20 years later I sailed into Banda harbour again – this time on board of PINDITO.

What a change in experience. Pindito is definitely one of the finest live aboard vessels in Indonesia. Ample space for 16 guest in roomy airconditioned cabins. Private ensuite bathrooms, Saecco Coffee machine, free Bintang, 3 excellent meals every day, and the best group of dive guides to show us around.

Does this sound pampered? Then I explained it right. Guest on Pindito are looked after by 14 amazing crew members, starting from the chef in her stainless kitchen, through the hard working guys in the engine room, the ship mates, dive guides, the captain to the 2 cruise directors (The only non –Indonesians). Everyone was working hard to make sure we guest were having a good time.

PINDITO was built 20 years ago from tropical timber in the traditional Phinisi style. The ship has a beautiful feel of old maritime tradition. I agree with Edi, the owner, that she will be still around in 100 years. The sails hardly get raised these days as our trip covers almost 1000 km. In 11 days we covered some of the most amazing reefs in the heart of the Coral Triangle.

Critter galore in Ambons deep harbour, giant hard coral cover on the volcanic reef slopes of Banda Island, exposed seamounts, sheltered coral gardens, reef points sticking out into the currents,. Cleaner stations where the giants of the oceans receive their pedicure from specialised fish….

As a long time fan of Papua New Guinea Diving – which I still am, I have to concede that especially the northern reefs around Misool and Mansuar are displaying a density of life which is unparalleled. Each square millimiter is covered by some (colourful) living “thing”. It is a divers (and uw photographers) dream.

Back on board PINDITO, there was a buzz of excitement after each dive. Our well travelled and experienced dive buddies had all big smiles about their dives.

Mike, Amir and Bob- our guides – constantly showed us the weird and wonderful.

Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock, THE authorities on Diving in Raja Ampat and authors of many photo books, had just been on Pindito for the first time (after 15 years of intensively diving the region) left a big compliment in the guest book. Their biggest regret is to realise what they missed out on by not going on Pindito in those previous years.

It is difficult to explain one’s excitement without falling into platitudes. So I stop here and hopefully leave you with the desire to see for yourself what I was on about..

PS: Banda itself hasn’t changed much. The world seems to stay still in those remote parts of our planet.

Next phase was the upgrade to Hi8, new housing, lights and all. I felt like a pro! Especially when it came to chat to the check in lady and trying to get 40KG of excess luggage checked. Those were the days.

Fast forward to 2011. I see even novice divers with a small camera in a sleek housing, taken pictures and video that sometimes rival my best efforts in the early nineties. Technology is so good these days that your potential results can easily qualify to become viral on Facebook or YouTube. Still it is not all technology – the “auto” settings return great average results. To take better then average pictures underwater you must not only get a feel for the light underwater – its opportunities and limitations, you need to learn a lot about the subjects you want to photograph.

You can do this like me and add experience with every dive – or you speed up the learing process and take advice from a pro. What better then combining your next dive holiday with an intensive coaching session. Many liveaboards have resident photopros on board who are more then willing to oblige. And then there are special courses scheduled, like the series next year at TUFI Dive Resort in Papua New Guinea.

Learn from a pro

 In May 2012 Christopher Bartlett, an experienced photo-journalist who has published his pictures in many dive magazines and brochures, will teach three 5- day Compact Camera Workshops. In those courses he will cover equipment preparation and setup, underwater guidance and subject finding, composition, lighting, no flash photography, digital image processing. Classes will be limited to 6 participants only!

You get five nights twin share deluxe accommodation, all (yummy) meals, eight morning dives on the outer reefs, four afternoon critter dives, one night dive and the course for only AUD 1850.00/person. And you get to experience one of PNGs finest dive location!

Dates: 2-6 May 2012 – 9-13 May 2012 – 16-20 May 2012

 Contact Diversion Dive Travel 1800 607 913 / info@diversiondivetravel.com.au for travel suggestions, flights and more info on Christopher’s’ courses.

Divers with young kids often face a challenge if they want to take the family on a great holiday and experience excellent diving.

There are no age restrictions, babies, toddler or teenage children, these family excursions are for everyone. Children under 10 years are Free of Charge and children up 15 years old pay half price!

Siren’s family diving trips are dedicated to families with kids and every aspect of what makes a family holiday relaxing and fun is taken care of. This trip is designed to allow both parents and their children to dive together (dependant on age and qualifications), to try scuba diving if not qualified yet and to enjoy many other activities.

