Diving Adventures, Here and Beyond

Current or upcoming articles

I still have quite a few dive trips to tell... Here are the ones that are not yet on the blog, but about which I will surely post articles one of these days:

• EGYPT 2019 → Red Sea. SEASON: November - DURATION: one week. Departure from Hurghada, northern cruise "Longitude 34" (Ras Mohamed, Shaab El Erg, Abu Nahas wrecks, etc.) on board theExocet (Diving Attitude).
• INDONESIA 2019 → Bangka (North Sulawesi) + Rao (Halmahera) + Raja Ampat (West Papua). SEASON: July - DURATION: 1 month. On the program: Bangka, my favorite island in North Sulawesi (one week); then the discovery of the bottom of the small island of Rao, in front of Morotai, in the North of Halmahera (one week); and finally ten days in Raja Ampat, on the island of Kri, which I never tire of.
• INDONESIA 2018 → Raja Ampat (West Papua). SEASON: December - DURATION: 2 weeks. Staying on Kri Island and diving every day on the beautiful sites of the Dampier Strait... No specific post on this trip, but for Raja Ampat, you can always check this reference article that I update regularly every year when I go back → Raja Ampat: information to organize your trip
• INDONESIA 2018 → Pulau Weh (Sumatra). SEASON: March - DURATION: 2 weeks. On the agenda: mainly freediving, to pass the Aïda 2 certification and some scuba diving... No post about this particular trip yet, but I had already talked about my freediving debut (it was in 2014) at Pulau Weh, already, and also at Hyères, see here → Freediving means freedom underwater. My very first stay in Pulau Weh dates back to 2010, you can find all my previously published articles about this island located on the western tip of Sumatra (it is the westernmost point of Indonesia) at the end of this link → Pulau Weh.

Diving trip : my previous articles

Below is a list of trips (since 2006) on which I've already posted quite a few articles... Click on the images or links in blue to access the posts corresponding to each diving trip:

PHILIPPINES 2020 

  Sogod Bay (Leyte) + Moalboal(Cebu) + Pangatalan (Palawan)

SEASON: March. DURATION: 2 weeks

My first and last diving trip of the year 2020, just before the borders close because of the Covid-19 pandemic..

SOGOD BAY (LEYTE). Dives on the splendid reefs of marine protected areas in Napantao and Limasawas, observation of whale sharks snorkelingIntroduction to acanthaster hunting and discovery of a coral nursery. With Sogod Bay Scuba Resort and the associations Plongeurs du Monde and Green Inc.

MOALBOAL (CEBU). Immersion in the middle of the spectacular sardine bank in front of the village, exploration of the magnificent drop offs of Pescador Island, macro diving on the house-reef of the Dolphin House Eco Resort.

PANGATALAN (PALAWAN). Underwater photo on the artificial and natural reefs of the island, protected by the Sulubaaï Foundation, discovery of the environmental project Sea Academy.

PHILIPPINES 2019

  Visayas (Cabilao + Panglao-Bohol)

SEASON: February-March. DURATION: 2 weeks

CABILAO. A small quiet island with, under water, magnificent drop offsThe coral is in great shape (giant gorgonians, huge colonies of acropora) and there are many turtles.

BALICASAG. A marine protected area, where you can admire the spectacular swirl of a school of jacks, off Panglao-Bohol and the very touristy Alona Beach.

PANGLAO. Other interesting dive sites, including the superb Doljo (post to come)...

INDONESIA 2018

  Alor + Halmahera + Sumbawa

SEASON: July. DURATION: 1 month

ALOR. A diving trip marked by an extraordinary encounter with a dugong and the exploration of splendid coral reefs.

SALI KECIL [HALMAHERA]. A little explored diving destination, in the southwest of Halmahera island. Magnificent reefs full of life, swept by impressive currents.

EAST SUMBAWA. In front of Komodo Park, near the island-volcano of Sangeang, an exceptional variety of dives, mantas to nudibranchs, far from the usual tourist routes.

PHILIPPINES 2018

  Tubbataha cruise + dives in Panglao and Balicasag (Visayas)

SEASON: May. DURATION: 2 weeks

TUBBATAHA. A one week diving cruise to discover the magnificent Tubbataha Marine Parkbetween Palawan and Negros, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unforgettable encounter with whale sharks...

