Nabucco Dive Resort - Extra Divers, Maratua

We spent a week on Nabucco at Easter 2024 (and then another week on Virgin Cocoa). First of all: it was simply wonderful.However, arrival and departure are a bit slow without a stopover. A number of waiting times (which are sorely necessary as a buffer due to the unreliable domestic flights) are added to the actual flight times. The four and a half hour boat transfer was extremely uncomfortable due to the strong easterly wind on the way there. I don't know what I was more worried about: the camera surviving or my spinal discs. However, after the first steps with solid ground under your feet, all travel stresses are immediately forgotten.The island is a dream: I like it much better than the Maldives islands, for example. The diverse vegetation, the varied views of dense rainforest and sun-drenched palm gardens are fantastic and are lovingly maintained like a botanical garden. We had a beach house with a cozy terrace and access directly into the sea, which my wife happily took advantage of every morning. But the garden houses are also great and absolutely recommended. There are fortunately few mosquitoes and plenty of shade.We always take half board on our trips so that we don't have to have another “job” at lunchtime. On Nabucco this is completely sufficient because breakfast and dinner are very good, varied and extensive. There are drinking water in several places.Almost like on a safari boat, you can reach everything in just a few steps. The base on the Jetty is extremely functional and the Jetty is well protected against waves.The 12 aluminum are always well filled (210+), the air quality is impeccable. Nitrox costs extra - as is often the case with the Extradivers - (is that where the name comes from?). I can't say anything about the rental equipment. The boats are ok: 4-stroke, good speed, there is the “big” flush toilet. Many good diving sites can be reached in five minutes, which means that after diving you can go straight back to the island. Unfortunately, because of the wind, these places on the east side of the atoll were not accessible in the first few days. Martin and the crew tried very hard to find good replacement places. On subsequent trips there are two-tanks, sometimes three. In general, you can do three TG a day in a relaxed manner. Depending on the guide and dive site, 70+ minutes.There is a lot to see underwater, from small to large. The decision between macro and domeport is not that easy. The corals are diverse and in great condition. Unfortunately, there were also some places that looked very much like dynamite fish. And occasionally you could hear it too. Wrrrghhhh!Island and diving operations are excellently managed by Martin and Friska. They are always present and - like all the employees - extremely helpful in all matters. The exchange of experiences with the two of them over dinner was cozy and funny. The few guests were all good and friendly divers.So it was a wonderful week, so I wasn't really sure whether switching to Virgin was such a good idea. But more about that elsewhere from Susanne and Josef

Martin and Friska are the most gracious and welcoming resort and diver operation managers on the planet. We had an absolutely amazing time with them. The diving itself was top notch and the overall operation runs like well oiled machine. All of the boats and equipment are well maintained, the resort grounds are stunning and the food is amazing.

Paradise Island 🏝️

Fantastically located, away from mass tourism.Long journeys must be taken into account.The bungalows are simply but functionally furnished. They have hot water, air conditioning and a fan. There is enough clean drinking water. You can eat and drink anything here without hesitation, even with ice cubes.The food is very varied and very good.The staff is very friendly and tried hard, this applies to service as well as the diving staff.You feel at home from the start.