It is not understated to say that this impressive Banda Sea Liveaboard crossing between Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands of the Moluccas is a world-class route. It offers some of the very best and remotest dive sites of the Indonesian Archipelago. Suitable for experienced divers, this Raja Ampat yacht charter is a great blend of diversity in terms of regions and dive areas. There are high chances to encounter various large ocean creatures –most noteworthy the oceanic manta rays and hammerhead sharks as well as some of the most elusive critters like the rare mandarin fish. This remarkable cruise features the option of visiting various land sites on the way. Visit the historic Spice Islands and swim into the mysterious but spectacular Tomolol cave in Misool. Finally, go for a trek to see the paradise birds or stop by in a traditional Papuan village. Banda Sea Liveaboards depart from Ambon in October/ November towards Raja Ampat. The return back to Ambon from Sorong is in March/April due to the change of monsoon season.
This epic Raja Ampat charter starts with the departure around midday from Ambon – the capital of the Molucca Islands. After going through a “Safety and Boat Briefing”, get ready for a check dive in the Bay of Ambon. The area is renowned for the great variety of critters – considered heaven for macro enthusiasts. Then the journey continues while cruising towards the Banda Islands.
Dive in the Banda Sea around the Spice Island. Pulau Run and Batu Kapal are some of the top-ranked dive sites of this area. This vivid diving site is most well-known for its extraordinary visibility and abundance of fish. This historic site is famously known as a former capital of the “spice trade”. Furthermore, it is a great place to visit the rare mandarin fish along the harbor walls. On your second day around the Spice Islands, cruise further towards Pulau Hatta and Karang Hatta. These magnificent diving spots are very close to the 6000 m deep Banda trench and offer a good chance to encounter various pelagic and large sharks – including schooling hammerheads!
Koon lies in the Banda Sea, 10 kilometerseast of Seram. Around the island, you may notice the reef rises flat to 5 meters below the surface in most places and drops down towards a steep wall with an ever present current. Most noteworthy, the wall and the slope that comes to the point of the reef are heavily covered in soft corals, including the ubiquitous bright orange dendronepthya. Moreover, on certain areas on the island, there is a great chance to encounter large schools of pelagics, enormous groupers and various shark species. Furthermore, here is a good chance to encounter schooling hammerheads.
Southeast Misool is a place noted for its gorgeous coral reefs. The density of soft corals and numerous sea fans make this a desired home for many kinds of marine life in the area. The famous dive site, Fiabacet has a wide number of incredible dive sites such as Nudi Rock, Fiabacet, Whale Rock, and Batu Kecil. Choose which ever sites you’d like to explore, none will disappoint! You are sure to spot surgeons, barracudas, large schools of fusiliers and, of course, the friendly batfish. Cross your fingers in hopes of seeing some sharks!
The Dampier Strait that flows between Waigeo and Batanta boasts some of the most spectacular diving spots in Raja Ampat. Dive sites include Cape Kri,Manta Sandy, Chicken Reef, Otdima Reef, Kerupiar Island, Sardine Reef, and Mioskon. Due to the nutrition rich water these sites offer some of the largest concentrations of big fish in Raja Ampat. Most noteworthy are the large schools of trevallies, barracudas, sweetlips, tuna, and snappers congregate on these sites. Furthermore, there are large reef sharks in Cape Kri and mantas on Manta Sandy. Moreover, check out the famous Blue Magic,a small seamount where you may have a chance to see the giant oceanic – a manta ray with a wing span of up to seven and a half meters with beautiful markings on their backs.
Finally, after breakfast and a last chance to exchange photos (and memories) with the crew and fellow guests. Bid farewell upon arrival at Sorong after this Raja Ampat Ambon crossing. The crew will take you to the airport or your hotel.
Please note, this is a sample itinerary. Each Cruise is different and the detailed day-to-day itinerary and sites will be tailored to suit guests’ preferences as well as weather and ocean conditions. Private Charters are more flexible in the itinerary compared to scheduled Cruises. Your Cruise Director will work with you on the detailed day-to-day planning onboard.
