February 6 – February 17 2011 Raja Ampat – Indonesia, Raja Ampat Archipelago, OTHER, Indonesia

“picture perfect”… is how underwater photographers describe this hot new destination. other adventure seeking divers refer to it as “the last best place”. whether you are a shooter or not this is surely one of the really wild and remote places on earth. a true diving frontier!

the raja ampat archipelago is located off the northwestern tip of west papua – formerly known and still sometimes referred to as irian jaya. a bit difficult to get to but the difficulty has benefited the marine
habitat of this remote island area. you will dive some stunning, unexplored reefs, witness breathtaking hard and soft coral gardens, and view a pulsing density of fish life that will leave you slack-jawed. and at this time of year diving with gigantic manta rays is almost guaranteed!

this is not a quick “dive fix”…this is an 11-day charter for the more challenging and adventure seeking diver and traveler. while in raja ampat, our home will be in the spacious comfort of the dolphin exclusive charter, adventurer ii. the adventurer ii, from archipelago resorts and fleet, is a phinisi style schooner, the type that roamed these spice islands hundreds of years ago. the wooden construction creates a feeling of a traditional phinisi vessel, but the level of furnishing and the attention to detail create a fusion of the historical and the modern, unique in the luxury liveaboard industry. raja ampat is blessed with stunning panoramic views, and glowing sunsets. the sun deck on adventurer ii is just the place to view this spectacular scenery.

with fresh and natural ingredients the archipelago adventurer ii culinary team prepares mouth-watering ions that are expertly blended with regional and international flair. fresh caught fish is
plentiful.

custom built dive tenders are designed with the diver in mind. they are comfortable and quick to and from the dive sites, and will also be used for island exploration to areas of interest.

“critter” diving will be high on the agenda as a favorite amongst the underwater photographers that travel to this part of the world. marine biologists and diligent divers alike, travel here to seek and
unveil the mystery of the brightly colored and hairy inconspicuous endemic species, many of which live in these waters at depths not exceeding 20 feet.

there will also be “exploration” dives where who knows what we’ll see! and when opportunity allows, guests will go ashore on some snow white and un-trodden beach, if for no other reason than because few, if any, have ever done so before!

your host for this adventure will be dolphin trip leader al markis. al has dove this area and on this boat on many occasions and can attest to this exciting and fascinating itinerary. experienced guides have unequivocal skills to point out some of the most incredible underwater critters you’ll ever see!!!

so take the plunge and go beyond the ordinary to discover these serene and soothing islands with beautiful landscapes, magnificent coral gardens, and incredible marine life.

chances are that this trip will fill fast. for questions or additional information, call or email trip leader, al markis (916) 813-9120, al.markis@dolphinscuba.com, or call dolphin to reserve your spot. more information about the adventurer ii liveaboard can be found at www.archipelago-fleet.com.

price: $3850, 11 diving days, plus airfare.