Sea Rovers Dive Bali

Listen to the Local

2012-02-20T09:42:00.000+08:00

Listen to the Local: Self-dubbed pirate captain Paul M Turley left the cold waters of his homeland to set up a dive shop in the northern village of Pemuteran in 1997, and he hasn’t looked back since. We find out what made the veteran instructor choose Bali as his new home. What’s your favorite dive spot in Bali? That’s [...]

Low Low Season Specials

2012-01-29T12:37:00.000+08:00

Attention Sea Rovers Brethren
----- Low Low Season Specials -----
For the period 1st February 2012 til 31st March 2012

2 pax sharing, 6+1 Dive pack + 4 n Deluxe Garden View
1 Day Pemuteran Reefs
2 Days Menjangan Island (Includes Lunch, Soft drinks and entry fees to TNBB)*
1 x Night or Shore extra
3 days Equipment Rental
Price €635 (published €838)

2 pax sharing, 10+1 Dive pack + 6 n Deluxe Garden View
2 Days Pemuteran Reefs
2 Days Menjangan Island (Includes Lunch, Soft drinks and entry fees to TNBB)*
1 Day Secret Bay (Includes Lunch, Soft drinks and entry fees to TNBB)
1 x Night or Shore extra
5 days Equipment Rental
Price €1020 (published €1306)

*As of 1st February 2012 due to changes at the National Park (Menjangan Island), additional activity fees will be required. These additional fees will be payable on-site these fees are as follows. Divers 75,000Rps, Snorkellers 60,000Rps, Plus entry fees 20,000Rps per Person

includes Tax, Service & Breakfast (halfboard available on request)

email: dive@searovers.net should you be interested

Rough Seas in Pemuteran

2012-01-25T14:29:00.000+08:00

Day 2 of Sea Rovers boats bobbing at anchor.

Rough seas and overcast skies. Reminds me of England :-)

And there was a fishing boat

Update for Menjangan Island fans

2012-01-25T13:24:00.000+08:00

Taman National Bali Barat or TNBB will finally be implementing new "Activity fees" as of the 1st of February 2012. These fees represent a 350% increase on the original entry fee. (which stays in place).

Original Entry Fee: Tourist Price - 20,000Rps, Local Price - 2,500Rps (unchanged)

New additional costs (previously no charge)
Divers: Tourist Price - 75,000Rps, Local Price - 50,000Rps
Snorkelers: Tourist Price - 60,000Rps, Local Price - 40,000Rps

Other amusing additions
Using a Video Camera: Tourist Price - 150,000Rps, Local Price - 15,000Rps
Taking Photo's: Tourist Price - 50,000Rps, Local Price - 5,000Rps

These are amongst the 36 new tickets for various activities professional and tourist, introduced to TNBB. (36 new ticket books printed on paper, just an environmental observation
As a business its going to be interesting, where before we had 2 ticket books, we now have to carry 10. We also now have new and additional boat entrance/parking fees on top of our original costs.

Sea Rovers has always supported the TNBB and will continue to run trips into the national park, plus support those in the park who care about it. Having worked with the guys at the TNBB for many years I know that some feel the system was already flawed. According to the wardens, of the substantial revenue already generated by TNBB only a small amount (30%) returns to TNBB to cover operational costs the rest goes to Jakarta.

From our point of view we of course understand concepts like increased running costs, maintenance, inflation etc, and at the same time feel that a 350% increase in price is substantial and would like to think that it will lead to an improvement in facilities or conditions in the park such as removal of rubbish from the beaches around the park (there is no indication this will be the case). Many of the wardens in the national park feel that the new system is wrong and will have a detrimental effect for TNBB. Such a substantial increase will actually discourage people from going to the Park, especially tour operators.
And we will wait and see, it may lead to a better diving experience for those that choose to go, not that the Island is crowded by any means.

BTW Our suggestion in consultation meetings was to increase the basic entry fee say to:- Tourist Price - 50,000Rps, Local Price - 25,000Rps, and not charge people for taking photo's on holiday.

If you feel you would like to comment then please feel free to write to the National Park at tnbb09@gmail.com

As for Sea Rovers guests, well most of you already knew that this was coming, if you followed the blog & facebook that is :-). Its been on the cards for a year now (though the figures were not known) and every email that went out with packages or info had this in it all last year

"*as of 1st January 2011 due to changes at the National Park (Menjangan Island), additional activity fees maybe required. These additional fees will be payable on-site and have yet to be finalized by TNBB."

Well its finally happened, so if you wish to go to Menjangan Island after the 1st of February 2012 expect to pay an additional 95,000rps per diver and 80,000Rps per snorkeler.

Hoist the Colours

2012-01-25T10:52:00.000+08:00

Jos Vreugde getting into the Sea Rovers spirit

Jos sporting his Pirate patch dive accessory.

And an e-courier arrived bring news from Sipidan:

Gaaaar cap'n

Fine pickings down 'ere in Sipidan, there be....gar..

We's a taken a might fancy oil-riggy thingy fer yous fleet of free rovers....the flag be hoisted and the rebellious curs now with Davy Jones...hur-hur-hur...

We's a thinking about naming her 'The Oily Octopus'....gaar....what sez ye, cap'n ?

First mate Leigh
Bos'n mate Louise
& Midship'n Nick

Nicely done Lads and Lass, give em bubbles and consequences be damned! HaHarrr!

Captured Rig off Sipidan shows its new colours

Marlin Divers Pirate Adventure

2012-01-05T10:14:00.000+08:00

Video from the Marlin Divers of their stay and dives in Pemuteran with the Sea Rovers Brethren.

Thanks for sharing guys.

Post Hangover Day Greetings to all

2012-01-02T16:46:00.000+08:00

Happy post 'Hangover Day' Me Hearties! Unfortunately we had power outage yesterday and no internet, guess they were celebrating 'Hangover Day' too :-)

For the rest well here is something a friend sent which I think works for me.

Where did the year go? Suddenly it is December ....again - and we realize that with giant strides we started in January and within a blink of an eye, 2011 is on its back!

A big "Thank You" to each and everyone of you, for the impact you had on my life this year. Especially for all the e-mails I received.......without you, I'm sure that 2011 would have been extremely boring.

May 2012 mark the beginning of a Tidal Wave of Love, Happiness and Bright Futures.

And to those who need someone special, may you find that true love.

To those who need money, may your finances overflow.

To those who need caring, may you find a good heart.

To those who need friends, I am still here for you.

Thanks for being my friend!

Best wishes in 2012

The Captain

Michael Holm, Returning Brethren

2011-12-28T12:29:00.000+08:00

Michael & Karin return to the Brethren for more dive exploits. Below is some of Michael's photo's which the Captain touched up and uploaded for the rest of the brethren to enjoy.

The Captain

Marlin Divers Memories

2011-12-10T13:14:00.001+08:00

From the guys at Marlin Divers NL, a lots of nice pics and good memories.www.marlindivers.nl

Fame at last

2011-12-10T11:29:00.000+08:00

Interview with your very own Captain Paul on GoBedrock.com

http://gobedrock.com/destinations/bali/meet-the-captain/

Will try not to let it go to my head :-)

Sea Rovers Bali, SSI Dive Centre No 741067

2011-11-09T15:36:00.002+08:00

John Shepherd, regional head for SSI Indonesia gets into the Sea Rovers spirit as both Honourary Captain John & the infamous Captain Paul strike an Accord.

Sea Rovers now proudly flies the SSI banner along side our very own Jolly Roger.

Garr!

The Captain

New Close Encounters Gallery

2011-10-24T10:16:00.001+08:00

One of my favourite divesites for the last 14yrs.

Surprise Indonesian Government Inspection

2011-09-22T15:20:00.003+08:00

In an attempt to crack down on the numerous illegal dive operators springing up all over Bali. The Indonesian government organised some surprise inspections.

