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Dive Review of Kararu Dive Voyages in
Indonesia/Maumere to Ambon

Kararu Dive Voyages, Sep, 2010,

by John McConn, OH, US ( 2 reports with 1 Helpful vote). Report 5918.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 1 stars Food 2 stars
Service and Attitude 1 stars Environmental Sensitivity 3 stars
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 2 stars
Beginners 2 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments This boat was not the boat we were expecting. Shortly before we left for the trip, Undercurrent reported on the fallout between Kararu and the company that was to provide the contracted boat. The Sea Safari VII was substituted at the last minute, literally the crew had less than 7 days to retrofit the boat for diving and the ocean voyage. Prior to arrival, it was reported y the crew that there were no dive tank racks, airfill system or sufficient berths and beds to accomodate the guests. Doubling up of guests was required, even though single room accomdations were paid for.

One of the crew indicated that the boat was previously used as a harbor sailing ship for day tourists.

The boat constantly leaked water through the ceilings of most "state" rooms. Mine had permanent bucket nailed to the ceiling rafter and a temporary plastic sheet to catch more water from an additional leak. The mold smell permeated the lower deck.

During the crossing of the open water of the Banda Sea, portholes leaked as as the boat pitched and rocked. Kitchen contents and dining room tables and chais were strewn about. The tables were not anchored to the floor. One row of customer's scuba equipment on a hastily built rack was torn from it's mounting and extra tanks were rolling on the deck. At least one room contents were totally drenched.

The crew worked hard to fix the problems and they were disgusted with the situation as much as the guests were.

The Kararu operator offered no explanation or apology. They made only one concession, free nitrox for the week.
Websites Kararu Dive Voyages   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 501-1000 dives
Where else diving Carribean, New Guinea, Hawaii, Galapagos, Truk, Palau, Fiji
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm, no currents
Water Temp 79-84°F / 26-29°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 70-100 Ft/ 21-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Solo diving, no restrictions
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 1 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

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

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 1 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Several cameras/ equipment were damaged because of poor storage facilities on the Sea Safari VII. A shelf of less than 12" wide was used for camera storage along the port exterior.
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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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