La Galigo

Deals

AM: We will collect you from your hotel or Labuan Bajo airport between 8:00 – 9:00 on the day of departure to welcome you onboard La Galigo. After a refreshing welcome drink, a quick breakfast and a safety briefing of our ship, we aim to anchor up around 10:00am from Labuan Bajo.

PM: After around 2 hours sailing we will arrive at our first destination, the islands of Sebayor kecil and besar, where we will conduct 2 dives after lunch. We have selected this area for our first day as it is relatively protected from the currents renowned in the area, a provides a great opportunity to practice with your reef hook, or just get back into the swing of things after a lengthy lay off from diving. After a calm night dive, we relax for our first Dinner together and pop over to see our friends at Komodo Island resort to watch the stars and get to know each other.

AM: After a morning dive at Tatawa kecil, we go in search of Manta rays at the world-class dive site we call Karang Makassar.

PM: After lunch, we will head to one of the highlights of Komodo diving, Batu Bolong, with a chance to see some large pelagic species such as Giant Trevally and Barracuda, as well as sharks and Napoleon Maori Wrasse. Later that afternoon we set sail for the northwest part of Komodo, for a small trek to witness the ever amazing Komodo sunset, dipping behind the nearby active volcano called Sangeang. For the night dive, we will stay in the bay close to the trekking area, and dive the site Stranger Things, for a chance to get your first glimpse of the macro in the national park.

AM: Day three is our personal favorite in terms of diving, and all 3 of the dives normally conducted on this day are what we would consider unforgettable. The morning is spent on both Crystal Rock and Castle Rock, two submerged pinnacles that are home to an abundance of marine life. Teams of hunting Trevally and Big-Eye Jacks patrol the blue waters of the reefs, chasing large schools of smaller fish. Eagle Rays glide effortlessly in the currents whilst the reef sharks hunt their next meal.

PM: In the afternoon we visit the fast becoming famous Cauldron / Shotgun. This dive site is the equivalent of an underwater rollercoaster, words alone do not do the site justice. Back in June 2017, the worlds fist non captive Megamouth shark was recorded on this site, and the video went viral through national Geographic. The night dive will be spent on China Shop, or Gili Lawa Darat Bay, dependent on mooring conditions.

AM: Awake early in the morning to complete our diving at a wonderful site called the Golden Passage in the northern most part of western Komodo, a drift dive where you can encounter schools Sweetlips and Snappers, as well as Mantas and Sharks.

During breakfast we head slightly south in the national park, on the way, repeating either Karang Makassar or Batu Bolong, (dependant on conditions and the group), or visit a new site Mawan, for another chance to catch some Manta Rays.

PM: After the day's morning dives, we end up at the island of Siaba. Siaba provides you with the opportunity to spot the elusive Dugong during the day, and dependent on conditions, can also be home to eagle rays. At night, Siaba has a great muck dive site we call Dunia Kecil (Small world), a place with a variety of macro possibilities, including flamboyant cuttlefish and many varieties of ghost pipe fish. We have on occasion here been lucky enough to spot different species of octopus, including the Wunderpuss, and the famous Blue Ring Octopus.

AM: 2 dives in the morning of the penultimate day of your trip, the first at Pengah Kecil, a small island that is easy to circle on a single tank dive. Sharks, turtles and a variety of rays can be spotted cruising the walls and the shallow staghorn coral of the site. The final dive of your trip will be at a place the locals have named Wainilu, which translates as ‘cold water’. Here we go in search of Ribbon Eels, Ambonese Scorpionfish or even Rhinopias.

PM: After lunch we go on a simple trek, searching to the Komodo Dragons on the island of Rinca, before heading out to Pulau Kalong, to watch the delayed migration of thousands of fruit bats, as they leave their daily island of residence around sunset, in search of fruit.

AM: La Galigo will be anchored up in the morning around 2:00 am in Labuan Bajo, in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel. Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00 am, whereupon we will assist you with transportation to your desired location.

AM: We will collect you from your hotel between 8:00 & 9:00am for a 10:00am departure from Labuan Bajo, then welcome you onboard La Galigo. After a refreshing welcome drink, and a short introduction to the facilities of our ship, the diving schedule, and the tour program, we set sail for our first day, which will include a refresher dive for all divers on board.

PM: Check-out dive: Sabayor Slope followed by Sabayor wall. Two nice and easy dives that will introduce you to the wonder of Indonesian diving, vibrant colors, clear warm water…. you have made a great decision coming here 😉 We relax for our first Dinner together and an overnight cruise to central most part of western Komodo.

