Ondina · Indonesia · 10 nights
Explore the captivating experience of diving among some of the world's most biodiverse marine environments, from the northern Banda Sea to Raja Ampat. This journey combines critter-rich muck diving in Ambon with pristine coral reefs, pelagic encounters, and historical explorations in the Banda Islands. Discover the stunning limestone karst formations and vibrant reef ecosystems of Misool, culminating in exploration of Sorong's diverse marine life.
Guests will be picked up at Ambon airport and transferred to the liveaboard for check-in and cabin assignment. After a welcome drink and briefing, the first dive of the trip will take place in the afternoon at one of the local reefs surrounding Ambon. Ambon is known for its muck diving, where diverse critters and rare inhabitants thrive in the black volcanic sands.
Today focuses on cultural exploration in the Banda Islands, visiting Banda Neira and its historical sites. Highlights include Fort Rotterdam, the Governor's House, and a nutmeg plantation, offering insight into the region's rich colonial past. An afternoon dive is planned around Batu Kapal and Pulau Soanggi, areas known for vibrant coral gardens, diverse pelagic species, and unique underwater artifacts.
Dive sites: Batu Kapal, Pulau Soanggi
Diving continues around the famous sites of Ai and Run Islands, characterized by sheer walls and excellent drift dives. These sites offer encounters with large barrel sponges, giant fans, and impressive schools of fish, with a good chance of seeing larger pelagic species. The afternoon features a stunning hard coral garden in the Lava Flows, which developed rapidly after Gunung Api's eruption in 1988.
Dive sites: Ai Island, Run Island, Lava Flows
The day's diving explores the area around Karang Hatta and other sites within the Banda group. This region is renowned for its diverse marine life and pristine reefs. In the afternoon, the vessel anchors in Banda Neira, known as one of the most beautiful natural anchorages in Indonesia. The day concludes with a dusk dive at the dedicated Mandarin Fish site, offering opportunities to observe these colourful, elusive fish.
Dive sites: Karang Hatta, Mandarin Fish Site
Today begins three days of diving around the very strategic eastern point of Pulau Koon. This area is characterized by walls on both sides of the island that converge into a deep trench, known for congregating large masses of schooling fish. The strong currents in the area often bring exciting pelagic sightings, making it a thrilling dive destination. Diving around the strategic eastern point of Pulau Koon continues. The final day of diving around the strategic eastern point of Pulau Koon.
Dive sites: Pulau Koon
Today begins three days of diving around the very strategic eastern point of Pulau Koon. This area is characterized by walls on both sides of the island that converge into a deep trench, known for congregating large masses of schooling fish. The strong currents in the area often bring exciting pelagic sightings, making it a thrilling dive destination. Diving around the strategic eastern point of Pulau Koon continues. The final day of diving around the strategic eastern point of Pulau Koon.
Dive sites: Pulau Koon
Today begins three days of diving around the very strategic eastern point of Pulau Koon. This area is characterized by walls on both sides of the island that converge into a deep trench, known for congregating large masses of schooling fish. The strong currents in the area often bring exciting pelagic sightings, making it a thrilling dive destination. Diving around the strategic eastern point of Pulau Koon continues. The final day of diving around the strategic eastern point of Pulau Koon.
Dive sites: Pulau Koon
Today is dedicated to exploring the famous reefs of the Fiabacet group in Misool, one of Raja Ampat's most renowned diving areas. Sites such as Nudi Rock, Tank Rock, Whale Rock, and Shadow Reef (also known as Manta Mountain) offer spectacular marine biodiversity. The area is celebrated for its stunning limestone karst formations and vibrant coral reefs, often featuring encounters with manta rays and a rich array of reef fish.
Dive sites: Nudi Rock, Tank Rock, Whale Rock, Shadow Reef (Manta Mountain)
Two dives are planned for the day around Jamur Boo (Boo Rocks), an area known for its unique mushroom-shaped islands and diverse reef systems. These sites offer a mixture of vibrant corals and interesting topography. The day culminates with a night dive in Yilliet, providing an opportunity to observe nocturnal creatures and a different perspective on the reef's inhabitants.
Dive sites: Jamur Boo (Boo Rocks), Yilliet
The morning includes two dives in the Sagof area, known for its pristine reef formations and rich marine life. The afternoon is spent near Baby Rock, offering further exploration of Raja Ampat's diverse underwater landscapes. This day serves as preparation for departure, with the vessel positioning itself for easy access to Sorong for the following morning.
Dive sites: Sagof, Baby Rock
After enjoying a final breakfast onboard, guests will transfer to Sorong airport for their onward flights. Divers are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after their last dive.