Some of the activities on offer during family excursions are sea-kayaking, water skiing, treasure hunts, visits to stunning beaches and much more.  Food is included in the excursion and there is nothing to worry about, as children will get healthy but favourite and familiar food on board. Soft drinks & juices are included in the price as well. There is an extensive movie selection on board of kids favourites’ such as Disney movies and these can be viewed in the saloon on the large plasma screen whilst munching some pop corn or on each cabin’s personal computer!

•  7 nights excursion*
•  Price per adult (16 years +) 1850 Euro (approx. AUD 2499)
• 10-15 year olds half price (per full paying adult)
• Children under 10 years are Free of Charge !!!

*Inclusions: 7 night excursion, airport transfers (domestic airport and boat/return, accommodation for family of 3-4 in a double & twin beeded share ensuite cabin, all delicious meals and snacks, coffee, tea,  fruit juice, soft drinks and beer, fresh fruit ( special dietary requirements catered for), on diving days up to 3-4 dives for certified divers with all essential dive equipment provided.

 FREE PADI Discover Scuba Dive* for all non-diving guests
3 day PADI Scuba Diver* course ONLY 75 Euro per person

Onboard PADI instructors will be available to conduct scuba diving courses for those guests who never dived but would like to try! Take this fantastic opportunity to encourage the rest of your family members to enjoy your diving hobby as well! For 8 & 9 year old kids the Bubblemaker program will be offered if weather conditions and other circumstances allow.

*  Participants for any diving course or activity must be aged 10 or above

 Please contact us now for bookings of these special 7-night trips:

• 3-10 August 2012 (Visayas, Philippines from Cebu to Dauin)
• 28 July-4 August 2013 (Komodo, Indonesia from/to Birma)

 More about the boats on our website: Philippine Siren  and Indo Siren. 
Note: The Philippine Siren excursion is almost sold out, only a few berths left. Contact as soon!

Special Features of Family Diving Trips:

• Nannies to look after children.
• Baby cot if required*.
• Children’s size snorkeling equipment*.
• Specially catered children’s menu.
• Fancy dress pirate night with prize for best dressed (make the crew walk the plank).
• Fun but educational talks on the marine environment.

 *Limited numbers. Cot should be ordered at time of booking. It is advised parents purchase their child(rens) snorkel equipment prior to the trip to ensure a perfect fit.

Contact us!!
info@diversiondivetravel.com.au

www.diversiondivetravel.com.au
Phone     + 61 ( 7 ) 40 390 200
Freecall  1800 607 913 (within Australia)

Where:         Southern Visayas, Philippines
What:            Liveaboard Cruise
When:            11^th to 18^th August 2012

Dive into Yourself – Yoga & Scuba
Join Yoga instructor Teresa Herrera for a specialist yoga and scuba diving liveaboard trip in the Southern Visayas, Philippines.
Spend 7 nights aboard on the classic and luxury Pinisi SY Philippine Siren in large and comfortable air-conditioned twin/double cabins with private bathroom. Enjoy the regions’ best diving, snorkelling and sea kayaking whilst practicing yoga, relaxation and meditation, enjoy healthy food and massages.

Liveaboard Diving and Yoga in the Philippines

The Philippine Siren offers a full program of diving or snorkelling with up to 4 dives offered per day including night dives. Trips depart from Cebu and the yacht will cruise first to Cabilao then onwards to Balicasag & Alona Beach, Moalboal & Pescador Island before culminating at Dauin on Negros Island. See the world’s biggest anchovies school, swim with turtles and thresher sharks, be amazed by the beauty and diversity of Philippines best reefs! The many islands give a tranquil setting for yogis to enjoy the most of this relaxing experience.
Each day will begin with a meditation & relaxation session followed by Prana Vinyasa Flow Yoga led by Teresa on the sun deck of the SY Philippine Siren. In the late afternoon or during sunset Teresa will lead a further Prana Vinyasa Flow Yoga session aboard the yacht or at a suitable beach location. This holiday is true relaxation! Rejuvenate your body and mind and indulge in the natural wonders of the tropical reefs of the Philippines!

        Teresa Herrera
Prana Vinyasa Flow is an
energetic, creative,
full-spectrum approach
to embodying the flow
of yoga. Through
balanced and creative
sequences, students learn
classical and innovative
approaches to Vinyasa
Yoga.
Teresa’s intuitive and fluid
teaching style nurtures each student as they explore their bodies on the path of yoga. Teresa has studied under the generous guidance of her teacher, Shiva Rea M.A. and learned with Chuck Miller, Maty Ezraty, Bryan Kest, Gurmukh.

What do I get? 

