WAOW

The captain and crew of Water vacation Ocean Wide, WAOW, are ready to welcome you aboard their new liveaboard dive boat, a luxury three-masted sailing vessel constructed entirely of wood. As it travels the entire Indonesian Archipelago, WAOW will provide the ultimate scuba diving experience as it takes you to remote and beautifully mythical destinations. The WAOW travels 12 distinct itineraries in and around Indonesia’s warm seas.

The Republic of Indonesia is an archipelago consisting of more than 10,000 islands that span some 3,100 miles (5,000 km.). Indonesia straddles the equator to the south of both the Philippines and Malaysia, and just north of Australia. An abundance of marine life populates the waters surrounding these islands, as nutrient rich oceans and currents converge. In order to seek out the best dive spots available at the time of your cruise, your actual itinerary will be up to the Cruise Director’s discretion, and may vary depending on weather and sea conditions. All dives will be made from a dive tender. Water temperatures average between 75° and 81°F (24°-27°C). Because of the number of dives you will be making each day, it is recommended that you wear a wetsuit between 5 and 7mm. Water temperatures can be even cooler in the Komodo region. Therefore, a 7mm. wetsuit or 5mm. wetsuit with a hood is recommended.

Six of WAOW’s magical excursions take place in the area of Komodo National Park: Dragons & Gods LB, Dragons & Gods BB, West Meets East, Total Komodo, Dragon Tales BL, and Dragon Tales MB. Komodo National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is located in the Flores Sea, 300 nautical miles east of Bali, and is comprised of three larger islands: Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. It is home to more than 70 species of sponges, 1,000 species of fish, and nearly 400 species of reef-building corals. Sharks, turtles, dolphins, and other large pelagics populate these waters, as do smaller critters such as Pygmy Seahorses, Frogfish, and Nudibranchs. The underwater terrain varies from calm, sandy flats, to dramatic vertical walls and pinnacles. At the island of Rinca you will go ashore in search of the unique Komodo Dragons in the wild. While on Rinca you will also see Flying Lizards and Megapode Birds. The scenery both above and below the water is stunning, enticing scuba divers and travelers from all over the world. The other six excursions travel to largely unexplored waters, making them ideal for vacationsome divers.

Dragons & Gods LB

Highlights of this 11-day cruise departing from Labuan Bajo Harbor include black sand diving, colorful muck diving, challenging dives in strong currents, dolphin and manta dives, colorful reefs, and a trek ashore to see the Komodo Dragons. You will make a minimum of 23 dives, and for the most part, the seas will be calm and the weather tropical with sun and a pleasant sea breeze. The water temperature averages 81°F (27°C), but can be as cold as 65°-72°F (18°-22°C) towards the south.

At Gili Lawa Laut you will experience Komodo’s savannah-like scenery and enjoy turquoise blue water, white sandy beaches, and rocky surfaces. Look for schooling fish in this diver’s paradise. Another dive site you may visit is Current City, where the currents play a role in bringing the reefs to life. You will see abundant fish everywhere, but have good chances to spot bigger fish such as sharks and other pelagics near the rocks and reefs where the current flows.

At Padar Island, the diving changes completely. The clear, warm waters of the Pacific become murky and plankton-rich. These waters attract tons of marine life, both big and small. Diving at Nusa Kode is a photographer’s paradise. Here the reefs are completely covered with soft and hard corals, sponges, crinoids, Sea Apples, Sea Fans, Whip and Wire Coral, and other types of critters. As you move on to Manta Alley, you will dive with lots of Manta Rays. The waters are thick with plankton, reducing visibility somewhat, but the mantas are everywhere. When water temperatures dip, you may even be fortunate enough to spot Mola Mola.

Dives around Gili Banta are breathtaking. You will experience steep slopes and pinnacles with fast currents. Look for beautiful hard and soft corals as well as critters in waters with excellent visibility. Sangeang Volcano’s two peaks and beautiful scenery will delight you. Look for colorful anemones, crinoids, sponges, long Whip Corals, Black Coral, and Sea Fans, all surrounded by fine black volcanic sand and teeming with bright reef fish. At Sumbawa and Moyo Island, you will experience a sandy slope and muck diving. Critters you will see include Mimic Octopus, Wonderpus, Nudibranchs, Sea Horses, Zebra Crabs, and so much more.

