A new snorkellers-only liveaboard to Raja Ampat

The wonders of the oceans aren’t solely the preserve of qualified divers and those willing to head to the depths. There’s much to discover lying just beneath the water’s surface where the dappled daylight lights up colourful coral and beautiful marine life. With this in mind, specialist operator Dive Worldwide has launched a new snorkelling-only liveaboard departure to Indonesia’s Coral Triangle for March 2019, an adventurous first for the UK market. Sailing on the elegant Pindito yacht, the small group of snorkellers will see vibrant shoals of fish and have the chance to swim with mantas for a truly unforgettable experience.

Phil North, Dive Worldwide’s Brand Manager, comments: “Presently there is an unprecedented interest in our precious marine habitats, and a keen desire to see them conserved for future generations. We believe that the opportunity to experience the finest coral reefs on earth, and to champion their conservation, should not be the preserve of divers alone – and there is no finer place for snorkellers to see the wonders of our oceans than Raja Ampat.”

Coral Triangle Snorkelling Adventure

The location for this unique adventure is Raja Ampat, in the heart of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine area on the planet. The numbers here belie belief with over 1,200 species of fish and an archipelago of some 1,500 small islands, now more accessible than ever thanks to a new daily flight service from Jakarta to the region’s hub, Sorong. After arrival in Sorong, guests board the beautiful Pindito, a traditionally constructed yacht that has sailed these waters for over 15 years. Hosting only 16 guests, in spacious air-conditioned cabins, the Pindito is a luxurious base from which to explore the astounding archipelago and allows snorkellers to glimpse marine life not possible from the usual shore dives.

For the next 11 days the pace slows as guests relax into the rhythms of life on board the Pindito. Cruising among the many islands, guests have the chance to visit remote Indonesian villages learning about the way of life and enjoying local customs. The highlight though is undoubtedly what lies beneath the waters, with a staggering abundance of marine life. Snorkellers will keep an eye out for dolphins, swirling mantas and turtles on this unique itinerary, while also glimpsing colourful shoals of bannerfish and pygmy seahorses.

Price: Dive Worldwide (diveworldwide.com, 01962 302087) offers the Coral Triangle Snorkelling Adventure from £4,645pp sharing, including 1 night B&B in Jakarta, 11 nights’ full board liveaboard accommodation on the Pindito, transfers and return flights from the UK. Depart 9 March 2019. Group size of 16.