Basically, for those who don't read Indonesian this says that of seven dive companies in Pemuteran checked, only one divecentre located in inside Adi Assri Hotel (that would be us :-) had the legal paperwork to operate. That would mean that out of the current eleven divecentres in Pemuteran. More than half are operating illegally.

Makes you think.

The Captain

Underwater Wonders

2011-09-17T12:21:00.003+08:00

More than 400 of the permanent sculptures have been installed in recent months in the National Marine Park of Cancún, Isla Mujeres, and Punta Nizuc (map of the region) as part of a major artwork called "The Silent Evolution." The installation is the first endeavor of a new underwater museum called MUSA, or Museo Subacuático de Arte.

I can't help but remember when Pemuterans very own Underwater Temple Garden made a big splash across the media. Some described our conservation efforts as a theme park. I wonder what they will call this?

Personally I think this is brilliant and I'd like to expand our own temple complex here. If they get anything like the coral growth we have here its going to be very interesting.

The Captain

New Nudibranch Identified

2011-07-06T08:35:00.002+08:00

Ashley at Nudibase has identified our little friend below as a rare Sap-sucker - Lobiger souverbii - Fischer, 1856

Damn I guess we don't get to name it. :-(

The Captain

What The!

2011-06-25T14:54:00.004+08:00

New find or new Nudi. Still trying to find out

3" of Nudiness

2011-04-01T13:42:00.001+08:00

This lil fella & his mates have been hanging around just off the beach in 'Mucky Pirates Bay' for the last couple months Have to give him a name.

The Captain

Skull & crossed bones

2011-04-01T13:36:00.002+08:00

Remember that joke " We never lost a customer yet. We always bring back the bodies." Well maybe not always. Garr!

http://www.chrisridley.co.uk/blogs/all-posts/scuba-diving-finding-a-unknown-human-skull-on-a-desert-island-bali/

The Captain

GoPro HD Hero 960 Test

2011-03-15T11:59:00.004+08:00

Abdul took out a the GoPro HD Hero 960 to test, it was a rental from our equipment supplier, Ari at DiveSports, on the Jl ByPass, Sanur. This is some surface shots from the boats Nasty Nemo and the Vicious Guppy racing to Menjangan Island with a bevvy of wannabe Pirate wench snorkellers from the States. Camera test, very impressed. Will be posting some snorkelling shots on YouTube soon.

The Captain

Dive club Poolduikers Kerkrade, hoist the Colours

2011-02-24T12:04:00.001+08:00

Harrie & Riet hoist the colours at Dive club Poolduikers Kerkrade.

Proud to have you all aboard.

The Captain

The 2011 Sea Rovers Brethren

2011-02-22T10:52:00.003+08:00

left to right, Captain Paul, Abdul, Wayan, Botac, Ditta, Sahari, Budi, Made & Commodore Kerry.

The happy crew of the good dive base Sea Rovers

We're moving the Ships Blog

2011-02-07T18:04:00.002+08:00

Finally got round to moving the ships blog and though I'll continue posting the occassional post here the bulk of the posts can now be found here.

http://www.searovers.net/ships-blog/

Content will be just as Piratical & Fun.

The Captain

Photo's from Giovanna

2011-01-08T16:38:00.005+08:00

Some new Mucky Pirates Bay pics from the lovely Miss Giovanna Fasanelli. Thanks for them and for showing me stuff I haven't seen before such as Acoel flatworms, which I didn't even realise were worms till you made them move.

I really need to read more :-)

Sea Squirt on the Jetty

Red Stripe Shrimp

Spot the Tiny Seahorse

Pufferfish

Common pipefish

Mandarin fish

Another Mandarin fish ;-)

White eyed Moray

Dragonet

& Finally the legendary upsidedown jellyfish crab

Again thanks for sharing a look forward to critter hunting with you again sometime soon.

The Captain

Mixed Up & Below at Menjangan Island

2011-01-07T11:55:00.003+08:00

David & Lynne were out at Menjangan Island over the New Year and caught these great shots one the way

Beautiful drifting nasty jellyfish.

Flipper!

Flippers Mateys.

Garr! This be my Anenome matey.

David & Lynne are a couple of professional photographers based here in Bali. check out their website here. www.davidlynnegallery.com

Thanks for the pics guys, we'll see if we can find some more interesting stuff for you to photo next time you're up our way.

The Captain

Ho, Ho, Ho, Garr!

2010-12-25T16:06:00.005+08:00

Finally got this uploaded.

To All the Brethren.

Hope it was a good one and have a great New Year to come.

The Captain

www.we-sea.it

2010-12-14T14:44:00.006+08:00

Diana & Frank Photo's, been more than a month but slacker that I am I finally got them posted. More photo's can be found on there website at www.we-sea.it

Diana @ Menjangan Island

Jacks @ Close Encounters, Pemuteran

Photographing Jacks @ Close Encounters, Pemuteran

Damsels @ Menjangan Island

"Hello."
Turtle @ Menjangan Island

Razor fish and a cold Diana wearing a hood in 27C of water? :-)
Menjangan Island

Great photo's, especially the turtle shot. Check out many more on their website.

The Captain

Taman National Bali Barat - Menjangan Island NEWS FLASH-

2010-12-12T09:22:00.005+08:00

BAD NEWS for anyone wishing to dive or Snorkel Menjangan Island inside the Taman National Bali Barat.

The National park is introducing a delightful range of charges for you to pay.
These include;
Entry fees,
Activity fees,
Parking fees,
Camera and video charges (you may have to pay for the right to use your own camera)
and probably a charge for looking at the fish, by species of course. Bigger the fish the higher the fee.

Sea Rovers prices will not be changing but additional charges may be added on site. What these charges will equate to we are yet to be informed

Nobody disagrees with a reasonable entry fee, especially if the money is put to good use.... Problem is the new fees are niether reasonable or likely to be put to good use.

Currently petitions are in the making. Will keep you all informed.

The Captain

Deep Sea Wonders

2010-10-27T11:24:00.004+08:00

Diving Deep Reef has always been interesting and here are a couple of reasons why.

Praying Mantis Shrimp

Shrimps in a Feather star

Nudi branch

More nudibranch

Buddy through a Gorgonian

The Captain

Gods Bless the Fleet

2010-10-13T12:28:00.007+08:00

Another six months have pasted and its that time again to bless all things mechanical.

Heavens brood as the fleet is prepared for a jolly good blessing.

Our Captain Sahari and trainee Misnawi also get involved, assisting with the blessings. Though Muslim they respect the Balinese traditions as we do theirs. Shame the rest of the world isn't always so enlightened.

Gods bless the Sea Rovers Fleet and all who sail in her.

Om Shanti Shanti Santi Om.

Alright Lets eat.

So once again you can feel safe knowing that you're sailing aboard the totally blessed Sea Rovers Brethren Fleet.

HarHarr!

The Captain

More photos on Facebook. Klick the link & join the Brethren.

Lorenc.at & Sea Rovers have an Accord

2010-10-10T13:19:00.006+08:00

Tauchen Und Reisen Lorenc.at founder and owner Günter Lorenc brings some friends to visit Pemuteran for some diving with the Sea Rovers brethren.

An accord has been reached, Sea Rovers Dive Centre & Adi Assri Beach Cottages are now partnered with Lorenc.at in providing exactly what we always have. Small group and personnal service plus the best in diving that North West Bali has to offer.

Honorary Captain Günter Lorenc & Captain Paul M Turley

Commodore, Captain & Crew of Sea Rovers would also like to extend congratulations to Lorenc.at for '30 Jahre Tauchsport Lorenc' and many more to come.

Look forward to seeing you out our way with Marion again Günter. Take care and good diving.

The Captain

Harijadi & Teti's Amazing Pemuteran/Menjangan pics

2010-10-09T10:19:00.007+08:00

It was really difficult to chose 5 photo's from Teti and Harijadi as all the photo's they left here were good. But in the end I went with these.

