Lombok, The Gilis and The Nusas

Lombok, The Gilis and the Nusas represent our closest cruises to Bali.

Lombok, the quiet cousin of Bali; is still a wonderful pace to cruise, explore and dive.

Diving in the south of Lombok is particularly interesting as oceanic conditions combine to attract large pelagic such as mackerel, rays, and sharks.

Alternatively, visits ashore offer plenty of opportunities to explore including bicycle trips to the Pengsong Temple or the Tiu Kelep Waterfall.  

The beautiful Gili Islands off the North West Coast of Lombok are more remote than the Nusa isles that lie close to Bali.  

Like the Nusas, they have grown a world wide reputation for excellent snorkeling, diving and surf.  

Let us take you from Serangan Bali, to either Gili Trawangan a real tourist destination with restaurants and bars or to the more laid back Gili Meno and Gili Air (NW off Lombok), where horse drawn vehicles are the mode of transport.  

Gili Asahan with the other Gilis including Gili Nanggu (SW off Lombok) is truly worth visiting with a stay over night or more on board Carpe Diem.

At just 7 nautical miles (11 km) South East from Bali lie the 3 island jewels that are Nusa Lembongan, her little sister Nusa Ceningan and big brother Nusa Penida.

The seas around these islands are home to a great variety of marine life.

The Giant Manta and Sunfish, Mola Mola to name but a few.

The Nusas also represent Carpe Diem's nearest destination from Bali where one can surf, snorkel, dive or simply laze around in stunningly clear, coral filled water, taking on and embracing the quieter pace of life.  

A place and pace that is reminicent of Bali's some 30 years ago.

Komodo, Flores and Rinca

Native to these islands the "Komodo dragons" have become a tourist attraction world wide.  

The pristine, coral filled waters of Flores and the Komodo Islands, offer another much more aesthetically beautifull adventure to experience.

Diving, or just snorkeling in the crystal clear seas, amongst the corals and a huge diversity of marine life, is one of the richest , any person could have.  

The culture, natural beauty of the lakes and volcanoes, the native handicrafts, make these islands a dream to visit.

Sample 7 Night Komodo Itinerary

• Day 1:-  Guests are met at Labuanbajo Airport and accompanied for the short trip to the jetty by taxi and then by launch to the Carpe Diem. Once onboard guests will receive a welcome and safety briefing accompanied by a cool towel and a cold drink. Once all guests are safely onboard we will set sail for South Rinca. This leg of the journey is about 7 hours leaving guests free to unpack, relax and familiarise themselves with their cabins and the boat in general. We will anchor in the sheltered waters between Pulau Kode and Rinca overnight.

• Day 2:- We will remain at the same anchorage all day, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy some of the local diving/snorkelling sites such as Cannibal Rock, Pulau Pisang (Banana Island), Crinoid Canyon and Yellow Wall. Also the beach in South Rinca is home to some of the world famous Komodo Dragons and we can visit them (From the safety of our launch) while allowing guests a great photo opportunity. Overnight we will remain at this secluded and breathtakingly beautiful anchorage.

• Day 3:- A short two hour passage to the diving and snorkelling sites of Apple Orchard and Kerita Tol. These can be challenging dive spots depending on conditions but for those experienced enough the rewards are worth it. After the afternoon dive we head back to the anchorage, where we will stay overnight, and have the opportunity for a night dive at Torpedo Point, a great spot for small critters.

• Day 4:- And we lift the anchor early and head West to Nusa Duawaju, the home of Manta Alley. Here we have the opportunity to dive and snorkel with beautiful Manta Rays who frequently gather at this feeding station which is supplied with nutrients from the colder Southern Ocean. Speaking from experience, this is one of the many highlights of the trip. The last time I dived here I was accompanied by 20 or so Manta Rays. After two dives at Manta Alley we will make the short 1 hour trip to Loh Sera for an afternoon dive and snorkel and remain here overnight.

• Day 5:- Once again it's an early start for the crew as we will head to Pulau Padar taking in the dive sites at Three Sisters and Pillar Steen along the way. Also we can take time ashore here for an afternoon climb to watch the sunset from the top of the island. Guests can also take the SUPs or Kayaks and enjoy the beach and island at any time.

• Day 6:- Another early start and we head North to Pulau Komodo and the famous Pantai Merah (Pink Beach). Here, tiny pieces of bright red coral mix with the white sand to create a fabulous pink hue which gets more and more beautiful as the sun sets. Also there is diving, snorkelling, trekking, kayaking and paddle boarding all available to our guests.

• Day 7:- A short passage to Gili Lawa Darat, stopping along the way at Batu Bolong and/or Batu Tiga for some world class diving followed by even more great diving/snorkelling spots at either the Golden Passage or the challenging Cauldron or Shotgun sites. Once again we have the opportunity to do an afternoon trek up the hill for the final sunset memories of beautiful Komodo National Park. We remain at this anchorage overnight.

• Day 8:- And sadly it's the last day, so we up anchor and make our way to Labuanbajo allowing guests time to pack and relax along the way before we escort them ashore and to the airport to wave goodbye.

Raja Ampat

The territory within the islands of Raja Ampat (or the Four Kings) is enormous, covering 9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of mollusks.

This makes it the most diverse living library for world's coral reef and underwater biota. According to a report developed by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, around 75 percent of the world's species live here.

This is simply paradise for divers.

However, many of the islands are uninhabited so it is also a perfect location to explore and discover the unique flora and fauna that exists here.

Find hidden ancient caves, waterfalls, secluded beaches and even lakes filled with non-stinging jellyfish. 

We offer 4 types of trip in Raja Ampat.

Central and North:- Covering the Central areas and as far North as Wayag.

Central and South:- Covering the Central areas and the Southern areas including Misool.

Central:- Covering only the Central areas.

Ultimate Raja Ampat:- Covering North, Central and Southern regions.

 Sample Itinerary for Raja Ampat Central Diving Trip

Day 1:- Meet guests at the Waisai Ferry terminal at 11:00. Welcome Drinks onboard and safety briefing. Then it’s time for a Check dive in the afternoon and night dive at either Friwinbonda or Mioskon

Day 2:- 2 x morning dives at Pulau Wai. Afternoon and possible night dives at Yenbuba or Sauwandarek

Day 3:- 4 dives at various spots around Yangefo

Day 4:- Visit Piaynemo. 3 dives and a land excursion to the Lookout Point for that classic raja Ampat photo opportunity and visit to the lagoon.

Day 5:- 2 Dives at Manta Sandy to try and see majestic Manta Rays that tend of group there and Afternoon and Night dives at Sauwanderek or Yenbuba

Day 6:- 4 Dives at Cape Kri, Blue Magic, Sardine Reef and Mioskon or Friwinbonda

Day 7:- 2 x Morning dives at Mike’s Point or Batu Lima

Day 8:- Transfer to Waisai Ferry at 0900

Note:- The above itinerary is indicative and subject to changes.