City Seahorse Speciality Dive/Photo Trip

Join one of two specially organized - limited participation - liveaboard charters for a unique experience in Raja Ampat.

From high voltage diving on fishy reefs to tranquil deep water mangrove islands; from rock islands surrounded by colorful soft coral covered reefs to manta cleaning stations; from mysterious shallow reef and rainforest scenes to deep bays filled with small creatures...








The ship, SMY Ondina, departs from Sorong on Nov 11 (2nd trip Nov 25) and returns to Sorong Harbor late evening Nov 21 (2nd trip Dec 5). The last night is spent aboard the ship. Flights to/from Sorong from Jakarta, Bali or Manado are scheduled on an individual basis. Divers should plan to overnight Sorong Nov 10 (2nd trip Nov 21) and depart Nov 22 (2nd trip Dec 6).


The itinerary will vary depending on the conditions of weather, currents and visibility at the time of the trip and the goals of guests aboard the ship, but will include Dampier Strait with a selection of the now famous sites such as Cape Kri, Mikes' Point and Sardine Reef; Misool and Waigeo with some very special dives for both wide angle and macro photography.

Because long overnight cruises are not required, you can expect a night dive almost every night and several full days of "open deck" diving when you can dive as much as you want and come and go as you please (within safety limitations of course). There will be a ratio of 1 dive guide to maximum 3 or 4 divers on this cruise.


Expect to see: schools of fishes (sweetlips, jacks, silversides, surgeonfiish, bumphead parrotfish, barracuda.. more), a large variety of reef fish, dense forests of colorful sea fans and soft corals, Wobbegong sharks, the "walking shark", all the small macro critters expected in Indonesia (nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, shrimps, crabs, pygmy seahorses, etc.), unusual underwater formations around rock islands and in narrow passages under the rainforest and probably mantas & mobulas.


SMY Ondina is a 32m traditionally built Indonesian Phinisi schooner. Beautifully outfitted all in exotic hardwoods, the ship accommodates up to 16 guests in 8 cabins each with individually controlled AC, en suite bath and plenty of storage space. This trip takes only 12 guests.

Built in 2001, updated in 2007 with a planned update in June 2010, the ship is expertly designed for diving and is ergonomically laid out for divers and photographers with individual camera (as well as dive gear) storage, a large camera table, 2 nearby fresh water rinse tanks devoted totally to camera. Individual charging stations are available on the dive deck or batteries may be charged in your cabin.

On the indoor dive deck, gear is always protected from the sun and weather, you'll have plenty of room for gearing up and listening to the very detailed dive briefings. Your choice of aluminum or steel tanks and air fills are included on the trip. Nitrox is available at extra cost. An indoor wetsuit storage room with 2 hot showers and gear rinse tub, keeps suits out of the weather too.

Diving is from RIB's (rigid bottom inflatable tenders) with boarding from steps located on both sides of the ship. The crew carries tanks ready to go and cameras, so guests need only bring themselves, fins and mask to the tender.


Three public areas allow divers to scatter out and relax. Two covered outdoor areas, the sundeck and large bow area with giant table & hammocks are the most popular. An indoor lounge/dining area with TV/DVD, library, honor bar, and fresh fruits, snacks coffee and tea is air conditioned, or not, depending on guests wishes. A masseuse, satellite phone, DVD burning and dive gear rental are available.

Many of Ondina's experienced crew have been aboard for several (7+) years and look forward to hosting Deb and her groups several times each year.

3 full meals daily plus light early breakfast and afternoon snack are usually tasty Indonesian cuisine (prawns, calamari, fish, chicken, beef, pork and plenty of veggies), with some International dishes and include a Japanese night (sashimi!), pizza lunch and Spanish breakfast.


Deb Fugitt has organized 3-6 special trips for photographers each year since 1994. This trip is her 22nd charter aboard SMY Ondina since 2004. Each guest is vetted for compatibility with the trip's goals and other divers. Beginner to professional level photographers and videographers are welcome, as are non-photographers whose goal is to spend time observing marine life behavior and beauty rather than to dive deep or go fast! Instruction is not available. Groups are typically very International with many single divers traveling solo as well as couples aboard.

	Limited Participation Dive Trips (12 guests) at the same price per person as a full boat (16). By limiting the number of divers, more diving is possible; the dive deck and dive site is less crowded.
	Experienced Trip Organizer to organize & supervise your trip - 10 years experience in Raja Ampat + over 1800 dives in the area there with you to plan the itinerary and each day's dives.
	Experienced ship - 7 years in Raja Ampat - ergonomically designed for diving.
	Cooperation. Deb has chartered SMY Ondina for our last 13 dive/photo trips and work together each trip to improve over the previous one. 2009 is the 6th year working together to provide a superior experience for their guests.
	Extra guides and dive guides. Deb arranges local freelance dive guides who are experienced with the dive sites and among the best in Indonesia at assisting photographers; a local guide very experienced with the sites and with getting divers in/out of the water in the right places; and an exceptionally talented cruise director to insure the trip will have a great crew, above and beyond the liveaboard's regular crew. Guide / diver ratio is 1:3 or 1:4.
	Unlimited dive time. You will have the freedom to enjoy your trip to the fullest as arbitrary time or dive limitations are not imposed. On many days you can expect to have an "open deck" so you can dive when you want.
	Flexible itinerary. Each trip is planned around the conditions of the moment and the interests of the divers aboard.
	More Diving - unlike other liveaboard trips, this trip starts diving on arrival day (subject to flight arrival time) and offesr diving on the last day of the trip.
	As a guest photographer you will have the prime photo opportunities. Deb and crew insure you have the best underwater photo & video ops, not the trip organizer or group leader!
	Good Groups. Each diver on this trip is questioned to insure both their dive experience and compatibility with this type of trip and the other divers on the trip. Deb is aboard and insure that no one with bad behavior will ruin the dive trip for others .
	Be a Winner! Each year Deb's guests take top prizes in International Underwater Photography Competitions around the world including the lastest: Adriano Morettin's 2009 Portfolio - Plongeur d'Or, top prize in the Portfolio category at the Festival Mondial de l'image Sous-Marine, the top underwater photography competition in the world.

Each guest must complete an information form which Deb and the ship's crew use to plan a menu for the trip, organize divers into compatible small groups of 3-4 divers (each with a guide), and assign cabins. 3 full meals daily plus light early breakfast and afternoon snack are usually tasty Indonesian cuisine (prawns, calamari, fish, chicken, beef, pork and plenty of veggies), with some International dishes and include a Japanese night (sashimi!), pizza lunch and Spanish breakfast.

Liveaboard trip rate includes 11 nights double share accommodation, all meals, snacks, diving (typically 5+ dives/day are offered), air fills, extra guides, Deb Fugitt to accompany and oversee the trip, shore excursions, airport transfers, tax, service. Two guaranteed single cabins are available at extra cost, please inquire.

Not included are air flights, fuel surcharge (currently $150), individual diver fees or tags and Papua tourist fee (approx. $85), any overnights or personal travel expenses.