Majik

Deals

AM & PM: It will be our pleasure to pick you up from your hotel or airport so that you can make the most of the day. Then we will sail west, where you can enjoy the beach, snorkeling, or diving on the islands of Bidadari or Sebayur Kecil. A sense of calm reigns on these islands, but underwater the coral reefs are bubbling with life. To end the day, relax with an aperitif while admiring the beautiful sunset. Night diving is optional.

AM: After a morning dive at stunning Tatawa Besar, we go in search of Manta rays at the world-class dive site Manta Point (known to the locals as Karang Makassar).

PM: After lunch, we will head to one of the highlights of Komodo diving - Batu Bolong, which presents us a chance to see 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 light trek on the island of Gili Lawa Darat, to witness an amazing Komodo sunset, dipping behind the nearby active volcano of San- geang. For the night dive, we will stay in the bay close to the trekking area, and dive at the site Stranger Things, for a chance to get your first glimpse of macro life in the national park.

AM: Day three is our personal favorite in terms of diving, and all three 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 Giant and Big-Eye Trevally 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 for their next meal.

PM: The afternoon sees us visit the legendary dive site known as The Cauldron (a.k.a The Shotgun). Famous for its rip-roaring drift dive, it is akin to an underwater rollercoaster that needs to be experienced to be believed, and a ‘bucket list’ dive site for divers from across the world. Hold on until the end of the dive for a big surprise! The night dive will be spent diving on Komodo Bay, depending on mooring conditions.

AM: We wake early in the morning to take in one of Komodo’s world-class golden sunrises, followed by one of its best dive sites, the Golden Passage which is a drift dive that offers outstanding coral reef topography, as well as encounters with schools of Sweetlips and Snappers, White Tip Reef Sharks and the occasional passing Manta Ray.

During breakfast, Majik will anchor up and head south into the centre of the park, where we will endeavour to dive Police Corner if conditions are favourable, one of the less-known sites in central Komodo.

PM: In the afternoon we plan to visit the island of Mauan, where mantas come to visit its cleaning station. Up next is Siaba Besar, a fantastic night dive for the macro photographer, where it is possible to encounter Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Ghost Pipefish, various types of Nudibranchs, as well as the elusive Wunderpus and Blue-Ringed Octopus!

AM: The final dive of your trip will be at Pink Beach, a gorgeous, shallow coral garden with schools of sweetlips and other

colorful reef fish. After the morning’s diving and a hearty breakfast, we head on foot to The Island of Komodo, home to the legendary Komodo Dragons in the park.

PM: Later that afternoon Majik anchors up and sets sail east to Pulau Kalong, where at sunset an epic number of fruit bats leave this island in search of their sustenance on the mainland of Flores. The nighttime sees our crew arrange a fancy BBQ banquet on the top deck as you take in your final Komodo sunset.

AM: Majik 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, during which we have the chance to exchange trip images, and contacts so you can keep in touch with newfound dive buddies while we assist you with transportation to your desired location.

AM: Several of our crew will be on-site to greet you at the arrivals gate, where they will help you to the pre-arranged taxis for the short ride to the harbor to board tenders to the lead vessel. You will be welcomed on board Majik by her crew, offering a cold towel and seasonal beverage. The Cruise Director will give an introduction, a safety briefing, and a small tour of the vessel, and assist with cabin allocation while the vessel departs. The journey to your first destination represents a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the boat layout and enjoy your first taste of the chefs’ talents.

PM: Today is all about the wildlife above the water. Take a guided tour of the newly renovated national park of Rinca, and while your guide will likely spot them long before you, keep your eyes sharp for monkeys, wild pigs, water buffalo, deer, and Komodo Dragons. Enjoy a factual explanation of their history and come to understand how dragons became the apex land predator of the region. Be welcomed back with a refreshing drink as the boat moves to Pulau Kalong (Bat Island), a mangrove island that comes alive at dusk. Take a drink in hand, find a comfortable seat, and enjoy the sunset as thousands of flying foxes take wing overhead. Finally, enjoy a lovely meal as your first day comes to a close.

AM: Tatawa Besar encapsulates several elements of the marine park. The Eastern side of the island is cut out by an inviting beach and in front of that is a shallow reef plateau that makes for amazing snorkelling. Enjoy the warm waters and be swept along by the falling tide, marvelling at the variety, quantity, and colours of both the reef and the fish. For the divers, enjoy dropping off the plateau onto a sloping site filled with soft and hard corals. Look to the depths and into the blue for a chance encounter with black tips, white tips and maybe pelagics.

PM: Across lunch move to a relaxing bay anchorage for the day. Jump and swim from the boat before diving or snorkelling Turtle City. The site is home to many Green Turtles, and they can even be spotted from the surface coming up for air before descending back into the depths. The site itself offers a unique contrast between sandy flats and lush reefs. Enjoy some time on the sand looking for tiger tail seahorses, flatworms or any number of shrimp and crabs. Then make your way to the reef to marvel at the healthy coral and fish life and more than likely a few turtles.

AM: The Gili Lawa area hosts some of the most popular dive sites in the Komodo National Park. But the potential for amazing dives goes hand in hand with the potential for strong currents. Enjoy the copious variety of schooling fish at Castle Rock, with Trevally and White Tip reef sharks hunting in the currents, or dive the World-famous site Cauldron, with its iconic narrow passage between two islands. Get launched either snorkeling or diving through “shotgun” and with a bit of luck, marvel at how easily the Manta glides against the current.

PM: Finish the day's adventures with a short hike up Gili Lawa Darat to watch the sunset on the ocean horizon, before being welcomed back on board with a cold towel and Chef’s delicious talents on offer.

AM: Today the currents dictate our schedule. Komodo waters owe its abundant marine life to the strong Northerly and Southern currents that run through the park, and today you’re in the center of it. Enjoy a snorkel or dive at Manta Point and hopefully witness the amazing Manta mating train, a beautiful natural spectacle where a train of males follow the female, mimicking her dance-like movements. When the tide is right, snorkel or dive at Batu Bolong (Hole in the Rock), a protruding pinnacle site anyone would find difficult not to enjoy. The thousands of red blennies dance in the swell, backdropped against the colourful shallow soft corals. Divers can drop down deeper to look for resting white tips, hawksbill turtles, and trevally hunting in the blue.

