Samambaia · Indonesia · 12 Days / 11 Nights
This epic 12-day crossing voyage begins in the muck-diving paradise of Ambon, traverses the historic and pelagic-rich Banda Sea, and culminates in the unparalleled biodiversity of Raja Ampat. The itinerary is a diver's dream, offering a vast range of experiences from hunting for rare critters to swimming with schooling hammerheads and exploring vibrant coral reefs. The journey also includes cultural tours of the Spice Islands and breathtaking topside scenery. Max guests on this trip: 14.
Ambon
Upon arrival at Ambon's airport, guests are greeted by the crew and escorted to the port for embarkation. The first day is for settling in and attending a general orientation.
Ambon
The diving starts with a check dive in Ambon Bay, followed by two more muck dives. This area is famous for world-class critter hunting, with chances to spot Rhinopias, frogfish, harlequin shrimp, and possibly the rare Psychedelic Frogfish.
Nusa Laut
The boat arrives at Nusa Laut, an island where community-led conservation has resulted in thriving reefs. Four spectacular wall or slope dives are planned, showcasing excellent reef fish variety, schools of jacks, and passing bumphead parrotfish, along with abundant macro life.
Banda Islands
The journey reaches the historic Banda Islands, the original source of nutmeg. A land tour of Banda Neira's town, museum, and forts is a must-do, with an optional challenging trek up the Gunung Api volcano. The diving is spectacular, with deep waters attracting large pelagics and frequent sightings of schooling hammerheads.
Dive sites: Lava Flow, The Cathedral, Batu Kapal, Karang Hatta
Good to know: village visit|trekking
Banda Islands
A second day is spent exploring the diverse diving around the Spice Islands. Highlights include the incredible hard coral regrowth at Lava Flow, a site devastated by a 1988 eruption, and a beautiful Mandarin Fish dive in Banda Neira's harbor. Other key sites like The Cathedral and Batu Kapal offer stunning underwater topography.
Dive sites: Lava Flow, The Cathedral, Batu Kapal, Karang Hatta
Good to know: village visit|trekking
Koon & Madorang
The day begins with two dives at Koon island's 'Too Many Fish' site, a place teeming with life where fusiliers and surgeonfish are hunted by giant trevallies, and huge groupers patrol the reef. After lunch, the boat heads north towards Raja Ampat, stopping for a beautiful wall dive at Madorang.
Dive sites: Too Many Fish, Madorang
Misool
Arriving in southern Raja Ampat, the first stop is the legendary 'Magic Mountain' in SE Misool. This site within a no-take zone boasts staggering biomass, numerous shark species, and a cleaning station for manta rays. The day continues with two more dives around Boo island, including the iconic Boo Windows swim-through.
Dive sites: Magic Mountain, Boo Windows, Hidung Boo
Fiabatjet
Diving continues in the heart of the Misool no-take zone around Fiabatjet. While famous sites like Tank Rock and Nudi Rock are on the list, the crew also explores less-dived spots. The reefs here are draped in colorful soft corals and swarmed by fish, while also hiding a wealth of macro life like pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs.
Dive sites: Tank Rock, Nudi Rock, Whale Rock
Farondi
The focus shifts to the Farondi area of SE Misool, known for its dramatic topography of caverns, caves, and swim-throughs. The vibrant reefs are full of life, and at the right time of year, divers can be surrounded by hunting mobula rays in clouds of silversides. The crew chooses from over ten different dive spots in this exciting region.
Dampier Strait
The boat moves to the Dampier Strait, famous for action-packed drift dives and frequent manta ray sightings. Dives are timed with the currents to maximize the experience. The area includes the reef at Kri island, where a world record for fish species diversity was counted on a single dive. Popular sites like Kap Kri and Blu Majik are on the agenda.
Dive sites: Kap Kri, Chicken, Sardine, Mike's Point, Blu Majik
Dampier
To avoid the crowds on the final diving day, the boat moves to less-frequented but equally attractive sites in the Dampier Strait. Options include a WWII plane wreck, Larry's Promise, and Wruzwarez Slope. The day's water activities conclude with an attempt to snorkel with feeding mantas, while the crew keeps a lookout for whales and dolphins.
Dive sites: Larry's Promise, Wruzwarez Slope
Good to know: whale watching|dolphin watching
Sorong
On the final morning, guests disembark in Sorong. The crew can assist with advance luggage check-in, allowing for a relaxed morning on the boat before the transfer to the airport for departure.