Best scuba destination for Xmas: Raja Ampat or The Philippines?

[Dan]

You survived Komodo current, so should be able to handle Raja Ampat current as well.

Xmas trip to Raja Ampat is very good timing. I did it in 2015. Already booked for another one for next year since this year Xmas I’ll be in Socorro.

Hopefully you get the 1 spot left in Samambaia.

Have fun!

 

[Dan]

I will beat @Dan_T to the enabling videos...Here is a great resource for you to see what the diving is like in Indo: Nu Parnupong

Aren’t Nu’s videos great? Especially those Ring of Fire ones

 

[krist3l]

I got the 1 spot on Samambaia!

Am I nuts for paying so much money?

 

[Dan]

$408/day is reasonable. I paid $448/day with the Blue Manta, but I was able to cut the cost to $373/day by rounding up my dive buddies as we can get 1 free of charge (FOC) spot for 5 paying spots, so all of us just paying 5/6 of the cost by splitting the FOC equally amongst 6 of us.

So plan ahead next time to get a better deal.

 

[outofofficebrb]

I got the 1 spot on Samambaia!

Am I nuts for paying so much money?

It's all relative...I think you'll come back saying it was all worth it. Congrats, I think the Samambaia is a great boat. I would have considered going to Raja Ampat again with that boat instead if the dates lined up better for me. Have a great time and be sure to tell us how you like it!

 

[Dan]

Trip Report: Raja Ampat on the Samambaia March 2018

 

[Dan]

Meet the Cruise Director of Samambaia:

 

[charlier]

The short answer is go to Raja Ampat - the diving in Indonesia far better than the Philippines. The Ambai is a nice boat with experienced dive guides and a friendly french vibe. I wonder if there is room on the Raja Manta or Blue Manta. Full disclosure, I used to work on White Manta.

 

[Dan]

Raja Manta & Blue Manta are full. That’s the reason I mentioned Samambaia.

 

[charlier]

Raja Manta & Blue Manta are full. That’s the reason I mentioned Samambaia.

OK, that makes sense. What about the Ambai?