Samambaia · Indonesia · 12D11N
Embark on a captivating journey through Indonesia's Banda Sea and East Flores, a region renowned for its dramatic underwater topography and abundant marine life. Prepare for encounters with vibrant coral gardens teeming with pelagics, from schooling fish to majestic manta rays, alongside fascinating macro creatures. This route offers a diverse array of dive experiences, showcasing the unique biodiversity and stunning volcanic landscapes that define these remote Indonesian waters.
Upon arrival in Ambon, guests will be picked up at the airport by crew members. After an initial dive briefing, a check dive will be conducted at an easy and protected site to ensure gear and buoyancy are correctly set. Two additional muck dives are planned for the afternoon and sunset in Ambon Bay, an area famous for world-class critter hunting. Potential sightings include Rhinopias, Frogfish, Ghost Pipefish, Harlequin Shrimps, and possibly the rare Psychedelic Frogfish.
Today's diving takes place around Suanggi, a small, pristine island in the Banda Sea accessible only by liveaboard. This area is a haven for both birds and fish, featuring vibrant hard coral reefs teeming with pelagic species such as barracuda, tuna, and fusilier bannerfish. Hammerhead sharks have also been sighted here in the past.
Explore the historic Spice Islands, particularly the area around Banda Neira. Guests can enjoy a historical walk through Banda Neira town, visiting its museum and two forts, or undertake a challenging climb up Gunung Api volcano. The diving here is exceptionally diverse due to volcanic structures rising from deep water, attracting large pelagics like hammerheads. Dive sites such as 'Lava Flow' offer pristine hard coral reefs, while the harbor of Banda Neira is known for Mandarin Fish. Other highlights include 'The Cathedral', 'Batu Kapal', and 'Karang Hatta', with potential hammerhead shark sightings at Pulau Run.
Dive sites: Lava Flow, The Cathedral, Batu Kapal, Karang Hatta, Pulau Run
Today's destination is Gili Manuk, also known as 'Snake Island'. Divers may encounter numerous sea snakes, which are highly venomous but generally graceful. The area also boasts abundant reef fish and pelagics, along with thousands of seabirds. A favorite dive site here is 'Smoking Hot'.
Dive sites: Smoking Hot
Spend a full day diving around Nil Desperandum and Serua, weather permitting. This area features steep walls and sloppy parts with excellent growth of fans and sponges. It is known for large pelagic encounters, and schooling sharks have been observed here previously.
Five miles from the small island of Nila, discover an atoll and beautiful coral growths along its walls, focusing on large pelagic fish in the blue. The nearby island of Nila provides a protected anchorage for a night dive. There is also an option to visit a local village at the foot of an active volcano, where residents live from clove harvesting. This secluded spot is rarely visited by outsiders, offering a unique glimpse into Indonesia's hidden nature.
Dive sites: Karang Doisburg
Enjoy gentle slopes and relaxed diving around the Romang island group, characterized by huge gorgonians, large barrel sponges, and diverse reef fish. Sightings of reef sharks or tuna are possible. At Niata island, the dive features a beautiful wall and overhangs, known for being very fishy. A long overnight crossing follows this day of diving.
The final stop before heading into the Banda Sea is Reong, a small island off the coast of Wetar. This area offers very fishy wall diving with small caverns and overhangs where nurse sharks often rest during the day. The shallow areas feature hard coral heavens, perfect for snorkelers.
Beangabang in Alor is a protected bay known for better macro life than the famous Lembeh Strait, ideal for critter lovers. Cold water upwellings here allow for extended bottom times. The itinerary then moves to Alor for action-packed current drift dives with potential for larger marine life. Past sightings include Oceanic Sunfish, Bigtooth Tuna, and Thresher Sharks. Popular dive sites include School's Out, Anemone City, and The Great Wall of Pantar.
Dive sites: School's Out, Anemone City, The Great Wall of Pantar
This area is characterized by strong currents, attracting a diverse array of marine life. Lucky divers might spot sunfish while snorkeling. There is also a secret dive site here, rarely visited by other divers, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
After an initial general dive briefing, a check dive will be conducted in the morning at a protected and easy dive site. The day will feature two more macro-focused dives south of the small island of Serbete. In the waters around Serbete and Adonara, expect to find sloping reefs and sandy bottoms. This area is renowned for its macro life, including various nudibranchs, frogfish, and robust coral growth.
Depending on flight schedules, crew will check luggage in advance, allowing guests to relax on board. Transfers to the airport will be arranged when flights are ready to depart.