Ambon to Ambon

Jakaré · Indonesia · 9 nights

Duration
9 nights
Embarkation
Ambon, Indonesia
Disembarkation
Ambon, Indonesia
Dives
Approximately 24 dives in total

About this route

This 9-night liveaboard journey departs from and returns to Ambon, exploring the rich waters of the Banda Sea. The itinerary focuses on the historic Banda Islands, offering exceptional diving opportunities, and visits remote locations like Nusa Laut, Pulau Suanggi, and Pulau Manuk. Guests can anticipate diverse marine encounters, from schooling hammerhead sharks to unique macro life, alongside experiences that blend adventure with historical exploration.

Regions on this route

Banda Sea

Highlights

Banda Sea

The Banda Sea is a remote and biologically rich area in Eastern Indonesia, known for its deep waters, volcanic activity, and diverse marine ecosystems. It serves as a crucial migratory route for large pelagic species and features pristine coral reefs, steep walls, and vibrant pinnacles. The area offers exceptional visibility and a high chance of encountering both macro and large marine life.

  • Remote and pristine location
  • Rich marine biodiversity
  • Volcanic underwater landscapes
  • Large pelagic encounters

Requirements

  • CertificationOpen Water
  • Minimum logged dives10
  • ExperienceDivers are required to have at least 10 logged dives.

Shore excursions

  • Visit historical places like museums and forts in the Banda Islands.

Good to know

  • The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip.
  • Divers are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after the last dive.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Ambon

    Guests will be picked up at Ambon Airport early in the morning before transferring to Teluhu to board the Jakare. Following a comprehensive introduction to the boat, crew, and safety procedures, the vessel will set sail towards Nusa Laut. A check dive or snorkeling session will be offered at Pulau Mamala en route to Nusa Laut, where the boat will anchor for the night.

    Dive sites: Pulau Mamala

  2. Day 2: Nusa Laut – Reef Dives

    Today's plan includes three dives focused on the vibrant reefs of Nusa Laut, known for their healthy ecosystems. Divers can expect to explore either slope or wall diving environments, which often feature abundant reef fish and diverse coral formations. Snorkeling opportunities are also available for those who prefer surface exploration, revealing the rich marine life of the area. After a full day of activities, the Jakare will sail overnight towards Pulau Suanggi.

  3. Day 3: Pulau Suanggi – Hammerhead Encounters

    The Jakare will arrive at Pulau Suanggi in the morning, where three dives are planned. This area is known for its slopes and pinnacles, offering potential encounters with schooling hammerhead sharks and other pelagic species. The underwater topography provides interesting features for divers. By mid-afternoon, the vessel will depart for Banda Neira, arriving in its scenic harbor at sunset for an overnight stay.

  4. Day 4: Banda Islands – Historical and Dive Sites

    The next three days are dedicated to exploring the Banda Islands, an area renowned for its rich history as a nutmeg trading hub and its exceptional diving. Guests will have the opportunity to visit historical sites, including museums and forts, offering a glimpse into the region's past. The diving in this area is spectacular, featuring diverse sites with abundant marine life. Expect varied underwater landscapes and potential encounters with large pelagics.

    Dive sites: Banda Neira (Lava Flow & Batu Kapal), Pulau Hatta (Karang Hata, Tanjung Buton, the Wall), Pulau Run

  5. Day 5: Banda Islands – Historical and Dive Sites

    The next three days are dedicated to exploring the Banda Islands, an area renowned for its rich history as a nutmeg trading hub and its exceptional diving. Guests will have the opportunity to visit historical sites, including museums and forts, offering a glimpse into the region's past. The diving in this area is spectacular, featuring diverse sites with abundant marine life. Expect varied underwater landscapes and potential encounters with large pelagics.

    Dive sites: Banda Neira (Lava Flow & Batu Kapal), Pulau Hatta (Karang Hata, Tanjung Buton, the Wall), Pulau Run

  6. Day 6: Banda Islands – Historical and Dive Sites

    The next three days are dedicated to exploring the Banda Islands, an area renowned for its rich history as a nutmeg trading hub and its exceptional diving. Guests will have the opportunity to visit historical sites, including museums and forts, offering a glimpse into the region's past. The diving in this area is spectacular, featuring diverse sites with abundant marine life. Expect varied underwater landscapes and potential encounters with large pelagics.

    Dive sites: Banda Neira (Lava Flow & Batu Kapal), Pulau Hatta (Karang Hata, Tanjung Buton, the Wall), Pulau Run

  7. Day 7: Pulau Manuk – Pelagic Hotspot

    Today, the Jakare arrives at Pulau Manuk, an island located approximately 60 nautical miles south of Pulau Hatta, situated in the heart of the Banda Sea. Three dives are scheduled, focusing primarily on the pinnacles that characterize this site. This area is known for its strong currents and offers excellent opportunities to encounter hammerhead sharks and other large pelagic species. In the late afternoon, the vessel will sail overnight back towards Banda Neira, aiming to arrive at sunrise.

  8. Day 8: Banda Neira – Return & Further Dives

    Day 8 marks a return to Banda Neira, offering additional chances to explore its exceptional dive sites. Divers can choose to revisit favorite spots or discover new areas around the islands. The rich marine biodiversity and varied topography provide ample opportunities for engaging underwater exploration. Alternatively, diving opportunities may be extended to Pulau Manuk or Pulau Hatta, depending on the captain's discretion and weather conditions.

  9. Day 9: Pulau Suanggi – Last Dives

    Arriving early at Pulau Suanggi from Banda Neira, this day offers another opportunity to explore its exceptional dive sites. Two to three dives are planned around its pinnacles and slopes, providing further chances to encounter schooling hammerheads. This area is renowned for these magnificent pelagic sightings. In the early evening, the Jakare will begin its overnight sail back to Ambon, concluding the diving portion of the trip.

  10. Day 10: Disembarkation – Ambon

    The final day is dedicated to the journey back to Ambon, primarily an overnight sail, arriving mid-day. Guests will have time to finalize their dive logbooks and receive stamps from the Diving Instructor or dive master. A small farewell ceremony will be held on board before guests transfer to the airport or their hotel, concluding the cruise.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-10-15 – 2027-10-24from 5,490 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

JakaréJakaréIndonesia
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