The waters of the Togian Islands and northern Sulawesi promise exploratory cetacean-watching and world-class snorkelling, 4 to 14 Feb 2022

Start of cruise from Bitung. Board MV Mermaid at Bitung port, late morning. Depart around lunchtime. Cruise south along the northeast coast of Sulawesi, looking out for dolphins en-route. After sunset tonight there will be an orientation talk, and on most other nights there will be a slide show.

Day 2. Gulf of Tomini. We should awake this morning near the headland of Tanjung Flesko, where there should be the chance of both a snorkel on the coral reefs and a visit to a nearby village. We will then continue westwards, into the great Gulf of Tomini. There should be the opportunity for a second snorkel this afternoon before we anchor for the night near Gorontalo.

Day 3. Gorontalo. Morning snorkel at site where Whale Sharks often occur. Afternoon cruising towards the Togian Islands, looking out along the way for whales and dolphins, flying fish and seabirds.

Days 4 to 9. Togian Islands. We expect to spend the best part of five days in and around the Togian Islands, and to visit several, potentially including Una-Una (with its volcanic crater and black sand beaches) and Katupat (with its jellyfish lake), as well as Malenge, Kadidiri or Lebiti. There will be extended opportunities for languid  snorkelling on the coral reefs. And every day we will have plenty of time for whale and dolphin watching in the deeper waters around the islands.

Day 10. Towards Bitung. Another full day, during which we can expect a morning snorkel and plenty more time for whale and dolphin watching. We should arrive back at Bitung port by evening today.

Day 11. Disembark. After breakfast we will sadly have to disembark and transfer to accommodation ashore or to the airport for the flight home.