PM: For those looking to take a break from the water, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Takka Makasar sandbar that rests in the shadow of Komodo Island. Swim in the surrounding waters and earn a tan on the beach before returning to the boat for a cool refreshing drink.

AM: Awake in the calm waters of Teluk Slaweh and venture to Pink Beach, made famous by the sand's pink tinge in the setting sun. The sand owes its colour to a microscopic animal called Foraminifera and its bright red shell. Pink Beach also offers a healthy shallow reef, full of colorful soft corals for snorkelling, and a sloping dive site that offers some interesting opportunities, such as frogfish, spotted sting rays, and potentially mobula rays passing in the blue.

PM: After the afternoon spent relaxing, enjoy a sunset hike to Padar viewpoint. The view looks northwest towards the setting sun overseeing the park. It’s the poster shot of the region and holds national significance also, as it’s printed on Indonesia’s 50,000 money note. Take in the scenery and the spectacle of seeing a white, pink, and black sand beach in a single frame, before descending to be welcomed back to the boat with a refreshing drink and awaiting dinner.

AM: Sabolan Kecil (Small Sabolan) boasts a beautiful shallow reef flat that is great for snorkeling with an amazing range of colorful corals, and if your luck is in, possibly Manta Rays on the Northern reef of the Island. If diving is your preference, then drop off the shallow reef to the coral ridge for schooling damsels and snapper, and possibly reef sharks playing in the currents.

PM: Across lunch, we move to Seraya which rests just outside the bounds of Komodo National Park and has several non-diving options for your day of decompression. Enjoy isolated beaches, water sports, snorkeling, or if you’re interested, the opportunity to visit Rangko Cave. Located on the mainland of Flores, the entrance to the cave is a short walk which then descends into a luminescent blue swimming hole. Attend at the right time and watch the sunlight filter through the entrance of the cave and light up the cave’s waters. Round out the day with a celebratory drink on the beach, a view of the sunset, and a beach BBQ to follow. Relax into the night, reminiscing and sharing stories of the truly unique experiences of the days just passed.

AM: Wake up for your final delicious breakfast on board and if your flight time allows then enjoy the pretty beaches of Angel Island, located just outside Labuan Bajo Harbour. Feel free to swim, kayak, or paddle board before you open sails and hoist anchor towards Labuan Bajo. For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

AM & PM: It will be our pleasure to pick you up from your hotel or airport so that you can make the most of the day. Then we will sail west, where you can enjoy the beach, snorkeling, or diving on the islands of Bidadari or Sebayur Kecil. A sense of calm reigns on these islands, but underwater the coral reefs are bubbling with life. To end the day, relax with an aperitif while admiring the beautiful sunset. Night diving is optional.

AM: Komodo Island lies in the middle of the strait between Sumbawa and the Flores Islands. The sea creeps between the two islands, creating intense currents and coral reefs that will be a pleasure to explore, such as Tatawa Besar, Batu Bolong, and Golden Passage.

PM: At the end of a spectacular day of sailing, we will drop anchor in the sheltered bay of Gili Lawa Island, famous for its magnificent views of the glowing sunset.

AM: Sailing south, we will stop at Taka Makassar, also known as Manta Point, a coral garden where you can swim or dive with manta rays, sharks, and turtles, to name but a few. You can then have a snack or simply relax on the nearby sandy islet, gazing in wonder at the turquoise waters caressing the shore. From this point, we head to Padar Island to admire its impressive landscape of sharp peaks and pink sandy beaches.

PM: A walk around these places will lead you to breathtaking views.

AM: A day out in South Rinca, also known as Horseshoe Bay, is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and discover extraordinary wildlife, including monkeys, deer, wild pigs, sea eagles, and, of course, Komodo dragons.

PM: The cooler waters here are home to some world-class dive sites, such as the famous Cannibal Rock.

AM: Three world-famous dive sites are gathered here and are hotspots for sharks: Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, and the Cauldron. To the greatest satisfaction of divers. For snorkellers and less adventurous divers, the area also boasts beautiful hard coral reefs surrounded by white sand, where manta rays are an all-but-rare sight.

PM: It will be hard to resist taking a paddle board or kayak to glide over these turquoise waters before enjoying a well-deserved cocktail at sunset.

AM: We will sail to Banta Island, just outside the National Park, to explore remote and secret bays with pink and white sandy beaches surrounded by slopes, barren peaks, and wilderness. With not a soul around, you will feel at one with nature.

PM: If time permits, we can sail to Batu Monco in its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Snorkeling is accessible and you can dive in pristine coral reefs surrounded by expanses of white sand.

AM: In the morning, we head to the ranger station on Rinca Island, where a park ranger will talk to you about the legendary Komodo dragons. You can then refresh yourself with a swim or dive at Wainilu or Pengah Kecil.

PM: Sailing to Kalong Island, we end the day on a magical note, watching thousands of fruit bats (flying foxes) in the light of the setting sun.

AM: We will return to Labuan Bajo to enjoy a last rich breakfast and check out before noon. After the last photos and goodbyes, our crew will organize the transfer to the hotel or airport. Then it will be time to return home, your head full of unforgettable memories of an extraordinary trip.

AM: Several of our crew will be on-site to greet you at the arrivals gate, where they will help you to the pre-arranged taxis for the short ride to the harbor to board tenders to the lead vessel. You will be welcomed on board Majik by her crew, offering a cold towel and seasonal beverage. The Cruise Director will give an introduction, a safety briefing, and a small tour of the vessel, and assist with cabin allocation while the vessel departs. The journey to your first destination represents a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the boat layout and enjoy your first taste of the chefs’ talents.

PM: Following lunch, the vessel will be close to arriving at your first destination. Pulau Saonek Kecil sits at the entrance to the park and is a great introduction to the potential marine life and scenic encounters you can expect for the rest of your journey. The mild conditions of the site offer a perfect opportunity for a check-dive to acquaint yourself with the boat’s equipment and water conditions in Raja Ampat. Rinse off the salt back on board and enjoy a delicious dinner amongst the ocean breeze as your first day comes to a close.

AM: Awake in the morning with an enticing day of underwater site locations on the agenda. Following breakfast jump into “Blue Magic”, a sea mound with a submerged plateau at roughly 6m. This site well deserves the name and is home to a tornado of big-eyed trevally, although sometimes you might want them to move aside so you can have a better view of the visiting Oceanic manta. “Mioskon Reef” is also in the area and on a falling tide the current splits on the northern point with various fish species playing in the currents. Don’t be surprised if your guide spends a bit of time checking beneath the plate corals as this might be your first chance to encounter the Wobbegong shark.

