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Dive Review of Grand Komodo -- Raja Ampat Explorer in
Indonesia/Raja Ampat

Grand Komodo -- Raja Ampat Explorer, Jan, 2012,

by John Woolley, WA, US (Sr. Reviewer Sr. Reviewer 11 reports). Report 6401.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 1 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments No doubt like many Undercurrent readers, I'm getting old and jaded, and enter most excursions without expectations (don't want to be let down). So, having read a lot about Raja Ampat, I tried not to be overly excited.

If I'd let myself have any expectations, they would have been exceeded, in spades! What a fantastic experience. Great boat, fantastic fellow divers, and marine diversity that is second-to-none. We have a picture of a Wobbegong shark at ease on on an eight foot coral "leaf" that still amazes me.

Grand Komodo lived up to its reputation, with a fantastic crew; Indonesians are so very friendly, polite, and fun. Indonesian food (while not as wonderful as Thai) is still incredibly tasty. And as usual, a spread at each meal.

There are other boats which are likely more luxurious. Grand Komodo is just right for us. As a returned Peace Corps volunteer (many years ago), I much prefer boats owned by people in-country. A little bit funky, but still pretty splendid, with everything done for you by the incredibly helpful crew. Again, what a wonderful experience.

Undercurrent readers should feel free to e-mail me about the details of getting there. Bottom-line is plan on a couple of days, as it is a trek. We purposely spend four days getting to Papua, and arrived rested and full of energy. I'd recommend that.
Websites Grand Komodo -- Raja Ampat Explorer   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Puget Sound, Australia, Honduras, Belize, Saba, Thailand, Philippines, Bahamas
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm, currents
Water Temp 83-85°F / 28-29°C Wetsuit Thickness
Water Visibility 50-80 Ft/ 15-24 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions Because of the possibility of currents, dives followed the plan explained by the dive masters. This was just fine, as they knew what they were doing and the marine diversity is amazing.
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? no

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas Squadrons
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 5 stars
Large Pelagics 5 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 3 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 3 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments We are amateurs when it comes to photography. Accommodation for us was just fine; not really sure for those that are serious.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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