Gaya Baru Indah · Indonesia · 11 nights
This immersive journey connects the vibrant biodiversity of Raja Ampat with the remote, rich waters of the Banda Sea. Explore incredible coral gardens and diverse marine ecosystems, where strong currents foster nutrient-rich waters. Encounter schooling fish, sharks, and various pelagic species thriving in this dynamic environment. The trip culminates in the historical Spice Islands, offering both cultural insights and spectacular diving opportunities.
Boarding the vessel in Sorong, Raja Ampat, guests will settle into their cabins and receive a welcome briefing. The afternoon is dedicated to preparing for the exciting dive journey ahead through this renowned marine paradise.
Today's diving focuses on the Misool region, particularly around Daram Island. The area is celebrated for its stunning soft coral gardens and rich biodiversity, often featuring schooling fish and various reef inhabitants. Expect vibrant underwater landscapes and potential encounters with smaller reef sharks.
Dive sites: Daram, Warna Berwarna, The Candy Store
The day is dedicated to exploring the iconic dive sites of Puri Pinnacles, Nudi Rock, and Juliette, with a night dive at Romeo. This region is known for its dramatic underwater topography, including pinnacles adorned with colorful corals and macro life. Currents can be variable, bringing nutrients that support a diverse array of marine species.
Dive sites: Puri Pinnacles, Nudi Rock, Juliette, Romeo
Today offers dives at Neptune's Fan Sea, Four Kings, and Barracuda Rock, concluding with another night dive. These sites are renowned for their abundant fan corals and large schools of barracuda, indicative of healthy reef systems and strong currents. Expect encounters with various pelagic fish and reef sharks.
Dive sites: Neptune's Fan Sea, Four Kings, Barracuda Rock
Diving continues in the Raja Ampat region, with sites like Boo Windows and Magic Mountain. Boo Windows is famous for its unique rock formations and light shafts, while Magic Mountain is a consistent site for manta ray sightings. The area often features strong currents, making for exciting drift dives with abundant marine life.
Dive sites: Boo Windows, Magic Mountain
Today's dives are scheduled around Pulau Pisang and T-Bone Reef. Pulau Pisang's Lighthouse is known for its healthy coral gardens and diverse macro life, while T-Bone Reef offers dramatic topography and potential for encounters with larger marine species. This area is characterized by clear waters and abundant fish schools.
Dive sites: Pulau Pisang: Lighthouse, T-Bone Reef
The journey shifts towards the Banda Islands Group, focusing on Pulau Koon. This remote island is a jewel in the Banda Sea, known for its pristine reefs and rich pelagic action. Strong currents often bring in large schools of fish and sharks, making it a thrilling dive destination. Visibility is typically excellent, revealing stunning coral formations.
Dive sites: Pulau Koon, Pulau Hatta (Banda Islands Group)
Continuing exploration of the Banda Islands Group, the focus is on Pulau Hatta. This area is celebrated for its deep walls, vibrant coral gardens, and the potential for sightings of larger pelagic species. The clear, nutrient-rich waters support an incredible diversity of marine life, from small critters to schooling fish.
Dive sites: Pulau Hatta
Today includes dives around Banda Neira, a historically significant site in the Banda Sea. Beyond the underwater exploration, guests will have the opportunity to visit the town, known for its spice trade history and colonial architecture. The reefs here are healthy, often featuring a mix of reef fish and schooling pelagics.
Dive sites: Banda Neira
The journey continues in the Banda Sea, with dives scheduled around Pulau Suanggi. This remote island is recognized for its pristine underwater environment, boasting thriving coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life. The area is often visited by pelagic species, drawn by the nutrient-rich currents and abundant prey.
Dive sites: Pulau Suanggi
The morning features three dives at Pulau Suanggi before the vessel departs for Nusa Laut. This day offers a final opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the Banda Sea, including its vibrant reefs and potential for pelagic sightings. The journey towards Nusa Laut marks the nearing end of the expedition.
Dive sites: Pulau Suanggi
Today marks the final day of the trip. Guests will enjoy one last dive at Nusa Laut in the morning before the vessel proceeds to Ambon for disembarkation. Guests will transfer to a hotel in Ambon for the night, concluding their liveaboard adventure.
Dive sites: Nusa Laut