Jul 25 to 31, 2027

The trip starts on Jul 25 on Santa Maria (SMA) Island where you get from either Lisbon (LIS) or Ponta Delgada (PDL).

25 – 31 Jul, 2027

Daily Plan

Due to unpredictable weather conditions, the daily action plan will be discussed one day before or even change in the morning again. This means you should be flexible and ready for some short-notice changes every day. The activities included will happen at some point during the week. If some trips won’t be possible, there will be a refund or other similar activities instead. This group is limited to 8 divers on private boats which maximizes the experience but also makes it easier to plan and discuss within the group.

Faial

House Bay Guest House Guest House, located in the historical center of Horta, offers stunning views of the Bay of Horta. This guesthouse features eight rooms with private bathrooms, a shared living room with cable TV, a kitchen where guests can prepare meals, and a terrace for socializing and dining while enjoying the bay view. Breakfast with local products is served in the kitchen, and there are individual dispensations for each room.

Ideally situated for exploring Horta, the guesthouse is near the Horta Marina, Peter’s Café Sport, and Porto Pim Beach, with various restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops nearby. Transportation options include a taxi rank, Minibus stop, and public parking, with Horta Airport a 10-minute drive away and the Maritime Terminal five minutes away. The marine-themed decor of the rooms adds a colorful and educational touch, reflecting the maritime culture of the Azores.

Santa Maria

The Azores

The Azores (Portuguese: Açores) are an island archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, roughly halfway between mainland Portugal and North America. The archipelago consists of nine islands of volcanic origin that are known for their untouched natural scenery and friendly inhabitants. Apart from the volcanic craters, green meadows, lakes and waterfalls, Azores are a true eco-tourism paradise offering incredible marine biodiversity, whale watching and world-class diving.

The Island of Faial

Located only 4.5 nautical miles from the island of Pico and approximately 14 nautical miles from the island of São Jorge, Faial is one of the ‘Triangle Islands’. Recognised as the yachting capital of the northern hemisphere, it has a strong connection to the sea with its main port – Horta Marina – providing a safe harbour for thousands of vessels as they cross the Atlantic. The number of sailboats huddled in the small bay adds to the charm of this city, which lies in the shadow of the extinct volcano of Guia Hill. No visit to Horta is complete without a visit to one of its most famous Portuguese bars – Peter’s Café Sport. Overlooking the Marina with Mount Pico as its backdrop, the walls are covered in flags left by travellers, giving the bar a sense of the history of the city. Faial was the site of the Azores last major eruption, the Capelinhos Volcano (1957/58). The landscape created by the eruption on the island’s west tip makes for a fascinating day trip and the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre has lots of information about the devastation caused by the event.

The Island of Santa Maria

Santa Maria is one of the nine islands that make up the Azores archipelago, situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is the southernmost and oldest of the Azorean islands, with a rich history dating back to its discovery in 1427. Santa Maria is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring lush green landscapes, picturesque beaches, and rugged cliffs. The island’s climate is relatively dry and warm compared to the other Azorean islands, making it a popular destination for sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Santa Maria also offers a glimpse into its historical past with charming villages, traditional architecture, and cultural festivals that celebrate its unique heritage.

More about Azores islands

All the nine islands of the Azores Archipelago are of volcanic origin and are located in the North Atlantic, scattered along a 600 km stretch of ocean from Santa Maria to Corvo, approximately between 37° and 40° north latitude and 25° and 31° west longitude.

The islands of the archipelago are divided in three geographical groups: the Eastern Group, comprising Santa Maria and São Miguel, the Central Group, including Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial, and the Western Group, composed by Corvo and Flores. The Azores, along with the archipelagos of Madeira, Canary Islands and Cape Verde, constitute the biogeographic region of Macaronesia, a name which means “fortunate islands” for those who live there and visit them.