AM: Pre-Breakfast. Morning dive: Tarawa Besar… OMG am I in heaven? After a ‘proper’ breakfast, we depart for a dive at Police Corner, having so much fun it should be illegal.

PM: After lunch is diving at one of our favorite spots: CURRENT CITY (Batu Bolong), for a chance to dive once more with our new Manta friends. The last dive of the day will be at Bombastic forest, a real visual delight.

AM: Pre-Breakfast. Morning dive: is the ‘banging’ site Shotgun. After a ‘proper’ breakfast, we depart for a dive at the world-renowned Castle rock. The rock is packed with bronze and rust colored sponges and soft tree corals. Black snappers, large cuttlefish, pyramid butterflyfish, and octopus galore await us there.

PM: Later in the afternoon we climb the local summit and enjoy a splendid panorama over the moon-shape islands of the Komodo Archipelago and the mainland of Flores. Afternoon dive at Crystal Rock, followed by a night dive at Buku Buku.

AM: Awake early in the morning to complete a dive at the world-famous Golden Passage. After second breakfast we dive at Karang Makassar.

PM: We then set sail for Pink Beach and into Komodo National Park. Here we will commence a short hike to see the world-famous Komodo Dragons. This is followed by a night dive at Bokep Point. The evening is spent watching the sunset with a beach barbecue.

AM: The day starts with an early dive at the colorful spectacle that is Dilarsten. After feeling like quite the hobbit with a second breakfast you will jump in the water at Secret Garden, pure bliss.

PM: Some lunch and a short cruise will follow this, taking you to your afternoon dive at Padar Kacino. The night dive for the Day 5 will blow your socks off – Bole Mogoso… prepare to be amazed.

AM: Some sites are just so good that you have to go back and do them again. That’s how we start day 6 with an early morning revisit to Karang Makassar. Prepare to find even more bizarre macro critters and majestic large animals at Batu Bolong after break number 2.

PM: Lunch – Cruise – Mawan dive site, who wants to lose their passport so this trip never ends! The breathtaking Siaba bay is our night dive spot today.

AM: We start to wind down today as the trip starts to come to an end. To give you 24hrs to pass off your Nitrogen before tomorrow’s flight, we will only do 2 morning dives today. The first dive will be Penga Kecil and the second is Wainilu.

PM: The afternoon is spent swapping stories, having laughs and cracking a few cold ones with your new best friends. A mystical sunset is spent anchored up near Bat Island, where you will witness 10,000 bats fly out at sundown to find fresh fruits to feast on.

AM: La Galigo will be anchored up in the morning around 2:00 am in Labuan Bajo, in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel. Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00 am, whereupon we will assist you with transportation to your desired location.

AM: Day 1 starts with your pickup from either your hotel or the Airport. If we are collecting you from your Hotel it is generally around 07:30 – 08:00, if you are arriving on the day of departure, it is important that your arrival time is before 07:30. When we have collected you, we will head directly to the Ferry Port, where you will be met by a member of staff who will accompany you to Waisai. The ferry crossing is around two hours. Upon your arrival in Waisai, it is only a short walk to transfer to La Galigo.

PM: Once on board you will be met by the Cruise Director and a welcome drink. After you have been shown to your rooms and unpacked your luggage, it’s time for a welcome briefing before we have some lunch, then you have some time to relax and soak up the amazing surroundings on route to our first dive of the day.

AM: Whilst in Penemu we will conduct 3 dives, allowing us time to trek the outlook of Bintang lagoon. Dive sites visited will depend on the conditions but we never miss a chance to dive the site made famous by Max Ammer, Melissa’s garden. The large colorful reef system at the top of the dive site, with its thousands of Anthias dodging predators is what gives Melissa’s garden its name.

PM: There is also and an opportunity to dive Kerou channel, which is located close to Leo’s reef, a fish breeding farm funded by Hollywood legend, Leonardo DiCaprio. Overnight we sail to the northernmost part of Raja Ampat, and what awaits is one of the most breathtaking sceneries in Indonesia.

AM: You awake in the morning cruising between limestone formations on the way to the now infamous lookout of Mt. Pindito. This small mountain has become synonymous with Raja Ampat, and the bay is also home to a Manta breeding station. The best time to hike this hill is early morning, before temperatures rise, but the rewards for climbing are well worth it. The beaches here are also pristine, with fine white sand and turquoise waters surrounding the limestone cliffs of the islands. After trekking, we will endeavor to dive either Way-out-Rock or Figure 8 Rock, both submerged pinnacles home to large pelagic fish, and the occasional passing Manta.