• 7 night excursion with the Philippine Siren from to Cebu incl airport transfers
• accommodation in a double/twin share ensuite cabin
• All refreshments such as herbal tea, cocoa, fresh water, fruit juice, coffee, tea, soft drinks and beer, fresh fruit and all delicious meals and snacks – special dietary requirements catered for
• Sunrise meditation session with Teresa
• Snorkelling & Sea kayaking
• on diving days up to 3-4 dives with all essential dive equipment provided
• Daily Prana Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Teresa – this session will either be onboard or at a beach location
• massage service available for only AU$ 20 per 1 hour session.

Price per person only: AU$ 2499.00* 

Not included:  Flights to the Philippines, travel insurance, items of personal nature
* Price is subject to currency fluctuation and may change.

 Is this for me?

• Trip is open to divers and non-divers alike with all levels of yoga training and experience. Teresa will be on hand to assist you and work to individual needs.
• Single travellers can share a twin cabin (same sex) for same cost.

 Contact DIVERSION DIVE TRAVEL  today for more information and booking:
 1800 607 913 (in Australia)    or email: info@diversiondivetravel.com.au
Cannot make it in August 2012? Please email us for other trip dates!

Currently under construction in Sulawesi , the SY Palau Siren is set to launch in November 2012 with the first of her 10 night trips. She is being constructed as a the sister ship to the SY Indo and SY Philippine Siren and will be a 40m 7-sailed, gaft-rigged Phinisi, built of ironwood & teak.The SY Palau Siren will host 16 guests in 8 spacious cabins- either double or twin bed; all en-suite and air-conditioned. The lounge will feature the same layout and fittings as the other yachts in our fleet; with comfortable sofas, plasma screen tv, cocktail bar, camera set up stations & individual storage.

The dive deck will be spacious and have individual set up areas & storage drawers, ample space for all your personal diving equipment & every thought for the underwater photographer is taken into account offering large rinse tanks & shelving to keep your cameras secure.

There will be an outside shaded relaxation area and upper level sundeck with loungers. Dining as ever is al fresco, buffet style with Asian and western specialities created by our on board chefs.

As with all the other yachts in the fleet, the SY Palau Siren is being built by divers for divers with your every comfort and need in mind.

Palau Diving

The SY Palau Siren will operate year round in Palau with both 7 or 10 night trips on offer & for charter groups we will be running 8 combination trips in conjunction with the SY Philippine Siren so you may experience two awesome destinations in one 13-night trip.Unlike other operators in the region Worldwide Dive and Sail & Sam’s Tour’s Palau have devised itineraries which ensure the SY Palau Siren will move around the many islands of the archipelago. Diving Palau’s most famed sites – Blue Corner & German Channel – with snorkeling in the unique Jelly Fish Lake, we will also dive as far south as Angaur Island and off the western coast of Babeldaob Island. With numerous marine protected areas, no fishing zones, and no passage zones the Koror State and National Government of Palau have ensured world class fish watching for generations to come. With over 300 limestone islands, 72 salt water lakes, mangrove forest channels, sea grass beds, secluded lagoons, sheltered bays, patch reefs, and vertical drop offs, the number of habitat types approaches absurd. Even after a week long adventure, no two dives will be anything alike.

Manta rays, black tips, grey reef & white tip reef sharks are commonly seen here and lucky divers can also encounter silky, whale, hammerhead and even tiger sharks. Schools of snapper, barracuda, jacks & rainbow runners form in huge numbers, whilst tunas, groupers and other large pelagic species are frequently seen.Beyond Malakal Harbour are several wrecks, many of which were sunk during skirmishes in World War II. Our itineraries include both the Iro Maru and the Teshio Maru- arguably the best wreck dive of the region. Palau is famed for strong currents and many dives can be challenging. Reef hooks are advised for several of the dives where we plan to watch the shark action at the reef’s edge, but there are plenty of gentler options too and the rock islands are wonderful for snorkeling & kayaking. All trips will depart from Koror – the meeting point of which will be Sam’s Tours Dive Centre – at 4pm to meet with current flight schedules.

It is with great pleasure that we can offer you an authentic Maldivian diving experience. We are offering two unique 10 days trips starting from Male (no additional transfer costs for Airtaxi) aboard our safari boat “MY Sheena” to the northern region of the Maldives. We will start the tour towards North Male Atoll, which features some of the most spectacular channels. Spots such as “Finger Point”, Blue Canyon”, “Lucky Express” and “Werner Special” etc. will be included in this special trip.