Menjangan the Caves

Menjangan Island

HariJadi "Pucker up Budda", Temple Garden

Pipefish, Mucky Pirates Bay

Mantis Shrimp, Mucky Pirates Bay

Menjangan Island

Pipefish at Night, Mucky Pirates Bay

A something or other Nudibranch in Mucky Pirates Bay.
You want to know more check out www.nudibase.com

Teti on the wall at Menjangan Island

Bubbles

Some brilliant photo's and I look forward to the next batch.

The Captain

Photo's By Christoph Langer

2010-10-09T08:34:00.002+08:00

More pics from the Brethren.

Tiger Tiger burning bright in the coral of the night.

Ornate Ghostpipefish

Like Dude! This is totally my best side.

Dude. Check out my Remora.

Thanks for the pics Christoph

The Captain

Help Protect the Coral Sea

2010-09-07T09:37:00.003+08:00

or Become a Fan here

http://www.facebook.com/protectourcoralsea?v=app_324401759835

Every little helps.

The Captain

Lars and Bertine make their 09:30 turtle meeting at Menjangan Island

2010-08-27T17:36:00.004+08:00

We called the agent but the Whaleshark and Mola Mola where at another engagement. High season, they're in high demand. But we did manage to book a turtle. Fortunately as usual things ran smoothly and Lars & Bertine made the 09:30 appointment with video camera in hand.

Thanks for the link guys, loking forward to seeing your Underwater temple garden video when its finished.

The Captain

Another nice Review @ undercurrent.org

2010-08-21T18:05:00.002+08:00

Thank you for submitting your reader report. It is available now on the web at http://www.undercurrent.org/members/UCnow/dive_reviews/Indonesia/SEAROVERS_NORTHERNBALI_report_5663.html

SEA ROVERS/ADI ASSRI, PEMUTERAN, Indonesia(NORTHERN BALI), 2009/09, Jon Anderson
Phoenix, AZ.
Experience: 501-1000 dives
Vis: 30 to 150 Feet. Water: to Fahrenheit, calm, currents.

Dive your own profile: yes
Any dive restrictions: During our shore diving, we had no limits or restrictions. Most of those dives were shallow and close to shore. On boat dives, our guides were cautious about watching our air consumption and depth, as were we.

This was our second trip to Sea Rovers and Adi Assri. As it is a bit off the beaten path in Bali, this should tell readers that it was well worth the gorgeous drive up north to stay and dive with Sea Rovers at Adi Assri in Pemuteran. The dive shop is right on the resort property with only a few, easy steps along the sand and into the sea. We were impressed with the entire region and its commitment to the environment. Since many of the local people come from a long line of fishermen, they have been educated in the importance of preserving the reefs in the area. They have clean up projects as well as a 'reef gardeners' (see more about them on the web site) project to inject new life into the reefs. With the island of Menjangan, and its 'gin-clear' waters nearby, a boat trip over there was made on both of our trips to Pemuteran. It was so beautiful to see such clarity, although there can be currents here. I am not good at estimating visibility but, for the dives at Menjangan, I'd have to say you could see 'forever'. We also did several other boat dives, most notably to an underwater temple! That being said, I have to say that the highlight of our trip to Sea Rovers and Adi Assri was the shore diving. Although this is not Lembeh, my husband and I had a great week just treasure hunting in the 'muck' in front of the resort with NO current at all. Visibility here was not great but after every dive, we returned to the dive shop, wildly enthusiastic over some new critter we had found such as tons of pipefish, ornate pipefish, frogfish, snake eels, scorpionfish, crocodilefish and sassy anemone fish and damselfish for a start. If you're not into muck diving, the shore diving could be skipped, I suppose. But WE LOVED IT! I especially loved being greeted by the friendly "Dita' with a cup of hot ginger tea after every shore dive. The staff, led by 'Pirate Paul' was kind and helpful and loads of fun (see photos of all of us on their web site). They made suggestions to us of dive possibilities and allowed us to choose what we wanted, where we wanted to go. I have to say that I enjoyed every dive with this crew (and without them on our shore dives; of course, if you need some guidance, as we did on our first visit, they are there to help you and point out various odd critters). The resort is quiet and peaceful and a far cry from the action of Kuta or even Ubud. The seas in front of the resort were flat and welcoming. The rooms were so pretty and well cared for and the resort staff was helpful with all of our needs (internet, extra table, etc.). The whole atmosphere was great. This is an extremely relaxing and peaceful place with an aura that is difficult to describe. We did not feel the need to leave at all during our week here. I also received the BEST massage I'd ever had at Adi Assri and I've had quite a few in Bali. It was also deeply satisfying to find a place that was so dedicated to conservation and the environment. I dream about the tranquility and I long to return.....

UW Photography Comments: There was adequate rinse water on shore and it was easy to rinse camera equipment after a shore dive. The boats are small and fast do not have a rinse tank but most dives were close to the dive shop so we used their facilities, which were fine.

Thanks Jon & Linda, look forward to having you back here soon for more critter hunting. Garr!

The Captain

Its not just about the Temple Garden

2010-08-21T17:42:00.002+08:00

Jon & Linda Anderson sent me a couple of photo's from the 'Temple Garden' proving that the temple is not the only thing worth seeing down there.

This tiny little pygmy seahorse blending right in with some of the gorgonians that are all over the 'Temple Wall', along with pipefish, nudibranch and many more interesting little critters.

Look at me, I'm Tiny.

Where'd he go?

Thanks guys

The Captain

The Underwater Temple Garden 'The Movie'

2010-08-21T17:37:00.000+08:00

Thought I'd have a bit of fun with the camera. Not exactly HD quality but it was nice to get back into some video instead of stills.

Enjoy

The Captain

The Underwater Temple Garden, Bali

2010-08-07T11:11:00.004+08:00

The Photo that started it all

And here is the original story.

Indonesian Archeologists to investigate potentially phenomenal discovery

Apparently someone took my photo, posted it on twitter and claimed an archeological discovery off the coast of Bali. This went global, thanks to the internet and thus a urban legend was born. :-)

the follow up story helped to clear up the matter but some journalists still got it wrong.

Mystery of underwater hindu temple in bali solved

Its funny, so far I have been interviewed by the BBC, Daily Telegraph, Metro TV, amongst others. Oh and a couple of hundred strangers now want to be my friend on facebook. Cancel funny lets say crazy.

But still I find it amazing that one photo can bring so much attention to our little corner of the world.

However I feel that I have to set some facts straight.

I didn't build this for Sea Rovers guests!

Though I have been in Pemuteran for 14 years now and was involved in the creation of the Reef Gardeners, I can't lay claim to being the person with the dream. I was part of the team who made the dream a reality.

At the time I was working with Chris Brown along the beach from us. The original concept was his. Over the years, every now and again, we'd talked about the idea of an Underwater Temple Garden, but never had the funds to put it together. And what with the revolution, crisis, birth of true democracy in Indonesia, Bali Bombs and the ensuing loss of tourism we had other things matters to take care of. Then a friend of Chris's suggested approaching the Bali Rehabilitation Fund (Aus Aid) with the idea of a social and enviromental project that would become the 'Reef Gardeners'.

For more information on the Reef Gardeners project and the creation of the Temple Garden and also the Biowreck, kuberan Kapal (Ships Graveyard), plus Coral Canyon wreck. You can download the brochure on this page Save our Reefs (Hug a Fish) of our website.

The truth is out there, if only people would take the time to read it and listen to what is actually being said. Or learn how to Google properly ;-)

The now famous Captain Paul M Turley, at your service. Ha Harrr!

P.S. Underwater Temple Garden tours and wedding services now available :-)

Say hello to my new little friends.

2010-08-02T14:19:00.006+08:00

After a tiring time predicting the world cup results Paul the Octopus takes a well earned vacation in Bali

This is his mate Fred the Angler fish. Hello Fred

Once again some nice finds in Mucky Pirates Bay.

