We love exploring new areas. We have been the pioneers of cetacean watching at numerous sites right across the Indo-west Pacific, from the Maldives and Seychelles in the west, all the way across to the Solomon Islands. We discovered the now famous Blue Whale hotspot off southern Sri Lanka. And in Indonesia we were the first to run whale-watching trips from Bali to Komodo and around Raja Ampat.

But the World is a big place, and there are plenty more areas to explore. Using our unparalleled experience we are exploring a series of new locations that promise wonderful cetacean encounters. All are within the Coral Triangle (the area of the world ocean with the greatest marine biodiversity) so all also promise superb coral reef snorkelling.

INDONESIA – TOGIAN ISLANDS
The great island of Sulawesi in Indonesia looks something like a misshapen spider. Nestling under its northern arm is the Gulf of Tomini. Protected on three sides, and with the Equator running straight through, this enormous embayment is reputed to be the calmest area in the entire world ocean.  And right in the middle of this sheltered oceanic pool lie the Togian Islands, rarely visited and bursting with life. Here are fabulous coral reefs, where we can expect to enjoy hours of glorious snorkelling, with Whale Sharks regularly occurring at one site. Meanwhile, the islands themselves house a unique suite of birds and mammals. And offshore, the little-visited waters around the Togian Islands provide the rare opportunity for some genuinely exploratory cetacean-watching.

INDONESIA – ALOR AND THE BANDA SEA
We will cruise eastwards from Maumere (on the Indonesian island of Flores), watching out for dolphins and whales, and stopping in sheltered locations for island visits and snorkeling on the magnificent coral reefs. Between Alor and other nearby islands we will explore the deep-water channels through which Blue Whales pass on their annual migration. These whales spend the southern winter in the Banda Sea, migrating to and from the waters of Western Australia, where they feast during the southern summer. From Alor we carry on across the Banda Sea, via the Spice Islands to Ambon.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA – KIMBE BAY
Off the north coast of Papua New Guinea are some of the richest (and warmest) seas in the world. Here are unparalleled coral reefs, bursting with reef fishes. While further offshore, the waters of Kimbe Bay off New Britain are home to the full diversity of tropical cetaceans. This trip will also include a few days ashore in a luxury beachside resort, where we can enjoy snorkelling from the shore and an astonishing diversity of tropical birds both in the resort grounds and in the nearby forest.

All of these trips will be based on comfortable live-aboard vessels. All offer the chance for wonderful coral reef snorkelling and extended cetacean-watching in regions remote from most tourist routes. Do email for further information.