In the realm of legend, some associate the Azores to the Atlantis, the mythical island kingdom quoted by Plato. As for history, references to nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean located approximately in the position of the Azores can be found in books and maps since the 14th century. However, it was with the Portuguese Maritime Discoveries, led by Prince Infante D. Henrique, that the Azores were definitely registered in the map of Europe. It is unknown whether the first navigator to reach the archipelago was Diogo de Silves in 1427 or Gonçalo Velho Cabral in 1431. The origin of the name Azores is also debatable as there are various theories. The most common associates the designation of the common buzzards found on the islands which were mistaken as being another bird of prey: the northern goshawk (açor). What is now certain is that it was Prince Infante D. Henrique who incited the settlement of the islands. First, animals were sent, between 1431 and 1432, and later settlers started to arrive from 1439.

From that date, the settlement continued throughout the 15th century (Western and Central Groups) and the 16th century (Western Group). Jews, Moors, Flemish, Genovese, Englishmen, Frenchmen, and African slaves came together with the Portuguese from the mainland to face the hardships of such a task.

This epic start moulded a people that throughout the centuries was able to resist volcanic eruptions, isolation, invasions of pirates, political wars and infesting diseases. The courage of the Azorean people was confirmed when they resisted the Spanish domination during the succession crisis of 1580, and when they supported the liberal movement during the civil war (1828-1834).

The Azores have a long list of natural parks, of areas of protected landscape, of protected fauna and flora species, of forest reserves, and of sites with geological interest guaranteeing the preservation of a priceless natural legacy. As a form of compensation for all of this effort, the Azores are considered to be a sanctuary of biodiversity and geodiversity and one of the best locations for Nature Tourism.

In the Atlantic Ocean, life multiplies itself by more than two dozen species of dolphins and whales that either inhabit or pass through Azorean waters. There are abundant colonies of molluscs, crustaceous and fish, thus completing the region’s extraordinary marine diversity.

Diving Itinerary

Feb 24 2027 – arrival in Grand Bahama. Embarkation and overnight to Bimini

Day 1 – 3: Bimini – 13 dives

Day 4 – 5: Tiger Beach – 10 dives

Day 6: Half day diving  – 2 dives

Freeport or Tiger Beach & Island BBQ

Day 7 (March 3): Disembarkation – return home or extension.

Seafari Blue Marlin

Luxury and Comfort at Sea
Spanning 42 meters in length and 8 meters in width, Blue Marlin has been meticulously designed to provide an unparalleled diving experience. With four spacious decks and 14 elegantly appointed cabins, the vessel accommodates up to 26 guests in supreme comfort. Accommodation options include two single cabins, two king-size cabins, and ten twin cabins, all featuring en suite bathrooms, ocean views, and individually controlled air conditioning units. WiFi with high-speed internet access will be available throughout the vessel as well as an onboard intranet and entertainment system.

Exploring the Bahamas’ Best Dive Sites
Blue Marlin will operate 5, 7, 10, and 14-night itineraries, navigating the most spectacular dive sites across the Bahamas, with a particular focus on world-class shark diving. Guests will have the opportunity to dive alongside hammerheads, tiger sharks, and oceanic whitetips, exploring vibrant coral reefs, dramatic drop-oDs, mystical blue holes, historic wrecks, and so much more in the thriving marine ecosystems of the Bahamas.

Designed for Divers’ Convenience and Safety
Designed with divers’ safety and convenience in mind, Blue Marlin boasts a spacious dive deck, oDering ample room for gear storage and preparation. Onboard facilities include a dedicated dining room with panoramic ocean views and a lounge that oDers breathtaking vistas of the open sea, providing the perfect spaces for relaxation between dives. Additionally, the vessel features a sun deck with loungers and an al fresco bar area with comfortable seating, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests to unwind after a day of diving. The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art safety and navigation systems and is classed as a passenger yacht, ensuring compliance with the highest international safety standards.