The Captain

Erin & Chris Advanced Divers (now)

2010-07-29T12:44:00.007+08:00

Erin & Chris were just here doing a little PADI Advanced diving. Deep dive, Navigation dive, Night dive and these photo's show their Photography and Fish ID skills

Erin, slate in hand, pencil at the ready.

Oooo. Look greeny fish

Biowreck looking like a thriving little eco system.

This is your Captain speaking. I'm hovering at the moment, so please leave a message after the bubble. Bloop.

Guys you could have chosen a better back drop.

Thats better. Peace wench!

Erin heading out on the Cynical Seahorse on a quest for fishy adventure with Sea Rovers Brethren

Chris, the same with the Vicous Guppy and Nasty Nemo at anchor in front of Sea Rovers office behind him.

Whoohoo! I'm an Advanced diver!

Congratulations guys, you did well.

The Captain

Alex & Rizki's Pics

2010-07-18T13:57:00.005+08:00

Alex & Rizki enjoyed a few days diving and took some memories with our little rental Sony W300, with Ikelite housing (Hey! who rented out my baby? The Captain)

Fat star fish at Close Encounters, Pemuteran.

Nemo!

Cunningly disguised pipefish

Lizard Fish

The Brethren with new additions Alex & Rizki.

Left to Right, Gede (trainee), Wayan (DM), Captain Abdul (also Trainee Guide),

Alex & Rizki (new Sea Rovers Brethren), Captain Budi and Captain Sahari

Mr Rizki

And last but not least Mr Alex.

Nice meeting you guys hope to see you again soon.

The Captain

Shiver me timbers! Capt Botac dun got Married

2010-07-16T09:15:00.003+08:00

Shiver me timbers! Captain Botac dun gone and got spliced to a nice Bali Wench. Good on Yah Matey.

This is what happens when yah be givin the crew too much shore leave.

The Captain

Sunset over Pemuteran

2010-07-06T15:39:00.003+08:00

Just a little sunset to set the mood

Sea Rovers Pirate fleet at rest

Looking across Pemuteran Bay

Traditional sailing boat

The Captain

Hedi's review

2010-07-06T14:34:00.002+08:00

This nice review was sent to us by the daughter of Hedi. Time to test the google translate button.

Fuer uns “Weltenmeertaucher” war es der erste Besuch in Bali. Wir waehlten die Tauchbasis Seerovers auf Empfehlung von Freunden . Wir haben den Besuch dort nicht bereut und sind fuer die Empfehlung wirklich dankbar.

Was uns natuerlich gut gefiel war die an der Tauchbasis und am Strand direkt angrenzende neue Hotelanlage mit 2 Pools. Keine langen Wege, keine Hotelburg, sondern kleine Gebaeude mit schmuckem Zimmer , Freiluftdusche und Toilette, eingefuegt in einen zauberhaft angelegten Garten. Es gibt dort eine wirklich gute Kueche und der Preis absolut fair . Tip: Lasst Euch taeglich mit Saeften verwoehnen, die werden naemlich alle direkt aus frischem Obst zubereitet, sind koestlich und kosten wenig.

Die direkt am Strand liegende Tauchbasis ist klein aber sehr fein. Die Tauchlehrer und das gesamte Personal sind voller Freude bei der Arbeit. Alle sind locker drauf , und stecken Dich mit ihrer Froehlichkeit an.

Wir kamen an der Tauchbasis an nur mit Badehose und unserem Tauchausweis. Paul, Hauptmann der Seeraeuber, managede alles zu unserer vollsten Zufriedenheit und wir waren in kuerzester Zeit mit allem was wir brauchten und was wichtig war, ausgestattet.

Du musstest nur einige Meter ueber den Strand zum Boot laufen, Dein ganzes Equipment ist schon an Bord. Ich habe noch nie solch einen spitzen Service erlebt. Wir hatten das Vergnuegen mit Made Parma als Tauchbegleiter tauchen zu koennen. Die Tauchgebiete – teilweise direkt vor der “Haustuere” – absolut sehenswert . Lange und weite Bootsfahrten sind also nicht notwendig. Aber Ihr koennt ja die einzelnen Tauchgebiete bei Searovers nachlesen.

Nach dem Tauchgang und noch im Wasser und am Boot, werden Dir Dein Bleiguertel, dann die Weste und die Flossen abgenommen und verstaut. Du brauchst nichts zu machen. Also KEIN muehsames mit etwas Hilfe ins Boot klettern, sondern ein lockers Treppauf ins Boot. Toll

Nach Rueckkehr zur Tauchbasis wirst Du mit Kaffee oder Tee in lustiger Runde verwoehnt. Dein Tauchanzug, Dein Equipment werden gereinigt und verstaut. Auch da brauchst Du Dich um nichts zu kuemmern.

Also, alles zusammen sehr empfehlenswert. Ein Tauchurlaub dort lohnt sich sehr.

My documents: Hedi Tauchbasis.doc

Monika & Bernhard's Piccies

2010-07-02T15:05:00.004+08:00

Once again the dread Captain Slackbeard strikes as I catch up with the Brethrens photo's.

Night diving 'Mucky Pirates Bay' this time.

Carefully does it lads thats a hoard of razorfish. One false move and there'll have ya all mincemeat like in a flash.

Oh No, they spotted us! Swim away, swim away...AAAAAaaaaaggh!

Have they gone?

Good.

And here is another frogfish. A face only a mother could love.

A full winged lionfish giving us the classic fish tail shot. Pretty wings though.

And finally a really nice Nudibranch.

And thus endeth another nice lot of images from the brethren.

The Captain

Richard Rigby's Really Good, mainly Menjangan Island,Photos

2010-07-02T13:40:00.006+08:00

Captain Slackbeard strikes again.

Another group of photo's that have been here a little while (though not as long as Nicola's. Cough!). Are those of Mr. Richard Rigby of the British International School in Jakarta.

I do have an excuse though. I run a dive centre and have to work (occasionally). Which tends to strain me brain and make me forgetful of things like sorting out and Photoshopping the hundreds of photos the Brethren leave with me.

I digress.

Nice one this of a porcelain crab and a tiny, tiny anemone fish. If you know how big porcelain crabs are you'll have an idea of the size of the fish.

NEMO! on the wall at Menjangan Island by the look of it.

Secret Bay catfish all in a row.

Crab in a feather star, no idea what its doing.

Ex-resident giant frogfish.

He spent a good few weeks on the stern mooring block for the Vicious Guppy before moving on.

The Caves at Menjangan Islands South side.

Anchor Wreck at Menjangan Island.

Can you spot the Anchor yet?

Well can you?

Oh, for crying out loud, get your eyes checked. Its that big thing in the middle of the picture.

Eye eye Captain.

Nicola Symberlist, Fish-eyed wonders

2010-07-02T12:46:00.003+08:00

Been a while since Nicola and her family were here and I have to say that I have been a bad, bad Pirate. I completely forgot to post these fish-eyed wonders.

Can you ever forgive me Nicola? I shall go fall off a boat right now as punishment for my crimes :-)

Captain Me drifting along the wall at Menjangan Island

Captain Paul again obviously trying to figure out the settings on me camera

Ok figured it out. Lets get a nice wide angle of the wall.

One of our Favourite sites these days, The Coral Bommie, with the Biowreck and Bioboomer structures next to it. Diving here helps to support the Reef Gardeners.

Top of the Coral Bommie, tons of colour, teaming with life. What more do you want from a dive?

Thanks Nicola for all the pretty pictures.

The Captain

There they Blows! Whale in Pemuteran

2010-06-10T14:38:00.002+08:00

Another sighting of whales in the area, This time out at Close Encounters reefs where me and the three generations of the Family Webb were about to do the last dive of their SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course. Lucky buggers saw 5 whales, my last dive for my open water course was in the North Sea and I think I saw a blue rayed limpit and a crab.

These new divers are spoilt, totally spoilt, I tell you.

