A string of small islands lines the edge of the continental platform of East Borneo, where the massive deltas of the rivers lose the influence of their murky waters and the visibility improves. Outside, deep water surrounds two large atolls and a very peculiar island with a massive land-locked lake fringed by mangroves in its interiors, where four different species of stingless jellyfish coexist.
In a good week, this route provides the opportunity to spot the big five: thresher shark, hammerheads, grey reef sharks, mantas and whalesharks. The last ones come attracted by the little anchovies captured by the large outrigger boats fishing at night with the help of lights.
Diving happens mostly in walls and slopes, with the occasional sandy plateau as well, and display huge barrel sponges, large sea fans, and beautiful hard coral gardens in the shallows, apart from huge schools of jacks and barracudas amongst other species of reef fish. Sea turtles lay their eggs in the rookeries of this region, and together with a couple of canyons and caves, it all makes for a perfect diving safari.
Itinerary and Map
Day 1: Berau
Arrival in Berau, embarking and briefings. (if the starting point is Tarakan, optional visit to the mangrove and proboscis monkey conservation park in the afternoon). Overnight sail to Derawan. (*Note that there is no diving on the first day of the cruise, whichever the starting point)
Day 2: Maratua
Early morning check dive in Derawan, critter diving in the jetties. Second and third dives in the north coast of Maratua atoll, like Fusilier (with the big swirl of barracudas) and Midreef, with possibilities of sighting thresher shark.
Day 3: Maratua & Halo Tabung
Full diving day on the east coast of Maratua, in famed sites such as The Channel, Shark City and Nunukan Express, with sharks and large schools of barracudas and bigeye jacks. Afternoon visit to snorkel the natural canyon of Halo Tabung and night dive SW of the atoll.
Day 4: Karabg Muaras
Two morning dives in Karang Muaras, to look for the thresher sharks and other pelagics. Afternoon and night dive in Pualu Sambi.
Day 5: Bagans
Full diving day in the bagans, fishing outriggers where whalesharks come to feed on scraps from the night catch of little anchovies. Night dive in a nearby reef and night sail to Sangalaki.
Day 6: Sangalaki
Dive the manta sites in Sangalaki, and afternoon visit to the turtle rookerie at the Conservation Centre, followed by a night dive in Pulau Samama.
Day 7: Kakaban
Full diving day in Kakaban, including the hammerhead site and the thresher site. Visit to the Jellyfish Lake between dives.
Day 8: Maratua
Two morning dives in Maratua, possibly The Channel and Gorgonzola, and afternoon sail back to departure port, to fly the morning after.
Advertencia: Los itinerarios son solamente orientativos y pueden ser modificados a causa de la climatología, estado del mar u otros factores externos.
Available Cruises
A different way to explore Indonesia's charming inland seas
Cruise fees cover police, diving, tourist and port permits:
€250/pax on Raja Ampat, Forgotten Islands, Banda Sea and Cenderawasih cruises.
"€200/pax on 5/7 night Komodo cruises on board or €250/person on 8/12 night Komodo cruises on board.
These may be paid on board when requested by our Cruise Director or together with the payment of the cruise price.
* All our routes include the same number of nights as days, embarkation on the first day and disembarkation on the last day published early in the morning.
* Departures are only guaranteed with a minimum of 6 passengers on the SMY Ondina.
Most Exotic Islands
Occupying over half of the Coral Triangle, it contains more species of coral and fish than any other place on the planet.
Safety
Our dedicated team of professionals has been successfully operating our cruise ship S.M.Y. Ondina since 2001.
S.M.Y. Ondina
Sailing aboard SMY Ondina will give you the opportunity to explore the most exotic and remote islands of this unique country.
Comfortable and affordable
We have focused on what really matters and left aside superfluous and expensive luxuries.
Divers
Beginners, advanced, photographers and video enthusiasts, according to your needs, in a flexible but professional way.
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