EXOTIC DESTINATIONS

11 day in Amazing Indonesia: Raja Ampat Diving onboard the Boutique Liveaboard ARENUI
February 23 - March 5, 2012.

Arenui's motto "The Boutique Liveaboard". Attention has been given to every aspect of the Arenui to ensure that it fully embodies their philosophy of providing a unique dive holiday experience, giving you the best there is in terms of diving and leisure activities, without sacrificing any of the comforts and luxury you would expect to get from a top-notch hotel on land.

Intimate but roomy, the Arenui is an exquisite ship and a work of art in itself with its wooden detailing and decorative touches. Moreover, it aims to differentiate itself from other liveaboards by providing personalized accommodation, services and facilities.

Accommodation. Each of the Arenui's cabins have been decorated and furnished in a stylish and inspirational manner according to a specific theme. The Arenui can host a maximum of 16 passengers who can luxuriate in exceptionally spacious cabins that are tastefully furnished with exquisite handicrafts from each of the Indonesian provinces. Each cabin, which far surpasses anything one would expect to find on a liveaboard (starting from 17 square meters), has a private en-suite bathroom and individually controlled air conditioning. A king-size bed and separate salon area assures our guests' comfort. The Arenui can be your private sanctuary and second home, but one located amidst a constantly changing tropical landscape!



Services and facilities. On the Arenui, all amenities, such as a full range of massage and spa treatments, are included with the intent to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible at all times. We constantly strive to ensure that our service is attentive yet relaxed, and never intrusive. We believe that this individual service and our personalized touches on board will make your holiday an unforgettable one.

Meals. We have given the same attention to making our meals extraordinary, from the setting to the décor and choice of dishes. Rather than the typical dive liveaboard buffets, you will be able to choose from our daily A la carte menus. Our food is plentiful, fresh, and centered around local and flown-in ingredients and our internationally trained chefs then add in their own touch of magic, drawing inspiration from local and international cuisine. Even lovers of gourmet cuisine are sure to discover new taste experiences.

Leisure activities. In addition to providing the perfect setting for enjoying the beautiful surrounding scenery in between dives or at the end of the day, our Skydeck and Indoor Bars are equipped with a full range of leisure and recreational facilities such as an on board spa, a computer with internet connection, as well as an extensive selection of books and movies in our library/entertainment centre for your relaxing moments.

 

DIVE INDONESIA: DIVE AT THE HEART OF THE TRIANGLE OF BIODIVERSITY

This triangle is home to the world's most bio-diverse population of marine species with Indonesia representing its hottest spot. Nowhere else has a comparable density, not to mention diversity, of underwater creatures and life been recorded.

In order to fully appreciate the exceptional status of this region, suffice it to say that the whole Caribbean area has only 9% of the corals and 35% of the fish species found in Indonesian waters.

The reason for such a big difference is that the entire area of the Atlantic Ocean underwent a mass extinction of species during the last ice age. All types of corals and animals vanished during this period and the other species never regained the strength of their former numbers.

In Indonesia - the centre of this biodiversity triangle - the variety seen underwater is truly astonishing. In certain bays and around small islands, you can find more species than in the entire Caribbean. In a research report conducted in 1997 on the island of Flores, respected marine biologists Rudie Kuiter and Gerald Allen counted 1,133 species of fish just in Maumere bay. This is still the highest number of species of fish ever counted in a specific area.

In Wakatobi, the recorded number of species of fish is at least 430, and in Raja Ampat, the same Gerald Allen, world-famous ichthyologist, counted the incredible number of 284 different species of fish counted during a single dive. In the same area, 465 different species of corals were found. As a result, scientists nowadays believe that this destination is the world's current no. 1 spot in terms of biodiversity.

Other world-class hubs of biodiversity include Manado and Lembeh, Central and South Sulawesi, Komodo, Flores, Alor and the Banda Sea, to name just a few. It should therefore come as no surprise that these hotspots are considered among the ultimate destinations for divers.

REVEL IN A MAJESTIC ARRAY OF SUPERB NATURAL ATTRACTIONS:
UNSPOILED CORAL GARDENS, VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES AND UNEXPLORED TURQUOISE CAYS

Straddling the equator, Indonesia is a tropical island paradise made up of 14,000 islands, many of which are noted as world-class diving destinations. The stunning natural wealth of this archipelago, even when considering its individual attractions, is enough to make most other travel spots green with envy. If you are looking for an idyllic tropical setting with great diving right at your doorstep and unforgettable natural wonders, a trip to Indonesia is a must.

Even though there is no way for this website to touch on all that Indonesia has to offer, here is a brief glimpse at some of the highlights:

There is truly something for everyone. Indonesia can rightfully boast of landscapes consisting of palm-fringed tropical islands, heavenly white-sand beaches, majestic wildernesses, towering mountains, an impressive chain of volcanoes and the world’s best underwater spots.

For those with an itch to explore, you can search for the legendary "Komodo Dragon" on the island of the same name, explore the lush habitat of the "Bird of Paradise", enjoy kayaking and bird watching in the coastal mangroves or trek through superb national parks. The Cenderawasih natural reserve offers both iridescent corals underwater and great trekking opportunities as parts of visits to fascinating traditional villages.

But if your idea of a holiday is pure relaxation, you can also just relish the wonderful warmth of the sun on the legendary beaches on Bali after a drift dive through exquisite coral gardens. Nusa Tengara and North Sulawesi are famed for their underwater landscapes and the breathtaking beauty of the remote Maluku Islands can be enjoyed from our beautiful sundeck.

And, of course, for those happiest in the underwater realm, you will not be disappointed! The uniqueness of West Papua, a largely ignored region which is home to the world’s highest and most species-rich island, will leave you with fantastic memories to last a lifetime. The reefs and beaches of the Togean Islands provide spectacular diving amidst a perfect tropical island setting. Komodo of course is considered the quintessential dive destination but you shouldn't overlook the opportunity to discover the natural marine richness and the unusual rarity of places like the Raja Ampat Archipelago, which has been called a "Lost World", a jewel both on land and at sea.

And this is only a brief glimpse at the country's charms! Indonesia still has many areas waiting to be discovered. Come join us in our explorations of the hundreds of untouched islands surrounded by enchanting coral reefs that await you!

THIS TRIP IS LIMITED TO SIXTEEN PERSON - PLEASE CALL US FOR PRICING!

[ Price excludes international airfare. Please review notices below. ]

*All rates, inclusions and taxes are subject to change without notice until final booking. Price based on double occupancy. Rates do not include US arrival/departure taxes or international airport tax. Total dives subject to oceanic conditions. $500 non-refundable deposit required per diver. Full payment due 90 days prior to departure date. Ocean Adventures strongly recommends that each traveler purchase aside from the regular dive insurance, "Travel Insurance" to insure against unexpected events which may interrupt their travel. Ocean Adventures recommends travel insurance by D.A.N. (Divers Alert Network). Ocean Adventures is not responsible for events which may interrupt a traveler's ability to travel.

 

Send an e-mail to [email protected] with your questions, request trip itinerary or to sign up for this amazing journey! Visit Arenui's website for more info and pictures here