jeremyl
Contributor
I've had it in my mind for a while to do a land-based tour of Raja Ampat... and I think the time has come. I'm visiting Perth so I've already made the long trek from the US of A, and I have time on my hands. I finish in Perth at the end of Jan so it's prime RA4 season. I've just started to piece together specifics but mostly wondering how far and wide to go.
I've been to Raja 2X before, both on Mermaid LOB's... in 2015 and 2018... long overdue to return!
So far it seems basing myself on/near Kri for a bit is a must. And probably a bit on Arborek Island, and around the Pam Islands. And prob one or two more spots.
Unfortunatly the better-rep'd dive shops and resorts are fairly booked up since I'm very late in planning. From the '10 weeks' TR I got some great ideas on OP's to pick from, but very much welcome more recommendations (or warnings). As with that report, I do not value luxury, but I do not mind spending a bit more for comfort.... a happy medium if you will. I will have to rent gear so an OP with good gear is a must. I have mask/computer/torch. I might pick up a reg before going as mine is due for an upgrade, but gear in Australia is spendy.
As far as the root of the post goes, I'm looking for advise where to base myself in central RA for variety in diving. Bouncing around a few of the main central islands for perhaps 5 dive-days each seems most appropriate.
I'm travelling solo so I do get lonely... being at less isolated spots/resports is nice in that regard. Also they sometimes wont go out with few guests, or charge more. I also speak only English.
I am considering a S. Raja LOB just ot make the trip complete (going there and not diving Misool could be a MisTake! There are two LOB's that fit my timing and are 'budget' - one being Big Blue... which is a Southern itinerary with 6 of 10 days in Misool, and the other is Ilike on a 12D Triton Bay / Raja trip (20% discounted currently) so I would add another destination... but even discounted it is not inexpensive.
I don't know of land-based Misool OP's besides the the spendy ones... but it seems they have been popping up, and there is now a daily public boat. So perhaps I can make that part land-based and really stretch the budget. But OVERALL as I'm typing this it seems going on Big Blue might be a good idea.. it would be at the end of my trip.
Let the ideas pour forth!
Thanks,
Jeremy
I've been to Raja 2X before, both on Mermaid LOB's... in 2015 and 2018... long overdue to return!
So far it seems basing myself on/near Kri for a bit is a must. And probably a bit on Arborek Island, and around the Pam Islands. And prob one or two more spots.
Unfortunatly the better-rep'd dive shops and resorts are fairly booked up since I'm very late in planning. From the '10 weeks' TR I got some great ideas on OP's to pick from, but very much welcome more recommendations (or warnings). As with that report, I do not value luxury, but I do not mind spending a bit more for comfort.... a happy medium if you will. I will have to rent gear so an OP with good gear is a must. I have mask/computer/torch. I might pick up a reg before going as mine is due for an upgrade, but gear in Australia is spendy.
As far as the root of the post goes, I'm looking for advise where to base myself in central RA for variety in diving. Bouncing around a few of the main central islands for perhaps 5 dive-days each seems most appropriate.
I'm travelling solo so I do get lonely... being at less isolated spots/resports is nice in that regard. Also they sometimes wont go out with few guests, or charge more. I also speak only English.
I am considering a S. Raja LOB just ot make the trip complete (going there and not diving Misool could be a MisTake! There are two LOB's that fit my timing and are 'budget' - one being Big Blue... which is a Southern itinerary with 6 of 10 days in Misool, and the other is Ilike on a 12D Triton Bay / Raja trip (20% discounted currently) so I would add another destination... but even discounted it is not inexpensive.
I don't know of land-based Misool OP's besides the the spendy ones... but it seems they have been popping up, and there is now a daily public boat. So perhaps I can make that part land-based and really stretch the budget. But OVERALL as I'm typing this it seems going on Big Blue might be a good idea.. it would be at the end of my trip.
Let the ideas pour forth!
Thanks,
Jeremy