PM: Following a delicious lunch to recover some calories, enjoy a dive at the World famous “Cape Kri”. The site was made famous by Dr. Gerald Allen and in his words, “I went back about two years ago and couldn’t believe the positive changes on the site. Most impressionable to me was the fact that the fish had become accustomed to divers. I didn’t even have to look for fish. They found me! The survey was the highest species count I’ve ever tallied on one dive, 374 distinct species in 90 minutes!”

AM: Awake in Piaynemo among some of the richest marine sites in the central area. The sites were pioneered and named by Max Ammer and there are several on offer. From the enormous “Melissa’s Garden” which regardless of conditions never fails to illicit a “wow” reaction due to its healthy variety of corals and huge selection of schooling residents, to “My Reef”, an entirely submerged site with strong currents and everything that currents entail. Hope for whitetips and trevally hunting in the blue to wobbegong sharks resting on the plateau.

PM: After lunch enjoy the sloping ridges of “Batu Rufus” and the schools of yellow snapper that play at their furthest points. Expect hawksbill turtles grazing in the shallows and an inviting swim-through that opens into your own private shallows full of colorful soft sponge corals for your safety stop. In the late afternoon, venture behind the mountainside veil into the iconic cone-shaped landscape that has become synonymous with Raja Ampat. Take the short walk to a raised viewing platform to take in the scenery in its entirety. Descend in the fading light and be welcome back on board with a refreshing beverage and the smell of dinner to come.

AM: Piaynemo was a prelude to the beauty that awaits in Wayag. Needing the early morning light to navigate to the destination, you will travel through the night, crossing the equator to awake at sunrise in a true paradise. Before the temperatures climb too high, you will climb a difficult but relatively short summit to enjoy a truly epic 360-degree view of Wayag in all its glory. After the descent enjoy a refreshing swim on the scenic white sand beach before taking a tender tour through this truly amazing landscape to arrive at a snorkeling site with a small surprise in hand.

PM: Following lunch the options abound, kayak or paddle board to any number of available beaches, simply swim or relax on the beach or if the desire takes you to go for another dive. Due to the geography of the area, the diving is slightly different from what you’ve experienced thus far. All the bays and inlets create an ideal nursery for juvenile marine life, so “Far Away Rock”, “Figure 8” and “Wayag Corner” all have something to offer, and manta is no stranger to the area, perhaps even a manta pup.

AM: Following your early morning departure from Wayag you will arrive at Kawe. Today your activities are only a few degree points off the equator and while they’re a geographical novelty, underwater is anything but novel. “Black Rock” and “Eagle Rock” between them offer a variety of topography, from sloping soft coral reefs to tapering pinnacles. Napoleon wrasse, bump head parrot fish, and schooling reef manta are frequent visitors to the sites, and checking the sand flats can reveal large numbers of blue spotted sting rays, garden eels, and the chance for nudes and another macro.

PM: Across lunch, the boat will transit to Wofoh, two isolated islands with inviting beaches backed by palm trees. The site “Black Forrest” offers amazing snorkelling in the shallows, or drops down deeper on the ridge for a chance to witness the black coral, where the site draws its name from. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon paddle boarding or kayaking to the available beaches in the usually calm waters of the area, or prepare for a night dive with amazing potential for critters. Alternatively, simply flick through the day-diving photos with a cocktail in hand and sunset on the horizon.

AM: Circling back to the centre of the park the boat will anchor in Yangeffo. The sites in this area include “Citrus Ridge”, “Mayhem” and “Pretty Shallow”. The sites are well named, and you can expect citrus-coloured soft coral ridges, underwater sea mounds with the potential for strong currents and the fish that come with them, or relaxed shallows with colourful corals and marine life. Schooling barracuda are often in the area, mobula rays cans be seen in the blue, wobbegong sharks can be found with a keen eye, or if time permits search the fan corals for the fabled pygmy sea horses.

PM: During lunch, the boat will move to the small island of Arborek where you will have the opportunity to dive or snorkel with manta. The population is protected here by local rangers and while it is of course not guaranteed it represents a great opportunity to see both oceanic and reef manta. In the afternoon take a relaxing stroll around the small island village for a cultural change before preparing for what is potentially an amazing night dive to see the giant clams and a chance to see the Epaulette Shark, also known as the walking shark.

AM: This morning is the bittersweet opportunity to dive into an amazing site, but likely the last of the trip. The calm waters of Suawandarek offer truly jaw-dropping biomass. Expect large schools of fish and the opportunity to see some elderly green turtles amongst lush coral gardens and a sloping reef. Following the activity the boat will open sails towards one of Raja Ampat's hidden gems, Kali Biru. This translates to Blue River, and following a short tender ride enjoy swimming and jumping in the clear blue waters of this enchanting location.

PM: For the remainder of the day the crew will prepare a relaxing site on the beach. Swim, kayak, or paddle board before taking a cocktail in hand with a view of Majik backdropped by the setting sun and the smell of a BBQ meal filling the air. Swap tales into the night and share your favorite memories from the hundreds of miles of open ocean you just experienced before turning into bed for your final night's sleep.

AM: Wake up for your final delicious breakfast on board and if your flight time allows, feel free to swim, kayak, or paddle board on the nearby island of Matan, before you open sails and hoist anchor towards Sorong Harbour. For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

AM: Get picked up in style at your hotel or airport, preferably in the morning. Cruise west and enjoy the beach, snorkeling, or diving on Bidadari or Sebayur Kecil Island. These islands offer a calm environment but boast a lively coral reef for divers and snorkelers.

PM: Enjoy the first gorgeous sunset with a drink on board or at sea on kayaks or paddleboards. Night dive is optional.

AM: Komodo Island lies in the middle of the straits between Sumbawa and the Flores Islands. The sea is funneled between the two islands, creating rich currents and coral reefs that we explore, such as Tatawa Besar, Batu Bolong, and Golden Passage.

PM: At the end of a superb day’s sailing, surrounded by colorful fish, we anchor safely in Gili Lawa Island Bay, famous for its views of the glowing sunset.

