Easy Diving Eco-Resort

Cagayan Islands

Greenwood Beach Resort

With just 16 rooms, which provides a relaxed and intimate atmosphere for their international clientele. Its location is pristine: a large Clubhouse is only 30 feet away from one of the most gorgeous, Pink-Sand beaches in the entire Bahamas. Here guests can enjoy their meals on our Ocean View Terrace or inside the bright and colorful dining room.

In the evening guests come together and share their daily adventures and sip a beer at the bar.

The Bahamas

Diving in the Bahamas offers a captivating experience amidst clear waters and diverse marine ecosystems. With vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, including reef sharks and colorful tropical fish, the Bahamas provides ample opportunities for all types of divers. From exploring iconic blue holes to encountering majestic creatures like eagle rays, the underwater world of the Bahamas offers memorable adventures in a stunning natural setting.

Diving into Cat Island’s azure waters unveils a mesmerizing encounter with oceanic whitetip sharks amidst vibrant coral reefs. The sleek predators, known for their distinctive white-tipped fins, glide gracefully through the blue expanse, offering a glimpse into their mysterious world. Amidst the coral labyrinth, teeming with life, schools of fish dart among vibrant hues, seeking refuge in their intricate shelters.

Cat Island’s reefs serve as vital ecosystems, supporting a diverse array of marine life. Each crevice harbors its own ecosystem, creating a tapestry of biodiversity that captivates divers. Amidst the balance between predator and prey, the oceanic whitetip sharks reign supreme. As you ascend, the memory of encountering these apex predators amidst the vibrant reefs serves as a reminder of the fragility and beauty of marine ecosystems, urging us to protect and preserve them for generations to come.

ITINERARY

Day 1   Sep 7 Sun

Arrival Tokyo
Transfer to Tateyama 2 hours
Check in Tateyama Hotel (Chiba) or similar
Dinner at the Hotel

Day 2  Sep 8 Mon

After breakfast transfer to Bommie Shark City by Hotel shuttle
2 dives
Lunch in front of dive shop restaurant to be paid on location
Dinner at the hotel

Day 3  Sep 9 Tue
After breakfast check out
Transfer to Izu Tokyu Hotel, Shizuoka 4 hours – Lunch to be bought on the road
Stop by Nanadaru Kawazu Seven Water Fall
Hiking at Nanadaru
Transfer to the Izu Tokyu Hotel or similar
Dinner at the hotel

Day 4  Sep 10 Wed
After breakfast transfer to Mikomoto hammers     
Lunch can be ordered by guest before diving or eat near by
2 dives (max 35 min per dive)
Dinner hotel
Shimoda Ropeway 
Back to hotel

Day 5  Sep 11 Thu
After breakfast transfer to Mikomoto hammers
Lunch can be ordered before diving
3 dives (max 35 min per dive)
Dinner at the hotel

Day  6  Sep 12 Fri
After breakfast transfer to Mikomoto hammers
Lunch can be ordered by guest before diving or eat near by
2 dives (max 35 min per dive)
Dinner at the hotel

Day 7 Sep 13 Sat
After breakfast check out
9am transfer to Kamakura (3 hours)
12pm Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine accommodated by English Speaking guide
1pm lunch
2pm Komachi street
3:30pm leave for Tokyo (1.5 hours)
5pm Hotel Check in Tokyu Stay Shinjuku or similar
Dinner at the hotel

Day 8 Sep 14 Sun
Breakfast at the hotel
9am Tsukiji Market with English Speaking guide
11am Sensoji Temple
Nakamise street
Asakusa Tour
12pm  Lunch
1:30pm Tokyo Sky tree
3pm  Meiji Shrine
4pm Shibuya crossing, Hachiko Statue
Dinner at own expense in city center

Day 9 Sep 15 Mon
breakfast at hotel
All day free
Dinner at own expense in city center

Day 10 Sep 16 Tue
After breakfast
Transfer to the airport

Please note that the scheduled itinerary can undergo minor changes in timings and accommodation shorter to the trip date due to availabilities.

ACCOMODATIONS

We have selected three 4 star hotels in Izu, Tokyo and Tateyama to ensure a comfortable yet affordable resting base between our travels and the dives. Accommodations in Japan are only bookable a year before itinerary dates so the eventual accommodation might change, but we guarantee accommodation will be of the same lodging standard.

JAPAN

MIKOMOTO

Mikomoto Island is esteemed for its notable population of scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini), drawing diving enthusiasts globally to observe these majestic marine species in their native environment. Submerging into the depths adjacent to Mikomoto’s coastline, divers are presented with the remarkable spectacle of numerous hammerheads gracefully traversing the waters. Things can get adventurous: blazing current and changing visibility are often the case. Dives last 35 mins!