PM: While you have lunch, the boat will cruise to the eastern side of Wayag. Here is where we plan to dive the legendary dive site, Cathedral, which is renowned for its spectacular topography and swim-throughs. Following the dive, we take a short trip to the Wayag Ranger station, which is also a Black Tip Reef Shark breeding area. Here we will hopefully get the chance to do some snorkeling with these baby sharks under the ranger jetty, and also conduct a night dive on the same stretch of reef.

AM: In Kawe Island we will do 3 dives. Dive sites visited here are very heavily dependent on day-to-day unpredictable conditions such as swell, but one of our favorite sites in the area is Changgo, located on the equator in the east of Kawe Island. Black Rock and Eagle Rock are both well known for their currents and their Manta populations, and we will dive these sites late morning and early afternoon.

PM: Around 4 pm, La Galigo will move into Aljui Bay, one of the world’s most spectacular bays to watch the sunset, and also do some great muck diving, at sites such as the Fuel Dock or the Pearl Farm Jetty.

AM: We wake up just off the coast in Gam Island. There are some great dive sites around this area with vibrant fish-covered reefs and plenty of stunning macro subjects. Two sites we regularly visit in Gam are Mayhem and Citrus Ridge.

PM: As we have lunch we will cruise down to the Western Dampier Strait, to a dive site named Manta Ridge, for an opportunity to dive with the Manta ray population often located here. In the late afternoon, we take a land tour onto the peaceful Arborek Island. The village itself is tranquil and surrounded by beautiful beaches. Arborek is also home to what we consider to be one of the best night dives in the world, Arborek Jetty, for a chance to find Walking Sharks, Blue-ringed octopus, and many other critters.

AM: Day 6 is almost like a highlights reel of Raja Ampat, and in the morning we often visit Cape Kri, with its schools of Barracudas and Snappers, as well as passing Manta Rays and Sharks. After Kri, we take a visit to another world-class dive site, Blue magic, a submerged reef with Mantas and Giant Trevally nursing the currents, to Wobbegong sharks hiding under bommies.

PM: Our afternoon is often spent at either mikes point or Sardine, dependent on the currents in the area, but either dive site is memorable in its own right. The night is spent underneath Saonek Jetty, spotting critters in the seagrass.

AM: On the penultimate day of the trip, we will repeat one of the guests' favorite dive sites from the day before, then move onto Mioskon, for a shallow dive to allow you to gas off in time for your flight.

PM: The afternoon can be spent snorkeling or relaxing on the beach whilst we prepare a beach BBQ, before setting course for Sorong around 11 pm.

AM: From around 05:00 am La Galigo will be anchored in Sorong in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel. Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00 am, whereupon we will assist you with transportation to your desired location.

AM: Day 1 starts with your pickup from either your hotel or the Airport. If we are collecting you from your hotel it is generally around 07:30 – 08:00, if you are arriving on the day of departure, it is essential that your arrival time is before 07:30. When we have collected you, we will head directly to the Ferry Port, where you will be met by a member of staff who will accompany you to Waisai. The ferry crossing is around two hours.

PM: Upon your arrival in Waisai, it is only a short transfer to La Galigo. Once onboard, you will be met by the Cruise Director and a welcome drink. After you have been shown to your rooms and unpacked your luggage, it’s time for a welcome briefing before we have some lunch, after lunch the time is yours to relax as we head to the southern area of Raja Ampat, Misool, this can take around 12 – 16 hours.

AM: After the long haul south we will arrive in Misool for a 2/3 dive day. The dives generally consist of a light cave dive, named Goa Farondi, where there is a chance to do some swim-throughs and maybe meet the bump head parrotfish population, and 3 Rocks, collection of submerged pinnacles home to Barracuda and Trevallies.

PM: The afternoon we take in the site No Contest, a ridge that is home to an abundance of marine life, soft corals and overhangs. The evening dive can be taken at many sites located in the vicinity of No Contest, including pet rock, Plateau, and Love Potion.

AM: Daram is one of the areas less frequented by liveaboards in Misool due to its location in the far east, however, it is home to what many local professionals consider to be one of the finest dive sites in the Misool, ‘Candy store’. Not so far from dive one another critically acclaimed site Andiamo, a submerged reef with two islets, and home to amazing fan corals.

PM: Both aforementioned dive sites can easily be dived twice due to their size and qualities. Night diving here is often conducted at un-named slopes or ridges due to the sheer abundance of healthy coral growth and fish populations.

