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Carpe Diem Phinisi

Carpe Diem Phinisi Itinerary

Kalimantan: Derawan, Maratua, Sangalaki (Tarakan)

8 days / 7 nights

About Carpe Diem Phinisi

  • Fabulous Phinisi vessel designed for intimate cruises of up to ten guests
  • Adventurous trips well-suited to families and groups of like-minded friends
  • Enjoy full gear rental and fabulous watersports free of charge
  • Meticulously designed aesthetics for a beautiful, warm ambiance

Carpe Diem Phinisi is a well-appointed phinisi liveaboard offering year-round cruises exploring Raja Ampat, Komodo, Bali, and Lombok. Designed and operated for exciting yet intimate itineraries, Carpe Diem is a perfect choice for guests looking for personalised service and bespoke itineraries at an affordable price. This beautiful boat represents the fulfilment of long held ambitions and the start of great adventures. So hop on board and get ready to explore, dream, and discover.

Learn more about Carpe Diem Phinisi

Itinerary details

Length of trip 8 days / 7 nights
Number of dives 18
Experience Advanced Open Water - Minimum 20 dives
Insurance Required

Highlights

  • Circular itinerary exploring the Derawan Archipelago’s many delights
  • Dive the Derawan Islands - the second most biodiverse place in the world
  • Meet the manta rays and turtles of Sangalaki
  • Experience the deep drop offs, channels with ripping currents of Maratua
  • Dive the well-known Maratua Channel, also named “Big Fish Country”
  • Swim with thousands of stingless jellyfishes in Kakaban’s 'JellyFish Lake'
Day 1: 
Meet and Greet and transfer to the boat. Prepare for an afternoon check dive and possible night dive.

Day 2: Derawan Island
Potential dive sites include
Turtle City - Encounter numerous green turtles and hawksbill turtles.
The Jetty - Spot macro species like nudibranchs and frogfish.
Sponge Garden - Explore vibrant sponges and look for pygmy seahorses.

Day 3: Sangalaki Island
Potential dove sites include
Manta Point - Swim with majestic manta rays.
Coral Gardens - Observe schools of fusiliers and butterflyfish.
Sandy Ridge - Chance to see eagle rays and reef sharks.
Lobster Lair - Night dive to see nocturnal creatures.

Day 4: Kakaban Island
Potential dive sites include
Barracuda Point - has schooling barracuda which are visited by large tuna and sharks.
Jellyfish Lake - Unique experience with stingless jellyfish (snorkeling).
Gorgonian Wall - Marvel at the giant sea fans and soft corals.

Days 5-6: Maratua Island
Potential dive sites include
Big Fish Country - Encounter barracudas, trevallies, and hammerhead sharks.
Turtle Parade - Enjoy the company of numerous turtles.
The Channel - Drift dive with the chance to see thresher sharks and eagle rays.
Other Dive sites include Gorgonzola and Light house with some pristine corals in the shallows
Diving deeper into these dive sites you may have encounters with sharks, especially white-tips, leopard and grey reef sharks.
Mid Reef is the best place to potentially see thresher sharks and it's common to also see nurse sharks, eagle rays, giant stingrays and big schools of jackfish.

Day 7: Sangalaki Island (Return)
Potential dive sites include
Cleaning Station - Watch mantas getting cleaned by smaller fish.
Shark Point - Look for grey reef and nurse sharks.

Day 8:
Sadly it's time to say goodbye and transfer you to the airport or to your hotel

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.

Transfer details

Departure

11:00am

Tarakan

Juwata International Airport: TRK

Return

11:00am

Tarakan

Juwata International Airport: TRK

Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/carpe-diem-phinisi/itn-2406030309421-kalimantan-derawan-maratua-sangalaki-tarakan-