SHARK CITY

Tateyama is a well-known diving destination that is often referred to as “Shark scramble” or “Japanese hound shark traffic jam” and is the only shark feeding area in Japan. It’s a fantastic photography and video opportunity, and being swarmed with tons of harmless hound sharks is a stellar wildlife experience too.

Getting There

Manado ‘Sam Ratulangi’ international Airport (MDO) has regular international flights to / from Singapore operated by Scoot Air ( a low cost airline of the Singapore Air group ). It’s also connected to Jakarta, Denpasar-Bali, Makassar and Surabaya by Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air or CitiLink, all offering daily flights, 7 days a week.

The trip from / to the international airport takes approximately 1 1/2 hour each way. Our driver will meet you at the airport with a sign with your name on it. He will assist you with your luggage and the transfer is done by private car. After an approximately 1 hour car ride you will reach Pantai Surabaya, there you will switch from car to our private speed boat. An approximately 30 minutes boat ride will take you to the Coral Eye jetty where our team will be waiting for your arrival. Our private transfer is available 24/7. We provide a complete transfer upon request from any place around North Sulawesi by private car and private speed boat. Please contact us directly for tailor made transfers in between resorts or hotels in North Sulawesi. A surcharge for this service may apply.

Day to Day

We have 20 dives to spread out over 7 days, that means we will be in the water A LOT. Waking up early to get the first dive in, take breakfast, do another dive, have lunch, and then go out for the last dive of the day is how your days will usually look.

In between there’s enough time to relax, explore the roadless island, and just disconnect from the outside world.

Two island trips to the nearby wonders of Bunaken and Lembeh are included as well to give you the maximum exposure of the region and its differences in divesites.

Itinerary

Guests will be picked up from Puerto Madryn, which has direct flight connection with Buenos Aires (we can help you book flights!).

To make sure we make the best use of our 5 day permit, we are staying 8 days at the hotel to shift our planning in accordance with weather circumstances.

The diving days start with easy breakfast at the hotel, after which we drive with the car to the harbour, where we will embark on the dive boat and try go and find the whales. We come back in the late afternoon.

Snorkelling with the whales happens in groups of 2. Important: no pictures with both divers and whales in frame can be taken.

On the non-diving days, we will drive out around the region to go and spot wildlife and explore: tons of animals inhabit this region such as mare, elephant seals, penguins, guanacos, armadillos and many more.

Del Nomade Hosteria Ecologica

Peninsula Valdes, located on the Atlantic coast of Argentina, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique geological features. Stretching over 3,600 square kilometers, this rugged peninsula juts out into the ocean, forming a sheltered haven for a diverse array of marine life. One of its most famous inhabitants is the southern right whale, which migrates here annually to breed and calve in the calm waters of Golfo Nuevo. Visitors flock to Peninsula Valdes for the chance to witness these majestic creatures up close, either from the shore or on guided boat tours.

Apart from its significance as a breeding ground for marine mammals, Peninsula Valdes also boasts diverse terrestrial habitats, including grasslands, scrubland, and salt flats. These environments provide crucial habitats for numerous species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, making it a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Additionally, the peninsula is home to important conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered species such as the southern elephant seal and the Magellanic penguin. With its stunning natural beauty and ecological importance, Peninsula Valdes stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and protecting our planet’s biodiversity.

ITINERARY

From your home country, you will need to fly to Sorong Airport (SOQ) which is located in West Papua – Indonesia. Sorong Airport can be reached from the following Indonesian international airports: Jakarta, Denpasar, Manado, or Makassar/Ujung Pandang. We always recommend to arrive in Sorong a few days or at least one night before to be on the safe side. We are happy to assist with all internal flights, accommodations etc. in Indonesia. Contact marcel@behind-the-mask.com if you would like any assistance.

DIVE SPOTS

The itinerary chosen will be “Best of Raja Ampat”: that means the best spots for the weather forecast at the time! We discuss with the captain and the crew the best route to go to get to see the absolute best in pristine conditions. Here are some of the highlights of Raja:

Cape Kri. If you want to see  large fish and to be enveloped by fish then roll in here, both desires will soon be satisfied.  Groupers, sharks, snappers, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda, dogtooth tuna, trevallies. They are all here in numbers.
Cape Kri is a great place to spot wobbegongs, the curious carpet shark, but you should also admire gorgonian fans to look for pygmy seahorses grasping its branches.