Dragons & Gods BB

Highlights of this 12-day cruise departing from Benoa Harbor include black sand diving, colorful muck diving, challenging dives in strong currents, dolphin and manta dives, colorful reefs, and a trek ashore to see the Komodo Dragons. You will make a minimum of 25 dives, and for the most part, the seas will be calm and the weather tropical with sun and a pleasant sea breeze. The water temperature averages 81°F (27°C), but can be as cold as 65°-72°F (18°-22°C) towards the south.

Moyo and Satonda Island, with warm clear waters, present a variety of reef fish. Angel reef slope offers a beautiful dive and Satonda has a fresh water lake. Sangeang Volcano with its rainbow dives will delight you. Look for colorful anemones, crinoids, sponges, long Whip Corals, Black Coral, and Sea Fans, all surrounded by fine black volcanic sand and teeming with bright reef fish. At Gili Lawa Laut you will experience Komodo’s savannah-like scenery and enjoy turquoise blue water, white sandy beaches, and rocky surfaces. Look for schooling fish in this diver’s paradise.

Another dive site you may visit is Current City, where the currents play a role in bringing the reefs to life. You will see abundant fish everywhere, but have good chances to spot bigger fish such as sharks and other pelagics near the rocks and reefs where the current flows. At Padar Island, the diving changes completely. The clear, warm waters of the Pacific become murky and plankton-rich. These waters attract tons of marine life, both big and small.

Diving at Nusa Kode is a photographer’s paradise. Here the reefs are completely covered with soft and hard corals, sponges, crinoids, Sea Apples, Sea Fans, Whip and Wire Coral, and other types of critters. As you move on to Manta Alley, you will dive with lots of Manta Rays. The waters are thick with plankton, reducing visibility somewhat, but the mantas are everywhere. When water temperatures dip, you may even be fortunate enough to spot Mola Mola. Diving at Bima is for muck lovers in search of critters. Here you will find Mimic Octopus, Wonderpus, Seahorses, Sawblade Shrimp, Stonefish, Zebra Crabs, numerous Frogfish, and countless varieties of Nudibranchs. This itinerary also includes the Dragonwalk in the savannah of Rinca Island.

West Meets East

Highlights of this 12-day cruise departing from Benoa Harbor include black sand diving, colorful muck diving, challenging dives in strong currents, dolphin and manta dives, colorful reefs, and a trek ashore to see the Komodo Dragons. You will make a minimum of 24 dives, and for the most part, the seas will be calm and the weather tropical with sun and a pleasant sea breeze. The water temperature averages 81°F (27°C), but can be as cold as 65°-72°F (18°-22°C) towards the south.

Moyo and Satonda Island, with warm clear waters, present a variety of reef fish. Angel reef slope offers a beautiful dive and Satonda has a fresh water lake. At Sumbawa and Moyo Island, you will experience a sandy slope and muck diving. Critters you will see include Mimic Octopus, Wonderpus, Nudibranchs, Sea Horses, Zebra Crabs, and so much more.

Sangeang Volcano with its rainbow dives will delight you. Look for colorful anemones, crinoids, sponges, long Whip Corals, Black Coral, and Sea Fans, all surrounded by fine black volcanic sand and teeming with bright reef fish. At Gili Lawa Laut you will experience Komodo’s savannah-like scenery and enjoy turquoise blue water, white sandy beaches, and rocky surfaces. Look for schooling fish in this diver’s paradise.

Just north of Flores lies Pulau Palue, with deep crystal clear turquoise blue waters. Underwater you will see mainly slopes and then sheer drop offs to the depths. On the north coast of Flores is the beautiful bay of Maumere, once considered the most diverse spot on earth. In season you will probably encounter sharks and large rays, as well as Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales, Whale Sharks, and dolphins cruising around the bay. The abundance of macro life keeps divers busy and fascinated for hours. This itinerary also includes the Dragonwalk in the savannah of Rinca Island.

Total Komodo

Highlights of this 10-day cruise departing from Bima Harbor include black sand diving, colorful muck diving, challenging dives in strong currents, dolphin and manta dives, colorful reefs, and a trek ashore to see the Komodo Dragons. You will make a minimum of 21 dives, and for the most part, the seas will be calm and the weather tropical with sun and a pleasant sea breeze. The water temperature averages 81°F (27°C), but can be as cold as 65°-72°F (18°-22°C) towards the south.

