Banda Sea Documentation Expedition
Join ReefNet and contribute to an upcoming field guide!
May 3 - May 19, 2010
Overview
For many years, ReefNet has conducted private expeditions throughout the world's tropical waters to document rare marine life. For the first time in 15 years, we've decided to open selected expeditions to the public.
ReefNet Dive Expeditions are intensive photo/video trips in search of new species. In order to give us the best chance to find something new, each expedition targets a hotspot of marine biodiversity. Furthermore, because we charter our own dive services, we have the freedom to visit both unexplored sites as well as trusted favorites.
If you'd like to contribute to our projects, to learn more about marine life and underwater photography, or just to join for the fun, consider signing up for one of our upcoming expeditions!
Objectives
The primary goal of every ReefNet Dive Expedition is to find and photograph new marine life. The photos and video collected on each expedition are added to our vast database and form the basis of our interactive field guides. By joining a ReefNet Dive Expedition and (optionally) contributing your work, you may even have your images and/or video published!
Another feature of every expedition is the educational experience. During each trip, the expedition leader(s) offer informal seminars on a range of topics which may include: marine life identification, marine life behaviour, underwater photography and videography. Each evening, you may participate in the daily review of photographs and video. It is during this review that we most frequently make our discoveries...perhaps even a new species or two!
Although ReefNet Dive Expeditions are working trips for the expedition leader(s), they are nothing but pleasure for you as a guest. You are equally welcome to participate with us and to contribute to our projects, or merely to sit back, dive, and enjoy the added value of our educational seminars. Either way, the trip will be unforgettable.
Expedition Summary
This 16-day expedition aboard the Pindito covers an astonishing 1100 nautical miles across the Banda Sea from Sorong to Maumere. Few liveaboards dare to offer itineraries of this duration or distance, and none with as much experience as Pindito.
We call this trip a "biodiversity cruise" because it reaches almost a dozen distinct regions that could each be the focus of an entire expedition -- Raja Ampat, Gunung Api, Banda Neira, Maumere, and more! We'll be searching for everything from muck diving critters and mandarinfish to sea snakes and mantas.
To put in perspective how rare an opportunity this trip is, consider that Pindito offers only two per year, and they are completely booked for at least the next 2 years. You simply cannot find this experience anywhere else!
Contact Information
For more information or to make a reservation, contact ReefNet.
