Schedule

Start / end Fakarava – Best of Tuamotus

Your Dive cruise starts and ends in Fakarava, an hour’s flight from Tahiti.

The 11 nights trip includes the best dive sites in the Tuamoto archipelago. Fakarava is one of the most famous diving areas in French Polynesia, as it holds probably the richest and most spectacular underwater scenery.

Depending on the weather and conditions, you can expect 11 diving days with up to a maximum of 2 dives daily.

Dive cruises on Aqua Tiki III are not “hard core” diving cruises but rather as a very successful symbiosis of diving relaxing and island experiences. You will explore the best dive sites, channels, reefs and lagoons along the route through the atolls of Fakarava, Tetamanu, Kauehi and Toau.

For those who have not planned a connection program, the trip on Aquatiki III ends on 18th of August. For those jointing on the Rurutu Whale Extension the trip will end on the 24th of August.

Aquatiki III

The Aquatiki III is a catamaran, from the Fountaine Pajot range built in La Rochelle, France.

The comfort on board is worthy of a hotel: a vast square very comfortable, with video corner, lounge library and cocktail bar. An American kitchen, a vast cockpit sheltered from the sun by a canopy where meals are served, a large sundeck, a front salon and 2 trampolines generally very coveted and a plancha for the grills.

The catamaran measures 20 meters long by 9.8 meters wide and has 5 cabins for a total of 10 guests: 2 cabins with double or twin beds, 1 cabin with bunk beds for 2 people, and 2 VIP double cabins equipped with TV/Hifi/DVD. They have individually controlled air-conditioning, a sound system and a private bathroom with toilet.

The propulsion is ensured by 230 m² of sail and by 2 motors of 150 HP, with a more than 1000 liters large fuel tank.

A powerful generator and inverter ensure the electrical production, delivering 220V continuously, with individual 220V outlets in each cabin 24/7.

The Aquatiki is autonomous in fresh water: more than 800 liters of reserve, with 2 desalinators of 190 liters / hour.

Of course, for maximum safety, this ship is equipped with the most complete modern navigation equipment and the latest technical evolutions: autopilot, GPS, BLU, VHF, computer navigation center, radar, standard C weather, beacon of distress Sarsat.
The catamaran is also equipped with all comforts: a hi-fi system with independent sound system in each cabin and CD-library, television and video recorder, DVD with video library. A library where you will find amongst others documentations concerning the underwater fauna, Polynesia, Navigation, etc and many games to animate your evenings.

A telephone, WIFI and a fax by satellite make it possible to stay connected in all circumstances and even on the other side of the world!

Rurutu

On land – The Cove & Sam’s Tours
March 7 – 11, 2026

• 4 nights at the cove with breakfast
• Pelileu 2 dives and WWII Tour
• 3 dives with Sam’s tours
• Rock Island Tour with Sam’s Tours incl. jelly fish lake and bbq

Liveaboard – Black Pearl
March 11 – 19, 2026

Typical dive day 1 – 7:

06:30 Dive briefing and morning test dive at Jack Sea Plane #1
08:45 Breakfast
10:30 Second dive at Iro Maru Wreck #2
12:30 Lunch Buffet
14:00 Third Dive at Chandelier Caves #3
16:30 Yacht sails to Ulong Island
18:30 Dinner Buffet

Day 8:

07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Check-out and transfer to the hotel

Black Pearl

“Crafted to meet the rigorous standards of the International Integrity Stability Standard for yachts surpassing 46-metres, M/Y Black Pearl was constructed using only the finest materials and outfitted with the latest in navigation, safety, and scuba diving systems and equipment.”

Palau is a destination that demands quite some travel time, so we wanted to assure our divers get a luxurious boat that offers anything an advanced diver requires. With up market accommodation, sufficient camera space, stellar food and a top crew the Black Pearl is the right answer.

The vessel offers guests comfort, convenience, and entertainment through various amenities, such as outdoor seating, a whirlpool, a bar, an indoor dining area, gym equipment, and a business center.