The Captain

Adi Assri Hotel web update

2010-06-08T12:28:00.003+08:00

Decided that I needed to revamp the Adi Assri page on the website so check out the 'New and improved Adi Assri @ Searovers.net' homepage.

With more info and more details and more photo's.

Enjoy

The Captain

Junior Eco Warriors off the the Port Bow

2010-05-01T18:54:00.009+08:00

Recent visit by the Green School out of the landlocked Port of Ubud, (http://www.greenschool.org) turned out to be a good opportunity to put the Nasty Nemo through her paces. And she handled it all with easy and space to spare.

The Green School was up on a field trip to the Biorock Project. Where they learn how to electrify coral to good effect ;-) After a morning of learning and snorkeling the projects they took a break to explore a local reef (Close Encounters) where they got to see first hand what can happen when local businesses work with the village and fishing community to help protect the local marine environment in a sustainable way.

The Next day they head out again this time to visit the Solar Powered Biorock offshore structures. The Biowreck and BioBoomer. The later named in honour of the once long time resident of the of the Turtle Project, run by my old mate Chris Brown just down the beach from us. Another longtime resident and local Eco warrior.

Then its prepare for the beach and Mucky Pirates Bay clean up.

DiveMaster Made and Captain Sahari lend a helping hand.

Despite the lousy visibility everyone heads out with a modicum of enthusiasm on their perilous mission to rid our bay of marauding plastic.

A Junior Eco Wench is Joined by Captain Botac scouring the Bay for hidden enemies amongst the fishing boats.

After a hard morning of snorkeling, diving and rescuing our beloved and now not so Mucky Pirates Bay. The lads and lasses of the Green School sit down to enjoy a well earned Nasi Bungkus.

And thus their day ends with a swift voyage home and memories of noble deeds and plastic vanquished on the shores of Pemuteran.

Garr! Guys n we be hopin' ta seeing ye all again.

The Captain

Dear Gods bless this vessel

2010-04-28T16:21:00.001+08:00

A bigger boat requires a load of offerings to bless her. So before we can take guests out we have to make sure she isn't cursed. So a jolly good blessing is in order.

Tranquil seas and calm blessings

As the Captain, crew and priestess start the ceremony

MMMmmmm.... When can we eat the offerings?

Tie that to the machine dear theres a good Captain.

Om Shanti Shanti Om.

And there you have it, all blessed for now till the next good day for blessing boats comes round.

The Captain

SHE'S ALIVE!

2010-04-28T12:49:00.003+08:00

Nasty Nemo hits the water and shows us what's she can do.

Pelan Pelan, satu, dua, tiga and PUSH!

My grud. She floats. Now thats what I call an auspicious start to this endeavour :-)

The Captain and Mister Tony, (Bali Mercury, supplier of fine engines and chandeler to Pirates :-) slowly taking her out of the bay

Lets open her up and race the wind.

A bunch of happy boys with their new toy. Left to Right, Captain Sahari (now captain of the Nasty Nemo), Captain Abdul (in training for Divemaster), Captain Tony (owner of Bali Mercury, long time friend and our engine supplier), First Mechanic Ratmon (Bali Mercury) and Myself, Captain Paul M Turley, at your service.

She still needs a canopy and some lifevests but other than than she's ready to cruise at a very comfortable rate of knots, the waters of Pemuteran, North West Bali and perhaps beyond.

The Captain

Nasty Nemo Powers Up

2010-04-20T10:30:00.003+08:00

Happy Captain examines his baby's new engines. Twin Evinrude 115hp Etec all white and shiny. "Lets hope they run as good as they look." says I.

Garr! They be mighty fine machines for a chasing down enemy vessels.

"Bloody hell! That things got more power than my *Chicken Killer."
(*translation: Indonesian Scooter or Speda motor)

Almost ready to launch.

Bugger! But this things heavy.

I'll just stand here, scratch my head and supervise. Left a bit. Right abit. Now lift..... There she goes. Boy watching you guys is making me tired.

A few more tweaks and a slight delay for a miss sent but vital part.... And she'll be in the water and doing sea trials.

The Captain

Nasty Nemo, Almost ready....

2010-04-16T14:37:00.002+08:00

Nasty Nemo almost ready, Engines just arrived today and she'll be in the water within a week.

Whoohoo!

The Captain

NEW! Help us to Clean Up Pemuteran & Menjangan

2010-03-20T13:36:00.005+08:00

After the rains the plastic has come. Trying to find away to get people involve instead of just complaining about a country wide problem that will take generations to solve. Me and the Commodore came up with this package.

Enviromental Clean Up Package, 11 Dives

2 Days Menjangan Island (Includes Lunch, Soft drinks, entry fees to TNBB and a Bin liner)
1 Day Pemuteran Reefs (including dive the Coral Bommie, Bio-wreck & Bio-boomer)
5 days Equipment Rental
1 Day Cleaning the Biorock Project
1 Day Cleaning the trash from Mucky Pirates Bay
1 x Night or Shore extra
Price €300

It won't solve the problems of a nation, but at least we can try and keep our little corner of Indonesia that bit cleaner.

The Captain

Save our Reefs! Hug a fish today!

Sign your mark for group packages

2010-02-28T12:15:00.002+08:00

New For Dive Club Packages

Nasty Nemo will be ready & in the water by the end of March 2010. She'll be set up to handle bigger group requests.

Though the 'Sea Rovers' credo stays the same. we do have requests from diveclubs and shops for more. So if you have a dive crew, club or shop who want to Join the Brethren click here for more information

Nasty Nemo continues to takes shape

2010-02-27T00:21:00.002+08:00

Me and the Pak Engel the boat builder discuss the finer points. Like "Where's me seats?"

The Captain

New Dive Boat gets under construction

2010-02-11T10:52:00.006+08:00

Greetings Brethren

Here be the new addition to our fleet, garr.

Though still under-construction though she already has a name to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies. 'The Nasty Nemo' will be designed with dive clubs in mind who want to add one or two more divers to their group.

We'll be designing special dive club and group packages based around 7+1.

So if your a club looking to bring some small groups to explore the undersea treasures of the North West of Bali. Then drop us a line.

Cheers
The Captain

Jon and Linda with the Irrepressible Sea Rovers Brethren

2010-01-21T16:33:00.004+08:00

Jon & Linda Anderson just sent me these prints from their second sojourn with the motley brethren of the NW Bali coast.

Above Left>Right DM Made, Linda, Reception Wench Ditta and Nakhoda (Captain) Abdul

Working clockwise starting with top left Nakhoda Sahari, Trainee Putu, Linda & Jon, Nakhoda Botac, DM Made, Nakhoda Abdul, Helper Budi

Having fun and going diving, what more could you ask for.

The Captain

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-01T11:19:00.003+08:00

Phot's By Michael Holm

2009-12-23T15:47:00.004+08:00

Greetings all

Michael and his wife Karin have been here the last week, diving and relaxing. Yesterday me and Michael sat down in front of the office computer and narrowed down 800+ photo's to some 169 usable. Michael then had the task of wittling down the photo's some more till we had 8 to chose from. Of which the final 5 were photoshop'd and put up here for all to see.

Enjoy.

Ornate Ghost Pipefish, Very Colourful.

A Mantis Shrimp awaiting some prey. Not to close with that camera Michael or he'll have it.

Love this one, the green shrimp on the feather star. Nice image.

A Cuttlefish using sponge as camoflage.

Another more colourful Mantis shrimp, so many varieties to photograph. And Up here in still sunny NW Bali, despite the best efforts of the rainy season, we have so many to find.

Thanks Michael for sharing and I look forward to perhaps getting out diving with you an Karin next year.

The Captain

Brethren Harrie Wassen Photos

2009-11-24T14:59:00.004+08:00

More photo's from the brethren. This time from Harrie & Reit Wassen who were here over November.

This nicely illuminated Ornate Ghost Pipefish enjoying the night dive.

Whats left at Anchor wreck, Menjangan Island.

