Ambon – Banda Sea
Liveaboard Diving in Ambon & Banda Sea
Below the surface, expect schooling barracuda, dogtooth tuna, reef sharks, and seasonal hammerheads cruising through nutrient-rich currents. Manuk Island’s volcanic reefs are famous for their remarkable sea snake populations, while the Banda Islands boast crystal-clear visibility, thriving coral gardens, and historic lava flow dive sites formed after past eruptions. The diversity is exceptional — from pelagic blue-water action to rare macro encounters in Ambon’s legendary muck diving sites.
Above water, the journey is equally captivating. The Banda Islands — once the world’s only source of nutmeg — are steeped in Spice Route history, with colonial forts and the towering Gunung Api volcano dominating the skyline. Secluded anchorages, emerald hills, and glowing sunsets complete the experience. An Ambon–Banda liveaboard is more than a dive trip; it’s a voyage through volcanic landscapes, marine wilderness, and centuries of maritime heritage.
Ambon - Band Sea Itineraries
Diving Requirements and Safety
All divers are required to have diving-specific insurance (e.g., Dive Assure, DAN, or similar) that covers all scuba diving activities, emergency evacuation, and recompression chamber costs. Please note that insurance coverage typically applies only within the depth limits dictated by your certification level; therefore, you must always remain within those limits.
The use of a dive computer, conducting a 6-minute safety stop, and maintaining an ascent rate of no more than 9 metres (30 feet) per minute are mandatory on all dives.
Although diving around Banda Neira is generally suitable for all certification levels, please be aware that some dive sites may be challenging for entry-level or inexperienced divers due to depths and variable currents.
Minimum Dive Certification and Experience
To join our Banda Neira itinerary, divers must hold an Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) with a minimum of 50 logged dives, including experience diving in strong currents.
We have an instructor onboard, so Open Water certified divers with at least 60 logged dives may complete their Advanced Open Water certification during the trip (standard fees apply).
If you do not meet the recommended minimum requirements, and if our cruise director deems your experience insufficient for certain conditions, you may be restricted from participating in some or all dives during the voyage.
Diving Emergencies
The nearest hyperbaric chambers are located in Manado (North Sulawesi), Bali, Makassar, and Jakarta. Banda Neira itself does not have a fully operational recompression facility. In the event of a suspected DCI (Decompression Illness) incident, evacuation may involve a costly emergency boat transfer and/or air evacuation.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your insurance fully covers all evacuation, recompression chamber, and hospital treatment costs.
Water Temperature
Banda Neira’s tropical waters remain warm year-round, typically between 27°C and 29°C.
A 3mm wetsuit is generally sufficient, though divers who are more sensitive to cooler temperatures after multiple dives may prefer a 5mm wetsuit or additional thermal layers.
Marine Park and Port Fees (Payable Onboard Only)
7 nights: 200 USD per person
Marine park and port fees are subject to change without prior notice. The applicable amount at the time of departure will be added to your onboard account and must be settled before disembarkation. These fees cover local permits, port costs, and conservation initiatives in the Banda Sea region.
Number of Scheduled Dives
7 nights: up to 22 dives
While we aim to complete the full number of scheduled dives, factors such as weather, sea conditions, or logistical considerations may affect the actual number of dives achieved. Dive numbers are indicative and not guaranteed.
Included Land Tours
Several shore excursions are included in Banda Neira itineraries. Typically, there will be two land visits per trip, which may include:
Fort Belgica (historic fort tour)
Banda Neira Town Tour (including nutmeg plantations and colonial sites)
Banda Besar Island (historical plantation ruins and village visit)
The specific tours offered may vary depending on environmental conditions and operational logistics.
Point of Embarkation: Tulehu harbour
Point of Disembarkation: Tulehu harbour at 10:00 a.m. or earlier if you are catching an earlier flight
Domestic Arrival & Departure: Pattimura International Airport (AMQ)
Free Transfers between Pattimura Airport or local hotels to the harbour on the day of embarkation and disembarkation only.
For Guests staying in Ambon prior their trip with us, you will be picked up from your hotel at a time that will be confirmed by our ground staff. Please provide your Contact especially WhatsApp
For guests arriving in Ambon on departure day you will be met at Airport by Blue Dream staff who will assist with your luggage and transfer to the harbour.
Journey Pattimura Airport to the harbour takes approximately 1,5 hour.
Flights to and from Ambon are not included in the liveaboard price.
International Arrival & Departure
You can reach Ambon (AMQ) either from Jakarta (CGK, Makassar (UPG) and Surabaya (CGK). Based on our experience, if Ambon is your Main destination for your holiday, we advise you to enter Indonesia via Jakarta. Citilink, Batik & Garuda will be your best bet to fly into Ambon and they give generous space for your dive gear on top of your regular luggage. Spending one night prior to your domestic flight is always good but if not, do give yourselves a good 5 hours between your international arrival and domestic departure. You may require to move in between the International and domestic terminal.
Our reservations team can help to arrange hotel accommodations, airport transfers and domestic flight connections between your international arrival and departure and the Liveaboard.
Domestic Flights
Please allow 2 Hours prior your Check-in time for domestic flights in Indonesia. Please bear in mind the time difference between Bali / Jakarta with Ambon.
There are several direct flights per day operating between Jakarta/Bali and Sorong; If you are coming into Surabaya or Makassar there is also direct flight from these cities.
As domestic flights in Indonesia are often subject to delays, schedule changes and Cancellations, we strongly recommend making arrangements to arrive in Ambon the day before embarkation you’re your arrival to the boat is after the vessel has departed, you may be charged for the cost of arranging a speedboat transfer or for additional fuel required to return to port.
Embarkation Day Arrival: Guests intending to fly into Ambon on embarkation day should arrange flights to arrive no later than 12:00 p.m. (midday).
Departure: We respectfully ask guests not to book flights departing earlier than 06:30 a.m. from Ambon as disembarkation needs to be 2 and a half hours before the flight departure time.