AM: Cruising south, we will stop at Taka Makassar aka Manta Point. In this lovely coral garden, you will swim or dive with mantas, sharks, turtles, and many more. The nearby sand atoll with turquoise waters is the perfect spot for lunch and relaxation.

PM: From there we will leave for Padar Island with its dramatic landscape of sharp peaks and pink sand beaches. Those who don’t mind taking a few steps can take a short walk to see tremendous views.

AM: A day in South Rinca aka Horse Shoe Bay allows you to see an extraordinarily high concentration of wildlife including monkeys, deer, wild pigs, sea eagles, and of course Komodo dragons on the beach.

PM: Some world-class dive sites are in these colder waters, such as the famous Cannibal Rock.

AM: This group of two islands has three world-famous dive sites and shark hotspots to enjoy: Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, and the Cauldron. For less adventurous snorkelers or divers, it also has beautiful hard coral reefs surrounded by white sand where manta rays are not a rare sight.

PM: Paddle boarding or kayaking in these turquoise water bays is a must before a well-deserved drink at sunset.

AM: The Sanggeang active volcano means you can swim in its underwater hot springs and bubbling reef. Sanggean is famous for its extremely colorful soft corals and the contrasts they create with the black volcanic sand.

PM: You can visit the only village on the island, of honey-makers, boat builders, and shepherds who are settled on the shoreline. This is a magnificent island to visit from sunrise to sunset.

AM: We will cruise to Banta Island just outside the National Park to explore very remote, well-hidden bays with white and pink sandy beaches surrounded by dry, steep slopes and peaks. You will rarely see another soul there, and only big shoals of fish patrol this island.

PM: Depending on the weather conditions, we can cruise to Batu Monco and its heavenly calm, turquoise water where snorkeling is easy and you can dive on pristine coral reefs surrounded by white sandy slopes.

AM: In the morning we leave for the ranger station on Rinca Island from where a park ranger will talk to you about the legendary Komodo dragons.

PM: We can then refresh ourselves and swim or dive at Wainilu or Pengah Kecil. For a special moment at sunset, we will cruise to Kalong Island from where thousands of giant fruit bats fly above you in the light of the setting sun.

AM: We will cruise back to Labuan Bajo for our last delicious breakfast and check-out before noon. After sharing photos and farewells, our crew will arrange your transfer to your hotel or airport, and on your return trip back home, your head will be filled with unforgettable memories of the cruise to Komodo trip of a lifetime.

AM: Several of our crew will be on-site to greet you at the arrivals gate, where they will help you to the pre-arranged taxis for the short ride to the harbor to board tenders to the lead vessel. You will be welcomed on board Majik by her crew, offering a cold towel and seasonal beverage. The Cruise Director will give an introduction, a safety briefing, and a small tour of the vessel, and assist with cabin allocation while the vessel departs. The journey to your first destination represents a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the boat layout and enjoy your first taste of the chefs’ talents.

PM: Following lunch, the vessel will be close to arriving at your first destination. Pulau Saonek Kecil sits at the entrance to the park and is a great introduction to the potential marine life and scenic encounters you can expect for the rest of your journey. The mild conditions of the site offer a perfect opportunity for a check-dive to acquaint yourself with the boat’s equipment and water conditions in Raja Ampat. Rinse off the salt back on board and enjoy a delicious dinner amongst the ocean breeze as your first day comes to a close.

AM: Awake in the morning with an enticing day of underwater site locations on the agenda. Following breakfast jump into “Blue Magic”, a sea mound with a submerged plateau at roughly 6m. This site well deserves the name and is home to a tornado of big-eyed trevally, although sometimes you might want them to move aside so you can have a better view of the visiting Oceanic manta. “Mioskon Reef” is also in the area and on a falling tide the current splits on the northern point with various fish species playing in the currents. Don’t be surprised if your guide spends a bit of time checking beneath the plate corals as this might be your first chance to encounter the Wobbegong shark.

PM: Following a delicious lunch to recover some calories, enjoy a dive at the World famous “Cape Kri”. The site was made famous by Dr. Gerald Allen and in his words, “I went back about two years ago and couldn’t believe the positive changes on the site. Most impressionable to me was the fact that the fish had become accustomed to divers. I didn’t even have to look for fish. They found me! The survey was the highest species count I’ve ever tallied on one dive, 374 distinct species in 90 minutes!”

AM: Awake in Piaynemo among some of the richest marine sites in the central area. The sites were pioneered and named by Max Ammer and there are several on offer. From the enormous “Melissa’s Garden” which regardless of conditions never fails to illicit a “wow” reaction due to its healthy variety of corals and huge selection of schooling residents, to “My Reef”, an entirely submerged site with strong currents and everything that currents entail. Hope for whitetips and trevally hunting in the blue to wobbegong sharks resting on the plateau.

PM: After lunch enjoy the sloping ridges of “Batu Rufus” and the schools of yellow snapper that play at their furthest points. Expect hawksbill turtles grazing in the shallows and an inviting swim-through that opens into your own private shallows full of colorful soft sponge corals for your safety stop. In the late afternoon, venture behind the mountainside veil into the iconic cone-shaped landscape that has become synonymous with Raja Ampat. Take the short walk to a raised viewing platform to take in the scenery in its entirety. Descend in the fading light and be welcome back on board with a refreshing beverage and the smell of dinner to come.

AM: After the night's journey, awake to the beautiful scenery of Daram. The area is an added extension of the original marine reserve and is relatively unvisited and currently has no permanent inhabitants. Some of the highlight sites here include, “Candy Store”, “Andiamo”, and “Warna Berwana”. The size of the sea fans and table corals on the sites is a testament to the area’s health and the way the schools of yellow snapper and barracuda scatter as you approach is a testament to how these sites are rarely frequented.

PM: In the afternoon the boat will transition to Yillet, with the sites “Romeo” and “Juliette” on offer for diving or snorkeling. Dive one in the afternoon and leave the other for what can truly be an amazing night dive. Enter the water at dusk to be met with a world of critters that nestle against the soft corals anchored in shapes carved out by the moving waters over time. There is even a chance to see the Epaulette Shark, also known as the walking shark. Warm up back on the boat with a warm towel and share stories of the critters encountered over dinner.

