February 23th   
As per usual, we welcomed our guests onboard at 12pm. This time we had a full boat with a group of very experienced divers. The dive guides were also pleased to learn we had an award-winning photographer and videographer onboard. After the very tasty traditional Indonesian buffet lunch we had our welcome briefing to familiarize everyone with the boat and safety procedures. At around 3pm we started our crossing to Misool, South Raja Ampat. 5:30pm, we had our Dive Safety Briefing, followed by a welcoming dinner. We had excellent sailing conditions with flat ocean and zero waves 

February 24th
Dive 1 – Warna Berwarna
With virtually no current.  All the divers could easily do their check dive while enjoying the beautiful colors of this dive site. Within a few minutes the guides pointed out pigmy seahorses. Amongst all the small macro marine life, we saw Bubble Coral shrimp, Crinoid shrimp, Orang Utan Crabs and a few busy Peacock Mantis shrimp. Away from the reef we spotted a few Barracudas and bluefin trevally darting in-and-out of the schools of small fish around the reef.
Dive 2 – Andiamo
Many divers spent a long time at the small pinnacle, a short distance from the island. Schools of small bait fish around the top making mesmerizing formations while they were being picked off one by one, by the trevally. For the second half of the dive, most divers spent their time around the shallow ridge with its beautiful coral and reef fish.
Dive 3 – Yillet Kecil
This site was for sure the highlight of the day. With the mild current, everyone could circumnavigate the entire island along the beautiful and relative shallow and gentle slopes. This time, instead of searching for macro life, all the divers enjoyed the stunning coral on the slopes and around the big boulders. Triggerfish nests being raided by wrasses, Clown trigger fish sparring off for their territory, all the while being surrounded by many species of fish a few feet above the reef. There was even a school of feeding Sardines doing the rounds. Many divers commented “It was like being inside a giant fish tank”.  
Dive 4 – Yillet Besar
Although we didn’t succeed in our objective to find Bobtail squid and Pigmy Squid, it was still a good dive with many decorator crabs and even more Basket Stars on the shallow reef.

February 25th 
Dive 1 – Boo Window
A day before full moon, the strong currents are here already. The current pushed all the divers along the ridge towards the pinnacle at the end of the ridge. Along the way we saw many Surgeon Fish sheltering close to the reef. Above us were many predator fish hunting the small fish in the current. A few divers got pushed over the ridge to where they could find shelter behind the ridge and big rocks. Now they were trapped. It was either, brave the current with strong kicks to get behind the small island, or call the dive and go up for the safety stop. A few decided to go for their safety stop while a few braved the current to the sheltered area behind the island where they could admire the beautiful coral while looking for macro life. All in a very quiet area, sheltered from the current. 
Dive 2 – Eagles Nest
To the delight of everyone, there was no current at Eagles nest. A beautiful seamount where we potentially can see Mantas from time-to-time. This time, only one black Reef Manta passed the reef, but at least, most divers saw it. For the rest of the dive, we enjoyed the colourful and abundant soft coral with schools of small bait fish being hunted in very clear water. At about 15ft, there was also a huge school of batfish, just hovering in place.
Dive 3 – Boo East
Again, we had good timing and could enjoy this dive site without any current. The edges of this ridge are littered with coral. From small orange soft coral to giant Gorgonian Sea Fans, decorated with black Crinoids. We saw a few Magnificent Anemones, closed up and showing off their colourful side while the small Pink Anemone Fish inside them were trying to fend of the Domino Fish. A few divers also saw a few Barramundis for the first time, while others enjoyed the company of a Green Sea Turtle scratching his back under a coral.
Dive 4 – Boo East Wall
Unfortunately, now there was a very strong current at the ridge, so we could not do out usual dive plan on top of the ridge at Boo East, looking for the “Walking Shark”. Only 5 guests decided to skip this dive, while the rest went diving along the wall, protected from the current, looking for nudis, small shrimp and decorator crabs.

February 26th
Dive 1 – Magic Mountain
Probably the most famous dive site in Misool for its regular Manta Ray encounters. Today was not our day, but even without Mantas, this dive site is incredibly beautiful. Tons of vibrant soft corals, schooling of quite a few different species of fish and usually some hunting action by the Bluefin and Giant trevally on the western ridge or the shallow plateau. That’s exactly what we had this time.
Dive 2 – Nudi Rock.
For sure a fan favorite. Not only is this site easy to dive, even with strong current, it also has so much life to marvel at in the shallows, safety stops here are usually around 25 minutes long, if not more. This time divers enjoyed the hunting action of all the fusiliers again. Morey Eels, Groupers in cleaning stations, a big Napoleon Wrasse patrolling its territory and cute Tomato Clownfish in a vibrant red Bubble Anemone.
Dive 3 – Tank Rock.
The rising tide was still strong with this dive. All the divers chose to jump in the current side of Tank Rock ridge to hopefully see even more action. They were rewarded with a big school of Jackfish, a Grey Reef shark and a Black-tip Reef shark. To take a rest from the strong current, everyone moved to the protected side of the ridge which gave some time to find some macro life. Heading for the safety stop, the top ridge was exposed to the strong current, but the divers again, found some hunting action while two Giant Sweetlips were hiding from the current next to a big coral bommies. To top things off, a few saw a Manta on the ridge as they were heading to the surface.
Dive 4 – Barracuda Rock.
Luckily there were hardly and current during the nigh dive. One group of divers were lucky enough to drop in on a walking shark on the top ridge. For the rest of the dive, it was the usual shrimp, crabs and nudi hunting. At the last minute we found a Flathead Crocodile Fish and second later, a second walking shark. Success!

