Route Description - Ambon/ Banda/ Raja Ampat
12 Days 11 Nights
13 Days 12 Nights
Day 1: Embarkation – Ambon
Guests are met by the crew at Pattimura Airport in Ambon and transferred to the liveaboard. After settling in and completing registration, a safety and orientation briefing is conducted. If time permits, a check dive is arranged at one of Laha’s well-known macro dive sites, where unusual critters inhabit the black sand slopes. The vessel departs that evening for the Banda Islands.
Day 2–3: Banda Sea – Spice Islands Exploration
The adventure begins in the Banda Sea, where divers explore vibrant reefs and dramatic walls teeming with marine life. Healthy corals, giant sponges, and large schools of fish characterize this region, with chances to encounter hammerhead sharks. Each day includes 3–4 dives. An optional land excursion offers a visit to a historic Dutch fort and a deeper understanding of the famed Spice Islands. Depending on conditions, the vessel may sail south to Manuk or remain in the Banda area before continuing north to Koon Island.
Day 4: Manuk Island – Realm of the Sea Snakes
Weather permitting, the journey detours south to Manuk Island, an isolated volcanic island surrounded by active marine life. Divers enjoy 3–4 dives amid thriving coral reefs and are likely to encounter large numbers of sea snakes—earning the island its nickname, “Snake Island.” In the evening, the boat sets sail toward Koon Island.
Day 5: Koon Island – Powerful Currents and Big Fish
At Koon Island, the underwater terrain features sloping white sands, patch reefs, and coral-covered walls. Strong currents make for thrilling drift dives. Schools of Bigeye Trevally, snapper, and sweetlips are common, and white-tip and grey reef sharks are often spotted patrolling the reefs. Larger species such as Napoleon wrasse and Goliath groupers may also make an appearance. After 3–4 dives, the vessel heads to Misool overnight.
Day 6–8: Misool – Southern Raja Ampat’s Coral Paradise
The expedition continues in the southern region of Raja Ampat around Misool, an area famed for its biodiversity. Divers explore vibrant reefs filled with both soft and hard corals, home to pygmy seahorses and countless reef fish. The limestone island formations create sheltered dive sites rich with marine life. Lucky divers may encounter manta rays or the rare walking shark (Raja Ampat epaulette shark). Each day includes 3–4 dives before continuing farther north into central Raja Ampat.
Day 9–12: Raja Ampat – Iconic Sites and Sharks
The final diving days are spent in the heart of Raja Ampat, exploring a variety of sites that include pinnacles, sloping walls, and coral gardens. Wobbegong sharks lie camouflaged on the reefs, while white-tip, black-tip, and occasional grey reef sharks roam freely. The route takes guests through the Fam Islands, Gam, and along Mansuar Island. Along the way, scenic views of mangroves and lush jungle-covered islands provide a stunning backdrop. An optional land excursion is also offered. On the final dive day, two morning dives are conducted before cruising to Sorong.
Day 13: Disembarkation – Sorong
Guests enjoy breakfast onboard before being transferred to Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong. The crew bids farewell, concluding the 13-day dive journey through some of Indonesia’s most iconic underwater landscapes.