PANGLAO & BALICASAG. Departing from Panglao (peninsula extending Bohol), a few days of relaxation and diving, discovering the surrounding reefs and the reserve of Balicasag Island just opposite.

PHILIPPINES 2018

  Tara Pacific Expedition: from Pangatalan (Palawan) to Vietnam

SEASON: February. DURATION: 10 days

PANGATALAN (PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES). Report on board the oceanographic sailboat Tara, for Ouest-France and the magazine Dive! during the "Tara Pacific" coral expedition. Stopover at Pangatalan Island near Palawan, to find out about biodiversity restoration projects launched by the Sulubaaï Foundation.

FROM PANGATALAN (PHILIPPINES) TO NHA TRANG (VIETNAM). Four days crossing the South China Sea to Nha Trang, Vietnam, sharing the daily life of the sailors and scientists on board.

EGYPT 2017

  Red Sea : St-John's Reef diving cruise

SEASON: November. DURATION: 1 week

ST-JOHN'S REEF ROUTE. After having tested the formula last year, I'm doing it again on board theExocet (Diving Attitude), for a great "three-in-one" cruise in the Red Sea, gathering on the same boat scuba divers, snorkelers and underwater photographers... Itinerary "Saint-John's Reef", marked by a striking encounter with a longiman shark that I was able to film very closely.

INDONESIA 2017

  Sulawesi & Raja Ampat

SEASON: July. DURATION: 1 month

KAMPANAR. This quiet village on the eastern peninsula of Central Sulawesi is the ideal base for exploring the beautiful and little-known dive spots just across the beach, away from the crowds.

LEMBEH. In North Sulawesi, a week of underwater macro-photography, dedicated to the strange little creatures that inhabit the Lembeh Strait. Another world, absolutely fascinating. I didn't post an article specifically about this trip, but I've been to Lembeh several times before, you can find the articles here → Diving in Lembeh

RAJA AMPAT. I find West Papua and the magnificent little island of Kri, in the heart of the Dampier Strait, for sumptuous dives, in the heart of the Coral Triangle

PHILIPPINES 2017

  Anilao & Romblon

SEASON: March. DURATION: 2 weeks

ANILAO. The Mecca of macro photography in the Philippines, 3 hours drive south of Manila, near Batangas. On the menu: rare nudibranchs, shrimps, tiny crabs, mini cuttlefish?

ROMBLON. The island, south of Batangas, is the marble capital of the Philippines. And the paradise of the "super-macro" divers. A paradise of biodiversity for the very small underwater fauna. 

EGYPT 2016

  Red Sea : diving cruise North & Brothers

SEASON: October. DURATION: 1 week

NORTH & BROTHERS ROUTE. A one week diving trip in the Egyptian waters, in the Red Sea, on board theExocet (Diving Attitude) for a "three in one" cruise, mixing scuba diving, snorkeling and underwater photography. On the menu: magnificent bottoms and spectacular wrecks (Thistlegorm, Giannis D, Carnatic, Numidia)as well as my first encounter with the impressive and beautiful longfin shark... 

INDONESIA 2016

  Komodo & Raja Ampat

SEASON: July. DURATION: 1 month

KOMODO. A week of diving cruise on a traditional Indonesian boat, meeting manta rays and the famous Komodo dragons.

RAJA AMPAT. Two weeks of relaxation and diving on the island of Kri, in this remote archipelago of West Papua, one of the richest in biodiversity.

BALI. Luxury, calm and pleasure on the island of the gods, in Ubud and Seminyak, for a few days of rest between two planes. 

DURATION OF THE TRIP → 2 weeks
TRITON BAY. A diving trip in the middle of nature in West Papua, on the beautiful island of Aiduma, in the heart of a "hot spot" of underwater biodiversity: the fascinating Triton Bay. 

DURATION OF THE TRIP → 2 weeks
DIVING CRUISE. Itinerary "$1 "Secrets of Seram" $1" aboard the Waow. Departure from Ambon (Moluccas), arrival at Sorong (Raja Ampat), through the Banda and Seram seas. 

DURATION OF THE TRIP → 1 MONTH
LOMBOK. Diving in Sekotong Bay, starting from peaceful Gili Asahan, then off Belongas Bay, in the southwest of the island.
BALI. Return to Tulamben, in the north-east of the Isle of the Gods, to dive the still superb Liberty wreck.
BANGKA. Head for North Sulawesi, to reach the charming island of Bangka and its splendid underwater world. 