Dragon Tales BL

Highlights of this 8-day cruise departing from Bima Harbor include black sand diving, colorful muck diving, challenging dives in strong currents, dolphin and manta dives, colorful reefs, and a trek ashore to see the Komodo Dragons. You will make a minimum of 15 dives, and for the most part, the seas will be calm and the weather tropical with sun and a pleasant sea breeze. The water temperature averages 81°F (27°C), but can be as cold as 65°-72°F (18°-22°C) towards the south.

Diving at Nusa Kode is a photographer’s paradise. Here the reefs are completely covered with soft and hard corals, sponges, crinoids, Sea Apples, Sea Fans, Whip and Wire Coral, and other types of critters. As you move on to Manta Alley, you will dive with lots of Manta Rays. The waters are thick with plankton, reducing visibility somewhat, but the mantas are everywhere. When water temperatures dip, you may even be fortunate enough to spot Mola Mola. At Padar Island, the diving changes completely. The clear, warm waters of the Pacific become murky and plankton-rich. These waters attract tons of marine life, both big and small.

Pulau Tenggah dive site is also known as Dead Man’s Island. While it may sound scary, Pulau Tenggah is one of the most beautiful dive sites of this trip. When the current is running, the reef comes to life. Here you will see hard coral gardens in the shallows, as well as steep slopes containing cracks that are covered with soft corals, Sea Fans, and sponges. Around the corner you will find small pinnacles replete with reef fish. This itinerary also includes the Dragonwalk in the savannah of Rinca Island.

Dragon Tales MB

Highlights of this 10-day cruise departing from Maumere Harbor include black sand diving, colorful muck diving, challenging dives in strong currents, dolphin and manta dives, colorful reefs, and a trek ashore to see the Komodo Dragons. You will make a minimum of 21 dives, and for the most part, the seas will be calm and the weather tropical with sun and a pleasant sea breeze. The water temperature averages 81°F (27°C), but can be as cold as 65°-72°F (18°-22°C) towards the south.

On the north coast of Flores is the beautiful bay of Maumere, once considered the most diverse spot on earth. In season you will probably encounter sharks and large rays, as well as Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales, Whale Sharks, and dolphins cruising around the bay. The abundance of macro life keeps divers busy and fascinated for hours. Just north of Flores lies Pulau Palue, with deep crystal clear turquoise blue waters. Underwater you will see mainly slopes and then sheer drop offs to the depths.

Dives around Gili Banta are breathtaking. You will experience steep slopes and pinnacles with fast currents. Look for beautiful hard and soft corals as well as critters in waters with excellent visibility. Sangeang Volcano’s two peaks and beautiful scenery will delight you. Look for colorful anemones, crinoids, sponges, long Whip Corals, Black Coral, and Sea Fans, all surrounded by fine black volcanic sand and teeming with bright reef fish. This itinerary also includes the Dragonwalk in the savannah of Rinca Island.

Secrets of Seram

Highlights of this 12-day cruise departing from Ambon Bay include unspoiled dive sites, wall drift dives, new lava flows, unexpected encounters, and clear, warm waters. The current can be varied as it depends on the moon phase. This destination is not for beginning divers, but rather for advanced vacation-seeking divers. You will make a minimum of 25 dives. While the climate is determined by the monsoon winds, you will enjoy refreshing breezes onboard, and for the most part, the seas will be calm. The water temperature averages 81°-86°F (27°-30°C).

The Seram Sea is far off the typical Indonesian tourist circuit. Host to more than 1,000 islands, some are volcanic and thick with vegetation while others are coral atolls. There is great exploratory scuba diving to be had here. This excursion covers the Coral Triangle, considered the most bio-diverse marine region on earth. Seram is diverse in terms of both species and dive sites. You can expect soft and hard corals, Sea Fans, beds of sea grass, shallow reefs, mangroves, drop offs, muck, and caves. Fish abound, and range in size from Pygmy Seahorses to gigantic predators. Natural sunlight adds to the beauty of this locale, illuminating the brightly colored soft corals that are close to the surface.

The intensity of marine life at Ambon Bay is unparalleled. Critters seek shelter from the passing currents in small coves while enjoying the nutrient rich waters. This site is home to some unusual species such as Psychedelic Frogfish as well as Moray Eels, Ribbon Eels, Sea Moths, and Stonefish. There are great photo opportunities at the Ambon shipwreck, a Dutch cargo vessel that sank during the 1950s.