AM: The diving in this part of Misool is filled with the pristine coral life in the heart of Misool and Giant Pacific Manta Rays, close to the Eco Resort. Whale rock and Nudi Rock are both abundant in beautiful soft coral and schools of fish, and conditions and logistics with Misool Eco Resort will decide which of the sites are dived. Magic mountain is located in the unprotected southern waters of Misool, but you can often find huge Manta Rays gliding across this fast-becoming-favorite dive site of ours.

PM: The afternoon dive is at the dive site Boo Windows, unique in topography, the reef has a window like swim-throughs, and a great chance for some wide-angle photos. Yellit kecil is the night dive around here that is not to be missed, with excellent sea fan growth and stunning bommies to explore.

AM: This is the last full day we spend in Misool, and the morning is spent on an isolated interlinking submerged reef system known as the Three Kings. Difficult to locate without GPS, this site is as awesome in topography as it is in fish life. Giant Trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, and large Snapper are all often found here. Up next is Barracuda, a dive site which might be better known as Trevally, with its large schools of predatory pelagic species.

PM: Dive three of the day is taken at Wedding Cake, so named for its tiered topography, which is home to some of Misool’s Pygmy Seahorse community. Wedding cake makes for an awesome, calm night dive also, and a chance to see species using the reef at night for protection from the local Trevally residents.

AM: This morning the sun rises once again against the sheer limestone cliffs of Farondi island, where we plan to make two early dives here, allowing us enough time to make it back to the central part of Raja Ampat. Razorback ridge is a series of layered ridges home to a variety of critters. Grouper Rock is a small island with a shallow swim through in the shallows. After this swim through you are met with sea fans and soft coral-covered walls.

PM: After these two dives, we set course for Penemu, approximately 90 miles from northern Misool. This large crossing can be slowed down if the weather is rough, so a decision will be made by the Cruise Director or Captain to only do one dive, leaving enough time to make a time-efficient crossing to our next destination.

AM: Whilst in Penemu we will conduct 3 dives, allowing us time to trek the outlook of Bintang lagoon. Dive sites visited will depend on the conditions but we never miss a chance to dive the site made famous by Max Ammer, who named Melissa’s garden on behalf of his daughter. The large colorful reef system at the top of the dive site, with its thousands of Anthias dodging predatory species is what gives the site its garden reference.

PM: There is also and an opportunity to dive Kerou channel, which is located close to Leo’s reef, a fish breeding farm funded by Hollywood legend, Leonardo DiCaprio.

AM: On the penultimate day of the trip, we start the day by diving the world-renowned Cape Kri, with its huge schools of fish life on its current ravaged slopes. The final dive of the trip will be at Blue Magic, for a chance to hang out with the Manta Rays and the Wobbegong sharks that call this place home.

PM: The afternoon can be spent snorkeling or relaxing on the beach whilst we prepare a beach BBQ, before setting course for Sorong around 10 am.

AM: From around 05:00 am La Galigo will be anchored in Sorong in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel. Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00 am, whereupon we will assist you with transportation to your desired location.

AM: We will collect you from the airport or your hotel between 7 am – 8 am on the day of departure. From the collection point, we will head to the harbor where we will then transfer to La Galigo. After a refreshing welcome drink and a safety briefing of our ship, we will aim to anchor up around 10:30 am from the harbor.

PM: Once finished we will grab a small lunch before getting in the water for your check out dive. After the checkout dive, we will anchor up and head straight to the southern part of Raja Ampat, which is Misool.

AM: After the long haul south we will arrive in Misool for a 2/3 dive day. The dives generally consist of a light cave dive, named Goa Farondi, where there is a chance to do some swim-throughs and maybe meet the bump head parrotfish population, and 3 Rocks, collection of submerged pinnacles home to Barracuda and Trevallies.

PM: The afternoon we take in the site No Contest, a ridge that is home to an abundance of marine life, soft corals and overhangs. The evening dive can be taken at many sites located in the vicinity of No Contest, including pet rock, Plateau, and Love Potion.

AM: Daram is one of the areas less frequented by liveaboards in Misool due to its location in the far east, however, it is home to what many local professionals consider to be one of the finest dive sites in the Misool, ‘Candy store’. Not so far from dive one another critically acclaimed site Andiamo, a submerged reef with two islets, and home to amazing fan corals.

PM: Both aforementioned dive sites can easily be dived twice due to their size and qualities. Night diving here is often conducted at un-named slopes or ridges due to the sheer abundance of healthy coral growth and fish populations.

AM: The diving in this part of Misool is filled with the pristine coral life in the heart of Misool and Giant Pacific Manta Rays, close to the Eco Resort. Whale rock and Nudi Rock are both abundant in beautiful soft coral and schools of fish, and conditions and logistics with Misool Eco Resort will decide which of the sites are dived. Magic mountain is located in the unprotected southern waters of Misool, but you can often find huge Manta Rays gliding across this fast-becoming-favorite dive site of ours.