DURATION OF THE JOURNEY → 2 WEEKS
KRI. Diving trip to the Raja Ampat archipelago in West Papua. An extraordinary stay in the middle of the Dampier Strait, on the island of Kri, in one of the world's richest areas in terms of marine biodiversity. 

LENGTH OF STAY → 4 DAYS
BANDA ACEH. Press trip organized by the NGO Plan International, for the 10^th anniversary of the tsunami of December 26, 2004. I produced several reports for Ouest-France. 

DURATION OF THE STAY → 1 WEEK
HYÈRES. Discover the Giens peninsula, Port-Cros and Porquerolles. Visit to the Villa Noailles.
MONACO. Express visit to the Rock and the Oceanographic Museum. 

DURATION OF THE TRIP → 3 WEEKS
PLAYA DEL CARMEN. Very touristy resort. But it's a good base for diving in the surrounding cenotes, incredible freshwater caves in the jungle.
COZUMEL. The island is large and you can escape the tourist pressure by strolling through the village or along the east coast. Nice dives on the reef explored by Cousteau in his day.
TULUM. Superb beaches, Mayan temple perched on a cliff facing the sea. For a day's break.
VALLADOLID. Old colonial town in the interior of Yucatán. Superb and very pleasant. Perfect for exploring nearby Mayan sites: Cobá and Chichen Itzá.
ISLA MUJERES. A pretty little island, provided you stay away from the tourist "village" in the north. Ideal starting point for whale-shark excursions in July and August. 

DURATION OF THE JOURNEY → 1 WEEK 
GAPANG BEACH. I had already been to Pulau Weh four years earlier, in 2010. It's the westernmost island of the Indonesian archipelago, off the coast of Banda Aceh in Sumatra. Gapang beach and the Lumba Lumba diving center will once again be my base for a week's break. Peaceful, authentic atmosphere, fantastic diving. And then a fascinating new experience: I'm taking up freediving. 

DURATION OF THE TRIP → 2 WEEKS 
MALÉ AND HULUMALÉ. The capital island and its artificial neighbor, an extension of the airport island. A world apart, right on the water. This is where all diving tourists arrive and depart from.
HANIMAADHOO. Stay in a guesthouse on a "local" island, as they say over there, in other words an inhabited island, not an island-hotel for tourists. We live in the village, with the Maldivians. Unique atmosphere.
DIVING CRUISE. From Malé to Ari Atoll, aboard the Ocean Divine, my first discovery of diving in the Maldives. Fabulous shark passes and sites full of surprises. 

DURATION OF THE TRIP → 1 MONTH
DERAWAN. This is my second stay in the Derawan archipelago, on the Indonesian east coast of Borneo. Dives at Maratua, Kakaban, Sangalaki.
MABUL / SIPADAN. One of Southeast Asia's most famous diving spots, on the Malaysian side of Borneo. Sharks and turtles everywhere, swirls of barracudas and jacks...
KOTA KINABALU. The big city on the northern coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah. Opposite, the diving archipelago of Pulau Gaya.
KUCHING. In the Malaysian state of Sarawak, a beautiful town with a peaceful river running through it, the starting point for visitors to Bako National Park.
KUALA LUMPUR. Final urban stopover in Peninsular Malaysia, at the foot of the Petronas Towers. 

DURATION OF THE JOURNEY → 2 WEEKS
WEDA BAY. My base for a few days on the large island of Halmahera, in the Moluccas. Diving and lounging between jungle and sea, away from it all. Exceptionally beautiful reefs.
BANGKA ISLAND. A little corner of paradise, for the second part of this diving trip, off Manado in North Sulawesi. Bangka is a superb and little-known island, not far from Bunaken and the Lembeh Strait. The diving is superb, the islanders very friendly and the natural environment still unspoiled. The locals are trying to prevent a Chinese mining project. 

DURATION OF THE JOURNEY → 2 WEEKS
TAHITI. I only had time for a brief glimpse of the capital, Papeete.
MAUPITI. Next door to Bora-Bora, a magnificent little island, authentic and unspoilt. Mantas in season in the lagoon, whales on the ocean side.
RANGIROA. This immense atoll has two passes that are world-renowned diving spots. On the program: dolphins and sharks. Spectacular.
MOOREA. Located opposite Tahiti, the island is perfect for a few days of idleness, surrounded by stunningly beautiful scenery. 