You can enjoy an unspoiled reef when diving around Suanggi, Pulau Ai, or Batu Kapal. This area serves as an oasis for all the pelagics that cruise the hard coral reefs in search of fish. There are a variety of good dive sites around Banda. Banda’s harbor has black sand and Pohon Miring has volcanic rock. Here you can muck dive with Flying Gurnards with their large blue-hued pectoral fins. In Banda Neira Harbor you will find Sea Moths, Mandarin Fish, and Nudibranchs.

The areas of Karang Hatta and Pulau Hatta have spectacular reef. You will encounter hundreds of Redtooth Triggerfish and schools of Fusiliers. Along the steep slopes, look for Napoleon Wrasses, Mackerels, Reef Sharks, and Jacks. The overhangs, cracks, and ledges on the vertical walls are brilliant with color. Nearby you might spot a Hammerhead Shark or Mola Mola.

Pulau Koon is considered a top dive site with its profusion of fish and healthy and vibrant coral. The reef teems with life and is absolutely stunning. At Fiabatjet you can dive at the Windows, where two rocks are connected by beautiful soft coral. You can just feel the constant pounding of the waters as it crashes through these window-like arches. Dogtooth Tuna feed in the surges while schooling Bannerfish catch the bits of plankton floating in the current. Sea Fans, corals, and schools of baitfish cover the reef.

Each dive at Daram is different. Pastel soft corals cover the reef with pinks and purples. Jutting out from the steep slopes and walls are enormous Barrel Sponges and red and white Sea Fans. The fish life here is excellent. You can expect to see Surgeonfish, Fusiliers, Barracuda, and Anthias.

The small, mushroom-like islands of Farondi form a labyrinth of lagoons interlaced with sparkling white sand. Misool, with its rich bio-diversity, presents rocky outcrops, limestone arches, and massive seamounts overgrown with life. Look for Glassfish, Tuna, Golden Jacks, and Mobula Rays.

At Dampier Strait you will thrill to the show put on by the magnificent Manta Rays. You can observe them perform their graceful acrobatics while simultaneously being cleaned of debris and parasites. There may be somewhat reduced visibility here due to strong currents—currents bringing the plankton off which the Mantas feed. Excellent photo opportunities abound here and also at Sardine Reef, Cape Kri, and Mioskon. Rainbow-colored crinoids and vibrant soft corals reside on beautiful hard coral bommies. Here you will also see Snappers, Glassfish, schooling Surgeonfish, Batfish, and Barracuda. Ashore at Banda Neira you will be able to see Gunung Api, an active volcano rising 2,132 feet (650 m.) above sea level.

Spices & Snakes

Highlights of this 13-day cruise departing from Maumere Harbor include unspoiled dive sites, wall drift dives, a sea of snakes, unexpected encounters, volcano sightseeing, and clear, warm waters. The current can be varied as it depends on the moon phase. This destination is not for beginning divers, but rather for advanced vacation-seeking divers. You will make a minimum of 26 dives. While the climate is determined by the monsoon winds, you will enjoy refreshing breezes onboard, and for the most part, the seas will be calm. The water temperature averages 81°-86°F (27°-30°C).

The Banda Sea contains huge, mountainous island chains that result in stunning scenery both above and under water. Some are volcanic and thick with vegetation while others are coral atolls. There is great exploratory scuba diving to be had here. This excursion covers the Coral Triangle, considered the most bio-diverse marine region on earth. The Spices & Snakes excursion follows two routes, the North Route, presumably the “comfortable” route, and the Eastern Route, which is WAOW’s preferred route when conditions allow. What follows is a sampling of the North Route.

On the north coast of Flores is the beautiful bay of Maumere, once considered the most diverse spot on earth. You will find coral reefs with steep walls covered with hard corals and large sea fans along the outer edge of the bay. There are excellent dive sites in the area of Lembata Island. Sheer walls, overhangs, and plateaus covered with hard corals, as well as sightings of reef sharks add to the thrill of this dive.

The Bay of Alor, with its three volcanic islands, is surrounded by fauna-rich waters that provide world class scuba diving. Vertical sheer walls, small coves, and sloping silky sanded areas with swift currents provide the nutrients needed by the amazing variety of critters that take shelter in this area. In addition to the colorful corals, you will sight rare pelagics and critters along the seabed.

