Jaya · Indonesia · 8 nights
Embark on an immersive diving expedition departing from Ambon, exploring the rich marine biodiversity of the Banda Sea. This journey combines the thrill of underwater exploration with unique cultural encounters, offering a comprehensive experience of this historic region. The itinerary focuses on a selection of renowned dive sites known for their vibrant corals and diverse marine life, with opportunities for land excursions. The trip culminates back in Ambon, leaving guests with lasting memories of Indonesia's underwater wonders.
Guests will meet at Tulehu Harbour in Ambon around 11:00 am for embarkation. After a warm welcome, room allocation, equipment setup, and a comprehensive briefing, the vessel will undergo a check dive. The day concludes with an overnight crossing towards Suanggi, preparing for the first full day of diving.
Today features three dives around Suanggi, an area celebrated for its healthy coral reefs and opportunities for pelagic sightings. The underwater topography often includes slopes and walls, attracting various schooling fish and larger marine species. Divers can expect good visibility and a chance to observe the rich ecosystems thriving in these nutrient-rich waters.
The day's diving focuses on Pulau Run and Pulau Ai, historical islands in the Banda Sea known for their clear waters and diverse marine habitats. Three dives are planned, exploring sites characterized by pristine coral gardens and dynamic currents that attract a variety of marine life. This region often features impressive reef structures and a chance to see both macro and larger species. An overnight crossing to Gili Manuk follows the dives.
Dive sites: Pulau Run, Pulau Ai
Three dives are scheduled around Gili Manuk, an uninhabited volcanic island renowned for its large numbers of sea snakes. The underwater landscape is dramatic, with steep drop-offs and vibrant coral growth on the slopes. Strong currents can be present, bringing in nutrients that support a rich food chain. Divers often encounter numerous banded sea snakes and a variety of reef fish.
Today features four dives around Karang Hatta and Pulau Hatta. These sites are famous for their healthy hard and soft coral gardens, as well as an abundance of reef fish. A highlight of the day is a sunset dive in the harbor, specifically targeting the vibrant and elusive mandarin fish. The unique opportunity to witness their intricate mating ritual is a memorable experience for macro enthusiasts.
Dive sites: Karang Hatta, Pulau Hatta
Two dives are planned around Banda, offering a blend of historical charm and unique coastal diving. The area is known for its volcanic black sand, which hosts a variety of interesting macro life, alongside vibrant reef sections. In the afternoon, guests will have free time to explore Banda town, with optional tours to the historic Fort and a Nutmeg Plantation, providing a cultural insight into the Spice Islands.
The day returns to Suanggi for three more dives, providing further opportunities to explore its diverse underwater topography. The area is characterized by healthy coral formations, often featuring walls and slopes that drop into deeper waters. Currents can be present, attracting a variety of schooling fish and potentially larger pelagic species. Divers can expect vibrant reef ecosystems and good visibility.
The expedition concludes its diving activities with three dives around Nusa Laut and Maropora. These sites are known for their spectacular coral gardens and abundant reef fish, offering a beautiful finale to the trip. The underwater scenery often includes vibrant soft corals and clear waters, providing excellent conditions for photography. This is typically the penultimate day of diving.
Guests will disembark from the Jaya after breakfast at 8:30 am in Tulehu Harbour, Ambon. It is recommended that divers wait 24 hours before flying after their last dive, in accordance with safety guidelines.