Wellenreng · Indonesia · 11D/10N
This 11-day Banda Sea expedition runs from Saumlaki to Ambon, exploring some of Indonesia's most remote and untouched dive regions. Guests can anticipate up to 29 dives throughout the journey, which begins with a relaxed embarkation. The itinerary features iconic locations such as Dai Island, Nil Desperandum, Serua, Manuk, the Hatta Islands, and Suanggi, offering dramatic walls, volcanic landscapes, and pristine coral reefs. Divers will experience excellent visibility, dense schools of fish, and multiple opportunities to encounter hammerhead sharks and other pelagic species. The final days include diving around the Banda, Ai, Run, and Nusa Laut Islands, combining world-class reef dives with a visit to historic Banda Neira, culminating in Ambon for a well-rounded adventure.
Guests are met at the airport or hotel and transferred to the harbor for boarding. After a welcome briefing, there's time to settle into cabins and prepare for the journey. The remainder of the day is dedicated to relaxation, unpacking, and familiarizing with the vessel and crew, with no diving planned.
The first diving day focuses on Dai Island, renowned for its pristine beauty and dramatic walls. Divers will encounter untouched coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, creating breathtaking wide-angle scenes. The area is known for schooling pelagics and vibrant reef life, with excellent visibility and strong currents, often revealing barracudas, reef sharks, and mantas.
Today's dives take place at Nil Desperandum, a remote and legendary area known for its deep blue drop-offs and impressive wide-angle scenery. This site is a prime location for encountering schools of hammerhead sharks, especially during strong currents. Other pelagic species, including dogtooth tuna and various sharks, are commonly sighted here.
Dive sites: ND North Wall, The Corner
Diving around Serua Island reveals a dramatic volcanic landscape and pristine coral reefs. The underwater terrain is filled with healthy growth and diverse reef life. This region often features impressive schools of fish and various pelagics. Encounters with hammerhead sharks are a possibility, adding to the excitement of the dives.
Dive sites: Serua Wall, Sesi Meti
Manuk Island, an active volcanic island, offers truly unique diving experiences. The black sand slopes, bubbling fumaroles, and nutrient-rich waters attract large schools of fish. Divers can expect to see vibrant corals, dramatic topography, and an abundance of marine life, including sea snakes. The island is also a known bird haven, creating an unforgettable atmosphere both above and below the surface.
Dive sites: Infinity, Bubble Reef, Coconut Ridge
The Hatta Islands showcase the classic beauty of the Banda Sea, featuring vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. Divers will encounter diverse fish populations and healthy coral growth. The area is known for its impressive wide-angle scenery. With some luck, hammerhead sharks may also make an appearance, adding to the excitement of the dive.
Dive sites: Tanjung Buton, Karang Hatta, Hole in the Wall
Diving in the Banda Islands combines outstanding underwater exploration with a touch of history. Beautiful reefs and crystal-clear water provide a stunning backdrop for diverse marine life. Before going ashore, guests have the opportunity to visit Fort Belgica, a remarkable heritage site overlooking Banda Neira, offering a glimpse into the region's rich colonial past.
Dive sites: Pohon Miring, Batu Kapal Pinnacle, BK Ridge
Today offers adventures around Ai and Run Islands, known for their pristine reefs, dramatic underwater landscapes, and abundant fish life. These locations often feature spectacular wall dives adorned with massive sponges and sea fans. Encountering hammerhead sharks is a possibility, adding to the excitement of the day as they patrol the deep blue.
Dive sites: Ai Wall, Drop-Off, Nalaska Slope
The day's diving at Suanggi offers a true open-ocean experience around a remote volcanic seamount. This site is characterized by pristine coral growth, a dense fish population, and strong currents. It is a prime location for powerful wide-angle dives and often the last chance for an exciting hammerhead shark encounter, alongside other pelagics like tuna and large trevally.
Dive sites: Jakpot, Suanggi south, Suanggi north wall
The final diving day brings explorers to Nusa Laut, concluding the journey on a high note. This area features pristine coral reefs and exceptional visibility. Divers will discover abundant reef life and beautiful, colorful dives, providing a fitting and memorable end to this Banda Sea expedition.
Dive sites: Ameth drop off, Pulau Pombo
After a final breakfast on board, guests will bid farewell to the Wellenreng and her crew. Transfers will be arranged to the airport or your hotel for your onward journey.