 Hanifaru Bay located in Baa Atoll, is undoubtedly the highlight of this tour. During the south-west monsoon season, countless manta rays are attracted to this small bay by its’ plankton-rich waters. It’s not unusual to see hundreds of manta rays together at one time! Furthermore, numerous whale sharks often join the show!  This site will be included on the list of “World Heritage Sites” in the near future!!!

  To conclude this spectacular tour, we will also dive the sites “Sharks & More” and “Caribbean Tail” located in the Noonu Atoll and will also making a planned stop in the Lhaviyani Atoll on our way back to Male to dive „Ship Yard“– a dive site which features two wrecks.

 The tour is suitable for advanced divers only, due to expected strong current conditions & channel crossings. We therefore require a minimum number of 60 logged divers.

To put it in a nutshell: Maldivian diving in its’ purest form!

 Schedule:
01.– 11. September 2011 (10 nights)
11. – 21. September 2011 (10 nights)

Prices per person:
Lower deck cabin   Euro 1.250,- + 3,5% GST
Owners cabin            Euro 1.350,- + 3,5% GST

 Services included:
From Male, accommodation in a double cabin with AC and en-suite bathroom (shower/toilet). Full board including tea, coffee and water. Up to 3 dives a day (including cylinders & weights).

Please contact us if you want to be part of this!

Papuan Barrier Reef photo: Craig DeWitt

The Golden Dawn has been pioneering diving in PNG since 1990. Craig DeWitt, veteran diver and skipper of the MV Golden Dawn, offers now some awesome diving at the Papuan Barrier Reef, south of Port Moresby.
The Papuan Barrier Reef is a substantial rival to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia running 1000 km from Port Moresby to Rossel Island at the tip of the Louisiade Archipelago, and has the advantage for much of its length of being much closer to shore. Craig has recently been exploring the section between Port Moresby and slightly beyond Hood point 100km to the south-east. The Barrier reef shelters a lagoon with many small isolated coral reefs commonly called “Bommies” and has a multitude of passes cutting through the reef and allowing Coral Sea waters to flush the lagoon.

While there are some well known dive sites on the Papuan Barrier, which are close to Port Moresby such as Suzies Bommie the majority of the trip will be spent “finning the reef less travelled”…to coin a term by PNG Dive Pioneer Bob Halstead.
 
The passes are adorned with colorful sea fans, sea whips and barrel sponges. On the outer walls Silvertips, Grey Reef Sharks and White Tips are commonly sited with occasional sightings of Java Sharks (Pig Eyes) and Great Hammerheads. Inside the passages Eagle Rays, Mobula Rays, Blotched Sting rays (Cow Rays), Tasseled Wobbegongs, Leopard Sharks, Tawney Sharks are common.

Well, Dirk and Claudia from Diversion Dive Travel will be on the first excursion to this awesome destination. Would be great if you join us!

Join us exploring!

Date: 15-21 August 2011 from/to Port Moresby ,
Package: 6 nights Diving Papuan Barrier Reef, twin accommodation, all meals, tanks, weights. Up to 5 dives on dive days,  return airfares on Airniugini from Cairns  from AUD 2599.00
 Other excursion dates are available for August/September. Please email us!
More information on our Golden Dawn Website

It sounds a bit like a fairytale, but this one is true:

Susan Sobtzick from Berlin, a former client of Diversion Dive Travel, now lives in Townsville, where she has finished her PhD about Minke Whales. Here in Australia many people call her “Susan, the Minke Girl”.   

It was the dream of Susan’s dad, to dive on the Great Barrier Reef. In 2000 the whole family wanted to travel together and Susan was the one who started to organise the trip. She found or website on the Internet and contacted us. We recommended her and excursions with the Undersea Explorer because we love their approach to combine tourism with research. At the time we did not know, that Susan had an interested in marine biology and that this trip would be very important for her future career.

In 2004 Dirk and I did our first Minke Whale trip with the Undersea Explorer (UE) and Susan was on board! She then worked at her thesis. Susan was always the first one in and last one out of the water. With her video camera, she spend hours in the water, when everybody else on board warmed up already with cup of tea, she was still in there. She did all this work to document the exact size of Minke Whales for her theses.

In 2006 when Dirk and I did our second Minke Whale trip, she was on board again. This time we met her together with her supervisor and team leader of the Minke Whale Research Project, Dr Alastair Birtles, who supported her in the water and together they worked till ‘late night at the Computer enter to enter and sort the data, which they collected during the day.
Seeing Susan in action, I got the idea to capture the story of her career and do an interview with her, which she agreed to.

C (Claudia): When you booked your first trip on Undersea Explorer with us, we did not know, that you where tossing the idea to specialise your studies in marine biology. Was that planned all along or did you get the idea during the excursion?