Misol Island. Is located in the southern part of the Raja Ampat area and  is home to an astonishingly colourful reef-scene. Soft corals dress up slopes, walls and canyons in a colourful palette No big schools here but cuttlefish, pipefish, Indian lionfish, nudibranchs, soft corals and critters. Unmissable by night.

The Jef Fam Group. Is in the central region of Raja Ampat, so it’s quite probable  that you’ll visit it whether we are joining a southern or northern cruise route. It’s quite a large area with some impressive cabbage corals, sheet corals and mushroom corals What makes Jef Fam special is its diversity of marine encounters and  is the best place to find wobbegongs. You can also see huge giant clams, Spanish mackerel, great barracuda and manta rays.

Manta Ridge. Is one of the best dive spots in Raja Ampat to regularly see mantas  in  impressive numbers, it is a popular central site, thanks to a cleaning station which delivers some awesome manta ray action to the few lucky enough to be there.  In current, you may have to hook into place before enjoying the show which includes some black mantas, bumphead, parrotfish and turtles all unconcerned by the audience.

Your memories of diving in Raja Ampat will stay with you forever.

TIARÉ

Built from salvaged Indonesian woods, the classy Tiara offers a mix of modernity and tradition with a variety of places to snuggle in and enjoy your down-time. The very large top deck sun lounge allows for sunbathing or enjoying the scenery.  Downstairs on the main deck, the living area on the bow is equally as spacious. Soft sofas and Indonesian day beds are a great place to socialize, have a nap, read a book or just daydream.  It’s also the setting where you find beautiful wooden tables & cushioned benches for your alfresco meals

The interior restaurant is in the deck house mid-ship on this deck and has a bar stocked with imported wines and a selection of other drinks, an ice machine, a coffee machine, a wine fridge, a juice extractor, an herbal tea station and a drinks fridge.  Dinner can be served here as an alternative to the main deck exterior dining area depending on weather conditions and your personal preference.  An chic but comfortable air-conditioned lounge, with all the requisite audio-visual equipment, adjoins the restaurant.  Restaurant and lounge are surrounded by picture windows to ensure that you can continue to enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

Also located on the main deck is the dive deck which has individual setup areas and hot showers.  Photographers will appreciate the indoor camera room which has plenty of storage space … and, of course, the onboard PCs for editing photos or videos.

The six cabins are all located on the lower deck and two of the cabins are set up with the possibility of being family cabins, each with capacity for 2 adults and a child.

For between-dive activities or for non-divers looking for some sporting fun, Tiare offers snorkeling gear, the use of 2 kayaks, a stand-up paddle board and a towable water tube. There are also shore excursions and visits to Indonesian villages where possible.

The dining room is at the front of the main deck where delicious buffet style Asian and western meals are served. The saloon is large and spacious with comfortable lounges, big windows, bar fridge, and complimentary fresh roast coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices. Multimedia entertainment centre including large flat screen TV for briefing and movies, large library and a full selection of marine life books.

There are two outside decks–the shade covered party deck with its comfy cushioned lounge suite around nearly the whole deck and the sun platform in front of the wheelhouse give you the choice to sun bake or not !

RAJA AMPAT

The best time to dive Raja Ampat is from October to April. During this time you will be able to explore the Northern and Southern Part of Raja Ampat. The water temperature in Raja Ampat is between 27 – 30 Celsius. We recommend 3mm long wetsuit to dive in Raja Ampat unless you are warm quickly.

THE MARINE PARK

The Raja Ampat Marine Park covers a large area with more than 1’500 islands listed. Therefore, a liveaboard is an ideal way to explore this fantastic destination. Here you will explore one of the last frontiers of unspoiled diving and snorkelling. The archipelago’s pristine reefs are not only vibrant, but the region also proves to have the highest coral reef biodiversity for its size in the world. Raja Ampat holds more than 1’320 fish and 550 coral species and all that is yet to be discovered. Raja Ampat is the epicentre of global marine biodiversity and considered to have the best coral reef diving on the planet. From unusual wobbegong sharks to majestic giant mantas to tiny pygmy seahorses, Raja Ampat has it all! If you are snorkelers or have non-diver family members or friends and you are not sure if this will be a trip that they would enjoy, we have good news: there are many activities for you too!! There are plenty of excellent sites in this fabulous destination, which not only great for diving but also for snorkelling. This marine park is listed among the world’s best-snorkelling destinations. This area is also remarkable for its stunning above water scenery. The famous natural landmark of Raja Ampat is of the mushroom-shaped limestone formations covered in dense vegetation rising out of the turquoise seas. A visit to Pianemo or Wayag viewpoints for extraordinary views and photo opportunities of these iconic natural wonders. During our trip to Raja Ampat, we will also visit local villages on some islands and explore the beautiful lagoon by speed boat.