Palau

The first thing we’d like to note, which speaks to the character of this island nation, is that the world’s first shark sanctuary was declared in Palau in 2009.  It was only after that action that other nations begans to follow suit.

The Federated States of Micronesia, includes the diving havens of Palau, Truk & Yap, covering roughly 3 million square miles. East of the Philippines & north of Indonesia, the islands are small, rocky & largely uninhabitable, but richly forested, many with dazzling white sand beaches. Palau itself is composed of about 250 mostly-uninhabited islands, which are ringed by a single barrier reef.

Situated where she is in a triangle with Indonesia and the Philippines, it comes as no surprise that splendid corals are one of Palau’s greatest claims to fame – along with tremendous marine diversity. Most dive sites in Palau are world-class, with underwater features like blue holes, drop-offs, caverns, caves and channels. Visibility often seems endless and can go up to 30m on good days.

Palau can be dived year-round and the water temperature is usually warm at a range of 27-30°C. Most of the dive sites are located about 45-60 minutes away by speed boat from the dive center of Sam´s Tours.

Most of the dive sites are recommended for divers with experience because of the strong currents in Palau. A reef hook is critical to have for several dive sites at the outer walls of the barrier reef.

Shipwreck enthusiast will be spoilt for choice in Palau as there are more than 20 Japanese warships and planes from the Second World War to discover, many of them covered with colorful corals.

July 1 to 11, 2026

From Mthata Airport we will have a transfer to our accommodation St. Johns River Lodge. We will be a small group of max. 6 people with a private boat charter for 8 days of Sardine Run. The Sardine Run is a unique natural spectacle that only exists in South Africa. As special as this spectacle is, one should not disregard the effort involved. Hours of searching, waves, rough seas and no guarantee of success can drain your strength. This trip is only for advanced divers and snorklers who are not prone to getting sea sick.

The important thing is to never forget that this is a natural spectacle. And nature is not always that predictable.

Typical Day on a Sardine Run Ocean Safari Trip

Daily outings last for approximately 6 – 8 hours depending on sea / weather conditions and the amount of activity about. With the action being fast and furious in conjunction with variable sea conditions, long boat rides and the whole day out at sea, outings can prove strenuous, therefore it is recommended that clients be relatively fit.

Departure time is usually 06h30 and return time depends on the action on the day. We try to stay out at sea for as long as possible, giving our clients a good chance to capitalze on whatever Nature has to offer.

Each morning at around 06h20, our boats will depart from our home-based jetty to collect clients by boat. We then head down the Umzimvubu river and into the surf zone at Port St. Johns. After a typical and highly exciting African surf launch, crew will start looking for all types of action, from whales, dolphins and ocean bird action to the little silver sardine / bait fish type action. Our skippers will be in touch with our “eye in the sky” pilot for an update on sightings.

Sardine / bait fish activity is usually sighted from large flocks of cape gannet sightings or by the more trusted large pods of common dolphin activity.

Our communication with our pilot and other spotter networks is vast and we are also in communication with Natal Sharks Board members that conduct regular flights further afield. Our local knowledge of “hiding” places also comes into play here and all avenues are explored to find action for you.

Once action is located, our experienced crew will determine whether this action is fast moving, necessitating snorkel viewing, or more static, whereby we can go straight onto scuba equipment for those wishing to use scuba gear. First hand action will be experienced by snorkellers, divers and boat based passengers, which ensures an exciting day out for everyone where no one is left out of all the excitement that nature brings with her.

Port St. Johns River Lodge

Our accommodation choice is Port St. Johns River Lodge, which is regarded by many travellers as a “home away from home”. Port St. Johns River Lodge has a full bar and restaurant on site and is situated alongside the picturesque mighty Umzimvubu River with spectacular views of Mt. Sullivan & Mt. Thesiger. The lodge is situated across the river from the operating base from Offshore Africa, which makes it easy to collect and drop off daily.

