Our Journey to Protect Marine Ecosystems
By Marc Fruitema & Ellie Lovett.
Our Journey began three weeks before boarding, when Captain Mark invited us to join the continuation of the “Epic Trip” series—a purpose-driven expedition dedicated to ocean conservation. From that moment, anticipation set in as we prepared to reach Ambon by April 16th, ready to embark on an incredible adventure across the remote seas of Indonesia.
Crossing the vast Banda Sea, our journey took us south to the Lucipara Islands, then westward toward Wakatobi, and finally across the Flores Sea to Labuan Bajo. As we voyaged through these isolated waters, we found ourselves completely disconnected from the daily distractions of modern life, fully immersed in the rhythm of life at sea.
Aboard the ship was a diverse group of passionate individuals—from top consultants advising on fisheries and large-scale development projects, to NGO leaders advancing marine protected areas, filmmakers capturing the ocean’s wonders, and activists raising awareness about marine plastics. Despite our varied backgrounds and expertise, our journey united us through a common love for the ocean and a shared commitment to conservation. Much like coral reefs, the strength of our group came from its diversity.
One of the most memorable moments came during a dive at Lucipara. We had planned four dives that day and hesitated before the last one, already feeling the weight of hours underwater. But the mention of a potential sighting of ‘500 jacks’ pulled us back into the water. Though the large school of jacks never appeared, the dive became a lesson in embracing our journey rather than focusing solely on the outcome. The mesmerizing afternoon light filtering through the water, the gliding green turtle, and the vibrant reef life captivated us fully, reminding us to appreciate every moment.
Later, at Pulau Mai, a remote atoll surrounded by deep blue waters, the beauty and mystery of the ocean revealed itself once more. The contrast between the turquoise lagoon and the dark, deep drop-off spoke of the known and the unknown—offering a glimpse into the vastness of the marine world. As we kayaked over the shallow lagoon, we were humbled by the life swimming beneath us and the untold stories the deep waters hold.
This adventure deepened our connection with the ocean and reinforced the importance of protecting these incredible ecosystems for generations to come. As one participant, Ellie, reflected:
“I was newly certified and eager to immerse myself in the underwater world. The familiarity with equipment and the daily dive routines built my confidence, while the Seven Seas team ensured our safety. Spending hours beneath the waves in these pristine environments was a transformative experience.”
Throughout our journey, each destination added a new chapter—filled with raw beauty, wildlife encounters, and a growing urgency to safeguard what remains. Whether through diving, education, or collaboration with local communities, our shared path continues to evolve.
As we look ahead, we know this journey is far from over—it’s only just beginning.
Join us in writing the next chapter: a story of preservation, purpose, and shared progress.
“Having been diving for the last 14 years, I have been fortunate to dive in many diverse contexts, for pleasure and research, from the Indo Pacific to the Caribbean. However, I have never dived on remote coral atolls as much as on the Epic3 trip during Our Journey.
Diving so consistently on walls gave me a whole new perspective and appreciation for this type of diving and the unique species you encounter, from the magnificent sponges to the varied fish found along and on top of the wall.
What stood out in particular during Our Journey were the wall dives in Moromaho, Wakatobi. Along the reef wall we swam and we drifted, the currents at times strong, pulling us up, down and along. A wall of mystery, lots of ledges, crevices and holes that draw attention. Potential for eels, critters and whatever else that lies in hiding.
This was unlike any dives I’ve done before, sponges and sea fans larger than us. It felt like everything was larger than normal, or we have shrunk down in size, now dwarfed by these structures hanging off the reef.
Soft corals aplenty, purple, lavender, orange, white, red. Their colors subdued until you are close enough or the sun makes its way down to land on its foliage. The closer you appear, the more beautiful they are in revealing details of coloration, texture or shape not previously noticed.
Then as you ascend towards the top of the wall, the sunlight rich and hard coral covered top being host to a range of interesting species: The beautiful fire dartfish, sitting just above the reef in pairs, darting away to safety if you get too close. Or the bubble coral shrimp, hidden amongst the delicate looking bubble coral, so intricate and mesmerizing to watch.
The Anthias dancing around a coral head, a dash of yellow as a pair of butterfly fish swim by, or the shrimp goby diligently keeping watch while its shrimp roommate clears debris and sand from their burrow.
The reef is a landscape full of life, interdependent relationships and colorful wonder. Slowing down and allowing your eyes to pick out the detail, allows the reef to reveal itself and its many inhabitants throughout Our Journey.”
(Marc)
From exploring the turquoise lagoons, drifting along deep walls, watching the sun set over an empty oceanic horizon, this trip was a platform for reflection, exploration and discovery. A journey that took us past countless remote atolls, deep walls and beautiful reefscapes. With the ship and the diving operations run seamlessly like an extremely well oiled machine, we had the luxury of just focussing on being present and enjoying the various islands that we visited. An experience we hope to repeat again soon!
Marc Fruitema & Ellie Lovett
June 2021
NOTE :
To reserve your spots or see available trips, please check out our schedule page :
Schedule & Availability
Please also don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] should you require any further information or need recommendations for accommodation or flights etc. Our reservation team would be more than happy to assist. Cheers!
For more information about marine conservation efforts, visit the Coral Triangle Initiative
We are committed to protecting the ocean by following global standards such as those from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
