Question Seeking itinerary advice.

[uncfnp]

With Bali/Komodo planned for August 2024 I am looking for a Raja Ampat for Spring 2025, ideally February or March. Because of circumstances I am limited to just a few boat options so right now it looks like it will be the Mermaid I (same boat for Bali). I have a choice between a 9/10 day trip Sorong to Sorong or a 11/12 day trip from Lembeh to Sorong (or reversed). Obviously more logistics involved in the one way trip but ignoring that does anyone have an opinion on the two choices?

 

[av8torx]

Hi. I’ve been on liveaboards on the great barrier reef, PNG around Kimbe Bay and the Philippines in the Tubbataha reef. Shores dives all over Mexico and Central America, Red Sea , Florida keys I prefer pristine reefs with a mix big and small sea life Big Tuna schools and sharks are amazing to see. PNG offered a nice mix. Tubbataha vis was not that great. Thanks D

 

[cetacean]

Hi. I’ve been on liveaboards on the great barrier reef, PNG around Kimbe Bay and the Philippines in the Tubbataha reef. Shores dives all over Mexico and Central America, Red Sea , Florida keys I prefer pristine reefs with a mix big and small sea life Big Tuna schools and sharks are amazing to see. PNG offered a nice mix. Tubbataha vis was not that great. Thanks D

@av8torx

I would be very surprised if you saw too many divers in PNG.

Indonesia is not going to provide too many places with both great macro and great "big stuff" (other than reef scenes and possibly schools of fish). There are places in Indonesia that have very good "big stuff" - however Indonesia is not necessarily where to go for schools of sharks, etc.

To be honest - it's still very unclear what you are really looking for. There are places in Indonesia where you can consistenly get in the water with whalesharks, mantas, massive schools of fish, amazing critters, etc. (all different locations within Indonesia) but very few divers are going to Indonesia for sharks (as an example).

If you liked PNG, you should try the Solomon Islands. If you want sharks, try Cocos (liveaboard) or French Polynesia (land-based).

Tubbataha can be outstanding.... don't write up the location completely because of the ~7-8 days diving while you were there.