AM: Pulau Boo is a long slender island and every length of it has something to see. Off the easternmost tip, resting below the surface of the water lies a site known by several names. English speakers call it Magic Mountain but in the local tongue, it has a more poetic name, Kerrang Bayangan. This translates to “shadow reef” and is called so for the reef and oceanic manta that frequent the site and cast their enormous shadows over the top of the reef. With visiting manta or not, the site has a wealth of marine life and regardless of what you call it, it’s always an amazing dive.

PM: Boo Window is called so for the semi-submerged window between the two sides of the island. From a steep wall that transitions into a sloping ridge, enjoy gently drifting with the current past enormous fan corals and barrel sponges with reef sharks playing in the depths. Swim through schools of snapper and search for pygmy seahorses if the current permits. With several other sites in the area, Pulau Boo never fails to provide at least one memory to cherish.

AM: Continuing west along this chain of Islands brings you to Fiabacet, and with too many sites to name in the area, a few stand out among the rest. “Whale Rock”, “Tank Rock”, and “Nudi Rock” are all named for their physical appearance above the water and the resemblance to their namesake is quite uncanny. Despite the novelty of their names, the sites themselves are quite wonderous and truly make you appreciate the breadth of biodiversity available in Raja Ampat. It’s ambiguous to say that you can expect to see a little bit of everything, but it’s difficult to suggest what you might see, as seemingly everything likes to visit these sites.

PM: So, get pushed along by the current at whale rock and enjoy the sloping site before finishing in the shallows of the whale tail surrounded by schooling reef fish. Or dive under nude rock to admire the unique topography which is a mix of ridges, plateaus, and small pinnacles, all with healthy coral and abundant amounts of fish. Or drop in beside tank rock, hiding behind the reef with the currents breaking at the edges. Watch the fish dance against the currents and hope for some grey reef sharks looking for a meal. Round it all off with a sunbed and a coconut before, a hearty meal, and a comfortable bed.

AM: Today's location has amazing options both above and below the water. Below the water, you have sites on offer such as “Barracuda Rock”, “Birthday Cake”, or “Neptune Fan Sea”. Each site is unique unto itself, for example, Barracuda rock is a round site that slopes into the depths with a ridge extended off the southern side. Drop onto the ridge to swim through the school of yellow snapper before being pushed around the site's depths to marvel at fan and whip corals hanging from the wall.

PM: Then finish in the hard and soft corals of the shallows and look for grazing turtles and dancing butterfly fish. Above the water you have the area's iconic “Love Lagoon”, take the short walk up the wooden steps to admire the Love Heart-shaped lagoon and the surrounding scenery. Alternatively, there is the beautiful geography of a small island grouping. Take a kayak or paddle board and gently float across shallow coral reefs with towering peaks on either side. This area is rarely visited, so feel free to take one of the available beaches and relax in peace and privacy. Paddle back to the boat when you’re ready or have the tender pick you up if you’re tired from the day.

AM: For your final full day aboard, there are a range of non-diving activities available to account for the required decompression time. In the morning you can visit Goa Karamat, a flooded cave with an intriguing aesthetic. Swim under the stalactites into the fading light at the back of the cave, and for the more adventurous, climb through the opening at the rear to emerge in a hidden tropical swimming hole. On your return to the boat pass by the historic cave paintings, theorized to have been done by the now Australian Aboriginals, created when the landmasses were still connected before they migrated further south to Australia.

PM: For the afternoon take the difficult trek to one of the available Jelly Fish lakes. When conditions are right, these freshwater basins can house literally thousands of stingless jellyfish that are a unique natural curiosity for anyone. In the evening enjoy some time on the beach with a view of Majik back dropped by the setting sun, cocktail in hand, and the smell of a BBQ meal filling the air. Swap tales into the night and share your favorite memories from the literal hundreds of miles of the open ocean you just experienced before turning into bed for your final night’s sleep.

AM: Wake up for your final delicious breakfast on board and if your flight time allows, feel free to swim, kayak, or paddle board on the nearby island of Matan, before you open sails and hoist anchor towards Sorong Harbour. For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

AM: You will be picked up from your hotel or Sorong airport and driven a short distance to Sorong port. Settle into your traditional Phinisi boat which will be your home for the next few days. We will head to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat, for the usual formalities. During these few hours of sailing you can relax, prepare your diving equipment and enjoy a good meal on board.

PM: Depending on the weather conditions the cruise may start from the north or south. In this sample itinerary, we will head south first. Enjoy an evening drink while watching the ballet of fruit bats as they fly away to feed at sunset.

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change.

AM: North Batanta offers shining waters and dozens of islets and sandbanks where it is easy to find manta rays or even witness history in the form of a well-barnacled World War II Japanese aircraft. On land, take a short walk to a beautiful and refreshing waterfall.

PM: Finish your day relaxing and dreaming on the sundeck as you continue sailing south to Misool Island.

AM: Swim around the famous dive sites of Boo Window and Magic Mountain, with some of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in the world, a true story of successful conservation, thanks to the talented and friendly local park rangers who are happy to meet you on the white sandy beaches of Yillet Island.

PM: South East Misool is one of these extremely rare places where dreams and reality merge, with scenery as lush and dramatic above the water as below.

AM: Feel the love around you after climbing to get a bird’s eye view of the famous heart-shaped blue lagoon encircled by the vibrant coral reefs. Or take a speed boat tour or your kayak to get lost in the maze of rocks and channels of Wayil Islands. Here lie some of the most iconic and lush dive sites of Raja Ampat: Wedding Cake, Four Kings, or Neptune’s Fantasea.

PM: End your day with your flashlight on to explore the dark side of the reef: night dive!

AM: Misool North Eastern line of islands is a natural labyrinth made of cone-shaped rocks, sheer cliffs, and hidden pools. At the right time of year, some of the inner lagoons play host to thousands of stingless jellyfish, offering fantastic photo opportunities for undersea photo lovers.

PM: Explore the above and underwater caves of the area where nudibranchs, rare mollusks, and crustaceans crawl on the rich soft coral cover.

AM & PM: At this Western tip of Central Raja Ampat, discover Keruo Channel and Melissa’s Garden, where you can observe the most impressive shallow coral gardens on the planet. In between dives, you can also enjoy surface activities like kayaking, or walk up to the top of the hill above the Star Lagoon and look down on its hundreds of limestone rocks. Some hidden rock-pools are just waiting for you to float in them – sheer heaven!

