Mari · Indonesia · 13N
Embark on an incredible expedition through some of Indonesia's most remote and spectacular dive regions, stretching from the vibrant reefs of Flores to the nutrient-rich waters of Alor and the historic islands of the Banda Sea. This journey promises dramatic wall diving, remote oceanic islands, abundant macro opportunities, and thrilling pelagic encounters. Divers will experience an underwater environment rich in biodiversity, attracting magnificent pelagic species, dense reef fish populations, and pristine coral ecosystems. The itinerary explores diverse underwater landscapes, from deep oceanic trenches to volcanic islands, offering a broad spectrum of diving experiences. Expect to encounter a dramatic shift in underwater scenery as you progress through the archipelago, with powerful currents creating an environment teeming with life. This expedition provides a unique opportunity to explore renowned dive sites and discover hidden gems in Indonesia's most remote waters.
Guests are warmly welcomed aboard the Mari in Maumere late morning. Following a safety briefing and cabin orientation, the journey begins with an introduction to the rich marine diversity of Maumere Bay. This initial day focuses on settling in and preparing for the exciting dives ahead.
Dive sites: Wodong Wreck, Wuring Slope
Today's plan centers around Pulau Bacatan, a location offering excellent visibility and a sprawling terrain. The area is known for its widespread coral ecosystem, providing a vibrant backdrop for underwater exploration. Specific dive sites like Bacatan Slope are ideal for night diving, revealing nocturnal critters and cephalopods navigating the slope. This day transitions into an evening transit towards Alor South.
Dive sites: Pulau Bacatan, Bacatan Slope
The expedition continues to Alor South, where dramatic wall diving takes center stage. Dive sites like Pantar Wall plunge into deep blue, adorned with large gorgonians and soft corals that shelter grey reef sharks and hunting trevallies. Bodrum features a coral plateau shaped by powerful tides, often showcasing schools of fusiliers. Babylons is a shallow wall layered with soft coral growth, providing a dynamic dive with strong tidal movements in the Pura Strait, known for its extraordinary biomass.
Dive sites: Pantar Wall, Bodrum, Babylons, Pura Strait
Today focuses on Northern Alor, renowned for its powerful tidal systems that create dynamic underwater environments. Dive sites include Crucifixion, a strong Alor site with solid tidal flow, where soft corals and large sponges cover the slope, while fusiliers stream across the reef. Reef sharks and trevallies patrol the current-swept areas. Perpendicular offers a strong reef-end slope contrasting with coral outcrops.
Dive sites: Crucifixion, Perpendicular, Muka Sekola
The journey proceeds to Wetar Island, a significant volcanic landmass forming part of the outer Banda arc. This region is a crucial crossroads, influenced by deep currents that bring rich nutrients and pelagic life. Divers will explore Wetar Wall, a deep vertical reef adorned with large gorgonians and soft corals, providing a vibrant habitat. Offshore Ridges, home to tuna, reef sharks, and strong current lines, offers optimal conditions for encounters with hammerheads, which are often present.
Dive sites: Wetar Wall, Offshore Ridges
Today explores the isolated offshore reefs of the Terbang Islands, rising from the deep waters of the Banda Sea. Terbang Islands Selatan features pelagic-exposed pinnacles that attract barracuda schools and reef sharks. Terbang Islands Utara, in strong oceanic flow, is known for hammerheads, which may occasionally appear in deeper blue sections. The evening brings an overnight journey to Damar.
Dive sites: Terbang Islands Selatan, Terbang Islands Utara
Damar Island offers rarely visited and exceptionally pristine island reefs. Damar Island itself features vertical walls dropping into clear blue water, with hard coral plateaus hosting schooling snappers and reef sharks. Conditions are dynamic but less exposed compared to other Nila sites, promising a unique and serene diving experience. The day ends with an overnight transit to Nil Desperandum.
Dive sites: Damar Island
Today's expedition reaches Nil Desperandum, the most anticipated blue-water site in the Banda Sea. This location is renowned for its deep pelagic waters and diverse marine life. Dives here often feature strong current, attracting large pelagics. Main Ridge showcases grey reef sharks and dense schools of jacks converging on the ridge crest.
Dive sites: Main Ridge, Blue-Water Drift, Pelagic Edge
The journey arrives at Serua Island, a remote volcanic outpost and a significant dive destination. Senua Lava Slopes features hard coral ridges shaped by ancient eruptions, attracting reef sharks and schooling jacks. Senua Wall offers deep drop-offs in open ocean conditions, with excellent visibility and potential pelagic encounters. Offshore Ridge Drift provides exposure to an outer edge, where strong currents often bring in hammerheads.
Dive sites: Senua Lava Slopes, Senua Wall, Offshore Ridge Drift
Today is dedicated to Manuk Island, a solitary volcanic cone rising abruptly from abyssal Banda depths. This island is famous for its extraordinary density of banded sea kraits, making it a unique dive destination. Manuk Ridge, a sloping volcanic reef, teems with sea kraits, grey reef sharks, and patrolling trevallies. 8th Wonders is a more exposed and dynamic site, where strong current lines support schools of jacks and barracuda.
Dive sites: Manuk Ridge, 8th Wonders, Bubble Reef / Coconut Point
This day combines diving with a land excursion to Banda Neira, an island steeped in spice trade history. Gunung Api, an encircling still-active volcano, boasts one of Indonesia's most remarkable coral recovery stories. Following the 1988 eruption, the reef regenerated into dense, pristine hard coral fields, attracting barracuda schools and reef sharks. Batu Kapal is an underwater pinnacle with pelagic exposure and strong currents.
Dive sites: Gunung Api, Batu Kapal, Banda Jetty
The expedition makes its final Banda Sea stop before returning towards Ambon, offering dramatic wall diving and strong pelagic potential. Batu Kapal (Suanggi) is a dramatic submerged pinnacle descending into clear blue water, with strong currents sweeping across its ridges, attracting grey reef sharks, dogtooth tuna, and dense schools of jacks. The site is particularly active during peak season, with scalloped hammerheads often encountered. Suanggi Barat is a current-swept western reef slope, showcasing barracuda schools and healthy hard coral formations.
Dive sites: Batu Kapal (Suanggi), Suanggi Barat, Outer Reef Plateau
Leaving the Banda Sea's exposed waters, the journey takes us to Nusa Laut, where reefs gradually transition towards Ambon's island systems. Nusa Laut Wall features steep coral slopes descending into deep blue, adorned with large sea fans, vibrant soft corals, and schooling fusiliers. Whitetip reef sharks patrol the outer edge, while trevallies move along current lines. Ameth Reef boasts healthy hard coral gardens with impressive structural diversity, with schools of snappers and sweetlips.
Dive sites: Nusa Laut Wall, Ameth Reef, Outer Ridge Drift
Guests disembark in Ambon after breakfast, carrying unforgettable memories from one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth. Prepare to leave the boat between 5 and 11 am, after a continental breakfast. The crew will bid farewell, and a complimentary transfer takes you to either Ambon Airport or your hotel.
No departures scheduled for this route right now.