February 27th  
Dive 1 – Four Kings
Our day started with strong current and many small jellyfish. Luckily these jellyfish were fairly harmless and it was easy to hide from the current. The abundance of colorful coral and macro marine life was enough to ensure for more than a good dive. For the stronger divers that manage to get into the current were met with huge school of small bait-fish being hunted by the many trevally and mackerel. At the end of the dive, everyone could enjoy the current, safely hooked onto rock with their reef hooks while they enjoyed the hunting show and the many Batfish hanging around the tip of the shallowest pinnacle.
Dive 2 – Gorgonia Passage
Since we still had strong current, Jan decided to dive the beautiful Gorgonia Passage. An easy drift dive along a wall decorated with giant Gorgonians and big black corals. Just hang back and enjoy the passing coral show. Unfortunately, on dives like these, there is no time to look for small macro life, but the passing scenery more than makes up for it.
Dive 3 – Puri Pinnacle
Luckily, we had very mild current here. The visibility was good and everyone enjoyed the huge schools of anchovies engulfing the divers from time to time. As everyone made their way around the four pinnacles, we found Moray eels, many different shrimp, nudibranchs and quite a few different species of Anemone fish. Even a perfectly place Leaf Scorpionfish that all the photographers enjoyed photographing. The last few minutes of the dive was spent in the shallow waters of the big pinnacle. There we found a big Titan Triggerfish, ripping out coral, busy making her nest while many other colorful reef fish enjoyed eating whatever was exposed by the triggerfish.
After the 3rd dive, we started our crossing to central Raja Ampat. Everyone could relax and enjoy the sunset as we made our way on a very flat ocean.

February 28th  
Dive 1 – My Reef
With very calm conditions, My Reef is a great dive to start our few days in Central Raja Ampat. This was also a very lucky day for the divers. In the clear water, everyone saw the big school of Barracudas, and even more lucky, they saw not one, but three swimming Wobbegongs. An amazing experience, especially for those that have never seen a Wobbegong before this day. During the safety stop many were accompanied big a school of curious batfish, that came swimming to the divers, instead of the usual other way around.
Dive 2 – Batu Rufus
Fast becoming a favorite for many divers. At first glance it doesn’t look there is much going on here, but with closer inspection and a little patience, there is so much to find on this easy dive site (I will not reveal its secrets yet). The last 15min of the dive is usually spend in the very shallow water, at the small swim-through window to the shallow lagoon. Many different Anemones Fish, nudibranchs, beautiful red and pink Gorgonians with a stunning little hard coral garden in the lagoon.
Dive 3 – Galaxy Ridge.
With the strong current, this usually easy dive site, was quite the challenge for most divers. No-one could stop and admire the beautiful coral on the sloping reef. The strong up current pushed most diver over to the back side of the ridge, but at least there they could dive in somewhat calmer water. Even then, the current required the divers to work to enable them to get to where they could just drift in this fast-moving water.
Dive 4 – Fam Jetty
Everyone’s mind was blown after this dive. The very steep slope and soft silty bottom required disciplined and calm behavior with very good buoyancy. There were almost too much to look at underneath the jetty, and to top it off, many Sea Urchins, Lion fish and Scorpion Fish were everywhere. But it was all worth it since we found a few Toadfish, a Frogfish and a walking shark. Not to mention the Nudibranchs.

March 1st  
Dive 1 - Mellissa’s Garden
The mild current here was easy to manage for the start of the day. Our experienced guides took our guests through all the calm spots behind the 3 small islands where they could enjoy the incredible hard coral gardens. The millions of green and blue Chromis, as usual, were on a dazzling display while the fusiliers kept trying the escape the hunting Golden trevally. The giant Napoleon Wrasse also made his appearance and the lurking Black Tip Reef Sharks made a few divers somewhat nervous.
Dive 2 – Mayhem
This time, the current was just too mild to cause complete mayhem. With the calm conditions, and unfortunately somewhat less than great visibility, the dive guides wasted no time guiding the guests to the shallow areas where most of the fish were found. Schooling Bannerfish, Batfish, Barracudas, Jackfish, Unicorn fish and thousands of Fusiliers all seemed to have a trues going on. All the fish were just hanging around seemingly with no purpose other than resting. This, of course, was much to the joy of all the divers.
Dive 3 – Citrus Ridge
Everyone headed straight to where one of our guides found the Ornate Ghost Pipefish the week before. Much to our delight, the beautiful pair was still in the same place. Along the sloping reef, the blooming orange soft coral made it clear where this dive site got its name from. Drifting to the back of the reef we passed Barracudas and another school of Jackfish. Once out of the current, we found a few lobsters, yet another Wobbegong, a couple of turtles, Morey Eels, a Dwarf Cuttlefish and a Broad-club Cuttlefish.
Dive 4 – Sawandarek
Unfortunately, we didn’t find anything noteworthy on this night dive. The usual turtles and a few nudis. In the shallow Staghorn coral, those that listen carefully to the dive briefing, managed to spot a few beautiful Marbled Shrimp too.