AM: South Kawe is one of Raja Ampat’s greatest treasures. Here, you will probably see manta rays grooming in one of their many cleaning stations or feeding on the surface of the channel between the two Eagle Rocks.

PM: There is also the opportunity to visit Alyui Bay where you can learn everything about pearl farming, from seeding to harvest. The Aljuy Bay waters are also perfect for seeing rare sea creatures and wonderfully rich night dives.

AM: On the way to the Wayag Islands, we cross the Equator to the Northern hemisphere to reach the last paradise on earth, a large bay with hundreds of mushroom-like islets, white sandy beaches, black tip reef sharks, and manta rays cruising in the turquoise-blue water.

PM: Spend a day gliding through this piece of heaven

or climb the rocky Mount Pindito for an unforgettable view. Dive or swim around pelagic fish and the Figure 8 Rock and enjoy special moments on the perfect beach.

AM & PM: Continue your adventure with a day at Yanggefo and take the kayak out to the Mangroves for a change of scenery. The contrast between the lush green mangrove forest and the clear waters is breathtaking. This area is home to as many birds as fish. Colorful coral grows within the roots of the trees making snorkeling and diving in Citrus and Mangrove Ridge a unique experience.

AM: Visit Airborek or Sawandarek Jetty and experience some world-class diving, probably watched by some of the local children!

PM: Then cruise on to more fish-rich waters like Sardine Reef or Cape Kri and enjoy a fantastic night dive at Batu Lima where you are likely to spot the elusive walking shark!

AM: After your last delicious breakfast and bidding farewells, our crew will arrange your transfer to your hotel or airport and your return trip back home, your head filled with unforgettable memories of the trip of a lifetime.

AM: Several of our crew will be on-site to greet you at the arrivals gate, where they will help you to the pre-arranged taxis for the short ride to the harbor to board tenders to the lead vessel. You will be welcomed on board Majik by her crew, offering a cold towel and seasonal beverage. The Cruise Director will give an introduction, a safety briefing, and a small tour of the vessel, and assist with cabin allocation while the vessel departs. The journey to your first destination represents a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the boat layout and enjoy your first taste of the chefs’ talents.

PM: Following lunch, the vessel will be close to arriving at your first destination. Pulau Saonek Kecil sits at the entrance to the park and is a great introduction to the potential marine life and scenic encounters you can expect for the rest of your journey. The mild conditions of the site offer a perfect opportunity for a check-dive to acquaint yourself with the boat’s equipment and water conditions in Raja Ampat. Rinse off the salt back on board and enjoy a delicious dinner amongst the ocean breeze as your first day comes to a close.

AM: Awake in the morning with an enticing day of underwater site locations on the agenda. Following breakfast jump into “Blue Magic”, a sea mound with a submerged plateau at roughly 6m. This site deserves the name and is home to a tornado of big-eyed trevally, although sometimes you might want them to move aside so you can have a better view of the visiting Oceanic manta. “Mioskon Reef” is also in the area and on a falling tide the current splits on the northern point with various fish species playing in the currents. Don’t be surprised if your guide spends a bit of time checking beneath the plate corals as this might be your first chance to encounter the Wobbegong shark.

PM: Following a delicious lunch to recover some calories, enjoy a dive at the World famous “Cape Kri”. The site was made famous by Dr. Gerald Allen and in his words, “I went back about two years ago and couldn’t believe the positive changes on the site. Most impressionable to me was the fact that the fish had become accustomed to divers. I didn’t even have to look for fish. They found me! The survey was the highest species count I’ve ever tallied on one dive, 374 distinct species in 90 minutes!”

AM: Awake in Piaynemo among some of the richest marine sites in the central area. The sites were pioneered and named by Max Ammer and there are several on offer. From the enormous “Melissa’s Garden” which regardless of conditions never fails to illicit a “wow” reaction due to its healthy variety of corals and huge selection of schooling residents, to “My Reef”, an entirely submerged site with strong currents and everything that currents entail. Hope for whitetips and trevally hunting in the blue to wobbegong sharks resting on the plateau.

PM: After lunch enjoy the sloping ridges of “Batu Rufus” and the schools of yellow snapper that play at their furthest points. Expect hawksbill turtles grazing in the shallows and an inviting swim-through that opens into your own private shallows full of colorful soft sponge corals for your safety stop. In the late afternoon, venture behind the mountainside veil into the iconic cone-shaped landscape that has become synonymous with Raja Ampat. Take the short walk to a raised viewing platform to take in the scenery in its entirety. Descend in the fading light and be welcome back on board with a refreshing beverage and the smell of dinner to come.

AM: Awake in Pulau Boo, a long slender island, and every length of it has something to see. Off the easternmost tip, resting below the surface of the water lies a site known by several names. English speakers call it “Magic Mountain” but in the local tongue it has a more poetic name, “Karrang Bayangan”. This translates to “Shadow Reef” and is called so for the reef and oceanic manta that frequent the site and cast their enormous shadows over the top of the reef. Whether visiting manta or not, the site has a wealth of marine life and regardless of what you call it, it’s always an amazing dive.

PM: Boo Window is called so for the semi-submerged window between the two sides of the island. From a steep wall that transitions into a sloping ridge, enjoy gently drifting with the current past enormous fan corals and barrel sponges with reef sharks playing in the depths. Swim through schools of snapper and search for pygmy seahorses if the current permits. With several other sites in the area, Pulau Boo never fails to provide at least one memory to cherish.

AM: Continuing west along this chain of Islands brings you to Fiabacet, and with too many sites to name in the area, a few stand out among the rest. “Whale Rock”, “Tank Rock”, and “Nudi Rock” are all named for their physical appearance above the water and the resemblance to their namesake is quite uncanny. Despite the novelty of their names, the sites themselves are quite wonderous and truly make you appreciate the breadth of biodiversity available in Raja Ampat. It’s ambiguous to say that you can expect to see a little bit of everything, but it’s difficult to suggest what you might see, as seemingly everything likes to visit these sites.

PM: So, get pushed along by the current at Whale Rock and enjoy the sloping site before finishing in the shallows of the whale tail surrounded by schooling reef fish. Or dive under nude rock to admire the unique topography with a mix of ridges, plateaus, and small pinnacles, all with healthy coral and abundant amounts of fish. Or drop in beside tank rock, hiding behind the reef with the currents breaking at the edges. Watch the fish dance against the currents and hope for some grey reef sharks looking for a meal. Round it all off with a sunbed and a coconut before a hearty meal and a comfortable bed.

