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Field notes

Monthly liveaboard picks, seasonal dive windows, and quiet notes from our specialists.

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The Journal

Field notes from the world’s reefs.

Filter by destination, diver level, season, and marine life. Every briefing is written for real trip planning, not casual scrolling.

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58 briefings

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Indonesia
destinationMay 17, 202618 min read
Lembeh Strait for Macro Photographers: Complete 2026 Guide
A 2026 guide to Lembeh Strait diving for macro photographers, including muck sites, critters, seasons, resort setup, camera tips, costs, and Lembeh vs Anilao.
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Indonesia

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One curated dive destination breakdown, every week. No fluff, no sponsored placements.

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planning·May 14, 2026·17 min read

Komodo Liveaboard Prices: What It Actually Costs (and What's Worth It)

A practical 2026 guide to Komodo liveaboard prices, from budget cabins to luxury phinisi, with real add-ons, park fees, and upgrades worth paying for.

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Maldives Diving November vs February: Which Season Wins?

season-guide·May 14, 2026·17 min read

Maldives Diving November vs February: Which Season Wins?

Maldives diving November vs February compared by weather, visibility, mantas, whale sharks, currents, crowds, and which diver should book each month now.

OwJan-MarMantaShark

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White Pearl Maldives Pearl Fleet Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

liveaboard·May 14, 2026·17 min read

White Pearl Maldives Pearl Fleet Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

A balanced White Pearl Maldives review for divers comparing Pearl Fleet's luxury liveaboard marketing, verified guest ratings, recent Reddit complaints, prices, safety checks, and better-fit alternatives.

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Cebu vs Bohol Diving vs Palawan: Which Philippine Island for Your First Dive Trip?

destination·May 13, 2026·16 min read

Cebu vs Bohol Diving vs Palawan: Which Philippine Island for Your First Dive Trip?

Cebu vs Bohol diving compared with Palawan: Moalboal, Panglao, Balicasag, Coron, El Nido, seasons, costs, logistics, and who should choose each in 2026.

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North Male vs South Male vs Ari Atoll: Where to Dive on Your First Maldives Trip

destination·May 12, 2026·18 min read

North Male vs South Male vs Ari Atoll: Where to Dive on Your First Maldives Trip

Compare North Male, South Male, and Ari Atoll diving for a first Maldives trip, including dive sites, currents, whale sharks, mantas, logistics, and who should book each atoll.

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Red Sea Liveaboard Itinerary: North vs South for European Divers

destination·May 11, 2026·18 min read

Red Sea Liveaboard Itinerary: North vs South for European Divers

Compare northern wrecks, Thistlegorm, and southern BDE shark routes to choose the right Red Sea liveaboard itinerary for a one-time only trip from Europe.

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Malapascua Thresher Sharks: Is the 5 AM Dive Still Worth It in 2026?

destination·May 10, 2026·19 min read

Malapascua Thresher Sharks: Is the 5 AM Dive Still Worth It in 2026?

Malapascua thresher sharks now center on Kimud Shoal. Compare 2026 timing, sighting rates, costs, best season, and who should book the 5 AM shark dive.

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5 Essential Beginner Tips for Your First Tropical Dive Trip

educational·May 4, 2026·10 min read

5 Essential Beginner Tips for Your First Tropical Dive Trip

Planning your first tropical dive trip? Five practical beginner dive tips for safer sites, operators, packing, certification, jet lag, and no-fly timing.

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Maldives Diving for Beginners: Is It Too Advanced for New Divers?

destination·May 1, 2026·19 min read

Maldives Diving for Beginners: Is It Too Advanced for New Divers?

Maldives diving for beginners, explained with atoll difficulty, easy sites, season timing, safety checks, and a clear booking decision framework.

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Best Dive Sites in Bali: 3 That Matter for a 7-Day Trip

destination·April 30, 2026·17 min read

Best Dive Sites in Bali: 3 That Matter for a 7-Day Trip

The best dive sites Bali offers for a 7-day 2026 trip: USAT Liberty, Manta Point, and Crystal Bay. Decision framework, costs, and an honest itinerary.

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Maldives Diving Under $3,000: A Realistic Budget Guide for 2026

destination·April 30, 2026·17 min read

Maldives Diving Under $3,000: A Realistic Budget Guide for 2026

An honest Maldives diving budget breakdown for 2026: liveaboard vs local island costs, dive sites, transfers, and what you actually give up at the cheap end.

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