Ondina · Indonesia · 10 Days / 9 Nights
This adventurous cruise explores the Banda Sea, historically known as the Spice Islands and part of the volcanic Ring of Fire. The itinerary contrasts the volcanic landscapes of the Banda region with the white sand beaches of the Kai Islands. Divers can expect to see impressive walls, enormous sponges, and dense schools of fish. The area is also known for sightings of large pelagic species, including hammerhead sharks. Max guests on this trip: 16.
Twilight Zone
The trip begins with two muck dives around the jetties in an area known as the Twilight Zone. These dives, including a check dive and a night dive, offer opportunities to discover a wide variety of strange and unusual critters. Afterwards, the vessel sails overnight to Nusa Laut.
Good to know: Overnight sail to Nusa Laut
Nusa Laut
Diving takes place at the renowned site of Ameth's Knoll, a reef that has been protected by local villagers for generations to serve as a fish nursery. Two dives are conducted here, followed by an afternoon and a night dive at a neighboring village before an overnight passage to the Banda Islands.
Dive sites: Ameth's Knoll
Good to know: Overnight to the Banda Islands
Banda Islands
The day's diving includes exploring Pulau Soangi and the walls surrounding Pulau Ai. A special dusk dive is planned at a site known for its mandarin fish population. The evening is spent in Banda Neira, which features one of Indonesia's most scenic natural harbors.
Dive sites: Pulau Soangi, Mandarin fish site
Good to know: Night in Banda Neira
Banda Neira
A cultural tour of Banda Neira, the historical center of the Spice Islands, includes visits to Fort Rotterdam, the Governor's House, and a nutmeg plantation. In the afternoon, diving resumes at Batu Kapal and the Lava Flows, a remarkable hard coral garden that grew rapidly after the 1988 eruption of Gunung Api.
Dive sites: Batu Kapal, Lava Flows
Good to know: Cultural visit around Banda Neira|Fort Rotterdam|Governor's House|nutmeg plantation|Overnight to Koon
Pulau Koon
Three dives are scheduled around the eastern tip of Pulau Koon. This strategic location features walls that merge into a sandy plateau facing a deep trench, attracting large congregations of fish and offering chances for exciting pelagic encounters.
Watubela group
The day is spent diving the reefs of the Watubela island group. Exploration includes the walls of Kurkap and the waters around the small islands of Baam.
Dive sites: Kurkap, Baam
Pulau Mommon
Diving continues around Tanjung Papisoi at a site recorded to have 335 species, and at Karang Pata, a large seamount teeming with fish life near Pulau Mommon. A unique topside activity includes a visit to the Tiki Tiki waterfall, which flows directly into the sea.
Dive sites: 335 Species record site, Karang Pata
Good to know: Visit the Tiki Tiki waterfall
Triton Bay
Explore Triton Bay's most iconic sites, such as Larry's Heaven, Caldera, and Orembai, which are celebrated for their incredible coral growth and abundant fish populations. The area also offers muck diving opportunities. A tender boat tour navigates the island maze to spot hornbills and other birds.
Dive sites: Larry's Heaven, Caldera, Orembai
Good to know: Tender boat tour around the maze of islands|see hornbills and other birds
Namatote Strait
The final day of diving involves a visit to a bagan (a traditional fishing platform) for a chance to swim with whale sharks. Later, the boat sails through the Namatote Strait to view ancient rock paintings before heading back towards Tual at sunset.
Dive sites: Bagan
Good to know: afternoon sail through Namatote Strait to see ancient rock paintings|Sail back to Tual at sunset
Tual
After a final breakfast on board the vessel, guests will be transferred to the airport for their departure.
Good to know: Transfer to the airport after breakfast