A very colourful scene of coral and somewhere in there is an octopus.

Transparent Cleanie shrimp on an anemone.

Really nice picture of an Octopus taking a respite next to a plastic bag in Mucky Pirates Bay.

Thanks for the photo's Harrie

The Captain

Lee, phyllis & Gary's, Secret Bay Memories

2009-11-20T13:25:00.007+08:00

The Sea Rovers Brethren's ranks continue to swell with the addition of Lee, Phyllis and Gary our American affiliates.

Below are just a small taste of some of the many, many underwater photograph that Lee took during their time here.

This time I chose some of his Secret Bay photo's as I liked them the best.

First a Self Portrait of the Photographer himself Mr Lee resplendent with his HydroOptics mask. Very dashing Mr Lee.

Nice little Gobby takes a ride on a passing starfish. Probably be faster to swim, but hey, who's in a hurry. This is Bali after all.

Yellow frogfish striking a dramatic pose.

Often seen at Secret Bay and nicely photoed by Mr Lee. A folded nudibranch.
Amazing what you can accomplish with origami and some sea lettuce.

This Cuttlefish seems to have crash-landed in the sand, must have mucked up his landing.

Aye Eye Mr Lee!

Cool Catfish finish off this collection of interesting images from Lee. We look forward to seeing many more on your next trip out.

By the way Phyllis, the Saga of the Skolian Empire books that you left here are brilliant, hence its taken me so long to get round to going through the hundreds of photos you left to narrow down to these.

The Captain

Dan The Photoman

2009-11-20T09:08:00.005+08:00

Yet another photographically inclined member of our ever expanding Sea Rovers Brethren has left us some memories to post.

Decorator crabs are always weird things, but here in Sea Rovers own 'Mucky Pirates Bay' we do extra wierd. This, one of many, uses one of our resident upside down jellyfish as a cunning disguise.

Puffer Fish and friend

A friendly little Octopus on one of Dan's night dives provided a nice pose.

This Octopus decided to stretch out and go for a wonder.

Lionfish gliding in amongst the corals, nice warm colours on this one.

Hermit crab with accompanying anenomes.

And finally looking from stern to bows, 'Canyon Wreck' shows us her Booty :-)

Nice Photo's Dan, look forward to seeing more on your next trip out.

The Captain

The Freeflow divers return.

2009-11-11T17:31:00.004+08:00

Fellow Sea Rovers brethren Gwen & John from the Freeflow divers in Singapore return with new recruits and new friends, Terry & Helen.

Helen Just completed her confined training and open water dives for her SDI, Open Water Scuba Diver certification having done her theory online prior to coming out.

Left to right, John & Gwen Gillies, Terry & Helen Benton enjoying some well earned apre dive 'Storm Beer'. Also a celebration for Terry's Birthday.

Sunset set the scene for the whole affair, all in all a fun time was had.

And then Captain, family and friends enjoying a pleasant evening at Warung Susu, just down the road.

Well its not all fish and critters you know, we do have a life between dives ;-)

The Captain

Hella & Wayan's New Scorpionfish?

2009-11-03T16:16:00.004+08:00

Have we discovered a new species? Who knows and who cares? All we know is that our Wayan who has been diving here like myself for the last 13 years has never seen one like this.

Old friend Hella Binder was visiting and fortunately had her camera with her so we got a couple of very cool shots to post on the blog. Picture was taken out at the Coral Bommie, here in Pemuteran.

Nicely spotted guys. See what you get when you dive with the Sea Rovers brethren :-)

How about calling it "Hella & Wayan's Flamboyant Dreadlocks Scorpionfish"

The Captain

Yvonne's First Seahorse

2009-10-26T17:55:00.004+08:00

my first seahorse, thanks for that.

yvonne

Your welcome ;-)

The Captain & his piratical crew

Shark infested diver silliness

2009-10-05T14:04:00.002+08:00

Our little Mamiko, already three trips out in the space of a year and planning more. These are her photos and this time I decided to add some silliness to the equation with just a dash of shark to excite the mix. Enjoy

Mamiko getting ready for the off at Menjangan Island, with the assistance of Captain Botac

Dive! Dive! Dive! as Mamiko drops into the blue.

Shark! Shark! Shark! Three white tip reef sharks off Menjangan Island. Are you Scared? Well you shouldn't be. Your on a Sea Rovers dive :-)

Zoom! Zoom! Zoom! Ready for my close up Mamiko.

Kiss! Snog! Smooch! Hans & Corrie putting the Blue in deep blue sea.

Avast ye Mister Hans your a Nutter!

And thus ends our Sharks and Silly moments. Thank you for diving Sea Rovers and please don't unfasten your belts till the current has come to a complete stop.

Your Captain

Fare thee well to Trainees

2009-10-01T13:10:00.007+08:00

Commodore Kerry made it over for a few week in September and October, Just in time to say farewell to our trainees. Three months hard labour aboard the good divebase Sea Rovers, Pemuteran.

Slainte Mhath fellow Brethren

Reception Wench and Kommissaris Ditta Presents Mr Putu Epot Budi Arsana with his certificate

Yours truly, Captain Paul presenting Mr Putu Mangku with his Certificate.

And last but by no means least our Commodore Kerry presents Mr Kadek Karsana with his certificate

We wish them well and success in their future careers, whatever they may be and who knows, as we expand perhaps you'll see one of these faces again as our next Captain or Divemaster.

Good Luck Lads

The Captain

Me Etec be a might finicky

2009-09-16T15:50:00.005+08:00

Engine problems with the Vicious Guppy brought a full contingent of professionals to Sea Rovers. First we complain to the dealer, then the dealer to the distributor, then the distributor to the regional offices. Then with enough complaints everybody comes to visit and help sort out the problem.

Left to right, Pak Henry (Daya Pioneer, Jakarta), Pak Tony (Bali Mercury, Bali), Yours Truly Captain Paul M Turley and me Partner Commodore Kerry Keene visiting from Oz, Pak John Koh (Evinrude, Regional Office, Singapore)

The Commodore looking slightly contemplative as the engines are put through their paces with the diagnostic software.

She may be a might poorly but she'll survive to run many more dive trips to come. And though she be fibreglass, she has the mighty oaken heart of pirate ships of yore. Garr! Shiver me fibre!

The Captain

Pic of the Morning

2009-09-11T16:07:00.003+08:00

Woke up and started the day with a dive and a photo.

A couple of very accommodating Ornate Ghost Pipefish under the jetty in "Mucky Pirates Bay"

Not a bad way to start your day.

The Captain

What can we do with snow and Photoshop

2009-09-02T17:17:00.005+08:00

Couple of new pics of yours truly and German lake diving in the snow. Sent by another of our Piratical Brethren, Peter Bronold.

Before Photoshop

After Photoshop

German style, Brrr.... looks cold to me, think I'll stick to Bali Diving

Thanks for the photo's Peter. Looking forward to seeing the rest, but remember 800x600 72px is the best for emailing to me.

Ciao
Captain Paul

Playing with Photoshop CS 3 and MPB pics

2009-08-26T14:53:00.004+08:00

The latest Mucky Pirates Bay photos.

Been playing with Photoshop for this first one, getting an interesting sort of woodblock effect.

Using the cutout feature and then a second layer high pass with threshold adjustment, you get this nice art print.

Mantis shrimp playing peak a boo. That green algae behind him is all over the Mucky Pirates Bay at the moment, brought with it a couple of very interesting nudibranch though, which typically I only ever find when I don't have the camera with me :-(

I like this pic! A very nice young lionfish

Filefish hanging by one of our moorings.

The Captain

Late Afternoon Encounters

2009-08-19T11:22:00.004+08:00

Couple of late afternoon photo's from Close Encounters reef in Pemuteran. Water was a bit hazy so lighting wasn't so great. Still couple of nice pics.