Quick Facts

• WIFI
• Drying room for wetsuits
• Hot shower rinse-off at boat jetty area
• Walking distance to convenience shop / liquor store / fuel station
• Swimming pools (1 heated / 1 un-heated)
• Family room and Twin bed rooms available

Port St. Johns

For many years the Pondoland Wild Coast has shrouded its secrets from the masses and to this day is a little known and forgotten part of South Africa’s East coast.
This stretch of coastline is regarded as the most dramatic stretch of coastline on the continent of Africa and truly lives up to its name…the “Wild Coast”. Port St. Johns lies exactly in the middle of this amazing stretch of coast. Port St. Johns is located on the eastern seaboard of South Africa approximately 380 km south of Durban. (4 hour drive) and is within the province of the Eastern Cape. The WILD COAST lies between the southern border of Natal, Port Edward and the port town of East London approximately 300 km further south and happens to be the most rugged and naturally unspoiled piece of coastline to be found on the African continent. The time forgotten coastal town of Port St. Johns, situated on the magical Pondoland Wild Coast has become one of the most popular destinations from which to experience the Sardine Run in all its glory.

Offshore Africa

Offshore Africa is owned, run and managed by Rob Nettleton & Debbie Smith, a highly qualified team whose experience spans in excess of 30 years in the dive industry. Offshore Africa pride themselves on their knowledge & experience, their personal service, the flexibility of their business to suit their clients and above all, the Sardine Run ocean safari is Debra & Robs passion and the absolute highlight of each year for them.

„We never know what each day, let alone each hour will bring on these days and this, coupled with the most incredible marine sightings, makes the Sardine Run ocean experience the single best event on the marine calendar.“

Offshore Africa has been operating on the Wild Coast for many years and has extensive home-based knowledge. They are the only locally based sardine run specialist operator based in Port St Johns, successfully running sardine run trips from their base in Port St Johns since 2008. They are therefore ideally located to offer you a superb, fun filled trip, coupled with a highly experienced Sardine Run specialist team of skippers and dive guides that form part of their team.

We offer a boat based adventure for everyone, whether a diver or non-diver. All nature lovers, bird watchers, photography enthusiasts, dolphin and whale enthusiasts, snorkellers and scuba divers will thoroughly enjoy this incredible event of nature, which has been likened to the land based “Wildebeest migration of the Serengeti” and the marine equivalent of this has since been called “The Greatest Shoal on Earth”. Join us for an experience of a lifetime in the most beautiful and scenic place of Port St. Johns, Wild Coast, Transkei.

Personal note to you from Offshore Africa…

The Sardine Run is one of the hardest products in the dive industry to market and to work with. The main reason being is that every outing is dependent on what nature offers us on that particular day. BUT…it is not just about sardines and baitballs. It has been and is still rated to be the marine equivalent of the famous Wildebeest migration that takes place on the Masai Mara and Serengeti plains of central Africa and is just as thrilling and spectacular to witness whether above surface or underwater. Just the amount of oceanic predators and bird life make this an enthralling experience and offers phenomenal photographic opportunities both above and below the water.

Something that few people realize or read about regarding the Sardine Run is the fact that aside from sardine (Sardinops Sagax), there are at least another 5 or 6 species of bait fish doing their own mini or not so mini migrations at the same time (Anchovies, sugar mackerel, red eye herring, East coast herring, Sauri & a few more). Each of these species attracts predators in all shapes and sizes and is preyed upon at every given opportunity. Some of the these species have a tendency to “ball” as a defensive strategy, as sardine does, while others just scatter and create chaos.

A few things are guaranteed on every outing: – huge pods of dolphin sometimes numbering in their thousands, numerous species of sharks (if visibility allows) are seen individually or in large packs on most “jump-ins”. A huge variety of oceanic bird life including the well-known Cape Gannet, which arrives in their thousands, 5 species of Albatross, Petrels, Cormorants, Terns and of course, through it all, we have the annual Humpback Whale migration offering loads of breaching and surface displays due to the topography of our coastline.

The attraction of it all is the fact that one just never knows what one will come across or experience on any given day.

The Jardines Avalon II

Jardines Avalon II, a 136′ long and 25′ wide professional steel yacht, adheres to SOLAS shipping standards, typical of Avalon Fleet’s vessels. Powered by diesel, it maintains a cruising speed of 10 knots and is equipped with 110-volt power onboard.