PM: The afternoon dive is at the dive site Boo Windows, unique in topography, the reef has a window like swim-throughs, and a great chance for some wide-angle photos. Yellit kecil is the night dive around here that is not to be missed, with excellent sea fan growth and stunning bommies to explore.

AM: This is the last full day we spend in Misool, and the morning is spent on an isolated interlinking submerged reef system known as the Three Kings. Difficult to locate without GPS, this site is as awesome in topography as it is in fish life. Giant Trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, and large Snapper are all often found here. Up next is Barracuda, a dive site which might be better known as Trevally, with its large schools of predatory pelagic species.

PM: Dive three of the day is taken at Wedding Cake, so named for its tiered topography, which is home to some of Misool’s Pygmy Seahorse community. Wedding cake makes for an awesome, calm night dive also, and a chance to see species using the reef at night for protection from the local Trevally residents.

AM: This morning the sun rises once again against the sheer limestone cliffs of Farondi island, where we plan to make two early dives here, allowing us enough time to make it back to the central part of Raja Ampat. Razorback ridge is a series of layered ridges home to a variety of critters. Grouper Rock is a small island with a shallow swim through in the shallows. After this swim through you are met with sea fans and soft coral-covered walls.

PM: After these two dives, we set course for Penemu, approximately 90 miles from northern Misool. This large crossing can be slowed down if the weather is rough, so a decision will be made by the Cruise Director or Captain to only do one dive, leaving enough time to make a time-efficient crossing to our next destination.

AM: Whilst in Penemu we will conduct 3 dives, allowing us time to trek the outlook of Bintang lagoon. Dive sites visited will depend on the conditions but we never miss a chance to dive the site made famous by Max Ammer, who named Melissa’s garden on behalf of his daughter. The large colorful reef system at the top of the dive site, with its thousands of Anthias dodging predatory species is what gives the site its garden reference.

PM: There is also and an opportunity to dive Kerou channel, which is located close to Leo’s reef, a fish breeding farm funded by Hollywood legend, Leonardo DiCaprio.

AM: You awake in the morning cruising between limestone formations on the way to the now infamous lookout of Mt. Pindito. This small mountain has become synonymous with Raja Ampat, and the bay is also home to a Manta breeding station. The best time to hike this hill is early morning before temperatures rise, but the rewards for climbing are well worth it. The beaches here are also pristine, with fine white sand and turquoise waters surrounding the limestone cliffs of the islands.

PM: After trekking, we will endeavour to dive either Way-out-Rock or Figure 8 Rock, both submerged pinnacles home to large pelagic fish, and the occasional passing Manta.

AM: In Kawe Island we will do 3 dives. Dive sites visited here are very heavily dependent on day-to-day unpredictable conditions such as swell, but one of our favourite sites in the area is Changgo, located on the equator in the east of Kawe Island. Black Rock and Eagle Rock are both well known for their currents and their Manta populations, and we will dive these sites late morning and early afternoon.

PM: Around 4 pm, La Galigo will move into Aljui Bay, one of the world’s most spectacular bays to watch the sunset, and also do some great muck diving, at sites such as the Fuel Dock or the Pearl Farm Jetty.

AM: We wake up just off the coast in Gam Island. There are some great dive sites around this area with vibrant fish covered reefs and plenty of stunning macro subjects. Two sites we regularly visit in Gam are Mayhem and Citrus Ridge. As we have lunch we will cruise down to the Western Dampier Strait, to a dive site named Manta Ridge, for an opportunity to dive with the Manta ray population often located here.

PM: In the late afternoon, we take a land tour onto the peaceful Arborek Island. The village itself is tranquil and surrounded by beautiful beaches. Arborek is also home to what we consider to be one of the best night dives in the world, Arborek Jetty, for a chance to find Walking Sharks, Blue-ringed octopus, and many other critters.

AM: On the penultimate day of the trip, we start the day by diving the world-renowned Cape Kri, with its huge schools of fish life on its current ravaged slopes. The final dive of the trip will be at Blue Magic, for a chance to hang out with the Manta Rays and the Wobbegong sharks that call this place home.

PM: The afternoon can be spent snorkelling or relaxing on the beach whilst we prepare a beach BBQ, before setting course for Sorong around 10 pm.

AM: From around 05:00am La Galigo will be anchored in Sorong in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel. Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00am, whereupon we will assist you with transportation to your desired location.