There are excellent drop offs, colorful reefs, and an abundance of fish life along the coast of Pulau Wetar. Visibility is very good here thanks to the deep waters of the Banda Sea. You will see not only fish swimming among Sea Fans, Barrel Sponges, and coral, but also pelagics making their way along the wall.

Gunung Api, sitting in the middle of the Banda Sea, last erupted in 1988 and covered the reef in lava. Amazingly, the reef has since recovered. This volcano is home to an incredible variety of birds: Boobies, Frigates, Terns, and Red-tailed Tropic birds. Interestingly, this island is also home to upwards of thousands of banded and olive sea snakes. Completely harmless, their curiosity gets the better of them as they swim right toward you, and even appear to pose for the camera as they try to get a look at their own reflection.

The five atolls that comprise Lucipara Atoll are the tops of undersea mountains. The beautiful crystalline waters surrounding these mountains contain Barrel Sponges, Rainbow Runners, Dogtooth Tunas, Jacks, Barracudas, and schooling Surgeonfish. Sheer walls make for excellent diving. You may see Green Turtles nesting in the sands on the uninhabited beaches around the atolls.

In Banda Neira you can muck dive with Flying Gurnards with their large blue-hued pectoral fins. Around the Banda Neira Harbor you will find Sea Moths, Mandarin Fish, and Nudibranchs. You can enjoy an unspoiled reef when diving around Pulau Suanggi and Pulau Ai. This area serves as an oasis for all the pelagics that cruise the hard coral reefs in search of fish. You will see an abundance of Napoleon Wrasses, Hawksbill Turtles, Green Turtles, Rainbow Runners, and huge schools of Barracuda.

The Eastern Route of the Spices & Snakes itinerary visits many of the same dive sites as the North Route. New to this itinerary and waiting to be explored are Dusborgh Reef and Nil Desperandum, a volcanic island and submerged reef in the middle of the Banda Sea. Similar to Gunung Api, an abundance of birds and snakes populate Manoek Island, also a new dive site along the Eastern Route. Here you can smell the sulphur and see the steam as it rises from one of the vents on the side of this volcanic island.

Halmahera’s Crown

Highlights of this 12-day cruise departing from Sorong include unspoiled dive sites, wall drift dives, black sand dives, unexpected encounters, critters and schooling fish, and clear, warm waters. The current can be varied and you may find a reef hook helpful. This destination is for divers seeking vacation on untouched reef and in the large unexplored area of Halmahera. You will make a minimum of 22 dives. While the climate is determined by the monsoon winds, you will enjoy refreshing breezes onboard, and for the most part, the seas will be calm. March to November is the dry season. The water temperature averages 81°-86°F (27°-30°C).

The Halmahera Sea is located in the easternmost part of Indonesia. This cruise covers approximately 650 nautical miles as it takes you across three major Seas of Indonesia: the Seram, the Banda, and the Maluku. You will experience a variety of reefs with their vertical walls, slopes, ridges, mucky mangroves, sea mounts, pinnacles, and lagoons. From Pygmy Seahorses to giant predators, you will see them all.

At Fiabatjet you can dive at the Windows, where two rocks are connected by beautiful soft coral. You can just feel the constant pounding of the waters as it crashes through these window-like arches. At the Blue Water Mangroves visibility is very good. The incoming tide supplies the mangroves with crystal clear water, so clear that the schooling fish appear to be dancing among the clouds reflected on the water.

Pulau Pisang is surrounded by very deep water. The dive sites at this island are steep sloping reefs with swim-throughs and overhangs. Here you will see an enormous amount of schooling fish.

Patinti Strait holds beautiful reefs full of orange soft corals replete with Anthias, and bommies covered in large brilliantly-colored soft corals. Residents here include Reef Sharks, White- and Black-tipped Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, and Mantas. This site provides good drift diving, while other sites around Patinti Strait offer excellent day and night dive sites. The calm bays provide shelter for numerous critters.

The Pulau Goraici group has some of the most amazing fish life in Halmahera, and offers many great dive sites. Hard and soft corals cover the reefs. You will also see Red and Black Snapper, large Dogtooth Tuna, Napoleon Wrasses and Reef Sharks.