The yacht boasts a spacious, air-conditioned salon and dining area, along with a sun deck featuring a hot tub (Jacuzzi), lounge and deck chairs, stereo system, shaded wet bar and grill, as well as a comprehensive photo center complete with digital video and still photo editing capabilities.

Itinerary

Saturday

• Transfers to Jucaro Port (3hrs to 6hrs)
• Board between 2 -3pm
• Navigate out to the Gardens (3-5hrs)

Sunday – Friday:

• Diving and Adventures
• 2 dives AM – Lunch – 2 dives PM

Friday mid-day:

• 2 x morning dives
• Wash & hang gear to dry
• Head back to Jucaro Port
• Overnight in port aboard mothership

Saturday early morning:

• Disembark and transfers accordingly

Cuba

Cuba, a Caribbean island nation, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. From its colorful streets adorned with classic cars to its pulsating music and dance scene, Cuba exudes a unique charm that captivates visitors from around the world. The island’s history, shaped by indigenous Taíno peoples, Spanish colonization, African influences, and more recent revolutionary movements, has left an indelible mark on its culture. Visitors can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Old Havana, where cobblestone streets lead to majestic colonial-era buildings and lively plazas resonating with the rhythms of salsa music. Cuba’s cultural richness is also evident in its literature, art, and cuisine, which reflect the country’s diverse heritage and resilience in the face of historical challenges.

Beneath the turquoise waters that surround Cuba lies a breathtaking underwater world teeming with life. The island’s extensive coral reefs, including the renowned Gardens of the Queen, harbor a dazzling array of marine species, from colorful reef fish to majestic sharks and graceful sea turtles. These ecosystems provide vital habitat for countless marine organisms and support the livelihoods of local communities dependent on fishing and ecotourism. Moreover, Cuba’s commitment to environmental conservation has led to the establishment of marine protected areas and initiatives aimed at preserving its marine biodiversity for future generations to enjoy.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cuba’s underwater world offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration and adventure. Scuba divers and snorkelers flock to the island to discover its pristine reefs, underwater caves, and sunken shipwrecks, where they can encounter an astonishing diversity of marine life in crystal-clear waters. Whether exploring vibrant coral gardens, encountering playful dolphins, or marveling at the eerie beauty of underwater caves, Cuba’s marine treasures never fail to leave a lasting impression on visitors, inspiring awe and appreciation for the wonders of the ocean.

Itinerary

Sep 26 Day 1 Embarkation & sailing
Sep 27 Day 2 Sailing arriving late night
Sep 28 Day 3 Diving
Sep 29 Day 4 Diving
Sep 30 Day 5 Diving
Oct 1 Day 6 Diving
Oct 2 Day 7 Diving
Oct 3 Day 8 Diving
Oct 4 Day 9 Diving & sailing back after 3rd dive
Oct 6 Day 10 sailing
Oct 7 Day 11 arrival Puntarenas

Cocos Top Dive Sites

Alcyone

A 600’ long submerged mountain, the top of the mountain is 75’ from the surface. Schooling Hammerheads, Mantas and schooling fish. Possible Sailfish or Marlin.

Big Dos Amigos

This islet features a 45-foot-high arch and 60-foot pinnacle off the southeast side. Look for Rainbow Runners, Yellowtail Snapper, Bigeye Jacks and lobster. Hammerheads swim between the pinnacle and arch.

Bird Island, Chatham Bay

Dove from Chatham Bay, southeast of Manuelita, this site provides a variety of marine life including Frog Fish, lobsters, morays, rays, White Tip Sharks and Hammerheads. There is even a cleaning station.

Dirty Rock

A large island with schools of Marble Rays and Hammerheads.

Lone Stone

Schooling Marble Rays and Mobula Rays.

Manuelita

The northeast corner has asheer wall. Lots of White Tips, Marble Rays and schools of Creoles.

Special Sightings

Whale Sharks, mating Eagle Rays, Sail Fish, mating White Tip Sharks, False Killer Whales.

