Dive Review of Arenui in
Indonesia

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Arenui: "The Dragon and More", Sep, 2022, by Rose Mueller , MO, US ( Sr. Contributor 27 reports with 13 Helpful votes). Report 12060 has 1 Helpful vote.
No photos available at this time
Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Accommodations		Food
Service and Attitude		Environmental Sensitivity
Dive Operation		Shore Diving	N/A
Snorkeling	N/A
Overall Rating
Value for $$
Beginners
Advanced
Comments	The stars are difficult as we had problems with the cruise directors after the very first dive. Thankfully, I'd written the owner, Luigi and he assured me there would be NO age discrimination or pairing of divers without the same experience. Our first dive was a disaster with the other two holding hands and a fear of going below 40'. I'm sure Davide called Luigi and he said to give us our own divemaster, Ronald. Had they not, it would have been unbearable. Many of the divers were literally dressed and undressed. They did not want any current or to go below 50'. Ronald worked at Lembeh for 8 years and had tremendous experience in both current and muck diving. For us, the atmosphere with the directors remained strained and uncomfortable. They are young and believe they know everything. We were allowed to dive with the mantas, but couldn't dive the channel. We were the only divers to do "Shotgun." Crystal Rock is spectacular and again we were the only ones to do it. There is a lot of muck diving. It was hard with so many that seemed to congregate in the same spot kicking up sand. There was an abundance of juvenile fish: octopuses, pygmy sea horses, shrimp, crabs. There were few larger fish. I think someone has been up to no good. We saw a zebra crab, mantis shrimp, red banded pipe fish and an anemone shrimp with eggs. A highlight was a pair of harlequin shrimp on steroids. We also saw the blue ringed octopus which was totally unexpected. IF one had a group of peers it would be fine; but as it was with us it wasn't. The Indonesian crew is fantastic. They are kind and such hard workers. Perhaps they work too hard. The stewards, Mario and Yano fed, cleaned, catered and cared. They were our joy. Hadi, the chef made amazing meals in tight quarters. They were wonderfully presented. His assistants, too were kind. The dive masters worked so hard, not only leading groups and hunting, but readying gear, the boats, answering questions. They ALL cared deeply. The group accepted us finally and we had a good time visiting with all of them. They just dove differently than we. If one is to go, get it in writing what is expected. There is little availability for internet. When all are on, there is even less. They have a satellite phone for emergencies. Yes, we also saw the dragons. The ranger was interesting in his explanation of their behaviors. We had great photos as the biggest and "badest" had just eaten a plethora of food. To be with them was a dream I carried from childhood. There are more dive boats and competition. Few people are returning to Indonesia still. I feel strongly that if the attitudes of the directors aren't modified and controlled, there will be less demand for this incredibly lovely boat with the incredulous Indonesians.
Websites	Arenui
Reporter and Travel
Dive Experience	Over 1000 dives
Where else diving	Most places it's warm
Closest Airport	Bali or Jakarta	Getting There	UA wanted 11K for coach tickets EACH! We used miles and circumvented the world as Magellan. Some did San Fran to Singapore and then on to Bali. We did St. Louis to London to Bangkok to Bali.
Dive Conditions
Weather	sunny	Seas	no currents
Water Temp	74-80°F / 23-27°C	Wetsuit Thickness	5
Water Visibility	20-60 Ft/ 6-18 M
Dive Policy
Dive own profile	no
Enforced diving restrictions	The diving is totally controlled. Liability is a huge issue with the operator.
Liveaboard?	yes	Nitrox Available?	yes
What I Saw
Sharks	1 or 2	Mantas	1 or 2
Dolphins	1 or 2	Whale Sharks	None
Turtles	> 2	Whales	None
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):
Corals		Tropical Fish
Small Critters		Large Fish
Large Pelagics
Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Subject Matter		Boat Facilities
Overall rating for UWP's		Shore Facilities	N/A
UW Photo Comments	There is a bucket for soaking the cameras and a few tables around to use. The current is 240.

Report currently has 1 Helpful vote

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Dive Review of Arenui in Indonesia

Arenui: "The Dragon and More", Sep, 2022,

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Overall Rating

Reporter and Travel

Dive Conditions

Dive Policy

What I Saw

Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Dive Review of Arenui in
Indonesia