Tifore lies in the deep open sea of Maluku. Mainly plateaus with steep slopes and sheer walls, the clear blue water provides great visibility and gets your adrenalin going.

The volcanic black sand at Lembeh Strait is home to many strange, wonderful critters. Divers seem to disappear during their muck dives here, as they search for rare critters along the sea bed. The other side of Lembeh Strait has colorful reefs and an abundance of reef fish and critters.
Heaven on Earth

Highlights of this 12-day cruise departing from Sorong include unspoiled dive sites, plentiful soft and black coral, Pygmy Seahorses, warm waters, and lagoon sight-seeing. The currents are mild although they can be varied. This destination is for the more vacationsome diver. You will make a minimum of 24 dives. The climate is tropical and you will enjoy a nice breeze in the evening. For the most part, the seas will be calm. The water temperature averages 81°-86°F (27°-30°C). Visibility can be as low as 16-33 feet (5-10 m.).

Just off Bird’s Head Peninsula at the western tip of New Guinea is Raja Ampat, one of the few remaining underwater biodiversity hotspots in the world. This archipelago, with more than 1,800 different species of animals and dramatically changing topography, extends from Raja Ampat to the bay of Triton. This excursion ventures to the southern limits of Raja Ampat, into the mostly unexplored waters of the Triton Regency.

At Fiabatjet you can dive at the Windows, where two rocks are connected by beautiful soft coral. You can just feel the constant pounding of the waters as it crashes through these window-like arches. Dogtooth Tuna feed in the surges while schooling Bannerfish catch the bits of plankton floating in the current. Sea Fans, corals, and schools of baitfish cover the reef.

Pulau Koon is considered a top dive site with its profusion of fish and healthy and vibrant coral. The reef teems with life and is absolutely stunning. Pulau Pisang is surrounded by very deep water. The dive sites at this island are steep sloping reefs with swim-throughs and overhangs. Here you will see an enormous amount of schooling fish, turtles, Napoleon Wrasses, and Fusiliers.

The highest number of species ever to be counted on a single site occurred at Papisoi, where Dr. Gerry Allan counted 330 species. Papisoi’s landscape is unique; the channels and bays lead to a lush tropical forest.

Known for its underwater beauty and immense biodiversity, Triton Bay is believed to be home to numerous species of fish, coral, and shrimp that are endemic to this region. On night dives you might encounter an Epaulette Shark, appearing to walk along the sea floor. Another dive site in Triton Bay is Aiduma, with its combination of shallow waters and deep basins. Invertebrates are everywhere, as are tunicates, encrusting sponges, and soft and hard coral. At this site you will also see large Groupers, Mackerels, Jacks, Wobbegongs, and an abundance of small critters.

Many consider Larry’s Heaven in Triton Bay to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. The colors and diversity of marine life here is spectacular. You will see fields of soft coral, Sea Fans, and a thick forest of black coral trees covering virtually the entire reef. When the water rushes through the channel, the reef springs to life with fish of every type and size.

Treasures of Four Kings

Highlights of this 12-day cruise departing from Sorong include unspoiled dive sites, forests of Sea Fans, Pygmy Seahorses, critters, schooling fish, big fish, warm waters, and lagoon sight-seeing. The currents are mild although they can be varied. You will make a minimum of 25 dives. The climate is tropical and you will enjoy a nice breeze in the evening. For the most part, the seas will be calm. The water temperature averages 81°-86°F (27°-30°C). Visibility can be as low as 16-33 feet (5-10 m.).

Just off Bird’s Head Peninsula at the western tip of New Guinea is Raja Ampat, one of the few remaining underwater biodiversity hotspots in the world with more than 1,800 different species of animals. Also known as the Four Kings, Raja Ampat is an archipelago consisting of four large islands (Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool) and countless smaller sand and rock islands, all presenting a vast diversity of dives. You will experience shallow reefs, mangroves, drop offs, caves, and white sand. WAOW travels two distinct itineraries on their Treasures of Four Kings excursions, the North route and the South route.

The North route departs from Sorong Harbor. Sardine Reef, Cape Kri, and Mioskon at Dampier Straits provide excellent diving with amazing photo opportunities. At Airborei you will thrill to the show put on by the magnificent Manta Rays. You can observe them perform their graceful acrobatics while simultaneously being cleaned of debris and parasites. There may be somewhat reduced visibility here due to strong currents—currents bringing the plankton off which the Mantas feed.