Ubing Rock, Wafer Bay

This 300’ rock begins at 20’ and drops to a 110’ sandy bottom. The southeast slope attracts schooling Hammerheads.

Cocos Aggressor

We like this boat.

Designed with comfort and stability in mind, the Cocos Island Aggressor presents a spacious 38-meter liveaboard experience for up to 22 guests across its 11 staterooms. The accommodations are divided into 4 master staterooms on the upper deck and 7 deluxe staterooms on the lower deck, each complete with a private bathroom, shower, and individual air conditioning controls. Ample locker space ensures convenience for storing dive gear.

Beyond the staterooms, the vessel boasts inviting communal spaces such as a generously sized salon, expansive sun deck with loungers and deck chairs, a well-appointed bar, and a grill for outdoor dining experiences. Culinary offerings are a highlight, with a varied menu featuring lighter fare for lunches including hot soups, salads, and sandwiches, while dinners are crafted by the skilled onboard chef.

Thirst-quenching options abound, with a selection of complimentary fruit juices, soft drinks, water, iced tea, coffee, and a limited assortment of local beer and wine. Guests can indulge in the convenience of all-inclusive dining, snacks, and beverages throughout their journey aboard the Cocos Island Aggressor.

Intro to Cocos Island

Located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, 300 miles southwest of Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica, lies the renowned Cocos Island Marine Park. A rugged yet incredibly verdant island, this World Heritage Site is the spectacularly beautiful crown jewel of Costa Rica’s many National Parks. In 1994, after several return visits to the island, Jacques Cousteau pronounced Cocos, “The most beautiful island in the world.”

The island has an irregular coastline, which makes precise estimation of its land area more a matter of opinion than a surveyor’s science, but it is roughly five miles by two miles (8 x 3 kilometers). Cocos Island was formed during a volcanic upheaval about two-and-a-half million years ago and is composed of basaltic rock, labradorite and andesite lava flows. Its landmass is punctuated by four mountain peaks, the highest of which is Cerro Iglesias, at 2,080 feet or 634 meters above the sea. There are only two bays with safe anchorages and sandy beaches: Chatham is located on the northeast side and Wafer Bay is on the northwest. Just off Cocos are a series of smaller basaltic rocks and islets. The largest satellite is Isla Manuelita (formerly Nuez).

Thanks to the breathtaking marine life in its waters, Cocos Island was named one of the ten best scuba diving spots in the world by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and a “must do” according to diving experts. Among Cocos Island’s many attributes is a startling degree of biodiversity. This island’s world-renowned waters explode with life including innumerable white tip reef sharks, schooling hammerheads, dolphins, mantas and marbled rays, giant moray eels, sailfish, and of course the occasional whale shark. Other common encounters are large schools of jacks and tuna, silky sharks, silver tips, marlin, Creole fish, green turtles and octopus.

Cocos Island is also home to at least 27 endemic fish species including the exotic rosy-lipped batfish. The terrestrial life at Cocos also exhibits a high number of endemic species. The island is home to 70 of the 235 identified vascular plant species in the world, some 25 species of moss, 27 species of liverwort and 85 species of fungus. There are upwards of 87 bird species, including the famous Cocos Island cuckoo, finch and flycatcher. There are 362 species of insects, of which 64 are endemic. Two native reptiles are found only on the Island.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Length 40 meters
Width 9.5 meters
Cruising speed 8 knots
Engines 2 Cummins 750 hp
Fuel capacity 53 tons
Water capacity 34 tons
Watermakers 2 x 5,000 liters per day
Generators 2 x 125 kW + 1 x 50 kW
Electrical voltage 220 volts – 24 volts
Electrical outlets Type C
Instrumentation radar, echo sounder, G.P.S., plotter, VHF radio, DCS, SSB radio, satellite telephone
Safety equipment oxygen kit, first aid, 2 life rafts, fire alarm

CABINS
Upper deck 1 cabin with side-by-side beds
Middle deck 2 cabins with side-by-side beds, 1 cabin suite with double bed
Lower deck 6 cabins with side-by-side beds, 1 cabin suite with double bed
Private bathrooms and air conditioning with independent controls in all cabins

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia remains one of the least dived areas of the Red Sea. Since 2019 it is again possible to apply for tourist visa and the kingdom has become much easier for many Europeans to travel. New exciting opportunities for divers have become available. Saudi arabia has with 1.600 km of coastline 79% fo the Arabian Peninsula’s Red Sea shoreline and there are as many reefs as in the rest of the Red Sea put together.