August 22 –  Sep 5, 2025

The only way to reach Niue is by taking a 3-hour direct flight from Auckland International Airport, 2 times a week every Tuesday and Saturday. As we are crossing the international dateline the arrival will be one day before. This means you have to catch the early morning flight (around 9 a.m.) on the 23th from Auckland to Niue to arrive on the day before. We will spend 14 nights on the island – from August 22rd to September 5th 2025.

Meeting Point for this trip will be in Auckland accordingly. Your tour leader will be in a hotel nearby the airport the night prior to the departure to meet you there. We will publish and offer the hotel overnights as soon as flights will be available (11 months before departure). Feel free to ask us about packages including your international flights or also extension programs in New Zealand.

Action plan:

Meeting times will be discussed on spot for the next day. We will meet for breakfast of course and head from there together to the dive shop.

For your whale and freediving adventures we will enjoy the private boat with maximum 6 passengers. The whale trips normally take up to 4 hours and will happen either in the morning or in the afternoon, depending on weather conditions, guests or the trip leader’s decision. It’s not really possible to say which times are better as nature is unpredictable. If there are no whales to be found we will use the time to get some water time in the magical caves or on the reefs of Niue. The package includes 10 days of excursions on the water. On 2 of those days we will add a freediving experience either before or after the whale search in the caves and reefs around the island. On the free day we will enjoy a special island tour from Niue Blue. This leaves us with another 2 full days for your own activities and adventures. Please note that in Niue there are no shops or companies working on Sundays. It’s a strictly sabbatical day, same as in the Kingdom of Tonga. This local tradition should be kept in mind and respected.

Scenic Matavai Resort

As the only full service resort on Niue, the Scenic Matavai Resort offers the best of both worlds — an uncrowded, authentic Niuean experience with the convenience of contemporary luxury. Enjoy watching Humpback Whales and Spinner Dolphins right from the deck while enjoying a meal from of the two onsite restaurants and finish the evening with cocktails by the pool.

Fakaalofa lahi atu – Welcome to beautiful Niue

Niue is a Pacific Island paradise like no other – one of the smallest countries and one of the largest raised coral atolls on earth. It’s a place where it’s normal for complete strangers to wave at each other, a place where nature hasn’t been broken and things are ‘the way they used to be’. Niue is a large upraised coral atoll, positioned as a standalone island in the centre of a triangle of nations made up of Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands. It’s located 2400km northeast of New Zealand, on the eastern side of the international dateline.

The island’s isolation and coral origins make for an exciting coastline. There are no lakes or rivers that runoff into the ocean which ensures crystal clear water year round. The whole island is dotted with a myriad of caves, sheltered rocky coves and secret beaches, some of which have yet to be explored. The Huvalu Rainforest is home to amazing indigenous trees and has been designated as a Conservation Area to protect and conserve the islands primary rainforest and natural fauna and flora. Scattered throughout the 14 neat and colorful villages, Niue’s less than 1500 residents enjoy dual citizenship, as a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. They are bilingual, speaking both Niuean and English, and enjoy an independent lifestyle. The locals are very respectful, genuinely friendly and hospitable to visitors and have accepted tourism as an important component to their economic development and well-being. They are well educated and enjoy life.

Humpback whales of Niue Island

From July to October each year the Humpback whales arrive in Niue’s waters to nurse their young. Niue is one of only a handful of places in the world where you are allowed to swim with the whales. Mother nature of course doesn’t guarantee an experience so whale interactions are strictly dependent on the whales being around, within range, settled and the weather conditions being safe. At night, you can sometimes hear the whales slapping their giant fins against the water and you may even be kept awake by their calls, unlike anywhere else in the world – they can come that close to the shore because the water is so deep.
As far as we know the density of the whales is not as high as in Tonga. However, there are only three operators with a handful of boats for whale watching, so expect little or no traffic on the water. Also, as Niue is made entirely of porous limestone, it has no lakes or streams. This means that the rain quickly filters through the island into the sea below, resulting in no sediment in the water and the visibility (diver’s favorite word) can be up to 80 meters. This clarity is ranked amongst the very best in the world and, coupled with the warm water, makes for an exceptional dive, snorkel and freediving experience!
On land Niue Island offers you beautiful landscapes and grotesque limestone formations on its coast. Take a walk along the coastline or through Niue’s tropical rainforest and experience ancient Polynesian wilderness first-hand. Also, there are bicycles and even e-bikes to rent to explore the island.