Barrel Sponge on Close Encounter more southern slope

Peter getting a photo (still waiting for some of Peter's pics to post. Hint ;)

Oriental Sweetlips posing for the camera

Milky water reefscape on the top of Close Encounters, Plenty of Sargent-majors around protecting their eggs.

Soft coral, just liked the pattern.

The Captain

Another day another ceremony, must be Bali

2009-08-19T09:24:00.006+08:00

Om' Swastiastu

Bali being the Island of the Gods, demands lots of ceremonies that run in a eternal cycle. Just as in life what goes around, comes around and once again we find ourselves with 'Tumpek Landep'. A day for blessing all things metal and mecahnical. Which of course is just about everything in the Sea Rovers dive centre.

So here is us, the piratical brethren, a motley assortment of Christian, Hindu and Muslim, all dressed in our temple best and ready to bless.

Captain Paul & Son, Jr Captain Rhade

Bless our equipment so it don't fail....

Captain Botac (Wayan Sudiarta) Blesses his vessel the 'Cynical Seahorse'

And now blesses my vehicle, fondly known as the 'Rusty Bucket'

Captain Abdul, doing his friendly hawker impression. "You want diving? Good price. Morning price. Special just for you." A cry fortunately much absent from the beaches of Pemuteran, Thank the Gods.

So, not only is our equipment regularly serviced and in tip top condition. Its is also thoroughly blessed.

Om Canti Canti Om
The Captain

Estonia meets The Pirates Who Dive

2009-08-15T12:22:00.005+08:00

Kairi Raudsepp, new to diving having completed her intro dive here with yours truly and now a new member of the Facebook Piratical Brethren site. Kairi send over a few memories of her time here with Sea Rovers.

Kairi and SDI Divemaster Wayan Subratha

At your service, Captain Paul M Turley and the infectiously smiling Reception Wench Ditta

Kairi & DM Wayan enjoying a surface interval at Menjangan Island

Captain Botak, trying to cop some zzzz...... Scurvy dog! I'll have him flogged.

DM Wayan and Captain Abdul (also trainee guide) having way too much fun when they should be working.

Kairi also has the distinction of being our first ever guest from Estonia. We wish her all the best as she has already signed up for her Open Water Course back home. Brrrr...... And we look forward to taking her diving again soon.

The Captain

Mucky Pirates Nights

2009-08-02T12:37:00.006+08:00

Been incredibly busy the last few weeks with high season in full swing, so not much time to take new pics. However I did get some nice shots early in July while night diving Mucky Pirates Bay.

A not cunningly disquised Tiger Sole

Sand Eel, usually you only ever see their heads pocking out of a hole in the sand. But this night we got to follow him as he hunted.

Teeny Weeny Lionfish

One of my favourite night time critters, a Spider Decorator Crab.

And last but by no means least a very pretty Anemone.

More can of course be found in the Sea Rovers face book page where the reef photo albums keep expanding.

Now Back to Diving ;-)

The Captain

Turtley cool photos

2009-07-14T12:18:00.003+08:00

Regina (another new member of the honorary Sea Rovers brethren) sent me these pictures.

Rather nice turtle shots from Menjangan Island, during her trip last month with Wayan (see photo below)

Lionfish resting on a sponge

Wayan & Greg, Chillin' Menjangan Style

Turtley Awesome Dude.

The Captain

More Secrets From Secret Bay

2009-07-05T13:56:00.003+08:00

Another day of cold water (25C brrr..) and mucky vis in Secret Bay with dive buddy Kimmy More. No Frogfish this time but I did get a classic sea snake picture as it headed for the surface to get a breathe of fresh air. Mmm maybe I should wash my wetsuit :-)

All in all two very long and one very lost (due to lousy vis, honest:-)dives. With plenty of stuff to be seen.

The Captain
Paul M Turley

Down by the temple

2009-06-25T13:53:00.003+08:00

Yesterday was a good day to pray

Sabine and Katrin hanging out at the temple gates.

Nice little Nudi rests in contemplation at the base of Buddha statue.

Hairy lobster or crab, I forget.

Vis was so so, with lots of large particles in the water but otherwise a great dive as usual.

More photo's can be found on the new Facebook page

Where I'm setting up albums for each of the divesites.
Also a good way for the Sea Rovers Brethren to keep in touch with each other and share diving stuff, photos etc.

The Captain

Vote for Underwater Google

2009-06-12T19:59:00.002+08:00

Cast your votes here for young Pirate Brethren Nicola

PLEASE VOTE FOR Nicola Symberlist, Google photography competition!
I needs as many votes as i can to get to the next round.
Please click the Google-photography link and vote for Nicola Symberlist, i am the 3rd thumbnail image from the left.The one of the squid!
Thanks everyone!
Nicola x
http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/photographyprize/

Sea Rovers Desktop Wallpaper

2009-06-08T16:27:00.003+08:00

Make yourselves depressed by looking at our Pemuteran reefscape while your working on the office computer.

Enjoy

The Captain

800x600

1024x768

1280x1024

Canyon Wreck Revisited

2009-06-07T16:13:00.009+08:00

Lost Pirate treasure ship found off the Pemuteran coast. (Again :-)

Pirate Brethren Bruce swimming over the decks looking for lost doubloons.

Side view

Abdul checks out the hold for valuable cargo

Guess the cargo is gone.

Her rigging amazingly still intact as Bruce cruises along her side.

Simon finds something interesting to Photograph.

Simon & Bruce coming up from the depths.

Bruce and Simon enjoying some of the most pristine coral formations to be found this side of Bali.

Bruce and Abdul (dive guide in training) exploring the shallower reefs.

Canyon Wreck was sunk some 4 years ago and is still in remarkable condition for a wooden vessel.

Again part of the still on going Reef Gardeners project.

An interesting dive at a depth of 30mtrs coming up into a beautiful coral canyon.

The Captain

Underwater Temples makes it difficult to light incense

2009-05-29T13:31:00.010+08:00

Om Swasti Astu, as we say here in Bali.

Back when the world was younger, the ancient Sea Gods of Bali decreed that a temple should be erected in their honour at 30mtr depth (yes, even the Gods went metric). An thus it was Temple Garden was made for them all to play in.

Lighting incense is a bit of a bugger though so bring a torch instead.

Lost city of Pemuteran?

Ancient pose for happy divers....

Diver checks watch to see what century she's in.

ZOMBIE BUDDA!... Swim away, swim away.....

Deeply Deco Spirits.

Petrified sweetlipped turtle.

And finally a communion of spirits.

The facts:

Sank in 2005 as part of the still ongoing Reef Gardeners project. This little dive has become an interesting change from the reefs of Pemuteran. The often hazy vis creates a wonderfully spooky atmosphere.

Home to nudis and Electric clams, Temple Wall (or Pura Tembok) above also offers a lot of , well stuff to look at.

Personally I prefer the ancient gods story ;-)

Om Santi Santi Om.
The Captain

Close Encounters of the Wide Angle Kind

2009-05-29T12:52:00.004+08:00

Always one of my favourite dives is Close Encounters, 12yrs on and I still enjoy diving here. Lots of coral lots of life and a good place to find leafscorpions. But not when your playing with the new wide angle.

Here are a couple of my poor attempts, please be gentle it was my first time ;-)

The Captain

New Toy for the Captain

2009-05-29T10:50:00.005+08:00

Watch out for some cracking new photo's on this (and I'm not sponsored by Sony, wish I was :-) the Captain's new toy. Sony DSC-W300 with an Ikelite Compact housing and W20 Wide Angle lens.

With the underwater white balance setting its producing great results at depths of 30mtrs as can be seen from the soon to be posted Temple Garden and Canyon Wreck photos.

Anyone looking for something compact and full of features, manual plus auto, without breaking the bank or the baggage allowance. Then this is the toy to get. Highly recommended by the Captain.

The Captain

Sshh! Its a Secret Bay photos

2009-05-09T17:16:00.004+08:00

Ssshh... don't tell anyone but here are some Secret Bay photos.

