Ondina · Indonesia · 11 nights
Explore the remote and mysterious Banda Sea, renowned for some of the most exotic dives and breathtaking natural sights. This region, nestled between Papua, Sulawesi, and Timor, offers beautiful diving sites concentrated around numerous small islands. Divers can anticipate a spectacle of diverse marine life and vibrant ecosystems throughout this journey.
Upon arrival in Kalabahi, guests will transfer to the liveaboard for a warm welcome and cabin assignment. The day includes a check dive and a night dive in one of Kalabahi Bay's renowned muck sites, such as Pertamina Jetty or Mucky Mosque, offering unique macro opportunities. The vessel will overnight near Wetar.
Dive sites: Pertamina Jetty, Mucky Mosque
Today's diving focuses on the west coast of Wetar, exploring the fish-rich walls around Tanjung Nunukae. Divers will also visit the small satellite island of Reong, known for its vibrant marine life and potential pelagic sightings. A unique village visit is planned to observe saltwater crocodiles. The boat overnights near Romang.
Dive sites: Tanjung Nunukae, Reong
The day is dedicated to diving around Pulau Nyata, an area characterized by stunning walls and intriguing caves. These sites often feature abundant schools of fish and provide opportunities for occasional sightings of pelagic species, indicating healthy and biodiverse ecosystems. Currents can sometimes be present, enhancing pelagic encounters.
Dive sites: Pulau Nyata
Diving today explores the islands of Nusleur, Terbang Utara, and Terbang Selatan, known for their visually impressive wide-angle underwater scenery. The reefs are adorned with large fan corals and barrel sponges, creating a vibrant backdrop. These sites are also often frequented by schools of small fish, adding to the picturesque environment.
Dive sites: Nusleur, Terbang Utara, Terbang Selatan
Diving today explores the islands of Nusleur, Terbang Utara, and Terbang Selatan, known for their visually impressive wide-angle underwater scenery. The reefs are adorned with large fan corals and barrel sponges, creating a vibrant backdrop. These sites are also often frequented by schools of small fish, adding to the picturesque environment.
Dive sites: Nusleur, Terbang Utara, Terbang Selatan
Today's dives are centered around the volcanic island of Teun. Its underwater ridges are covered in pristine hard corals, forming a magnificent and healthy reef ecosystem. These rich waters are often home to schooling surgeonfish, tunas, and trevallies, making for exciting encounters with larger pelagics.
Dive sites: Teun
The day features dives at Duisborgh Reef, a site particularly known for its potential sightings of schooling hammerhead sharks and other large pelagic species. Divers can expect dynamic conditions and rich marine life. A night dive is also planned in the waters around Pulau Nila, offering a different perspective on the reef's nocturnal inhabitants.
Dive sites: Duisborgh Reef, Pulau Nila
Today's dives continue the search for impressive pelagic life in Nil Desperandum. This area is specifically targeted for its reputation as a hotspot for schooling hammerhead sharks and other large pelagics, providing thrilling underwater encounters. The vessel will overnight near Pulau Dai, positioning for the next day's adventures.
Dive sites: Nil Desperandum
Diving around Pulau Dai today includes impressive sites like 'To Dai For', famous for its dramatic wall dives. These walls are often frequented by large schools of barracudas, which divers can observe drifting past the points. The dynamic currents here contribute to a vibrant ecosystem and exciting drift diving opportunities.
Dive sites: Pulau Dai, To Dai For
More wall dives await in Dawera, an area celebrated for its abundant small marine life that creates exceptional wide-angle photography opportunities. Crevices and overhangs are densely packed with clouds of anthias, damsels, and glassfish, showcasing the rich biodiversity and making for visually stunning dives rich in photographic potential.
Dive sites: Dawera
The day begins with dives on the slopes around Pulau Nisnitu, followed by the final dive of the trip in the magnificent hard coral gardens of Karang Barasadi. These sites boast pristine hard coral formations and a healthy reef environment, providing a beautiful conclusion to the diving adventure. Afterwards, the liveaboard sails into Ambon, preparing for disembarkation the following morning.
Dive sites: Pulau Nisnitu, Karang Barasadi
Guests will check out from the liveaboard in Ambon, marking the end of the Banda Sea diving adventure. Transfers will be arranged according to individual flight schedules.