Spice Islands, Halmahera, Outer Raja Ampat Diving and Eco Expedition 2024
October 23 - November 8
Indonesia’s archipelagos are known to have some of the best diving in the world. The Spice Islands, formally called the Maluku Islands, span the Banda, Molucca, and Halmahera seas between Sulawesi and New Guinea. This stretch of ocean is famous for coral reefs teeming with endemic marine life, geologically complex sceneries, and its long history as a central figure of the European spice trade. Close by, just east of Halmahera Island in outer Raja Ampat, the Misool District and Dampier Strait sits on the edge of the “Bird’s Head Seascape” which boasts over 70% of the world’s coral species and 1,800 different species of reef fish. Aboard the world-renowned boutique liveaboard, Arenui, we’ll be exploring some of the most majestic waters in Indonesia through critter dives, drift dives along steep reef walls, coral gardens, and so much more as we make our way from Ambon to Halmahera to Sorong. Along the way, we’ll also be able to hop on land to visit some remote island villages and experience their rich culture firsthand. Join Ocean Safari as we venture through the unforgettable wonders of the world’s most biodiverse waters aboard one of the most luxurious vessels at sea.
Expedition Itinerary:
Oct 23 (Wed): Depart LAX in the evening to Jakarta, Indonesia.
Oct 24 (Thurs): Cross International Date Line
Oct 25 (Fri): Arrive in Jakarta around noon, check into the hotel for the rest of the day.
Oct 26(Sat): Fly from Jakarta to Ambon at midnight and arrive in the morning. Board the world-renowned, First-class liveaboard, Arenui, which will be our home for the next 13 days and 12 nights. Set sail and head north into the heart of the Spice Islands.
Oct 27 ~ Nov 6 (Sun-Wed): Adventure as underwater explorers through the Spice Islands to Outer Raja Ampat, relax in five star accommodation, feast on world class meals, and enjoy paradise aboard the best liveaboard in the world.
Nov 7 (Thr): Say farewell to the Arenui and her crew in the morning. Depart from Sorong to Jakarta. Arrive in Jakarta in the afternoon. Check into the hotel, free program for the remainder of the day.
Nov 8 (Fri): Depart Jakarta midday, fly back to Los Angeles. Arrive at LAX in the evening on the same night.
Expedition Includes:
One night hotel accommodation with breakfast and airport transfer at Jakarta before departure
One day hotel accommodation with airport transfer at Jakarta upon arrival
13 days, 12 nights full board accommodation in double/twin cabin on the world’s best dive liveaboard ~Arenui
All meals and soft drinks on board
30+ dives in the world's most wanted to dive sites with 4~1 DM ratio
Tanks and weights.
Islands land excursion.
All ground transfers in Indonesia
Welcome massage
Administration/port clearance fee $150
National Parks Entrance and Diving Fee $280 (may increase without prior notice)
Fuel surcharge $150
Government taxes
Escort by Ocean Safari professional dive leader/photographer with unparalleled service.
Exclusions:
International and domestic flights
Onboard telecommunications
Onboard alcoholic beverages.
Nitrox
Laundry service
Massages other than welcome massage
Travel and dive insurance.
Crew Gratuities.
Costs: (based on Double Occupancy):
Deluxe cabin: $8898 (12 spots)
Master suite: $9498 (4 spots)
Payment:
PAYMENT SCHEDULE |
AMOUNT |
PAYMENT DUE DATE |
1st Deposit |
$1800 |
Upon Reservation |
2nd Deposit |
$1800 |
Oct 23, 2023 |
3rd Deposit |
$1800 |
Mar 23, 2024 |
Final Payment |
Balance Remaining |
Before June 23, 2024 |
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is optional. However, over the years, we have seen how valuable and beneficial travel insurance can be. These policies will help cover expenses when your trip is interrupted due to events such as weather, mechanical breakdowns, missed flights/connections, or when someone else has a dive/medical emergency that prevents you from diving.
We want to help offset the cost of travel insurance and will sponsor 5% of the cost as store credit if you use the links from our website to purchase travel insurance from DAN. We highly recommend it!
Cancellation Policy:
Before October 23, 2023, 1st deposit forfeited, No refund on first deposit.
After October 23, 2023, 1st and 2nd deposit forfeited (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited only).
After March 23, 2024, 2nd and 3rd deposit forfeited (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited only).
After June 23, 2024, no refund (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited only).