March 2nd  
Dive 1 – Sawandarek
With the good visibility and no current, the divers thoroughly enjoyed this dive. The usual school of Yellow Snappers was above the deep Cabbage Coral patch with the small group of Sweetlips. In the sand we also found the big Spearing Mantis Shrimp. On the way to the shallow part of the jetty we encountered a couple of big Green Sea Turtles, a few solo Barracudas and of course the GIANT, Giant Clam. Just past the jetty, everyone with a camera enjoyed taking photos of the Giant Sweetlips hovering above the coral in shallow water. As we ended the dive, everyone was surrounded by Spadefish, Rabbitfish and Unicorn Fish, looking for food the usually come from all the snorkelers.
Dive 2 – Yambuba
We started the dive at the very long jetty. Underneath the jetty we found a lot of fish, including Giant trevally, Snappers and a Napoleon Wrasse. We made our way to the deeper reef along the coral slope towards the corner of the island. Along the way we found a variety of fish including Jawfish and different Gobies. Another Wobbegong was hiding under a coral bommie and the Spadefish that follow the divers are always entertaining.
Dive 3 – Mioskon
This site has a beautiful coral slope down to only about 100ft to a sandy bottom where we usually can find Blue Spotted Stingrays. This time however, no one could stop to look for anything as a very strong current pushed everyone to the back of the island. The only thing all of us could do, is sit back and enjoy the ride. Once we were protected from the current, we could start looking for different marine life. To the joy of many, a friendly Cuttlefish put on a full display.
Dive 4 – Mioskon
For our night dive, there was luckily no current. Despite the fact that we have already seen quite a few Wobbegongs, the divers wanted more. Luck was on their side as they found one in the open so everyone could have a good look without any obstruction. The last half of the dive was spent on the shallow top reef. Here we found a few basket stars and a walking shark. This time, everyone could see where this shark got his nickname from.

March 3rd 
Dive 1 – Cape Kri
Sometimes you just got to get lucky. This morning it was our turn. We had a very mild current, perfect to bring all the fish together in schools. The big school of Sweetlips, that are usually very deep was just above 100ft this time. A truly beautiful sight. Towards to top of the reef, there were a few schools of fish. Two different trevally species schooling, Snappers schooling, even a good size school of Barracudas. What a way to start a day.
Dive 2 – Sardine Reef
Strong current again. Luckily this is a big dive site with amazing coral slopes. One dive group managed to stay in the split current to enjoy the many fish, including sharks. Drifting along the coral slope was a pleasure as the passing scenery was decorated with beautiful coral and many species of fish. At the back of the dive site, everyone could enjoy the coral bommies with many sandy patches in calm water. A few lucky divers also saw a group of Bump head Parrot fish as the started doing their safety stop.
Dive 3 – Tapokren
We might actually rename this dive site to critter heaven. All our guests were very happy when Jan announced that this dive will be a muck dive in very calm conditions. Everyone came up from this dive with very big smiles. Small, “Sheep” Nudibranchs, Dwarf Cuttlefish, Wasp Scorpionfish, Many decorator crabs, Anemones with many cleaner shrimp and Porcelain Crabs, Seahorses and two Flamboyant Cuttlefish. 
Dive 4 – Tapokren
The same dive site, but at night, there are always different creature showing up. Even more Seahorses, Longhorn Cowfish, Nudibranchs, Slugs and a few small Coconut Octopus. Today was truly a good day in the water.

March 4th  
Dive 1 – Plane Wreck
For the last day of diving and our last two dives, we headed to Pulau Wai, near Batanta. The first dive of the day was at the WWII plane wreck. The wreck is a P47-D Razorback plane and lies on its reef, on a sloping reef and the shallowest part is at 90ft. With the good visibility, the wreck made for quite an impressive site as it is completely covered in coral. With a very strong current, the groups probably drifted a full mile along the reef.
Dive 2 – Manta Wai
East of Pulau Wai is Manta Wai. Our last dive of the trip. Long shallow ridges, separated by white sand and big coral bommies. At these coral bommies is where we occasionally find Mantas cleaning. Unfortunately, not this time, but the divers still enjoyed the dive. Two Black tip Reef Sharks, an Eagle ray and a small school of trevally and Barracuda made up for the lack of Mantas.

March 5th 
At 6am it was time to say goodbye to most of our guests that had to catch the early morning flights. All of the crew said goodbye to the last 2 guests left at 8am. We had an amazing trip with wonderful guests. The Raja Ampat crew also enjoyed every minute and we all hope to see you again.