Howdy Dive Traveler

Well summer is here and the weather is heating up and I wanted to contact you to remind you of the upcoming group tour to the Flores/Alor region of Indonesia. This tour takes us to a reef system far far away to an area where few have ever dove! It is the Alor region of Indonesia which is located East of Komodo in the Flores Sea.  This again is a very remote part of Indonesia and considered one of the new "hot spots" due to it's isolation and the quality of the diving.

Though I realize the economy is down and money is likely tighter then in the past, for those of you who are looking to still get out and do some high quality diving/photography, this is a trip you should seriously looking at. One thing  of note is the cost of flying to Bali is lower then ever. You can now get a round trip ticket to Bali from either LA, SF or New York on Singapore Airlines for $680 Rt. This is a current sale Singapore Airlines has on select flights if you purchase by June 28th. China Airlines also flies to Bali from the West Coast and their current fare is $850. With travel being down, current airfares  to Asia are lower then I have ever seen and one thing to consider.

Trip Travel logistics route us from the States to Bali and then we fly into and out of Maumere which is located on Flores Island. From here we will cruise and dive the Alor Archipelago. This is another region of this vast country which supports a kaleidoscope of marine life. Here you will find pristine islands that boast blue clear waters with accessible reefs, drop-offs, caves, and valleys that are teaming with healthy corals and fish life.

Looking at the map of this area, you can see how the currents that flow through the straits which connect the Banda and Savu Seas create great drift dives that attract a variety of large including sharks, giant groupers, eagle and manta rays, schools of big eye jacks and even a possible mola-mola. Of course, large animals are hard to guarantee, but this area does have the topography and right conditions to make sighting some of the pelagic's a real possibility.

In addition, these islands are Volcanic in nature, so there are also areas of black sand and rubble which support the perfect environment for some awesome muck dives.

In addition you will find the topside to be very picturesque due to the fact the small rugged islands are dominated by jagged mountains and steep valleys. There is also a good chance we will have the opportunity to do a trip ashore to visit the local villages and the opportunity to purchase some of the best Ikat weaving in eastern Indonesia.

This tour will be aboard the refurbished Komodo Dancer vessel which is 124 X 26 foot traditional Pinisi motor sailing ship. She is crewed by 17-19 Indonesians and expat manger(s). For those of you who have been aboard this vessel before, you will find there have been a number of small but significant changes. Increased camera space and storage, larger upper deck in front of the wheel house, an additional Owners suite and a large plasma TV. Though she is an older vessel and not as plush as some of the newer ones we dive from, she did operate well for us during the 3 group charter I lead in the Fall of 2006 and considering the destination, I am sure she will serve us well on this tour also.

Details of this tour include the following:
Dates Oct 22 -Nov 1
Cost...This vessel has variable accommodations and what is currently available is one space for a male in a Twin Cabin and one open Twin Cabin for 2 people, 3 spaces total. These cabins have a port window view and contain full bathroom facilities and AC...Cost is .......$4300/ea

This price includes the $90 Park fee and the current $200 fuel Surcharge.  Also included are 10 nights on board the Komodo Dancer, all meals and beverages (including alcohol), transfers at Denpasar airport in Bali, eight and 1/2 days of diving, shore excursions during the charter, other standard Dancer Fleet services and amenities.

Additional cost are International airfare, Domestic Airfare to Maumere (currently $175 rt), Hotel layovers (currently one is required), Nitrox, Crew Gratuity and any additional personal purchases.



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