Where is SV Merakai

Next was Taka Makasar, a glorious white sandspit with crystal clear water for a swim and chill to digest lunch, which we had eaten underway. Rick sussed out the blindingly white sand and crystal clear water and opted for a nap in the shade on the boat while the rest of us played in the water.


Approaching Taka Makasar for a refreshing swim!




The surrounding waters and islands.


Then back in the boat for the short trip to Manta Point, where we all jumped in after our fearless leader Hugo, and did a drift snorkel in the strong currents in a vain search for manta rays, along with 10 or so other boats all jockeying for position in the same quest. We saw sharks, trigger fish making nests, herds of Bulbometapon, unicorn fish... the first medium sized fish we've seen. But no manta rays, even after 2 drifts. Hugo (picture a sun-bleached afro on a happy Indonesian) cheered us with his Bob Marley impersonation - "no manta, no cry"!