Route Description - Ambon, Central Maluku & The Banda Islands
Dewi Nusantara presents a brand new itinerary that combines some exciting new areas for our guests on the Goddess of the Archipelago to discover. It covers the seascape to the south and east of Buru Island, the Lease Islands of Ambon, Haruku, and Saparua, the famous Banda Islands, and will also include some of the well-known destinations at the eastern end of the intriguingly named Forgotten Islands chain. The scuba diving highlights along the route take in the whole spectrum of Indonesia’s world famous underwater world.
The Manipa Strait
The wide channel that separates the islands of Buru and Ambon features four smaller islands along its path. Known as the Manipa Strait, the islands in the stream - Boano, Kelang, Manipa, and Ambelau - offer relatively new dive sites, with plenty more to be discovered.
Laha (Ambon)
Laha’s sublime critter diving is a well-known hotspot for underwater image makers. The sand and gravel slopes, piers, and coral heads of Laha are home to some of the planet’s most soughtafter photographic subjects. On these sites, the weird and wonderful psychedelic frog fish was discovered. Who knows what other cryptic wonders these sites might hide?
The Lease Islands (Central Maluku)
In addition to having a rich history of the spice trade, the islands of Ambon, Haruku, and Saparua are also home to some of Indonesia’s best diving. Their southern shores, as well as the smaller island of Nusa Laut, offer a wide range of wonderful sites.
The Banda Islands
Now firmly on any tropical diver’s wish list, the remote Banda Islands are a sparkling oasis that rises out of the deep blue Banda Sea. Aside from a remarkable topside history, this region boasts some of the world’s finest diving, ranging from critter havens in the harbour to the magnificent walls and reefs of the outer islands of the group.
The East Forgotten Islands
The programme also features Manuk Island. This is located at the end of the dynamic Damar Ridge, the marine mountain range that is home to the majority of the intriguingly named Forgotten Islands. Here, our guests can witness vibrant coral reefs and walls plunging into the pristine depths, and they also have the opportunity to spot some of the larger inhabitants of the Banda Sea. Manuk Island is also home to a surprisingly large population of sea snakes (kraits).
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Get On-Board with Dewi Nusantara
For a limited number of cruises during the cruising season, Dewi Nusantara will depart on these exciting new Central Maluku itineraries. Begin your next scuba adventure on board the Indonesian archipelago’s premier liveaboard and experience the best that Indonesia has to offer, along with Dewi Nusantara’s outstanding service, exceptional facilities, and her highly experienced crew.
Cruise Notes
• The suggested itinerary is not fixed. During the cruise, the captain and cruise director assess the prevailing sea, weather, and tide conditions. Where possible, our guest’s preferences for certain dive sites will be taken into account.
• The locations included in this itinerary are by no means the only points of interest along the route. There are many more anchorage and activity options available.
• The destinations and anchorages in this presentation are not necessarily in the order the cruise might follow. They are there solely to make the routing easier to understand.
• At times, guests may wish to stay longer at certain anchorages to fully take advantage of what is on offer in that area. The captain and cruise director have discretion over this as long as it fits within the cruise timeline.
• Between anchorages, there can be longer passages, mostly undertaken during the night.
• Aside from the arrival and departure destinations, our itineraries avoid densely populated areas and busy ports.
• Some of these anchorages offer a variety of activities besides scuba diving and snorkelling, such as kayaking or SUP/paddle boarding. Occasionally, we offer village and cultural visits along with other wonderful topside attractions.