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I want to clarify the issue regarding muck diving. The snorkeler will almost certainly not have any interest in it. I am the more experienced diver. I did nearly a week of muck diving in the Philippines last year, and I, quite frankly, don't need a whole lot more to achieve my life's potential in that regard. In my experience, the people who were really digging the muck had huge cameras with macro lenses, and they were content to take 30-40 shots of flamboyant cuttlefish before moving on to the next adventure. The other two divers have never been muck diving, so they may enjoy some of it. None of us, though, will be bringing big camera rigs with macro lenses.
Summary: a little muck diving will be nice, but a little goes a long way, IMO.
Hi John - Its been a hectic two weeks, but here goes.
I agree with Mike V. - Bali is a nice starting and end point. The crowds have disappeared from Bali in October. My diving is more focused on seeking out healthy corals, lots of schooling fish, lack of overfishing, and apex predators. I am trying to wrap my head around a mixed dive trip with solid divers and a snorkeler. Much of the best diving in Indonesia (at least for flashy hard and soft coral, bait balls, oceans as they were 50 years ago) are tied to strong currents (a good DM will know the lunar cycle and tides). So start in Bali - relax and dealing with jet lag. I would go to Tulamben or Amed for a few days of diving. Amed has a few very nice boutique resorts with very good food. Farther up the coast is the Liberty wreck. A nice easy dive site that is assessable to a snorkeler. The shallow part of the wreck is at about 4 - 6 m depth. The snorkeler might be interested in a free dive class - the area has a few very good schools with experienced instructors that know the dive sites.
If time allows, visiting Nusa Penida for a few days is worthwhile. Conditions dependent, the north side drift dives are very nice and might be appropriate for a snorkeler (e.g., Toyapakeh). The commute from Padang Bai, Bali mainland to Nusa Penida varies, but can be bumpy at times. A big step up in dive quality is Komodo. The Komodo Islands offer significantly more healthy coral, fish, and less people that Bali. The downside is that Komodo may not be that suitable for snorkeling Some dive sites are fine for snorkeler, but in general, it is not that appropriate due to depth, current, and safety. The best conditions in Komodo offer strong currents, so make sure the divers are capable. I feel that the best way to experience Komodo is on a LoB. Although the Mermaid is a very nice boat, there are other choices and equally good boats that depart and return to Labuan Bajo (Flores Is). Its an short flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo. Thinking a bit out of the box, might consider going to Alor. Getting there is schlep, but you can easily get there in one day from Bali. Bali-Kupang-Alor flight, then a short ride along the north side of Kalahari Bay Bay to a boat pickup that takes you to Pantar Island (depart Bali at ~8am and arrive at the resort early afternoon). The resort on Pantar Island has only 6-7 cabins (two to a cabin), very nice food, a beautiful remote setting with experienced and safe dive guides. In addition, you will have a wonderful local reef for shore diving. Here, you will not see other divers or tourists, but if interested Papuan people and children. The diving is excellent and the resort might be able to give suggestions for the snorkeler.
Local culture - it would be nice to get a feeling about your group. Since Bali has been loved to death, it is set up for tourists. If you are interested in looking at beautiful and mostly unspoiled rice subaks, water temples, and local culture, consider hiring a min-van and driver and go to the area near Sidemen or Selat, on the southern flanks of Mount Agung. My wife and I work in Bali, so we have a good idea on nice places visit that are a bit away from the crowds and over development in Ubud. This area is easily accessible for a day from Amed or Tulamben. PM me if you have specific questions or recommendations. charlie
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