The sheltered waters of Aljui Bay provide a good habitat for a variety of critters. Encrusting marine life have overgrown the jetties, continually attracting critters such as Bobtail Squid, Blue Ring Octopus, Ghost Pipefish, Toadfish, and Ribbon Eel. The night dives here are not to be missed.

Wayag, with the most diverse underwater scenery in the area of Four Kings, offers beautiful ranges of hard coral gardens, colorful coral bommies replete with invertebrates, overhangs, and underwater caverns. The fish action is excellent when the current sweeps over the reef. One dive here and you will understand why this site is chosen for underwater images used in specialty dive magazines.

Kawe is an outstanding site due to the diverse marine life the waters attract here. You will see Wobbegong Sharks, Manta Rays, and schooling Barracudas. You will also experience vibrant reefs with multicolor Sea Fans.

Submerged ridges extend in all directions beneath Penemu’s surface. The currents whip schooling fish into feeding frenzies, huge schools of Fusiliers swarm above you and the reef beneath shows off its pastel colors, turtles, Anthias, and Napoleon Wrasses. At Fam, you will enjoy snorkeling in the shallows.

At Fiabatjet you can dive at the Windows, where two rocks are connected by beautiful soft coral. You can just feel the constant pounding of the waters as it crashes through these window-like arches. Dogtooth Tuna feed in the surges while schooling Bannerfish catch the bits of plankton floating in the current. Sea Fans, corals, and schools of baitfish cover the reef.

You can look for strange critters along Batanta’s coastline, with its combination of dark sand, small bays, and fresh water inlets. While muck diving, you may sight the rare Halimeda Ghost Pipefish, Mimic Octopus, and Wonderpus, Frogfish, Flamboyant Cuttlefish, and more. Other trips on this itinerary take you to visit a pearl farm, hiking limestone ridges, or enjoying a relaxing ride through the lagoons of Penemu.

The alternative South route journeys to many of the same sites as the North route. This itinerary also includes an amazing dive through tunnels and caverns, where you will encounter reef sharks at rest at the bottom.

Gems of Alor

Highlights of this 10-day cruise departing from Maumere Harbor include unspoiled dive sites, critters, drift diving along a wall, clear warm waters, unexpected encounters, and volcano sight-seeing. The currents can be strong, particularly between channels. You will make a minimum of 21 dives. The climate is tropical with sunshine and a sea breeze. For the most part, the seas will be calm. The water temperature averages 81°-86°F (27°-30°C).

The Alor island group, also known as East Nusa Tengarra, lies further east of Komodo National Park in the warm waters of the Flores Sea. This island chain has been identified as an important migration route for various species of whales and large schools of tuna. In addition, you will experience crystal blue waters, sparkling coral gardens teeming with reef fish, seamounts and ledges with amazing visibility, and remarkable critter hunting.

You will find gentle sloping coral reefs along the north coast of Adonara, with coral bommies on sandy patches. Critters are abundant here: Ornate Ghost Pipefish, Frogfish, Seahorses, Leaf Scorpion Fish, and Ribbon Eels.

There are excellent dive sites in the area of Lembata Island. Sheer walls, overhangs, and plateaus covered with hard corals, as well as sightings of reef sharks add to the thrill of this dive. At North East Flores, there is excellent diving at TJ Bunga. Shallow reef tops with hard and soft corals, crevices hiding macros such as Pygmy Seahorses and Ghost Pipefish, and larger pelagics such as sharks and Eagle Rays are often seen here.

On the north coast of Flores is the beautiful bay of Maumere, once considered the most diverse spot on earth. In season you will probably encounter sharks and large rays, as well as Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales, Whale Sharks, and dolphins cruising around the bay. The abundance of macro life keeps divers busy and fascinated for hours. This itinerary also includes an excursion to the Gunung Ile ape Volcano in Teluk Waihinga.

WAOW strives to provide discriminating vacationers and scuba divers with the highest quality and most innovative liveaboard experience possible. In addition to unmatched scuba diving, guests aboard the WAOW will enjoy excellent accommodations and delicious meals as part of their vacation package. The WAOW dive boat affords guests both safety and luxurious comfort as they travel to the most beautiful diving locations in the Indonesian Archipelago.

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