Laval
Contributor
This report details our third 18-day excursion to Sorido Bay Resort (SBR) in December 2023 - January 2024.
RESERVATION
As per usual, I arranged our reservation directly with the resort, my preferred method of booking. Booking directly also enrolls you in their loyalty program, granting 15% off on the second trip and 20% off on the third.
Given its remote location, I recommend a minimum stay of two weeks.
Communication via email with the resort was seamless, with prompt and detailed replies. They accept various payment methods, and I opted for TransferWise, simplifying transactions from Canada.
ACCOMMODATION
SBR is an intimate resort, hosting a maximum of 18 guests. With only seven bungalows - five Sentani (for 2 people) and two Kaimana (for up to 4 people) - booking well in advance, particularly during the holiday season, is advisable.
All bungalows are generously spacious, situated along a pristine sandy beach, approximately 10 meters from the water. The design and construction quality are exceptional, with durable fixtures throughout.
The rooms are notably spacious and inviting, featuring firm and comfortable bedding. The air conditioning is notably potent, ensuring personalized comfort levels.
Each bungalow has its own 'camera room,' equipped with a long table, camera washing sink, and international and US power outlets.
View from our deck.
DIVING
Diving experiences were extraordinary. With a diverse array of marine life and vibrant coral, divers may find themselves overwhelmed by the sensory richness, as aptly noted by one participant. Identifying the best dive site is challenging, given the ever-changing underwater landscape; returning to the same site on different days often reveals new marine wonders.
A consistent feature is the sizable school of sweetlips at Cape Kri, reliably spotted at approximately 35 – 40 meters. Mantas abound at Manta Ridge, often in close proximity to both each other and divers. However, luck was less favorable at Blue Magic, where sightings were scarce during our recent visits, likely due to high diver traffic.
Nevertheless, encounters with blacktip sharks, wobbegong sharks, crocodile fish, jacks, barracudas, and sweetlips were plentiful. Though currents in the Dampier Strait can be strong, guides exercise caution to ensure safety, even securing ropes for safety stops as needed.
Visibility during the 'manta' season (December - February) is somewhat compromised due to nutrient-rich waters teeming with plankton. According to resort staff, optimal visibility occurs from September to October, coinciding with visits from professional videographers.
EXCURSIONS
A highlight not to be missed is a day trip to the Fam Islands, featuring diving at Melissa Garden,one of my favorite dive sites.
RESERVATION
As per usual, I arranged our reservation directly with the resort, my preferred method of booking. Booking directly also enrolls you in their loyalty program, granting 15% off on the second trip and 20% off on the third.
Given its remote location, I recommend a minimum stay of two weeks.
Communication via email with the resort was seamless, with prompt and detailed replies. They accept various payment methods, and I opted for TransferWise, simplifying transactions from Canada.
ACCOMMODATION
SBR is an intimate resort, hosting a maximum of 18 guests. With only seven bungalows - five Sentani (for 2 people) and two Kaimana (for up to 4 people) - booking well in advance, particularly during the holiday season, is advisable.
All bungalows are generously spacious, situated along a pristine sandy beach, approximately 10 meters from the water. The design and construction quality are exceptional, with durable fixtures throughout.
The rooms are notably spacious and inviting, featuring firm and comfortable bedding. The air conditioning is notably potent, ensuring personalized comfort levels.
Each bungalow has its own 'camera room,' equipped with a long table, camera washing sink, and international and US power outlets.
View from our deck.
DIVING
Diving experiences were extraordinary. With a diverse array of marine life and vibrant coral, divers may find themselves overwhelmed by the sensory richness, as aptly noted by one participant. Identifying the best dive site is challenging, given the ever-changing underwater landscape; returning to the same site on different days often reveals new marine wonders.
A consistent feature is the sizable school of sweetlips at Cape Kri, reliably spotted at approximately 35 – 40 meters. Mantas abound at Manta Ridge, often in close proximity to both each other and divers. However, luck was less favorable at Blue Magic, where sightings were scarce during our recent visits, likely due to high diver traffic.
Nevertheless, encounters with blacktip sharks, wobbegong sharks, crocodile fish, jacks, barracudas, and sweetlips were plentiful. Though currents in the Dampier Strait can be strong, guides exercise caution to ensure safety, even securing ropes for safety stops as needed.
Visibility during the 'manta' season (December - February) is somewhat compromised due to nutrient-rich waters teeming with plankton. According to resort staff, optimal visibility occurs from September to October, coinciding with visits from professional videographers.
EXCURSIONS
A highlight not to be missed is a day trip to the Fam Islands, featuring diving at Melissa Garden,one of my favorite dive sites.
