Indonesia
Forgotten Islands, Banda Sea & Raja Ampat – Oct/Nov 2023
Damai II – 11 Nights
Raja Ampat is one of the world’s top dive destinations for good reason. The abundance of colorful fish, beautiful hard and soft corals and interesting critters is hard to beat. Throw in a few large pelagics such as mantas and hammerheads and you have an unforgettable diving experience.
The 11 day trip on the Damai II, a luxury dive boat, embarks at Saumlaki and runs an itinerary through the Forgotten Islands of the Banda Sea and ends with several days of diving in Raja Ampat before disembarking in Sorong.
Dive Sites – Part 1
Dive Sites – Part 2
Dive Sites – Part 3
Logistics and Getting to Saumlaki
Post includes reviews of the Damai II as well as Spice Island Divers on Ambon and Hotel Bukit Indah on Saumlaki.
Siladen Dive Resort, Sulawesi, Indonesia – October 2023
Dive Sites at Siladen Resort
Siladen Island, a small island off the coast of Bunaken Island, has the same access to Bunaken National Park dive sites as staying on Bunaken. Most of the dive sites around Bunaken are walls, but there is also muck diving toward the Sulawesi mainland.
Siladen Resort and Spa
This upscale dive resort has a relaxed vibe and is popular with repeat guests.
Great Barrier Reef – Sept/Oct 2023
Spirit of Freedom – 7 Nights
Dives Sites Part 1
The highlight of the first part of the trip was Cod Hole where we met the famed giant potato cod. Many of the dive sites had great expanses of healthy coral and tons of colorful fish.
Dive Sites Part 2
The Shark Feed at Osprey Reef was the highlight of the second half of the 7 day trip. Again we had great dive sites with mostly healthy coral. Saw a hammerhead, a few turtles and cuttlefish.
Life on the Boat and Other Logistics
Philippines – May/June 2023
Subterranean River National Park, Palawan
With a free day in Puerto Princessa before a liveaboard, the impressive cave system, one of the largest in the world, is worth a daytrip.
When a Super Typhoon Upends Your Plans, Palawan
Diving El Nido and Sibaltan, Palawan
If visiting the area be sure to head to Sibaltan to check out the manta ray cleaning station. One of the few in the Philippines.
Diving Puerto Galera
The protected bay has a healthy reef system with colorful hard and soft corals, a variety of marine life including colorful fish, eels, nudibranchs, octopus and turtles.
Tubbataha with Stella Maris Explorer
The remote marine park off of Palawan island is only reachable by liveaboard. While there are numerous reef fish the protected park is known for the chance to see larger pelagic species – large rays and various sharks including hammerheads and even whale sharks.
Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean – July 2022
Dive Video and Photos
Video and photos from 10 different dive sites.
Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean – July 2021
Bonaire Dive Sites
For those looking for independent shore diving nothing beats Bonaire.
Sleeping and Dining on Bonaire
Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean – August 2018
Diving Bonaire: Taking your skills to the next level
Post discusses honing diving skills while learning underwater photography.
Bonaire, Review of VIP Diving
Review includes taking a PADI buoyancy course as well as renting equipment.
Sleeping and Dining on Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – May 2022
Diving with Whale Sharks
Although May is not typically whale shark season our trip produced numerous sightings of these amazing creatures. My top diving experience ever!
Sleeping and Dining in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
Puerto Ayora is the closest town to the Baltra Airport, one of the main entry points to the islands.
Review of EB Hotel, Quito
A well-run, comfortable and convenient hotel near the Quito airport.
Grenada, Caribbean – April 2022
Dive Sites
Post includes video and photos from 18 dive sites.
Review of Dive Grenada
This professionally run operation offers well organized small group dives with excellent service and attention to detail.
Day Trip Around Grenada
A day off from diving to explore this beautiful island.
Sleeping and Dining on Grenada
Cozumel and Tulum, Mexico – December 2019
Diving with Scuba Tony, Cozumel
Post discusses logistics and well as the dive sites we visited.
Sleeping and Dining, Cozumel
Diving Cenotes with Paulo, Tulum
One of the highlights of a trip to the Yucatan is diving the crystal clear fresh waters of the cenotes.
Sleeping and Dining, Tulum
Cabo San Lucas – Mexico, July 2019
Diving with Dive Cabo
Discusses dive sites out of Cabo San Lucas including shark sightings at Gordo Banks.
Review of Dive Cabo
While Dive Cabo is a professionally run outfit, it is hit or miss as to the quality of the guide and the services they provide.
Sleeping and Dining in Cabo San Lucas
Turneffe Atoll, Belize – April 2019
Diving Turneffe Atoll
So many great photos I divided the report in two parts. Highlights included dolphins, sharks, rays and moray eels.
Diving Turneffe Atoll Part II
Fishing at Turneffe Flats
Although the diving is fabulous the area is primarly know for fishing.
Turneffe Flats Review
This secluded resort, while not fancy, offers superb fishing and diving.
Grand Cayman, Caribbean – January 2019
Diving Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman island is an easy flight from Florida and a great place to practice your diving skills, with varied dive sites and a wide range of marine life.
Review – Advanced Open Water Course with Divetech
Divetech is a laidback outfit that will keep you safe and cover what is important.
Sleeping and Dining on Grand Cayman
Nosy Be, Madagascar – October 2016
Diving with Scuba Nosy Be
3 days of diving with Scuba Nosy Be, a very professional and well-run French owned outfit.
Nosy Lodge
A relaxing spot to end our trip. Post includes a review of the lodge and restaurant.
Aqaba, Jordan – May 2016
Diving in the Red Sea
The Gulf of Aqaba is a popular place for diving and snorkeling with wall, wreck and coral reef dive sites.
Sleeping and Dining in Aqaba