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Tambora

Tambora Itinerary

Whale Sharks Expedition (Bitung - Gorontalo)

8 days / 7 nights

About Tambora

  • Intimate, eco-friendly liveaboard catering to just 16 guests
  • Explore remote and pristine reefs with incredible marine wildlife
  • Trips to Triton Bay, Raja Ampat, Banda Sea, Ambon and Sulawesi
  • Expect first-class service and warm Indonesian hospitality
  • Fantastic diving facilities, including an onboard camera room

Tambora liveaboard is a beautiful dive safari vessel combining the classic charm of an Indonesian phinisi with the modern comforts of a luxury yacht. This superb vessel embarks on remote and adventurous voyages throughout the Indonesian Archipelago, in search of lesser-known dive sites in Raja Ampat, Triton Bay, Banda Sea, Ambon, Sulawesi, Halmahera, and more. And, as if that doesn’t sound exciting enough, Tambora’s itineraries cater for just 16 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere of unified anticipation and shared experiences on board.

Learn more about Tambora

Itinerary details

Length of trip 8 days / 7 nights
Number of dives 24
Experience Advanced Open Water - Minimum 50 dives
Insurance Required

Highlights

  • Log dives in Lembeh - the world’s best muck diving destination
  • Exploring the vibrant coral reefs of east Bolaang Mongondow
  • Find abundant sponges, soft and hard corals at Tanjung Fresco
  • Encounter even more diverse marine life of south Bolaang Mongondow
  • Log dives in Olele Marine National Park
  • Find a Salvador Dali sponge at Tomini Bay
  • Dive the walls and seek Whale Sharks in Gorontalo
  • Night dives included

Day 1: Bitung 
Arrive no later than 12:00 and enjoy a check dive in the paradise of macro photography – the highlight of the trip to East Bolaang Mongondow is the Lembeh mandarinfish. After the check dive, embark on the Tambora vessel and settle in for the start of the whale shark expedition. The itinerary may be adjusted based on weather and conditions to ensure the best possible diving experience. 

Day 2: East Bolaang Mongondow | 3-4 dives
Crossing to Tanjung Fresco and exploring the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Keep an eye out for other pelagic species such as manta rays and turtles along the way. The experienced dive guides will provide informative briefings and ensure your safety throughout the dives. 

Day 3: Tanjung Fresco | 3-4 dives
Crossing to Bolaang Mongondow in the south. In Tanjung Fresco, you will have the opportunity to explore more stunning coral reefs and encounter a wide variety of marine species. As you cross back to Bolaang Mongondow in the south, keep an eye out for any pelagic species that may appear along the way, adding excitement to your diving experience. 

Day 4: South Bolaang Mongondow | 3-4 dives 
On the fourth day, you will have the chance to embark on 3-4 dives in the mesmerising waters of South Bolaang Mongondow. These dives will take you deeper into the underwater world, allowing you to discover hidden treasures and encounter even more diverse marine life. The experienced dive guides will be there to assist you throughout the dives, ensuring that you have a memorable and safe diving experience. 

Day 5: Olele Marine National Park | 3-4 dives  
On the fifth day, you will have the opportunity to explore the breathtaking Olele Marine National Park through 3-4 dives. This area is known for its vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine biodiversity. As you dive deeper into the park, you will encounter a wide array of colourful fish species, fascinating coral formations, and maybe even spot some rare sea creatures. With experienced dive guides by your side, you can fully immerse yourself in this underwater paradise while ensuring your safety and 

Day 6: Tomini Bay
Tomini Bay offers another exciting diving opportunity. Located in the heart of Sulawesi, Tomini Bay is a hidden gem for divers. Its diverse marine ecosystem includes stunning wall dives, underwater caves, and a chance to encounter larger marine species such as turtles and sharks. Exploring Tomini Bay will not only provide you with unforgettable diving experiences but also allow you to witness the natural beauty of this untouched underwater world. 

Day 7: Botuborani | whale sharks 
Embark on an exciting adventure at Botuborani for a unique whale shark encounter. Whether you choose to dive for your last two dives or opt for snorkelling, this experience will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants as they gracefully swim through the crystal-clear waters of Tomini Bay, creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Day 8: Gorontalo
On day 8, after the exhilarating whale shark encounter, you can check out and head to Gorontalo.

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

10:00am

Bitung

Manado Airport: MDC

Return

10:00am

Gorontalo

Gorontalo Airport: GTO

    What's included
    • Meals and snacks
    • Water, tea and coffee
    • Soft drinks
    • Towels and toiletries
    • Tanks and weights
    • Night dives
    • Transfers
    • Land excursions 
    To be paid in advance or onboard
    • Dive and travel insurance
    • National park fee - US$200 per trip
    • Port fee - US$150 per trip
    • Fuel surcharge 
    To be booked in advance or paid onboard
    • Single supplement - 50% 
    • Alcoholic drinks
    • Gratuities 
    • Nitrox - US$20 per day
    • Equipment rental - US$175 per trip
    • Dive Computer - US$60 per trip
    • 15l tanks - US$75 per trip
    • Diving courses
    • Laundry service
    Payment policy
    • More than 150 days, 10% of the vessel price cancellation fees applies.
    • 149 to 60 days prior to departure, 30% of the vessel price cancellation fee applies.
    • 59 days or less prior to departure 100% of the vessel price.
    Special offers or promotions - separate payment and cancellation terms may apply.
    Group bookings - separate payment and cancellation terms may apply.
    Contact the ZuBlu travel team if you have any questions about payment terms and cancellation.
    Cancellation policy
    40% deposit - required to secure reservation.
    60% balance - due 60 days prior to departure.
    Bookings received less than 60 days before departure require payment in full to secure reservation.

Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/tambora/itn-2401050423261-whale-sharks-expedition-bitung-gorontalo-

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