DURATION OF THE TRIP → 3 WEEKS 
ALOR. Superb but sometimes challenging dives in this remote archipelago of small Sunda Islands.
RAJA AMPAT. In the Dampier Strait, splendid, unspoilt islands and seabeds. An exceptional destination for a diving trip! 

DURATION OF THE TRIP → 3 WEEKS
RAJA AMPAT. Dive into this fabulous archipelago of West Papua, still wild and unspoilt, rich in exceptional biodiversity, both underwater and on land.
BALI. A few days in Tulamben, to enjoy the splendid Liberty wreck. Always a pleasure. The site is still full of life despite the crowds of divers during the day. 

DURATION OF THE TRIP → 1 WEEK
HAMATA. A one-week diving trip, totally dedicated to underwater photography, in southern Egypt, on the shores of the Red Sea, at the Wadi Lahami Resort. I'm with a group of other diver-photographers from the Forum de la photo sub. This is my first trip dedicated to diving in Egypt. On the program: coral reefs, wrecks, dolphins... Unforgettable! 

INDONESIA 2011

→ Flores + Komodo + Bali

July 2011 (1 month)

FLORES. Crossing from east to west from Maumere to Labuan Bajo. The diving trip starts with a week in Maumere; then direction Moni to discover the three craters of Mount Kelimutu; then the traditional villages of Bajawa; a walk in the spider web rice fields around Ruteng; a stop on the blue pebble beach near Ende; then arrival in Labuan Bajo.

KOMODO. Embarkation at Labuan Bajo to dive in the mythical Komodo archipelago, where the "dragons" of the same name live. Spectacular reefs and encounters with manta rays.

BALI. Heading for Tulamben, to conclude this diving trip with the magnificent wreck of the Liberty.

Cambodia + Thailand 2011

February - 3 weeks
SIEM REAP. It is my third stay in these places, to visit, again, the fabulous temples of the site of Angkor.
KRABI. Farniente in Railay and Phra Nang Beach, the "Princess Beach".
KOH PHI PHI. A very (too) touristy island, but so beautiful despite everything!
SIMILAN ISLANDS. Cruise-diving on the most beautiful spots of Thailand, including the magnificent Richelieu Rock.

Indonesia 2010: Return to Sulawesi

July - 3 weeks
BANGKA. A little-known island in the Sulawesi Sea, perfect to start this diving trip, with unspoiled sites far from the tourist crowds.
TANA TORAJA. Walking from Rantepao in the rice fields and mountains of the Toraja country, in Central Sulawesi. Funeral ceremony in Bori, visit of Lemo, Londa, Ket'e Kesu, Batutumonga.
LEMBEH. Back to North Sulawesi, for dives in the Lembeh Strait, to meet amazing little underwater monsters.  

2010 - Indonesia: Pulau Weh (Sumatra)

March - 2 weeks
PULAU WEH. I just acquired my Canon Eos 7D SLR and its underwater housing. I decided to dedicate this diving trip to Pulau Weh, to quietly tame the beast underwater. This small peaceful island is located on the northern tip of Sumatra, in the region of Banda Aceh (which was devastated by the tsunami of December 26, 2004. It is the northernmost island of the Indonesian archipelago.

2009 - Malaysia + Indonesia to Borneo

July - 1 month
PERHENTIAN BESAR. Dream beaches and peaceful dives, in Penisular Malaysia, for an arrival all in "farniente".
MABUL / SIPADAN. On the Malaysian side, the most spectacular dive sites in Borneo. Turtles, sharks and barracudas galore!
DERAWAN / SANGALAKI / KAKABAN. On the Indonesian side, treasures to be discovered in this archipelago of East Kalimantan, in Borneo to conclude this diving trip: turtles, manta rays and an incredible jellyfish lake.

