Duration
8 days
Cabins left
8 / 8
Capacity
12 divers
Operator
Nomad Archipelago
Included
Mandatory surcharges
Optional extras
Check-in
08:00–10:00
Check-out
05:00–10:00
Located in the far eastern tip of Central Sulawesi, this wild paradise hosts many wonders above and under the sea. The Banggai Archipelago is located to the east of Central Sulawesi Province. It consists of two main islands with a string of small islands to the south that we will explore. Like many paradise islands, this part of Sulawesi is tough to get to, making liveaboards the best way to explore the area. On these small islands live Bugis and Bajau communities, known as sea nomads. Most of these families live permanently on the main islands, but they have built small houses above the lagoon to stay there during the fishing season. We will go meet them, listen to their stories, and share some time with them will be one of the highlights of our trip.
Known for their impressive ability to hold their breath underwater for an impressive period of time due to their larger spleens, the Bajau also possesses a unique traditional way of life. These communities still live a very traditional lifestyle in small villages with houses built on stilts over the sea, and their livelihood depends entirely on the sea. Our Banggai cruise will mostly call at small and remote islands where the Bajau people form the majority of the population. We will take you to some of their villages throughout your trip so that you can get up close and personal with these seafarers, watch them as they demonstrate their supernatural freediving ability, and see how they make their living from the sea. Be prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Bajau!
Upon arrival at Luwuk Airport, we will transfer to the harbor where we embark on our vessel. While sailing, our cruise director will provide a briefing to familiarize you with the vessel and our safety procedures. In the late afternoon, we will make a stop at a charming beach. As night falls, we will weigh anchor to continue our journey along the picturesque coast.
In the northeastern part of Banggai Island, we'll find the most breathtaking beaches in the archipelago. Though we might not get to explore all of them, we'll definitely make a stop under the shade of a tree along the fine sandy shoreline. Here, we can enjoy snorkeling around the superb reef.
This day promises exciting exploration with visits to "Bajo" villages, where you'll likely be the center of attention as it's a place rarely visited by foreigners. In the early morning, weather permitting, we'll be on Toropot Island to explore two picturesque Bajau villages. These communities primarily sustain themselves through the octopus trade and seagrass. The highlight of the day will be snorkeling near the mangroves, offering a chance to spot the endemic "Banggai cardinal fish." We'll also go ashore and visit a traditional village in the interior, witnessing fishermen trading their daily catch.
In the morning, we'll reach a small island surrounded by beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise waters in the Banggai Archipelago atoll. Our day will be filled with snorkeling, swimming, and a barbecue on the lovely beach. In the afternoon, we'll take a short sail to a tiny island to meet a small community called Bajau who live there. We'll enjoy a bonfire with them on the beach as the sun sets.
At daybreak, the highlight of the day will be snorkeling inside the lagoon, where mangrove trees grow in crystal-clear waters with spectacular reefs thriving among them. This is called the “blue” mangrove, where juvenile fish can be seen in all their kaleidoscopic colors. In the afternoon, we will explore rarely visited nearby islands, indulging in the spirit of adventure that defines our slow cruises. We will spend the night at anchor.
After getting back on board, we'll continue sailing to the next island, where we'll meet the Bugis and Bajau communities on the island of Nal and learn about how they connect with each other. We will also have the chance to go snorkeling on a beautiful reef. In the afternoon, we'll set sail for another island to enjoy a beautiful beach and more snorkeling.
This day, we'll make a stop at Bungintende, a small island boasting white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Here, we'll have the opportunity to meet the Bajau community, known for their octopus-catching expertise. Following this, we will snorkel around a nice reef. Later, we'll head to a beautiful beach for a relaxing swim.
In the morning, we'll set sail for Pulau Tiga, a cluster of three islets home to Bajau communities. Once there, we'll go ashore to visit the local school and village. Afterward, we'll enjoy snorkeling around the beautiful reef. During lunch, our journey will continue to Sambori Island, also known as "Little Raja 4." We'll spend the afternoon exploring numerous bays and coves using our Zodiac boat, followed by a refreshing swim.
We will arrive at the harbor of Kendari in the early morning. After breakfast, we will say farewell to the crew and be transferred to the airport for the guests' departure.
Price per person
$2,820
All taxes included
Full charter from $26,000
Select cabin
No payment charged until confirmed.
