Samambaia · Indonesia · 12D11N
Embark on an unforgettable dive adventure through Indonesia's Banda Sea and Alor, a region renowned for its pristine waters and remarkable biodiversity. This route, beginning in Ambon and concluding in Maumere, offers divers a chance to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with a dazzling array of fish, from schooling pelagics to elusive macro creatures. Expect to encounter everything from majestic manta rays and schooling hammerheads to pygmy seahorses and elaborately camouflaged critters amidst dramatic underwater landscapes.
Arrive in Ambon, where you will be met by the crew at the airport. After an initial general dive briefing, a check dive will be conducted at an easy and protected site. This dive focuses on checking gear, weights, camera housings, and buoyancy, with no skill demonstrations required. Two additional muck dives will be offered in Ambon, an area famous for critter hunting, including Rhinopias, Frogfish, Ghostpipefish, Harlequin Shrimps, and the rare Psychedelic frogfish.
Explore Suanggi, a small, beautiful island in the central Banda Sea. This location is a haven for birds and fish, offering pristine hard coral reefs teeming with pelagics, large schools of barracuda, tuna, fusiliers, and bannerfish. The area is also known for potential hammerhead shark sightings.
Dive around the historic Spice Islands of Banda, an area rich in history and diverse marine life. The diving here is spectacular, with strong currents often bringing in large pelagic species, including schooling hammerheads. Explore the pristine hard coral reefs of 'Lava Flow', a site formed by a volcanic eruption in 1988. Other highlights include 'The Cathedral', 'Batu Kapal', and 'Karang Hatta', with potential hammerhead shark dives at Pulau Run.
Dive sites: Lava Flow, The Cathedral, Batu Kapal, Karang Hatta, Pulau Run
Visit Gili Manuk, also known as 'Snake Island'. This unique location is home to thousands of sea snakes, which are generally harmless but offer an unusual and fascinating encounter. The area also boasts a diverse array of fish and invertebrates. A favorite dive site here is 'Smoking Hot'.
Dive sites: Smoking Hot
Spend the day exploring Nil Desperandum and Serua, an atoll with dramatic steep walls and vibrant soft corals. This region is renowned for its large pelagic species, with schooling sharks frequently sighted. Nil Desperandum and Serua boast dramatic steep walls adorned with vibrant soft corals, creating a colorful backdrop for pelagic encounters. Divers can expect frequent sightings of schooling sharks and other large marine life as they drift along the nutrient-rich currents of this remote atoll.
Explore the remote island of Nila and its surrounding reefs, including Karang Doisburg. This area is known for large pelagic fish passing by and offers excellent opportunities for night dives. The close-by island of Nila provides a chance to visit a local village, offering a glimpse into the hidden culture of Indonesia.
Dive sites: Karang Doisburg
Dive the gentle slopes and extensive reefs around Romang Island, particularly the Niata area. This region features huge gorgonians in various colors and large barrel sponges. Expect to see reef sharks or tuna passing by. Around Niata island, the diving is characterized by a nice wall and overhangs. Three dives are planned for this day.
The final stop before heading into the Banda Sea is Reong, a small island off the coast of Wetar. This site features very fishy wall diving with numerous small caverns and overhangs that serve as nurse shark nurseries. The shallow areas are known for hard coral reefs that delight snorkelers.
Arrive in Alor, starting with the protected bay of Beangabang, which boasts a macro life comparable to the famous Lembeh Strait. Be prepared for cooler upwellings that allow for extended bottom times for critter hunting. All dives in this area are either slope or wall dives, with potential for large pelagic encounters. This region is known for Oceanic Sunfish, Bigtooth Tuna, and Thresher Sharks.
Continue exploring Alor with dives at Pulau Rusa and Pulau Kambing. These sites feature slopy areas with bommies and strong currents, providing excellent conditions for action-packed drift dives. There is also a possibility of snorkeling with sunfish if conditions allow.
Dive sites: School's Out, Anemone City, The Great Wall of Pantar
After an initial general dive briefing, a check dive will be conducted in the morning at a protected and easy site. Dive a wall south of the tiny island of Serbete, followed by two more macro-focused dives. This day focuses on the smaller, intricate marine life.
Depending on your flight schedule, the crew will assist with your luggage and ensure you are transferred to the airport for your departure from Maumere.