AM & PM: Today’s location has amazing options both above and below the water. Below the water, you have sites on offer such as “Barracuda Rock”, “Birthday Cake”, or “Neptune Fan Sea”. Each site is unique unto itself, for example, Barracuda rock is a round site that slopes into the depths with a ridge extended off the southern side. Drop onto the ridge to swim through the school of yellow snapper before being pushed around the site's depths to marvel at fan and whip corals hanging from the wall. Finish in the hard and soft corals of the shallows and look for grazing turtles and dancing butterfly fish. Above the water you have the area's iconic “Love Lagoon”, Take the short walk up the wooden steps to admire the Love Heart-shaped lagoon and the surrounding scenery. Alternatively, there is the beautiful geography of a small island grouping. Take a kayak or paddle board and gently float across shallow coral reefs with towering peaks on either side. This area is rarely visited, so feel free to take one of the available beaches and relax in peace and privacy. Paddle back to the boat when you’re ready or have the tender pick you up if you’re tired from the day.

AM: Pulau Koon is located on the Eastern point of Maluku and offers the perfect location to relax after your overnight journey from The Spice Islands. The area has a range of sea mounds, ridges, and sloping reefs that host an array of reef life, including great barracuda resting in the shallows to potential pelagics such as manta passing in the depths.

PM: This is the geographical midpoint of your trip and besides the diving, offers amazing beaches to relax the afternoon away before the overnight journey to South Raja Ampat. The crew of Majik will set up a nice location for the day’s relaxation. Kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, and a chiller full of cold drinks will all be on standby ready for you to request when the inclination strikes. Alternatively, take a tender to explore the surrounding islands and simply enjoy the lush green vegetation. In the afternoon the boat will depart, so relax on a sunbed and enjoy the breeze as you sail towards sunset before enjoying the lovely food the chef has prepared for dinner.

AM: Awake in what is possibly one of the most beautiful natural anchorages and at one point in time represented the centre of global trade. Dive into the iconic site “Lava Flow”, nestled at the base of Gunung Api, with the flow of cooled lava clearly visible from a past eruption. The site was considered destroyed but earned the curiosity of marine biologists due to its recovery and is now recorded as the fastest-growing reef on the planet. Take a tour around the local town and learn about why this location holds such a prominent place in history, visiting the museum, the Muhammed Hatta House, nutmeg plantations, and the historic Fort Belgica.

PM: In the afternoon take a dusk dive in front of the Colonial Maulana hotel. This site is a great opportunity to go searching for the elusive Mandarin Fish, a favourite of photographers if you’re quick enough to snap the multi-coloured beauty as it darts in and out of the corals. You can also hope for a range of shrimp, nudies and eels. Return to the comfort of the boat after your day’s adventures for a relaxing meal in calm waters amongst the sounds of this historic area.

AM & PM: Awake in Banda Neira for another cultural experience, yet slightly different. The traditional “Kora-Kora” war boats that welcomed the Portuguese five hundred years ago are still in use today, although now they’re used as a competitive sport with each island having individual teams. Witness them in action and marvel at their unity and speed as they escort you toward Pulau Pisang, chanting in their traditional dialect. Batu Kapal (Boat Rock) rests North of Pulau Pisang and anyone would be forgiven for thinking the rock was a barge from a distance, hence the name. The site itself, below the bow and stern of the rock, hosts a beautiful shallow coral garden. Off the starboard side of the rock, the coral garden runs into a thoroughfare between several underwater pinnacles. Currents play between the submerged pinnacles and the schools of fish play in the currents. Swimming from pinnacle to pinnacle, surrounded by the schools, you can appreciate why the area has developed such a reputation for biodiversity and biomass. The pinnacles themselves are blanketed in hard and soft corals, making the perfect colorful backdrop for the fish life on the site, while your guide checks the reef cracks for the intriguing honeycomb moray.

AM: In the early morning the boat will move to Pulau Run. Such was the value of nutmeg in the 1600s that the Dutch actually traded Pulau Run for present-day Manhattan, New York! Expect steep walls, fringed by coral plateaus. Gregorians, barrel sponges, and whip corals cling to the reef and hang into the blue. Schools of butterfly, banner, and parrot fish swim up and down the wall, and a good guide will keep one eye on the wall and one eye in the blue, always hoping for a chance encounter with Mobula Rays, Manta, or Hammer Heads.

PM: Pulau Suanggi translates to “Evil Spirit Island”, The reason for naming it so is lost to history, but some believe it is where the Dutch made prisoners “walk the plank”, and those souls now haunt the island. The reality today couldn’t be farther from the name. Waking here to the literally thousands of sea birds that cover the island is a treat unto itself, but to dive into the surrounding sites is the true attraction. The island has a range of options from a sandy slope, dotted with coral bommies, to steep coral-covered walls that disappear into the blue despite the usually impressive visibility of the site. Dive into the depths of plate coral fields and with a bit of luck you can witness potentially hundreds of schooling hammerheads.

AM: After the night's journey wake up in the calm waters surrounding Pulau Molana. This island's northern point is edged by a pristine white sand beach that has space for exploring regardless of high or low tide. The crew of Majik will setup a nice location for the day’s relaxation. Kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, and a chiller full of cold drinks will all be on standby ready for you to request when the inclination strikes. Alternatively, take a tender to explore the surrounding islands and simply enjoy the lush green vegetation.

PM: Enjoy the afternoon from Molana beach, with a view of Majik back dropped by the setting sun, cocktail in hand, and the smell of a BBQ meal filling the air. Swap tales into the night and share your favorite memories from the literal hundreds of miles of the open ocean you just experienced before turning into bed for your final night's sleep.

AM: Wake up for your final delicious breakfast on board and if your flight time allows, feel free to swim, kayak, or paddle board on the nearby island of Matan, before you open sails and hoist anchor towards Sorong Harbour. For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

AM: Be picked up in style at your hotel or Sorong Airport and driven to the fast boat that will bring you to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat where the cruise starts. Settle into the traditional Phinisi liveaboard that you will be calling home for the next few days.

PM: Cruise west and enjoy a swim, a check dive and relax, whilst contemplating the white sandy beaches of Mioskon Island and its famous seamount, Blue Magic. Enjoy an evening drink as you watch the sunset ballet of fruit bats flying away to feed.