Unwind in Style: Sun Deck and Social Spaces
To enhance the diving experience, Blue Marlin will be supported by two RHIBs, oDer nitrox, and provide diving courses. The vessel is rebreather and technical diving friendly and, through a partnership with KISS Rebreathers US and Dive Talk, will offerr instruction and rental of the new DiveTalk GO! rebreather system. Additionally, guests will have access to high-quality rental equipment from Bare Sports and Atomic Aquatics.

Shark diving in the Bahamas—especially around Bimini and Tiger Beach—is considered some of the best in the world due to clear waters, shallow sandy bottoms, and reliable shark encounters. Bimini is famous for its great hammerhead season, typically running from December to April, when these massive, graceful sharks migrate close to shore. Divers often kneel on sandy bottoms as the hammerheads glide past within a few meters, accompanied by nurse sharks, bull sharks, and Caribbean reef sharks.

Tiger Beach, located off the West End of Grand Bahama, is legendary for its population of tiger sharks. The site offers exceptional visibility—often 30–40 meters—and a calm, shallow environment, making encounters more controlled and photogenic. Divers can expect tiger sharks circling confidently among lemon sharks and reef sharks, creating a high-adrenaline but well-managed environment with experienced operators prioritizing safety and environmental respect.

Both destinations attract underwater photographers, conservation-oriented travelers, and thrill-seekers who want close, respectful interactions with apex predators Whether you choose the hammerheads of Bimini or the tigers of Tiger Beach, the Bahamas offers one of the most unforgettable big-animal diving experiences on the planet.

Itinerary

Apr 22 – May 2, 2027 

Day 1: Labuan Bajo
Upon arrival on the first day of your safari, an Eco Pro Divers staff member will meet you after baggage claim at Labuan Bajo International Airport, no earlier than 9 a.m. Look for the sign with “Eco Pro Divers” and the boat name. Transfers to the boat begin around 12 p.m., giving you time to relax and settle in before departure.

Days 2–10: Diving in Komodo National Park and Sumbawa
Enjoy 2–3 dives per day at some of Komodo and Sumbawa’s most iconic and diverse sites.
Dive sites include:

Day 10: Arrival 
The boat arrives back in Sumbawa in the morning. After breakfast, the Eco Pro Divers team will transfer you to the airport and assist with check-in. Your week aboard the Duyung Baru will leave you with unforgettable memories of some of the best diving the world has to offer.

Diving in Komodo National Park is often described as one of the most thrilling underwater experiences on the planet. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, from swirling schools of fish and vibrant coral gardens to powerful currents that attract large pelagics. Sites like Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, and Crystal Rock are famous for their breathtaking visibility and the constant presence of reef sharks, manta rays, and trevallies. Each dive reveals a different side of Komodo’s ecosystem, shaped by the nutrient-rich waters flowing through the Indonesian Throughflow.

Just beyond Komodo, Sumbawa Island offers a more off-the-radar experience that feels like diving in Indonesia decades ago. With fewer boats and divers, Sumbawa’s reefs remain pristine and teeming with life. You’ll find colorful soft corals, pygmy seahorses, and the occasional turtle gliding through untouched coral slopes. The island’s remoteness gives dives here an exploratory feel — as if every descent could reveal a new, undiscovered site.

One of Sumbawa’s most spectacular highlights is Saleh Bay, home to the majestic whale sharks that gather year-round. Divers and snorkelers can often encounter these gentle giants up close, gliding peacefully through the water in search of plankton. Unlike other whale shark destinations, Saleh Bay remains quiet and uncrowded, offering an intimate and unforgettable experience with the world’s largest fish.

Together, Komodo and Sumbawa create a rare combination of world-class diving and wild exploration. From high-adrenaline drift dives and manta cleaning stations to tranquil coral gardens and encounters with whale sharks, this region showcases the full spectrum of Indonesia’s underwater beauty. For divers seeking both excitement and authenticity, it’s a journey that delivers adventure, serenity, and discovery in equal measure.

