Samambaia · Indonesia · 12 Days / 11 Nights
This expeditionary cruise charts a course from Sorong in Raja Ampat, across the open Banda Sea, to the final destination of Ambon. This unique route combines the unparalleled biodiversity of Raja Ampat with the pelagic action and rich history of the Spice Islands. The itinerary remains flexible, blending daily diving with opportunities for whale watching, cultural tours, and trekking. Max guests on this trip: 14.
Sorong
After arriving by plane in Sorong, guests are met by the crew for transfer to the vessel. Following embarkation, a general orientation will be provided.
Raja Ampat
The diving begins with a check dive at a protected site near the Dampier Strait to allow guests to settle in. A total of three easy but attractive dives are offered, providing a great introduction to the planet's most biodiverse marine environment.
Dampier Strait
Diving in the Dampier Strait is known for its action-packed, current-swept sites teeming with fish. Manta Ray encounters are very common here, and the area around Kri island holds the record for fish species diversity. The crew's knowledge of timing the tides is key to experiencing sites like 'Kap Kri' and 'Blue Magik' at their best.
Dive sites: Kap Kri, Chicken, Sardine, Mike’s Point, Blue Magik
Misool - Farondi
The journey moves to the exciting Farondi area in Southeast Misool. This region features vibrant marine life and a special topography of caverns, caves, and swim-throughs. At the right time of year, the area is filled with silversides, attracting hunting Mobula Rays in large numbers.
Misool - Fiabatjet
Today's diving is in the heart of the Fiabatjet No-Take-Zone. While sites like 'Tank Rock' are famous, the crew often explores equally impressive nearby spots. The reefs are covered in colorful soft corals and surrounded by countless fish, while also hosting a rich macro world of pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs.
Dive sites: Tank Rock, Nudi Rock, Whale Rock
Misool - Boo
The day starts at 'Magic Mountain', a site with an incredible amount of biomass, including various sharks, Napoleon wrasses, and cleaning mantas. Later dives explore the area around Boo island, featuring the signature 'Boo Windows' swim-through and the giant sea fans of 'Hidung Boo'.
Dive sites: Magic Mountain, Boo Windows, Hidung Boo
Koon
Off Seram's southeastern coast, the petite island of Koon hosts a renowned dive location called 'Too Many Fish'. Here, divers find themselves enveloped by fusiliers and surgeonfish, constantly pursued by trevallies and jacks. This site also boasts impressive giant groupers, active schools of batfish, and occasional encounters with Leopard Sharks and Mobula Rays.
Dive sites: Too Many Fish
Banda Islands
The cruise arrives at the famous Spice Islands. Diving here is diverse and spectacular, with deep waters offering good chances for pelagics like schooling hammerheads. A highlight is 'Lava Flow', a pristine hard coral reef that grew back after a volcanic eruption. A historical walk in Banda Neira and a sunset mandarin fish dive are also planned.
Dive sites: Lava Flow, The Cathedral, Batu Kapal, Karang Hatta
Good to know: historical walk|fort visit|volcano climb|Mandarin Fish dive
Banda Islands
A second day is spent exploring the Banda Islands. Ambitious guests can opt to climb the Gunung Api volcano. The diving continues to showcase the area's unique underwater landscapes and rich marine life, combined with more opportunities to explore the fascinating history of the islands.
Dive sites: Lava Flow, The Cathedral, Batu Kapal, Karang Hatta
Good to know: historical walk|fort visit|volcano climb|Mandarin Fish dive
Nusa Laut
The boat arrives at Nusa Laut, an island that serves as a prime example of successful community-based reef conservation. The four spectacular dive sites here feature healthy walls and slopes with a great variety of reef fish, large schools of jacks, and passing Bumphead Parrotfish.
Ambon Bay
The final two dives of the trip take place in Ambon Bay, an area famous for world-class muck diving and critter hunting. Divers will search for rare species like Rhinopias, frogfish, ghost pipefish, and, with luck, the recently rediscovered Psychedelic Frogfish.
Ambon
The cruise concludes in Ambon. Depending on flight schedules, the crew will assist with checking in luggage in advance, allowing guests to relax on board before their transfer to the airport.