August 8 –  22, 2025

The only way to reach Niue is by taking a 3-hour direct flight from Auckland International Airport, 2 times a week every Tuesday and Saturday. As we are crossing the international dateline the arrival will be one day before. This means you have to catch the early morning flight (around 9 a.m.) on the 9th from Auckland to Niue to arrive on the day before. We will spend 14 nights on the island – from August 8th to 22nd 2025.

Meeting Point for this trip will be in Auckland accordingly. Your tour leader will be in a hotel nearby the airport the night prior to the departure to meet you there. We will publish and offer the hotel overnights as soon as flights will be available (11 months before departure). Feel free to ask us about packages including your international flights or also extension programs in New Zealand.

Action plan:

Meeting times will be discussed on spot for the next day. We will meet for breakfast of course and head from there together to the dive shop.

For your whale and freediving adventures we will enjoy the private boat with maximum 6 passengers. The whale trips normally take up to 4 hours and will happen either in the morning or in the afternoon, depending on weather conditions, guests or the trip leader’s decision. It’s not really possible to say which times are better as nature is unpredictable. If there are no whales to be found we will use the time to get some water time in the magical caves or on the reefs of Niue. The package includes 10 days of excursions on the water. On 2 of those days we will add a freediving experience either before or after the whale search in the caves and reefs around the island. On the free day we will enjoy a special island tour from Niue Blue. This leaves us with another 2 full days for your own activities and adventures. Please note that in Niue there are no shops or companies working on Sundays. It’s a strictly sabbatical day, same as in the Kingdom of Tonga. This local tradition should be kept in mind and respected.

Scenic Matavai Resort

As the only full service resort on Niue, the Scenic Matavai Resort offers the best of both worlds — an uncrowded, authentic Niuean experience with the convenience of contemporary luxury. Enjoy watching Humpback Whales and Spinner Dolphins right from the deck while enjoying a meal from of the two onsite restaurants and finish the evening with cocktails by the pool.

Fakaalofa lahi atu – Welcome to beautiful Niue

Niue is a Pacific Island paradise like no other – one of the smallest countries and one of the largest raised coral atolls on earth. It’s a place where it’s normal for complete strangers to wave at each other, a place where nature hasn’t been broken and things are ‘the way they used to be’. Niue is a large upraised coral atoll, positioned as a standalone island in the centre of a triangle of nations made up of Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands. It’s located 2400km northeast of New Zealand, on the eastern side of the international dateline.

The island’s isolation and coral origins make for an exciting coastline. There are no lakes or rivers that runoff into the ocean which ensures crystal clear water year round. The whole island is dotted with a myriad of caves, sheltered rocky coves and secret beaches, some of which have yet to be explored. The Huvalu Rainforest is home to amazing indigenous trees and has been designated as a Conservation Area to protect and conserve the islands primary rainforest and natural fauna and flora. Scattered throughout the 14 neat and colorful villages, Niue’s less than 1500 residents enjoy dual citizenship, as a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. They are bilingual, speaking both Niuean and English, and enjoy an independent lifestyle. The locals are very respectful, genuinely friendly and hospitable to visitors and have accepted tourism as an important component to their economic development and well-being. They are well educated and enjoy life.

Humpback whales of Niue Island

From July to October each year the Humpback whales arrive in Niue’s waters to nurse their young. Niue is one of only a handful of places in the world where you are allowed to swim with the whales. Mother nature of course doesn’t guarantee an experience so whale interactions are strictly dependent on the whales being around, within range, settled and the weather conditions being safe. At night, you can sometimes hear the whales slapping their giant fins against the water and you may even be kept awake by their calls, unlike anywhere else in the world – they can come that close to the shore because the water is so deep.
As far as we know the density of the whales is not as high as in Tonga. However, there are only three operators with a handful of boats for whale watching, so expect little or no traffic on the water. Also, as Niue is made entirely of porous limestone, it has no lakes or streams. This means that the rain quickly filters through the island into the sea below, resulting in no sediment in the water and the visibility (diver’s favorite word) can be up to 80 meters. This clarity is ranked amongst the very best in the world and, coupled with the warm water, makes for an exceptional dive, snorkel and freediving experience!
On land Niue Island offers you beautiful landscapes and grotesque limestone formations on its coast. Take a walk along the coastline or through Niue’s tropical rainforest and experience ancient Polynesian wilderness first-hand. Also, there are bicycles and even e-bikes to rent to explore the island.