Itinerary

Apr 11 – 21, 2027 

Day 1: Labuan Bajo
Upon arrival on the first day of your safari, an Eco Pro Divers staff member will meet you after baggage claim at Labuan Bajo International Airport, no earlier than 9 a.m. Look for the sign with “Eco Pro Divers” and the boat name. Transfers to the boat begin around 12 p.m., giving you time to relax and settle in before departure.

Days 2–10: Diving in Komodo National Park and Sumbawa
Enjoy 2–3 dives per day at some of Komodo and Sumbawa’s most iconic and diverse sites.
Dive sites include:

Day 10: Arrival 
The boat arrives back in Sumbawa in the morning. After breakfast, the Eco Pro Divers team will transfer you to the airport and assist with check-in. Your week aboard the Duyung Baru will leave you with unforgettable memories of some of the best diving the world has to offer.

Diving in Komodo National Park is often described as one of the most thrilling underwater experiences on the planet. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, from swirling schools of fish and vibrant coral gardens to powerful currents that attract large pelagics. Sites like Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, and Crystal Rock are famous for their breathtaking visibility and the constant presence of reef sharks, manta rays, and trevallies. Each dive reveals a different side of Komodo’s ecosystem, shaped by the nutrient-rich waters flowing through the Indonesian Throughflow.

Just beyond Komodo, Sumbawa Island offers a more off-the-radar experience that feels like diving in Indonesia decades ago. With fewer boats and divers, Sumbawa’s reefs remain pristine and teeming with life. You’ll find colorful soft corals, pygmy seahorses, and the occasional turtle gliding through untouched coral slopes. The island’s remoteness gives dives here an exploratory feel — as if every descent could reveal a new, undiscovered site.

One of Sumbawa’s most spectacular highlights is Saleh Bay, home to the majestic whale sharks that gather year-round. Divers and snorkelers can often encounter these gentle giants up close, gliding peacefully through the water in search of plankton. Unlike other whale shark destinations, Saleh Bay remains quiet and uncrowded, offering an intimate and unforgettable experience with the world’s largest fish.

Together, Komodo and Sumbawa create a rare combination of world-class diving and wild exploration. From high-adrenaline drift dives and manta cleaning stations to tranquil coral gardens and encounters with whale sharks, this region showcases the full spectrum of Indonesia’s underwater beauty. For divers seeking both excitement and authenticity, it’s a journey that delivers adventure, serenity, and discovery in equal measure.

M/V Kinfish

Step aboard the RV Kinfish, where adventure and comfort meet in perfect harmony. With room for up to 12 guests, our ship offers an intimate and exclusive experience as you explore the stunning natural beauty of your chosen destination, led by our expert crew of guides and naturalists.

Relax in our spacious and comfortable cabins, each with en-suite facilities, as you take in the breathtaking scenery from your own private window. Our onboard restaurant serves up exquisite cuisine, prepared by our talented chefs using the freshest local ingredients, while our bar is fully stocked with a selection of fine wines, spirits, and cocktails to enjoy at your leisure.

The RV Kinfish also features a range of amenities designed to enhance your experience. Take a dip in our hot tub on the upper deck, relax on the sun loungers, or make use of our kayaks and paddleboards to explore the surrounding waters up close. With our state-of-the-art technology and equipment, including radar and sonar, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the natural world like never before.

At Behind the Mask, we’re committed to sustainable travel and minimizing our impact on the environment. The ship is designed with eco-friendly technology, including solar panels and a water treatment system, to ensure we leave the smallest possible footprint on the beautiful wilderness we explore.

Vessel Specifications:

Vessel type Expedition and Research/Survey
Flag / Port of registry Sweden / Göteborg
Built / rebuilt Stord 1958 / Båtservice 1986, Kimek 1996, NRS 2017
Class DNV +1A-1 ICE-C – E0 (bow strengthened to ICE 1B1)
Length (LOA) 37.25 m
LBP 31,38 m
Beam 7.01 m
Max draft / Air draft 4.25 m / 16.25 m
Tonnage 329 GT / 98 NT
Displacement 442 tonnes
Material hull / superstructure Steel / Aluminium
Speed (cruising / max) 9 knots / 11 knots

Day 1 (21 Nov): Arrive to the ILIKE at Ambon port.