S (Susan): At the time I was still undecided between microbiology and marine biology. I studied at the university of Rostock/Germany because they offered marine biology as a major field of study. However I enjoyed both micro and marine biology and was undecided. I thought to do a trip with the UE is a good idea, as I can see in “real life”, how marine biologists work.

C: Susan, do you remember the research themes of the first trips you and your family did with UE, in 2000?

S: Yes, the first trip was an Osprey Reef Shark Research excursion. The second one was, “Cephalopod research”, with Mark Norman on board. It was very exciting, as he discovered a new species of octopus on this trip!

C: What fascinated you so much, that you decided to study marine biology at the end?

S: I was never in contact with marine biologist before and suddenly I saw all those exciting things happening while I was there, which I only knew from TV.
The researchers where very charismatic people, these 2 excursions with the UE showed me that marine biology is not only about counting herring and measuring nutrient gradients in the Baltic Sea, but really exciting stuff!

C: How did you go on from there?

S: I finished my basic studies and took a year time out to go to Australia. I travelled and worked for a few companies, amongst the Undersea Explorer. They offered me a job as videographer to film the Minke Whales. I enjoyed this job big time! In the following years I went regularly back for the season and worked on UE. In 2004/5 I worked on my thesis, which had the title:’ Underwater Videogrammetry and its Application to Estimate Body Lengths of Dwarf Minke Whales in Great Barrier Reef Waters’

C: Have you been interested in whales before you had seen them, or did this interest awaken during your trips as videographer?

S:I never wanted to major in marine mammals, I wanted to follow my fathers’ interests, which are sharks and rays. However, when I saw my first whale under water, it blew me away! It was love at first sight.

C: How did you get to stay in the project?

 S: I was very keen to continue to work in the project, so I applied for a scholarship and got it. I now live in Townsville and work at my PhD, which is about ‘Dwarf Minke Whale Biology and Implications for Tourism Management.” My supervisors are Dr Alastair Birtles and Prof Helene Marsh. It is amazing, what started as a holiday gave me undreamed-of possibilities changed my live completely!

C: Thank you very much, Susan! We are happy to be part of your story. We wish you and the Minke Whales a good future!

Over A$ 100 000 worth of prizes to be won!

What: Go diving and take pictures
When: 2-11 Sep 2011
Where: Anywhere in over 20 Australasian countries or at one of the designated “fringe” events

The Underwater Festival 2011 will be the biggest one yet. It will be lots of fun and activities. Many dive operators are offering special “Underwater Festival Fringe Events” anything from photography workshops with Photo & Video Pros to photo shootout competitions, is available!

KunkunganBay Resort, Lembeh & Tasik Ria Resort, Manado, North Sulawesi
A fantastic combo of diving at the reefs of Bunaken National Park and the critters of Lembeh Strait with two of the longest established operators in the area.

Arenui, 11 night Liveaboard Cruise, Komodo, Indonesia
Underwater Photography Workshop with underwater photography legend and Violinist William Tan on a 11-day cruise on The Arenui to the Komodo islands. The Arenui is a magnificent wooden vessel that raised its anchors in June 2008 to explore the majestic underwater world of Indonesian archipelago.

MALDIVES Ark Royal, 10 night Liveaboard Cruise, Maldives Underwater Photography Workshop with underwater photography legend and Underwater Festival judge Michael Aw on a 10-day cruise on the Ark Royal to the Maldives. The Ark Royal is a 115-feet luxury cruiser traversing the crystalline waters of the Maldives.

PALAU Fish’n Fins, Palau Diversity Fiesta at Fish ‘n Fins in Palau. Diversity Fiesta celebrates the unique combination of great diving during the day and gourmet cuisine and wine at night! Located in the western pacific and under Japanese rule for decades, combined with culinary influence from Philippines, USA, Malaysia and Indonesia, Palau’s cuisine is a truly Pacific fusion of sea food, fresh fruits and vegetables and spices.

PHILIPPINES ABWonderdive, Puerto Galera, Philippines

TONGA Vava’u, Tonga Humpback Whale Swim Fringe Event with big animal underwater photography guru Tony Wu in Tonga.

YAP, Micronesia Mantaray Bay Hotel & Yap Diver, Yap Manta Fest with Tim Rock and others in Yap, the premiere dedicated dive resort on the island of Yap in Micronesia, designed by divers and built for divers. Photo & Video Pros • Seminars • Photo Contest • Daily Presentations.  If you want to take part in any of the shootouts please send us an email!

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