It is difficult to comprehend the enormity of Saudi Arabia; a country that covers four-fifths of the Arabian Peninsula. The lifeless desert of the inland Empty Quarter is larger than France, Belgium and the Netherlands combined.

Most of the reefs and coastline remains unexplored. This lends itself perfectly to a liveaboard cruise, but even then, you will only explore a small fraction of the coastline. While there is still no official protection of reefs in Saudi Arabia, there is little large-scale commercial fishing, so even the reefs near the cities remain of a high standard. Many dive sites still remain to be discovered by recreational diver. Our trip will lead to Farasan Banks. A place to be known for the best diving down there.

Water temperatures are generally about 25–35°C. Although air temperatures in Saudi Arabia are known to reach an incredible 48°C in the summer, coastal temperatures are a little more moderate with higher humidity. Jeddah’s temperature hovers around 29–37°C throughout the year and the city has an average annual rainfall of just 61mm.

If you’re interested in exploring Saudi Arabia before or after the cruise we can arrange a guided tour starting from Jeddah (from 4 to 12 days based on individual offers). Ask as for more information.

Please note:  Itinerary can change due to government or captain’s decisions. This destinations has expedition character so we don’t excpect everything to work like in well know tourist destinations like Egypt or similar.

ITINERARY

Day 1 (trip 1: June 21, trip 2: June 28)

Travel day from Valdez, AK to Lodge. Depart at 10am. Lunch not included, so be sure to bring a lunch when you arrive. 

We’ll swing by Columbia Glacier for a quick snorkel dip and look for sea lions, whales and otters (weather permitting). 

Then check into rooms/prep gear with trip briefing/orientation on sharks after dinner. 

Days 2 – 6 (trip 1: June 22-26, trip 2: June 29-3 July)

Salmon Shark/Lions Mane Jellyfish snorkeling starts at 6am. 

Breakfast and Lunch are to go. 

Guided adventures end at 12pm. 

If you still have energy after shark time, you’ll have free time to 5pm for self-guided adventures such as hiking, beachcombing, paddleboarding, dock snorkeling or just simply hang out at the main lodge with other guests until dinner is served at 5:30pm. 

Evening topside photography trips for eagles, bears and whales are 7-8pm. 

Day 6 (trip 1: June 27, trip 2: July 4)

Travel day back to Valdez, AK. Sit down breakfast 7:30am at lodge. 

Depart at 9am sharp for Valdez. Arrival back into Valdez approximately 11am. 

ALASKA

Alaska’s waters are teeming with fascinating marine life, including the elusive salmon sharks. These sleek predators, often mistaken for their larger cousins, the great white sharks, roam the frigid Alaskan waters in search of their favorite prey: salmon. With their impressive speed and agility, salmon sharks play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem, showcasing the diversity of Alaska’s underwater world.

On land, Alaska’s iconic brown and black bears reign supreme as the undisputed kings of the wilderness. These majestic creatures, known for their sheer size and power, inhabit the rugged landscapes of Alaska’s forests and mountains. From foraging for berries and roots to hunting for salmon during the annual spawning runs, brown and black bears are integral to the ecological health of Alaska’s ecosystems, embodying the raw beauty and untamed spirit of the Last Frontier.

In the skies above, Alaska’s skies are ruled by the magnificent bald eagles, symbols of freedom and strength. With their striking white heads and powerful wingspans, bald eagles soar gracefully over Alaska’s vast expanses, hunting for fish and scavenging for carrion along the rugged coastline. Revered by indigenous cultures and cherished by wildlife enthusiasts, bald eagles epitomize the spirit of Alaska’s untamed wilderness, serving as both guardians of the land and ambassadors of the wild.