INDONESIA - Raja Ampat Aboard the Pindito

December 5-22, 2008 We couldn't resist scarfing up six spots on the last available week on the liveaboard Pindito, the original boat to explore the Raja Ampat area of Indonesia. This has become the hottest dive destination on the planet, thanks to superlative diving and diverse marine life. Twenty-five percent of the world's reefs are located in Indonesian territorial waters, with more than 3500 species of marine life The MV Pindito is a traditional Indonesian-style wooden sailing vessel designed to hold sixteen guests in eight fully air-conditioned guest cabins, each with its own bathroom. Two cabins have twin bunks and six cabins have double beds; a bunk can be added for non-couples. The 21 crew members will pamper and spoil you. There is plenty of room to find a quiet spot and massages are available on the sundeck. Diving is done from zodiacs, up to four a day, including a night dive. We have an eleven night trip, so there will be plenty of great diving. There is a dedicated camera room and a spacious dive deck. You'll also be able to do some land tours. You will fly from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles, then to Singapore and Manado, with a recommended overnight in Manado at the Santika Resort before flying onward to Sorong, where you will board the Pindito. Disembarking, you will fly from Sorong to Manado, overnight once more, then fly on to Singapore. Singapore is a forced overnight and a wonderful destination itself; you can add optional nights to the Singapore experience. It should be quite spectacular around Christmas time. You?ll arrive back in Pittsburgh in time to enjoy Christmas, with a great excuse for not having to decorate or frenetically shop - and think of the great presents you'll pick up in Singapore! A more detailed description of your dive itinerary can be found at www.pindito.com along with a route map, boat layout, travel information, Indonesian map, photo gallery and lots more. The optional pre-trip add-on for this trip is at Lembeh Resort on Lembeh Strait. We stayed here about four years ago and have been anxious to get back ever since! Spectacular views, good food, and friendly staff are an added bonus on top of some of the world's best critter diving. Lembeh Resort has an excellent website at www.lembehresort.com. Twelve nights on the Pindito is $3795; eight nights at Lembeh Resort is about $1700. Airfare was running $2500 in 2007. You can also do just the Pindito or just Lembeh. This Lembeh/Pindito package is another "trip of a lifetime". Make it one of yours - please join us by mailing a $500 deposit, refundable until February 29, 2008, after that if a replacement for you is found. If you have any questions about this trip please contact Downey Diving LLC 213 Summerfield Drive Baden, PA 15005-2429 724-869-1989 www.downdive.com