AM: North Batanta offers shining waters and dozens of islets and sandbanks where it is easy to find manta rays or even witness history in the form of a well-barnacled World War II Japanese aircraft.

PM: On land, take a short walk to a beautiful and refreshing waterfall. Finish your day relaxing and dreaming on the sun deck as you continue sailing south to Misool Island.

AM: The Daram Islands are the easternmost island group in the Misool area. Thanks to a strict no-fishing policy, you will be able to see some of the most impressive sea fan forests and soft corals are known to the world.

PM: With easy snorkeling and diving, sites such as Andiamo or Candy Store are truly psychedelic underwater wonderlands where barracudas gliding above the pygmy seahorses are a common sight.

AM: Swim around the famous dive sites of Boo Window and Magic Mountain, with some of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in the world, a true story of successful conservation, thanks to the talented and friendly local park rangers who are happy to meet you on the white sandy beaches of Yillet Island.

PM: South East Misool is one of these extremely rare places where dreams and reality merge, with scenery as lush and dramatic above the water as below.

AM: Feel the love around you after climbing to get a bird’s eye view of the famous heart-shaped blue lagoon encircled by the vibrant coral reefs. Or take a speed boat tour or your kayak to get lost in the maze of rocks and channels of Wayil Islands.

PM: Here lie some of the most iconic and lush dive sites of Raja Ampat: Wedding Cake, Four Kings, or Neptune’s Fantasea. End your day with your flashlight on to explore the dark side of the reef: night dive!

AM: Misool North Eastern line of islands is a natural labyrinth made of cone-shaped rocks, sheer cliffs, and hidden pools. At the right time of year, some of the inner lagoons play host to thousands of stingless jellyfish, offering fantastic photo opportunities for undersea photo lovers.

PM: Explore the above and underwater caves of the area where nudibranchs, rare mollusks, and crustaceans crawl on the rich soft coral cover.

AM: At this Western tip of Central Raja Ampat, 3 internationally renowned dive sites are on the menu: Galaxy, Keruo Channel, and Melissa’s Garden, where you can observe the most impressive shallow coral gardens on the planet. In between dives, you can also enjoy surface activities like kayaking, or walk up to the top of the hill above the Star Lagoon and look down on its hundreds of limestone rocks.

PM: Some hidden rock pools are just waiting for you to float in them – sheer heaven!

AM: South Kawe is one of Raja Ampat’s greatest treasures. Here, you will probably see manta rays grooming in one of their many cleaning stations or feeding on the surface of the channel between the two Eagle Rocks. There is also the opportunity to visit Alyui Bay where you can learn everything about pearl farming, from seed to harvest.

PM: The Aljuy Bay waters are also perfect for seeing rare sea creatures and wonderfully rich night dives.

AM: On the way to the Wayag Islands, we cross the Equator to the Northern hemisphere to reach the last paradise on earth, a large bay with hundreds of mushroom-like islets, white sandy beaches, blacktip reef sharks, and manta rays cruising in the turquoise-blue water.

PM: Spend a day gliding through this piece of heaven or climb the rocky Mount Pindito for an unforgettable view. Dive or swim around pelagic fish and the Figure 8 Rock and enjoy special moments on the perfect beach.

AM: Continue your adventure with a day at Yanggefo and take the kayak out to the Mangroves for a change of scenery. The contrast between the lush green mangrove forest and the clear waters is breathtaking. This area is home to as many birds as fish.

PM: Colorful coral grows within the roots of the trees making snorkeling and diving in Citrus and Mangrove Ridge a unique experience.

AM: Visit Airborek or Sawandarek Jetty and experience some world-class diving, probably watched by some of the local children!

PM: Then cruise on to more fish-rich waters like Sardine Reef or Cape Kri and enjoy a fantastic night dive at Batu Lima where you are likely to spot the elusive walking shark!

AM: We will cruise back to Waisai for our last, scrumptious breakfast and check out before noon. After sharing photos and farewells, our crew will arrange your transfer to your hotel or airport and your return trip back home, your head filled with unforgettable memories of the trip of a lifetime.

AM: Several of our crew will be on-site to greet you at the arrivals gate, where they will help you to the pre-arranged taxis for the short ride to the harbor to board tenders to the lead vessel. You will be welcomed on board Majik by her crew, offering a cold towel and seasonal beverage. The Cruise Director will give an introduction, a safety briefing, and a small tour of the vessel, and assist with cabin allocation while the vessel departs. The journey to your first destination represents a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the boat layout and enjoy your first taste of the chefs’ talents.

PM: Your first chance to dip below the waves will be on an island called Nusa Laut, referred to locally as “The Golden Island” due to the plentiful supply of cloves on the island. The dive sites here are protected by the local villages and are usually blessed with good visibility, which is perfect for taking in the sloping reef and the jaw-dropping array of hard corrals that cover it. Marvel at the plate, fan and giant sponge corals, and the reef inhabitants that play amongst them. With a bit of luck, witness the tornado of Big Eye trevally and search the sand flats for critters nestled at the base of the reef. Rinse off the salt back on board and enjoy a delicious dinner amongst the ocean breeze as your first day comes to a close.

AM: Pulau Suanggi translates to “Evil Spirit Island”, The reason for naming it so is lost to history, but some believe it is where the Dutch made prisoners “walk the plank”, and those souls now haunt the island. The reality today couldn’t be farther from the name. Waking here to the literally thousands of sea birds that cover the island is a treat unto itself, but to dive into the surrounding sites is the true attraction. The island has a range of options from a sandy slope, dotted with coral bommies, to steep coral-covered walls that disappear into the blue despite the usually impressive visibility of the site. Dive into the depths of plate coral fields and with a bit of luck you can witness potentially hundreds of schooling hammerheads.

PM: Across lunch, the boat will move to Pulau Run. Such was the value of nutmeg in the 1600s that the Dutch actually traded Pulau Run for present-day Manhattan, New York! Expect steep walls, fringed by coral plateaus. Gregorians, barrel sponges, and whip corals cling to the reef and hang into the blue. Schools of butterfly, banner, and parrot fish swim up and down the wall, and a good guide will keep one eye on the wall and one eye in the blue, always hoping for a chance encounter with Mobula Rays, Manta, or Hammer Heads.