructors can have their participation recognized with 12 hours of training (prior registration is essential)
7 days / 6 nights in double rooms with ensuite facilities at Bangka Island Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon-Snack, Diner, Drinking Water, Coffee and Tea
4 days diving package including daily 2 guided boat dives and 1 unguided Housereef Dive
12L tanks, EANitrox for free!
full day Minahasa Highland Tour
1 overnight on full board basis at Murex Manado Resort
Transfers:
Group transfer Sorong to and from the boat
Group transfer at Sulawesi (to Murex Manado Resort / to the Airport)
Not included and to be paid extra:
Flights to Sorong, if applicable domestic flight Manado - Sorong - Jakarta
Harbor- and National Park Fees Raja Ampat (250,- Euro to be paid cash on board)
15L tanks (9,- Euro per day Bangka Island Resort / 65,- Euro Raja Ampat Safari)
Bangka Island: Bunaken National Park Fee IDR 150.000 (~10,- Euro)
Bangka Conservation Fund Donation IDR 100.000 (~6,- Euro)
If applicable certification fee for Speciality Course Marine Biology (35,- Euro)
Additional excursions. personal consumptions and tips
Please note:
Visa-, Passport-, Luggage- or local taxes and fees might change withour further notice!
Itineraries might change due to weather conditions or for organizational reasons !
Availability of EANitrox cannot be guaranteed.
Program and trip will be carried out with a minimum of 12 participants. The organizer reserves the right to cancel the trip or convert it into an unaccompanied tour without Marine Biology program up to 30 days before travel date in case of less participants.
Marine Biology Dive Expedition to Raja Ampat (20.-31.10.2021) and extension week on Bangka Island (12.-20.10.2021)
We are looking forward to welcome you on this very special Dive Expedition to Raja Ampat and Bangka Island!