During the 2013 season from August to October Delos was lucky enough to sail the awesome waters of Raja Ampat, in the far eastern portion of Indonesia.
We took some notes and photos and want to share what we learned in the form of this simple guide. (more…)
Nope Nothing To See Here
Raja Ampat has one of the world’s largest tropical marine ecosystems and an outstanding biodiversity of fish and coral. It’s located in the north-western tip of Indonesia’s Papuan “Bird’s Head Seascape,” and lies in the heart of the coral triangle. (more…)
Since beginning this trip I’ve been humbled by the amazing things I’ve seen, both above and below the water. This planet we live on has so much natural beauty to explore. In California, I was able to dive in massive kelp forests, in Mexico with giant manta rays, in Bora Bora with enormous Lemon Sharks, and in Costa Rica, on a Costa Rica fishing charters – I just love the outdoors, there is so much to explore, and so many memories I am ready to create. For now, I am coming back with memories that will last a lifetime. That said, the best part of the entire trip was, undoubtedly, getting to watch whales. Honestly, for that, California is a great location– whale watching california is an activity that can be enjoyed by all of your friends and family, ensuring that you all have fun together in this beautiful place.
How cute are these guys? (Bohol Tansiers)
Watching whales and sharks in their natural habitats is always good fun! Something that had always eluded me was interaction with Whale Sharks. Not because I wasn’t looking for the opportunity, mostly because it’s just not that common. But it has always been fascinating to me. I mean, the Internet is full of interesting videos and pictures of Weird Looking Sharks and whales. What could be more exciting than interacting with them! So when we found ourselves only a day’s sail from Oslob in the Philippines I jumped at the chance. We left the Chocolate Hills and Tansiers behind and set sail southwest, towards the big island of Cebu. Without much information and not wanting to pay the outrageous prices for a guided tour we decided to do it on our own. Using the GPS coordinates from Google Earth we sailed all day to Oslob. Oslob Whale Sharks are in Oslob, right? Wrong. After a dinghy expedition to the beach through breaking waves and lots of blank stares from the fishing guys I finally got some better information. Apparently, the Whale Sharks were not in Oslob, but in another village 10NM further south. Strange.
Delos safely moored at Sumilon Island.
With 10 miles to go and less than 2 hours of sunlight left it was going to be close. I hate anchoring in the dark. We motor sailed as fast as we could to Sumilon Island, and were directed by some friendly local dive guides to the only mooring on the island that could handle a yacht. With the twilight creeping in we were now moored in the lee of this tiny island. It turns out we hit the jackpot as these very friendly guys also gave us all the info needed to find the Whale Sharks.
It was such an amazing experience we decided to do it twice! I hope you enjoy the footage.
The Delos crew swims with these gentle giants after anchoring at Sumilon Island, Philippines- just off the coast of SE Cebu Island. It was a truly humbling and amazing experience! (more…)
I was lounging in the cockpit on a blistering hot afternoon, nearly drowning in my own sweat. The skies were an endless blue and the sun beat down with an oppressive force. There was a slight breeze of only a few knots. (more…)
The crew leaves Darwin, Australia and sails over 600NM to the Spice Islands in Indonesia! During the 5 day sail we entertain ourselves with fishing, showering, and general lazing around. (more…)
With our bank accounts running low on board Delos, Brady and I would go over and over our options of some possible next steps. (more…)
After sailing the Philippine seas, with SV Delos and the Delos crew, it’s time for me to go home. It feels a bit sad, because it has been a fantastic four weeks and I have learned so much about sailing. (more…)
I woke up on the 1st of Jan 2014 with a slight headache and an extremely dry mouth, all reminders of last night’s extravaganza. I felt a bit disorientated and as soon as I turned my head to look at Brian laying snoring on my right, it all came rushing back to me. (more…)
The crew crosses the Gulf of Carpentaria then chills for a few days exploring the secluded beaches in the Wessell group and the Hole In The Wall. (more…)
The crew sails on from Lizard Island to Margaret Bay in search of the “Blue Trail” and a spot to test our moonshine. We round Cape York at the very Northern tip of Australia before chilling out in Seisia Pt. in preparation for our crossing of the Gulf of Carpenteria. (more…)
The crew leaves Cairns in their wake and begins the 1,300 mile sail ’round the top to Darwin- making a stop at Lizard Island. We follow in Capt. Cooks footsteps before cabin fever takes hold and we start brewing our own Delos moonshine. (more…)
So now that the history of how I got a boat and a mortgage is covered how do we actually afford to sail NOW, after the cruising kitty has long run dry? Below are just a few options that we’ve run across on our trip. (more…)
We get asked this question a lot. It’s definitely in the top three, right up there with storms and pirates. And rightfully so- the average age on Delos is 27. I being the only 30-something on board do my fair share to bump that up. (more…)
I am actually on Delos! It is SO fantastic and such a different way to live! I will try to give you a glimpse of what it’s like from the Mothers side of it. (more…)
It was a bitter sweet feeling untying the lines from the dock and slowly motoring Delos out through the open marina gates.
We had such an amazing time in Davao! (more…)
“So, what do you guys want to do for dinner?” Brian asked as Delos sat comfortably in Fannie bay in Darwin. “I don’t know bro. Where can we go where we wont spend $50 a person on food and a beer?” This was a common conversation while living and cruising in Australia. (more…)
Scuba Diving The Great Barrier Reef!- Sailing SV Delos Ep. 18
Josje is back on the scene! Join the S\V Delos crew as we sail from Fitzroy Island to Milln Reef for some sweet diving. It’s then back to Cairns to get our NEW dinghy and do a big shop in preparation for the 1,300 mile sail North to Darwin. (more…)