2009 - Thailand: The South Islands

February-March - 3 weeks
KOH YAO NOI. A peaceful and unknown island in the heart of Phang Nga Bay.
SIMILAN ISLANDS. Cruise-diving in a splendid archipelago, renowned for the beauty of its seabed and sandy beaches.
KOH LIPE. I end this diving trip at the edge of the Malayan border, in the very south, a tiny island with superb beaches.
→ VIEW ALL ARTICLES FOR THIS TRIP

2009 - Dominican Republic [press trip]

January - 1 week
PUNTA CANA. Beach and idleness.
SAMANA. Transfer to the airplane for a superb flight over the island, Los Haïtises national park, horseback riding to the El Limón waterfall buried in the jungle, quad bike rides along the beaches.
SANTO DOMINGO. Visit of the colonial district of the capital.
BAYAHIBE. Lazing under the coconut trees of Saona Island, excursion on the Chavon River.

2008 - Indonesia: Bali

June-July - 1 month
KUTA-LEGIAN-Seminyak. Nice stops, on the way out and on the way back, on this immense and splendid beach, but very touristy.
LOVINA BEACH. The "dolphin beach", invaded by street vendors, is cruelly lacking in atmosphere. To be avoided for a diving trip...
PEMUTERAN / MENJANGAN ISLAND. Warm welcome and superb dives. An entire village mobilized for the protection of the underwater environment.
AMED / TULAMBEN. A superb region, dominated by the Agung volcano, where you can dive on the wreck of the Liberty.
NUSA LEMBONGAN. In the south-east of Bali, an island that I liked very much, with its seaweed fishermen and its sunfish. Authentic atmosphere, wild coast and sporty dives.

2008 - Philippines: the Visayas

January-February - 3 weeks
LEYTE. This diving trip starts in Sogod Bay, near Padre Burgos. Beautiful bottoms, but the whale sharks expected are not there.
PANGLAO (BOHOL). Short one-day stopover in Alona Beach, crowded.
SIQUIJOR. Relaxation, walks and bubbles on this quiet island, off the beaten track... my favorite in the Visayas!
NEGROS. Excursion to the back country of Dumaguete and splendid dives at Dauin and Apo Island.
CEBU. Overnight in Cebu City for the return flight.

2007 - Indonesia: Sulawesi

July - 1 month

NORTH SULAWESI. Arrival in Manado. Rice fields, villages, lakes and volcanoes in the hinterland around Tomohon. Diving in Bunaken and Lembeh.
TANA TORAJA. Stroll from Rantepao to the rice fields and traditional villages. Visit of Lemo, Ke'te Kesu, Londa, Tilonga and Batutumonga sites. Funeral ceremony in Rembon.
LAKE POSO. Swimming in Siuri Beach and junglesque trip to the Saluopa waterfall.
TOGIAN ISLANDS. The diving trip continues in this small tropical paradise far from everything, from Bomba, on the island of Batu Daka.
→ VIEW ALL ARTICLES FOR THIS TRIP

2007 - Thailand: Koh Phi Phi & Lanta

January - 2 weeks
KOH PHI PHI. Back to the pearl of the Andaman Sea, south of Phuket for this new diving trip. The island has become very (too?) touristic again, one year and a half after the tsunami.
KOH LANTA. Prolongation of the farniente on the neighboring island, a little further south. Beach, walks and diving.
→ VIEW ALL ARTICLES FOR THIS TRIP

2006 - Malaysia: the East Coast & Borneo

July - 1 month

KOH TAO. Thai stage to start this diving trip. Then train trip south to the Malaysian border.
KOTA BAHRU. Small stop in the very Muslim capital of the state of Kelantan.
PERHENTIAN / REDANG. Cute islands, ideal for relaxation and diving.
TIOMAN. Head south to discover this vast and wild island, with beaches still peaceful. Relaxation, walks and bubbles.
JOHOR BAHRU. Step to the border town facing Singapore, before the flight to Borneo.
SANDAKAN. Visit the center of the orangutans of Sepilok.
SEMPORNA / SIPADAN / MABUL. Sharks, turtles and barracudas everywhere! Among the most beautiful of all my dives in Asia.
→ VIEW ALL ARTICLES FOR THIS TRIP

Before 2006

2006 is the year I started blogging about scuba diving... So my travels before 2006 (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Greece, Portugal, Netherlands, Czech Republic, for the most outstanding) don't feature on Petites Bulles d'Ailleurs. But I had put a few images from Asia online (including scans of "silver" photos from 1997 and 1999), on my very first site:
→ Carnets d'Asie du Sud-Est