Ondina · Indonesia · 12 Days / 11 Nights
The Banda Sea, remote and mysterious, offers divers an opportunity to explore some of the most exotic underwater sites and breathtaking natural sights. This route, nestled between Papua, Sulawesi, and Timor, features beautiful diving locations among numerous small islands. Divers can expect a spectacle of diverse marine life and vibrant ecosystems throughout this journey.
Upon arrival in Ambon, guests will transfer to the boat, receive a warm welcome, and settle into their cabins. The day includes a check dive and a night dive in one of Ambon's renowned muck sites. Divers will explore the slopes around Pulau Nisnitu and the magnificent hard coral gardens of Karang Barasadi, known for their vibrant biodiversity and unique critter encounters.
Dive sites: Pulau Nisnitu, Karang Barasadi
Day two focuses on spectacular wall dives in Dawera, where the crevices and overhangs teem with small anthias, damsels, and glassfish. This vibrant ecosystem creates excellent opportunities for wide-angle underwater photography. The area is known for its dense schools of reef fish and intricate coral formations before an overnight journey to Pulau Dai.
Dive sites: Dawera
' This location is particularly known for large schools of barracudas that often await divers drifting past the point. The currents here can be exhilarating, offering dynamic drift diving experiences along healthy coral walls.
Dive sites: Pulau Dai, To Dai For
Days four and five are dedicated to extensive diving in Nil Desperandum, an area renowned for its pelagic encounters. Divers will search for schooling hammerheads and other large open-ocean species. The underwater topography often includes deep drop-offs and strong currents, creating ideal conditions for these large predators.
Dive sites: Nil Desperandum
Days four and five are dedicated to extensive diving in Nil Desperandum, an area renowned for its pelagic encounters. Divers will search for schooling hammerheads and other large open-ocean species. The underwater topography often includes deep drop-offs and strong currents, creating ideal conditions for these large predators.
Dive sites: Nil Desperandum
Today features dives at Duisborgh Reef, another prime location for encountering schools of hammerheads and other large pelagic fish. The area is characterized by its deep reefs and potential for open-water sightings. The day concludes with a night dive in the sheltered waters of Pulau Nila, providing a chance to observe nocturnal marine life.
Dive sites: Duisborgh Reef, Pulau Nila
Diving today occurs around the volcanic island of Teun, known for its pristine hard coral ridges and abundant schooling fish. Divers can expect to see surgeonfish, tunas, and trevallies in impressive numbers. The volcanic origin of the island creates unique underwater landscapes and healthy reef ecosystems.
Dive sites: Pulau Teun
This day is dedicated to wall dives around the islands of Nusleur, Terbang Utara, and Terbang Selatan. The underwater scenery is spectacular, featuring impressive wide-angle views of large fan corals, barrel sponges, and schools of small fish. These diverse habitats support a wealth of marine life and offer excellent photographic opportunities. Overnight, the vessel sails to Pulau Nyata.
Dive sites: Nusleur, Terbang Utara, Terbang Selatan
Diving around Pulau Nyata reveals stunning walls, captivating caves, and abundant schools of fish. Occasional sightings of pelagic species add to the excitement of this area. The diverse topography provides varied dive experiences, from exploring caverns to observing large schools of fish in the open water. The overnight journey is to Wetar.
Dive sites: Pulau Nyata
Today's dives explore the west coast of Wetar, focusing on the fishy walls around Tanjung Nunukae and the small satellite island of Reong. These sites are known for their vibrant reef life and healthy coral ecosystems. An afternoon visit to a nearby village offers a unique opportunity to look for saltwater crocodiles, combining diving with a topside adventure.
Dive sites: Tanjung Nunukae, Reong
The final dive day takes place inside Kalabahi Bay, offering excellent muck diving opportunities at sites like Pertamina Jetty or Mucky Mosque. These locations are celebrated for their unique macro life and unusual critters. After the dives, the boat sails into Kalabahi, preparing for guests' flights the following morning.
Dive sites: Pertamina jetty, Mucky Mosque
Guests will check out from the liveaboard today. After breakfast, transfers will be arranged to the airport for departures from Kalabahi. This concludes the Banda Sea diving adventure.