About

A genuine expedition cruise for twelve days with a dozen or so like-minded people in the most beautiful places on Earth.

I love taking people on real expeditions where we have the chance to discover new things about the world and see some of the most spectacular landscapes and wildlife on Earth. The trips are led by experts with over 30 years experience on board a Swiss-Indonesian vessel with an international reputation for hospitality, service, safety and experience.

‘Hey Simon, just wanted to say a very big thank you. The trip far exceeded our expectations. You did a fabulous job hosting and sharing your amazing knowledge and experience with us. Loved every moment of it and the Pindito crew were awesome.’ – Jo, Suzie, Sue, Penny and Tracey, Sydney

Contact me

• Email: simon@wildiaries.com
• Phone/Whatsapp: +61 (0) 405 220 830.

Expedition Cruise to the Banda Sea on Pindito – 27 October – 8 November 2024

We visited the remote Lucipara Islands and swam with large tuna over vast intact reefs. Then to the Manuk Island seabird colonies before heading to the Spice Islands and Banda Neira, lovely as always. Of course Blue Whales were a highlight. We saw so much wildlife. The Banda Sea is a place of scale, where you feel instantly insignificant.

Expedition Cruise to Komodo on Pindito – 29 June – 10 August 2024

A really memorable trip. Whale Sharks, Manta Rays and Komodo Dragons were clear highlights. There were also the smaller delights. Bow-riding dolphins, Giant Moray Eels, Peacock Mantis Shrimps, colourful Nudibranchs and so on. We had some really rare sightings too! Some divers saw Hairy Octopus, which is a bit of a holy grail. We saw a Leatherback Turtle! There were a also couple of sightings of Painted Frogfish too.

Expedition Cruise to Raja Ampat on Pindito. – 26 February – 8 March, 2024

A wonderful trip snorkelling and diving some of the key spots in the central Dampier Strait before heading out to explore new sites including Waigeo Lagoon. A large pod of Rough-toothed Dolphins was a highlight, as well as snorkelling among surface-feeding Manta Rays.

Expedition Cruise to Komodo on Pindito. – 26 June – 7 July, 2023

What we saw seen on this trip rivals anywhere like the Galapagos. Swimming with Whale Sharks (for 6 hours!), and seeing Sperm Whales and Komodo Dragons were exceptional experiences. This is where a platform like Pindito and the skills and knowledge of its crew gives us a chance to look differently. It’s been truly remarkable.

Expedition Cruise to Raja Ampat on Pindito. – 27 February – 10 March, 2023

Another amazing and varied trip. Four divers and eight snorkelers. We saw oceanic manta rays, seven species of whale and dolphin and red birds-of-paradise displaying. We visited remote islands, explored pristine coral reefs and enjoyed cocktails on remote beaches. The wildlife experiences were exceptional too. Another reminder of the incredible nature of Raja Ampat. Here’s the latest trip report to read and enjoy.

Expedition Cruise to the Banda Sea, Spice Islands and Raja Ampat on Pindito. – 24 October – 4 November, 2022

This was always going to be a very special trip. For all of us, it was an ice-breaker, to get back into travelling, after a long COVID-induced hiatus. Pindito wouldn’t normally do such a long trip. To look for Blue Whales, visit the Spice Islands and Banda Sea in one go is quite difficult from Ambon but it was worth the effort. It was a nice whirl-wind introduction for those who have not been before and for others, the chance to reconnect with some familiar places. As usual the Banda Sea didn’t disappoint.

Expedition Cruise to Raja Ampat trip including Banda Sea on Pindito. 10 – 21 February, 2020

Here is the first of two trip reports to Raja Ampat. This was the final trip we did before the pandemic set in, in February 2020. This trip started in Ambon and finished in Sorong, taking in the island of Misool on the way. The trip also began in Makassar, an extraordinary historic city. The local museum has an excellent history of Indonesia from the prehistoric to modern day. A visit to the limestone karst scenery of the region is a wonderful way to start a trip too.

Expedition Cruise to Raja Ampat on Pindito. 28 January – 8 February, 2019

This was a particularly fantastic trip. We found Killer Whales, which are relatively uncommon in the tropics. The animal pictured on the front is a well known regular visitor. This trip was just around Raja Ampat, including the islands of Waigeo and Batanta.

Expedition Cruise to Raja Ampat on Pindito. 26 February – 9 March, 2018

Another extraordinary trip which included reaching the island of Wayag. Time spent with False Killer Whales was a particular treat.

Raja Ampat on Pindito. 27 February – 10 March, 2017

This was an amazing trip with great encounters with dolphins and Bryde’s Whales. Even a Sperm Whale. And we managed to visit the distant island of Wayag and climb ‘Mount Pindito.