Banda Sea (Ambon - Ambon)

DUNE Aurora · Indonesia · 10 Days / 9 Nights

Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Embarkation
Ambon
Disembarkation
Ambon
Dives
Approximately 24 dives

About this route

This 10-day round trip from Ambon explores the rich biodiversity of the Banda Sea. The journey begins with world-class muck diving in Ambon Bay, then ventures to remote islands like Nusa Laut for its coral walls and Manuk, the 'Snake Island'. Divers can expect a mix of pelagic encounters, including sharks and tunas, with a chance to see hammerhead schools at Serua. The itinerary culminates with more critter hunting in Ambon's macro havens. Max guests on this trip: 18.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Ambon

    Ambon

    Upon arrival in Ambon, guests will board the vessel. Time permitting, a check dive will be conducted in Laha or Tulehu Bay. This area is celebrated for its phenomenal muck diving, offering macro life that rivals the famous Lembeh Strait.

    Dive sites: Laha, Tulehu Bay

  2. Day 2: Nusa Laut

    Nusa Laut

    The second day is spent exploring the beautiful coral walls surrounding Nusa Laut. These reefs are home to a diverse and extensive population of tropical fish and other marine creatures.

  3. Day 3: Suanggi

    Pulau Suanggi

    The trip reaches Pulau Suanggi, located at the northern edge of the Banda Sea's outer reefs. The waters here are rich with fish, reef sharks, and tuna, and sometimes hammerhead sharks. The island is also a haven for bird lovers, with species like boobies and frigate birds frequently observed.

    Good to know: bird watching|brown boobies|red-footed boobies|frigate birds

  4. Day 4: Manuk

    Manuk

    Diving takes place around the volcanic island of Manuk, nicknamed 'Snake Island' due to its large population of sea snakes. The area's amazing drop-offs attract sharks, mackerels, tunas, and barracudas, offering exciting pelagic encounters.

  5. Day 5: Serua

    Serua

    The reefs around the small island of Serua provide a breathtaking setting for observing abundant sea life. With some luck, divers may encounter schools of hammerhead sharks cruising near the reef edges.

  6. Day 6: Pulau Hatta & Banda Neira

    Pulau Hatta & Banda Neira

    As the boat heads back toward Ambon, the day's diving includes wall dives on the bay's exterior. These sites offer clear water and opportunities to see pelagics passing by, before moving inside the bay for its spectacular macro sites.

  7. Day 7: Pulau Hatta & Banda Neira

    Pulau Hatta & Banda Neira

    Continuing the return journey, divers will enjoy more wall dives in the clear waters outside Ambon Bay to spot pelagic life. This is followed by dives within the bay, which is renowned for its excellent macro subjects.

  8. Day 8: On the way back to Ambon

    Ambon

    The voyage back to Ambon features wall dives along the outer bay for potential sightings of large marine animals in clear water. The day also includes exploration of the huge bay's interior, which is celebrated for its fantastic macro dive sites.

  9. Day 9: Ambon Bay

    Ambon Bay

    The final day of diving is dedicated entirely to the critters of Ambon Bay. The dive spots here are considered a paradise for macro lovers, with a biodiversity that is comparable to the Lembeh Strait.

  10. Day 10: Farewell

    Ambon

    The trip comes to an end. Guests will disembark the vessel in Ambon after saying their goodbyes.

Upcoming departures

  • 2026-09-30 – 2026-10-09from 4,064 USDBook
  • 2026-10-11 – 2026-10-20from 5,080 USDBook
  • 2027-10-01 – 2027-10-10from 5,080 USDBook
  • 2027-10-14 – 2027-10-23from 5,080 USDBook
  • 2028-09-30 – 2028-10-09from 5,080 USDBook
  • 2028-10-11 – 2028-10-20from 5,080 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

Back to vessel: DUNE Aurora