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Dive Review of Dive Damai/Damia 1 in
Indonesia/Komodo/Alor

Dive Damai/Damia 1: "Fabulous Komodo on Damai 1", Dec, 2014,

by leonard conway, NY, US ( 2 reports). Report 8751.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 5 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments This was our second fabulous trip on Damai 1 (previous Ambon - Banda- Sarong). The ship is a beautiful, comfortable 130'. Cabins are spacious ( we had #6) which has 450 sq ft, king bed, high ceilings, a wall of windows and a semi-private deck. Yes, the boat and rooms are as attractive as they look on the website! There were 9 experienced divers a nice mix from around the globe including a professional photographer. We divided into 2 tenders and 3 separate dive groups so lots of personal attention from experienced, helpful dive guides.
There is a very spacious area for cameras, each diver has a large area for gear on deck. The dining area is comfortable and the food a tasty blend of Indonesian and western with lots of flexibility for special desires. One of the divers, the smallest person on the trip, had a standing order for a double portion. A woman from Brazil was a very particular eater and the chef accommodated her wishes daily. Plenty of fresh tropical fruits, seafood etc. There are beer and wine included. If you wish to have other alcohol or high end wine bring these with you.
The top deck has comfortable lounge chairs and sitting areas to enjoy the scenery (beautiful volcanoes at numerous sites) while cruising or the amazing stars.
The Indonesian crew is incredibly warm, welcoming and helpful. They seem to anticipate
one's every need. There is a masseuse which was a nice addition from our earlier trip.
Laundry is included which adds to one's comfort and lessens packing needs.
The diving was fabulous! We liked the Komodo area in particular, more so than the outlying Solor/Alor dives but these were great, just not as wonderful. The visibility was excellent, amazing schools of fish, spectacular soft corrals and fans which are such a central part of the Indonesian experience. Highlights included large groups of mantas at Langkoi and Makasar, huge schools of fish at Cannibal Rock.
We did the land walk to see the Komodo dragons, worthwhile. On the way from the Alor area to Komodo we stopped at Kombo, a young, active volcano and cruised within 200 yards for a photographer's highlight opportunity.
In an example of how helpful Damai staff are, we were heading to Raja Ampat next and a land resort where we would be staying had run short of my size bcd. The Damai trip director contacted Damai 2 then cruising near Misool and Damai 2 loaned the resort a bcd for me. Extraordinary!!!
Komodo's water is colder in December @ 80 - 83 than Raja Ampat and I wore a 3. My partner used a mix of 3 & 5. If you are prone to get cold a 5 is probably a good plan or a 3+ something under.
We strongly recommend Damai, our second visit will not be our last.
Websites Dive Damai   Damia 1

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 501-1000 dives
Where else diving Indonesia: Raja Ampat, Helmahera, Sulawesi, Banda, Cenderwasih; Maldives, Australia's Barrier Reef, Tuomotos, Fiji, Bahamas, Turks Caicos, Caymans, Jardines de la Reinja, Various caribbean
Closest Airport Labuanbajo Getting There Flew from Denpassar, Bali easy , on time flights both ways

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, dry Seas calm, choppy, currents, no currents
Water Temp 80-83°F / 27-28°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 60-100 Ft/ 18-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions 3 dives daily plus 1 night dive most places. Small groups of 2 - 4 divers allowed maximum flexibility.
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks 1 or 2 Mantas Squadrons
Dolphins 1 or 2 Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 3 stars
Large Pelagics 5 stars

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

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 5 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 5 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Plenty of apace and power. Crew totally supportive and careful with the gear.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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