Route Description - Banda Sea - Triton Bay / Hammerhead Special
13 Days / 12 Nights (Ambon-Kaimana)
The 13-day Dive & Adventure Travel itinerary begins in Ambon and sets course for the Banda Sea, with an initial stop at Nusa Laut. This island is renowned for its pristine reefs, which are actively protected by the local community. Ambon Island, the capital of Maluku Province, is home to the region’s largest and most developed town, Kota Ambon. In the 17th century, during the height of the spice trade and the Dutch monopoly on cloves, Kota Ambon served as the Dutch base in the Moluccas and was famously referred to as the “Queen of the East.” From there, the journey continues westward through the Banda Sea—celebrated for its vibrant and healthy coral reefs—before arriving in the remote and biodiverse waters of Triton Bay.
Day 1: Arrival and Embarkation
Following a morning transfer from Ambon Airport or a local hotel to the harbor at Tulehu, guests are welcomed aboard the KLM Mari liveaboard. After a comprehensive boat and tour briefing, guests check into their cabins and prepare their dive gear. While Mari cruises toward Nusa Laut, lunch, dinner, and snacks such as fresh fruit, candy bars, and ice cream are served. A check-up dive near Ambon is offered en route. With some luck, dolphin schools may be spotted in the area during the crossing.
Day 2–3: Nusa Laut
Guests dive along Nusa Laut’s vibrant coral reefs and dramatic walls. Highlights include sightings of pygmy seahorses and large schools of reef fish. Night dives offer the chance to observe fascinating nocturnal marine life. The group overnights aboard the liveaboard.
Day 4–5: Saparua
The itinerary continues at Saparua, where divers explore underwater pinnacles and lush coral gardens. The area is known for its macro life, including nudibranchs and elusive ghost pipefish.
Day 6: Pulau Koon
Guests dive around Pulau Koon’s spectacular seamounts and sloping reefs. This site is a hotspot for pelagic encounters such as barracudas and reef sharks, set against a backdrop of stunning underwater landscapes.
Day 7–8: Banda Sea
Diving in the Banda Sea reveals dramatic walls, coral gardens, and drop-offs teeming with life. Divers may encounter large pelagic species, including schooling hammerhead sharks and a variety of oceanic creatures.
Day 9: Manuk (Snake Island)
Known for its volcanic terrain, Manuk offers a unique diving experience. Divers can expect to encounter numerous sea snakes, pristine coral reefs, and a wide variety of reef fish. There is also time to snorkel and enjoy the island’s natural hot springs.
Day 10–11: Triton Bay
Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Triton Bay is one of the richest marine biodiversity hotspots on Earth. Highlights include pygmy seahorses, whale sharks, dolphins, marlins, and the elusive walking sharks. The waters here are both biologically diverse and visually stunning.
Day 12: Kaimana Reefs
On the final two dives, guests explore the colorful reefs surrounding Adi Island and the stunning coral formations of Kaimana. These dives provide a fitting conclusion to the underwater adventure.
Day 13: Disembarkation
Disembarkation occurs between 5:00 and 11:00 AM, following a light continental breakfast or lunch depending on individual travel schedules. Guests bid farewell to their fellow travelers and crew before being transferred to either Kaimana Airport or a nearby hotel.
Marine Life Highlights:
This route offers diverse encounters with manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, whale sharks, pygmy seahorses, sea snakes, walking sharks, and thriving coral ecosystems. It is ideal for spotting big pelagics, macro critters, and schooling fish, making it a dream for photographers and dive enthusiasts alike.