This was a return trip to Coral Estates Luxury Resort. I previously said I would probably not return due to issues in our group’s visit in Nov 2011. (Curaçao/West side Diving Review of Coral Divers, 2021/11 (undercurrent.org)
However, in response to my concerns last trip, the Dive OP manager...
Quit while you are ahead!
For me to fly to Bali from Canada right now will cost well over $2,000 CAD (about $1480 US)
Flew there in Sept 2022 was around $1900 CAD
Various domestic flights were all $3-500 CAD
Three reasons to book a later flight, even if it means overnight at SIN airport.
- two hours from int'l arrival to domestic connection in my experience, way too many things that can go wrong
- I don't think you can check bags through to Sorong. You will be picking up on arrival at Jakarta, to...
At Wakatobi, you will not have any choice for dive sites, DM's or much else. Very regimented schedules, boats etc.
I doubt if any of the DM's are the same as my last visit 10 yrs ago, but we had some terrific DM's and some who were terrible.
There are no overheads in the planes they use GCM - CYB, so if will fit under the seat in front of you it goes there. If it won't they will take it at the door and check it for free.
Otherwise its been my experience they are not overly strict. It may get weighed on check-in though.
I was at Misool last Sept. Conditions were a little murky on some dives, but that's when you get to see the Mantas!
Surface conditions were never a problem.
Some dives presented challenges with currents but the DMs did their best to plan around them to mitigate.
Overall I'd say conditions...
I can't seem to find any reviews for Discovery II live aboard in Red Sea. Anyone with any info would be appreciated.
Looking at their northern, wrecks itinerary next November.
Ditto for two other boats: SS Glorious Miss Nouran and SS Serena Dream
Thanks!
I use WhatsApp when travelling. Just have to get everyone you need to use it too.
Its free, and works very well! With free WiFi almost everywhere you go, forget data!
Videos from our last trip, in September. 7 days on Mermaid II Bali-Komodo-Bali itinerary.
Then 9 days at Misool Resort.
Visibility was not the best, but I think I got some good footage.
I was in Jakarta, Bali & Sorong last Sept. I researched all my exchange options, and airport or money exchanges in North America were always the worst rates.
100% of the time, the best rates were on the street, at small vendors. They all post big signs advertising, with rates clearly shown...
Thanks folks. Exactly what I needed to know. Hitting Red Sea for the first time, and needed to narrow down the live aboard choices. This makes it easy, only ones that go to the Thistlegorm!
67 yrs old, certified for 40 years. ~3,000 dives. Diving actively since beginning.
1/2 in Great Lakes, 1/2 in Caribbean, Indonesia, BC coast, Fiji, Australia.......
Lots of wreck info in various threads, but specific question for those that have been to the area:
I really want to dive the Thistlegorm. However, is it really worth it or are there better wrecks in the Red Sea with better overall itineraries?
TIA
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