The Captain

New Boat Hits the Water

2009-05-09T16:41:00.004+08:00

Yes its official. After months of work and waiting the 'Cynical Seahorse' hits the high seas.

Like her sister ship the 'Vicious Guppy' she's small and neat. Fitting in with our Sea Rovers philosophy of small groups, personal service plus fun. More open plan than her sister and sporting twin Evinrude etec 40hp she'll run 30knots with a light load. Not bad for getting you back to that afternoon massage after a lazy days diving.

The before picture; a decommissioned parasailing boat from the South of Bali in need of some TLC and remodeling

Below heading out with fellow pirate brethren Gwen & John for yet another Pemuteran dive.

And yet another days diving.... etc etc

And that be Divemaster Wayan in the foreground. Garr!

The Captain

The Frogfish of Mucky Pirates Bay, Pemuteran

2009-04-10T10:31:00.004+08:00

Was out on a check dive in Mucky Pirates Bay when I found our little frogfish friend here sitting out in just the right position for a snap shot. Couldn't resist taking a moment to take a photo.

Couldn't find his twin though instead a friendly moray filled in for him.

Some new firsts in Mucky Pirates Bay

2009-04-06T15:40:00.004+08:00

It was the first time new Pirate Brethren Rod & Angie dived Mucky Pirates Bay, Pemuteran.

It was the first time Rod had played with a underwater digital camera.

And it was the first time I had a camera around when I saw this rather nice Batfish.

I'd seen him (or her) around a few times during numerous dives in Mucky Pirates Bay, but never when I'd had a camera so close at hand. So I had to deprive Rod of the camera for just a minute to fire off a couple of shots for myself.

Rod also got a couple of good shots off, of which this Octopus was one of my favourites. Seems this guy has decided to make his home in front of the Sea Rovers dive centre. Handy if you guys bring your camera's :-)

More anon.

The Captain

Photo's By Bo & Steina

2009-04-03T12:33:00.006+08:00

Welcome Brethren to Bo & Steina's Photo's

Bo & Steina come from Sweden and this is not the first time they have been here to sunny Pemuteran. But this is the first time I've had some photo's to post.

I chose these out of 100 because 'I like them.' If you want to see more of Bo & Steina's photo's then visit their website.

http://www.overklighet.se/

I hope you read Swedish as well, the photo's are in universal diver bubble language so easy to understand. As yet Bo hasn't uploaded the new Bali images so these will be a first peak.

The images were taken in Pemuteran, Menjangan, Secret Bay and of course Mucky Pirates Bay.

Bo is using a very nice Nikon D200 setup with Ikelite housing & Strobes. Steina had fuji Finepix with a Sea & Sea YS27 strobe.

Like I said I had to narrow it down, I wanted to put more wide angle (the Commodore complains that we need more wide angle as we have tons of macro. I like macro! :-) But the guys will be posting more on their website and I'll be watching to see what I missed.

Thanks guys for the great photo's and good company.

The Captain

Birthday Whaleshark'O'Gram for the Captain

2009-03-14T15:11:00.003+08:00

Garr! Today be a day of surprises, for me.

First I was surprised to find myself a day older, but some cruel bugger had added a year to my age. Damn em for a cur, I'll have em flogged afore this day be over.

Then me wench an bairn decided to give me a lovely rendition of 'Happy Birthday to you' at 06:45 before I was infused with my religious morning coffee. Gruds Bless em.

And here I be skippering the good ship 'Vicious Guppy' on our way to one of the best presents a crusty Sea Rover could get for his Birthday.

Below be Your Captain and his SDI Open Water Scuba Diver students and fellow Whaleshark'O'Gram spotters.

Left to Right, Sabine Fuchs-Schlegel, Captain Paul, Kevin Duhr and self proclaimed, just call me 'Whaleshark Girl' Laura Schlegel.

Imagine the last dive of your SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course your swimming with a baby whaleshark. How cool is that?

Here is Laura getting kitted up little knowing what the dive finale had install for all of us this day.

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Captain. Happy Birthday to You. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

And now we all jump in to play with this loveable 3-4mtr baby whaleshark who truly made all our mornings with its appearance.

Whalesharks are not uncommon here in the North West of Bali. But you do have to get lucky and be in the right place at the right time and today was one of those days. Last month one of the other divecentres in the area saw a mother and baby, perhaps the same one we saw today.

But the day is not over yet and perhaps I have somemore surprises ahead.

The Captain

Crew Pics

2009-03-06T15:30:00.005+08:00

Some crew photo's

The boys who make it all possible and show you the critters.

Let here it for the boys, boys!

The Captain

Dolphins

2009-03-05T16:32:00.002+08:00

Also By Judith, a photo of Dolphins on the way to Menjangan.

Not uncommon, but its rare anyone gets a decent picture :-)

The Captain

Photos by Judith & Walter

2009-03-05T14:10:00.003+08:00

Ok, Mainly photos by Judith.

Judith and Walter just spent a few days diving with us and out of the hundreds of photo's taken I chose these as they showed a couple of things even I hadn't seen yet. (not fair)

Photos where taken in Pemuteran area and Menjangan Island.

Thanks for sharing

The Captain

2008 Gallery

2009-02-04T12:52:00.002+08:00

The 2008 Gallery is now open for viewing. Many photos are familiar from the Captains Blog but one or two are new. All are bigger and more detailed though.

So if your interested check them out at: http://www.searovers.net/sr_gallery_2008_index.html

The Captain

New Ship Mate Sees The Muck

2009-01-30T15:30:00.005+08:00

More Mucky Pirates.

New ship mate Gary Swearingan of Houston, Texas, whose job description is 'Dream vacation facilitator' (nice one. The Captain) for Wakatobi dive resort. Visited us before heading back to work, inspecting the modifications and refit of the 'Pelagian' the well known liveaboard, recently purchased by Wakatobi and then back to South Sulawesi prior to returning home to Houston.

So we showed him Muck! Loads of muck. 80 minutes and a flat camera battery later we had a few nice momentos along with a great way to start the morning. Hopefully Gary sends us his photos sometime in the future, in the meantime here is more of the Captains own.

See you in October Gary.

The Captain

Gods bless this Venture

2008-12-12T13:10:00.003+08:00

Sea Rovers first ceremony, Bali being the island of the gods requires many ceremonies for many things. There is a good day to be born, a good day to marry and a good day to be dead (some might say there is never a good day to be dead). The 12th of December was a full moon and hence a good day for us to install our own little offering box to the Hindu gods of Bali. But also to cleanse ourselves and our equipment of any evil spirits that inhabit. (Not The RUM!!! Aaaargh... The Captain).

Thus cleansed and purified we are better prepared for the year to come.

The Captain

Photos by Jan Paul Honders

2008-12-04T15:12:00.003+08:00

Greetings Brethren

Some new pics of the life around Pemuteran.

Courtesy of Jan Paul and Susan

The Captain

November in Brief

2008-11-29T12:57:00.002+08:00

Another month closes and the rains have finally arrived. Though an hour in the afternoon or evenings hardly constitutes a monsoon, it does make a pleasant change. The mountains behind us are starting to green again and the diving just gets better.

November has always been one of the better months for diving around Pemuteran and northwest Bali. Bringing with it more nutrient rich water to spur on the breeding season. More juveniles around would make for interesting photos but unfortunately your Captain is coming to the end of a nasty sinus infection and hasn't been diving much of late. Now that I can dive me camera be in Australia for an in-laws wedding which me wench is attending. Garr! Most frustrating when I test me sinus's in Mucky Pirates Bay and find the most beauteous juvenile batfish only 3mtrs from shore as I enter the water. Mottled brown she was, drifting like a leaf across the sand.

BUGGER! Where's a photographer when you need one.

Vis was down on occasion but still good enough that everyone was happy and saw plenty. Sea conditions have been flat and calm often like a mill pond in the mornings.

Generally just another great months diving in North west bali.

The Captain