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Banda ? Where on earth is that ?
A small archipelago of 10 islands, off the South of Ambon, in the province of Maluku. Also called the “spice islands”, due to strong culture of nutmeg and cloves.
OK, but why go there?
The Banda Sea is on the migratory path of schools of hammerhead sharks! In October, if you’re lucky enough, you could be diving with thirty or more ! Come on, let’s be honest, who has never dreamed about doing that?
Along these volcanic islands, the drop-offs are impressive, the reef is teeming with life, and you’ll see many examples of pelagic life: barracudas, tunas, turtles, reef sharks … everything is there, just open your eyes!
And as we are never short of new adventures, why not dive the reef at the foot of Gunung Api, where innumerable but peaceful marine snakes will come along to say hello. A moment of a lifetime!
Macro lovers, you have also come to the right place!
As well as the population of mandarin fish in Bandaneira, you will discover Ambon Bay, where our trip ends. Definitely a world-class heaven for Muck Diving. Even without moving you could spend an hour and a half just observing mandarins, pikatchu, harlequin shrimp, ghostpipe fish, marbled shrimp… Going a bit further and you’ll meet some frogfish, “Solar Powered” nudibranchs, Coleman shrimps, Rhinopias or other small crabs…
This cruise is the perfect mix of creatures big and small!
Underwater Photographers, the door of this underwater paradise is about to open!
So, will you be “Crazy Hammer” enough to join us?
Length: 10 Days / 10 Nights (Approximately 27 dives in total)
Experience level: Advanced Open Water recommended – 30 minimum logged dives required.
Please note: There are about 500 nautical miles (nm) to cover during this 10-nights cruise. We are
mostly diving 3 dives a day and then traveling at night. This cruise is not advised for people who get
very sea sick or who are unable to sleep whilst the boat is under way.
While this is the description of a typical dive trip, actual trips may vary due to wind and sea conditions, weather or guests preference.
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Day 1 (2 dives):
AMBON
Pick up from the airport and transfer to the boat.
Welcome drink and introduction to the boat, crew and trip.
Check dive in Ambon bay, 1st encounter with all those small and weirds critters !
Depending shedule of the flights, 2nd daytime dive or night possible on Ambon’s Bay.
Night navigation to Nusa Laut (45nm)
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Day 2 (3 dives):
NUSA LAUT
We’ll do 3 dives around Nusa Laut, looking for potential dugongs, eagle rays, city of groupers, clear water and nice walls !
Night Navigation towards Banda Islands (80nm)
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Day 3 (3-4 dives):
BANDA ISLANDS
On the way to Banda Islands, we’ll stop at Pulau Suanggi which offers amazing dive sites like The Pinnacle and the East Corner. We’ll head then to Pulau Ai.
Sunset dive on the pier in Bandaneira to look for some of the Mandarin Fish hiding there.
Night on the mooring.
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Day 4 (3-4 dives) :
BANDA ISLANDS
The Banda area offers a good variety of dive sites, from volcanic rock at Pohon Miring to the black sand in Banda’s harbor.
Possible Land excursion : Banda Neira and the nutmeg plantation, historic forts and small Maritime Museum.
Night Navigation to Manuk (65nm)
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Day 5 (2-3 dives) :
MANUK ISLAND
Manuk is also known as the “Snake Volcano”. Odor of sulfur, Hot rocks and ascending bubbles remind us about the volcanic activity. And once underwater, you’ll be surrounded by sea snakes, lots of sea snakes ! But harmless, even posing for the shot, proud to be your stars !
Night Navigation to Nila (75nm)
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Day 6 (3 dives) :
BANDA SEA REEFS, NILA SERUA etc…
Diving on some spots with good chances for hammerhead sharks ! Finger crossed for a bit of luck….
But even without the reefs are fabulous, healthy walls and 50+ meters visibility sometimes.
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Day 7 (3 dives) :
BANDA SEA REEFS, NILA SERUA etc…
Diving on some spots with good chances for hammerhead sharks ! Finger crossed for a bit of luck….
But even without the reefs are fabulous, healthy walls and 50+ meters visibility sometimes.
Night navigation to Luci Para (130nm)
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Day 8 (2-3 dives) :
LUCI PARA Atoll
Groupe of 7 islands, in the middle of the Banda Sea. They are the tops of undersea mountains, with deep walls surrounded by crystal clear, blue water. Another potential paradise for Hammerhead sharks, but if not, life is everywhere anyway !
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Day 9 (2-3 dives) :
LUCI PARA Atoll
Groupe of 7 islands, in the middle of the Banda Sea. They are the tops of undersea mountains, with deep walls surrounded by crystal clear, blue water. Another potential paradise for Hammerhead sharks, but if not, life is everywhere anyway !
After day 9, Night navigation back to Ambon island (100nm)
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Day 10 (1-2 dives) :
AMBON BAY
Depending upon the flights schedules, 1 or 2 dives can be done in Ambon Bay, going back to small critters and macro !
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Day 11 :
AMBON
Breakfast on board and transfer to Ambon airport.
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