Day 2: Ambon Bay

Day 3: Nusa Laut

Day 4: Banda Islands

Day 5: Banda Islands

Day 6: Koon Island

Day 7: Misool Daram Islands

Day 8: Misool Fiabacet/ Boo Island

Day 9: Misool Wayilbatan

Day 10: Penemu Island

Day 11: Yangeffo Island

Day 12: Dampier strait

Day 13: Disembark in Sorong Port

Ilike Liveaboard

Boat Specs:

Raja Ampat refers to an archipelago with more than 1500 islands with the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool and is part of the Coral Triangle making it one of the richest bio diversity of the world.

Because his strategic location on the western Pacific Ocean, currents troughflows arriving to the archipelago from very deep water to shallow water, making stratospheric numbers more that 500 different species of corals in that area, ten times more than the Caribbean.

Raja Ampat translates from the Indonesian language to Four Kings.

Misool, the most southern island, has an abundance of marine life, a variety of underwater seamounts, smaller pinnacles, coral walls and coral gardens, covered in giant sea fans, soft corals in all colours, massive table corals and countless fish. This is a great place to find the elusive epaulette shark, or walking shark. It is a nocturnal shark that sneaks up on its pray by walking closer and closer to it. It is largely a marine park set up by Misool Eco Resort in cooperation with all the local villages, not to fish inside this area. It gets patrolled by the park rangers.

The Dampier Strait, between Waigeo and Batanta, beautiful coral gardens, underwater pinnacles or seamounts, sandy bottom with coral heads and cleaning stations. Here we can find even more nutrients bringing in bigger predators like giant trevallies, yellow fin tuna, rainbow runners and even some sharks like blacktip, grey reef, white tip sharks. It is also one of the few places in the world where we can find two species of Manta rays on the same dive sites.

Night dives are a joy in Northern Raja Ampat.
We offer you the opportunity to visit local villages or there hike up to one of the lookout points.

The Banda Sea is spectacular as it is very remote due to its location and possibility of rougher seas. Crystal clear waters, bottomless dropoffs, colorful coral pinnacles and so much more. After the eruption (1988) of Gunung Api close to Banda Neira, the lava flowed into the sea covering and over throwing the coral below.

You will be amazed by the fast recovery of the hard-coral garden that grew in its place. For the night/dusk dive we can see the ma- ting dance of the very colorful mandarin fish, search for frogfish, seahorses, razorfish and octopus.

We offer you the opportunity to visit the old historic town of Banda Neira. Here you will find many remains of the Dutch and English spice trade. We will visit an old nutmeg plantation and have a little taste of how you can make great use of this famous spice that once was believed to cure the plague.

The fort Belgica offers great views of the port and Gunung Api.

Koon Island, again a very remote location that it lays between the Ceram, Arafula Sea the Banda Sea, feeding of very nutritious currents fish and corals thrive here like never seen before.

Raja Ampat translated from the Indonesian language it
means Four Kings. It refers to an archipelago with more than 1500 islands with the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool and is part of the Coral Triangle making it one of the richest biodiversity of the world.

More than 1300 different species of fishes and more than 600 different spices of corals are some of the
beauties from this Indonesian paradise.

Ambon, the capital of the Maluku’s province. It is the most populated city in the area and its phenomenal muck diving is considered as one of the best in the world. The city is spit by an enormous Bay, that since recently is connected by a bridge.
 Cuttlefish, seahorses, octopus and many other critters find their home in this deep Bay. It is muck diving in its purest
state.

Sep 3 –  17, 2027

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 4th from Auckland to Niue to arrive on the day before. We will spend 14 nights on the island – from Sep 3 – 17, 2027.

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.