Ambon – Banda Sea 10D9N
Ambon – Banda Sea Liveaboard Expedition
The Banda Sea remains one of Indonesia’s most spectacular and least-explored dive regions — a vast expanse of deep blue ocean where volcanic islands rise dramatically from the sea and pelagic life thrives in powerful currents. This 10 Days 9 Nights Ambon–Banda–Ambon liveaboard expedition aboard Blue Dream Phinisi Liveaboard is crafted for divers who seek more than just beautiful reefs. It is designed for those who crave remote crossings, legendary seamounts, and encounters with true ocean giants.
Departing from Ambon, the journey ventures into open Banda Sea waters toward Manuk Island, a smoking volcanic island famous for its extraordinary sea snake populations and fish-packed walls. At Suanggi Seamount and remote offshore pinnacles, seasonal schools of hammerhead sharks patrol the deep blue, joined by grey reef sharks, dogtooth tuna, and swirling barracuda. The historic Banda Islands offer crystal-clear visibility, dramatic vertical walls, lava flow dive sites from past eruptions, and vibrant coral gardens bursting with life.
What makes this route truly unique is its contrast. After days of big pelagic action and sweeping oceanic dives, the expedition concludes in Ambon’s world-renowned muck diving sites — home to rare rhinopias, frogfish, ghost pipefish, and some of Indonesia’s most fascinating macro species. It is a rare opportunity to combine blue-water adrenaline, volcanic underwater landscapes, historic island culture, and macro photography heaven in one seamless liveaboard adventure. For experienced divers seeking raw ocean energy and minimal dive traffic, the Banda Sea expedition delivers a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Ambon – Banda Sea 10D9N
Day 1 – Tulehu (Ambon) | Embarkation
Boarding takes place at Tulehu Harbor in Ambon (morning or early afternoon). After cabin check-in and a full safety briefing, we begin with a relaxed check dive near Tulehu to ensure everyone is comfortable and properly weighted.
In the evening, we cruise south toward the Banda Sea.
Day 2 – South Ambon & Molana
2–3 dives along pristine coral slopes and walls, including:
- Molana Wall – healthy reef systems with schooling fusiliers
- Hukurila Caves – swim-throughs and dramatic reef formations
Marine life may include reef sharks and abundant reef fish.
Overnight crossing to Manuk Island (approximately 12–14 hours).
Day 3 – Manuk Island (Volcanic Highlight)
One of the most iconic stops of the expedition.
Up to 3–4 dives featuring:
- Steep walls covered in vibrant soft corals
- Large schools of fish
- Extremely high numbers of sea snakes
- Dogtooth tuna and occasional mobula rays
- Black volcanic sand slopes
Night dive possible depending on conditions.
Overnight cruise to Suanggi Seamount.
Day 4 – Suanggi Seamount
A true blue-water pelagic dive site.
2–3 dives with potential encounters including:
- Hammerhead sharks (seasonal, best Sept–Nov)
- Grey reef sharks
- Large schools of barracuda
Currents can be strong. Afternoon cruise toward the Banda Islands.
Day 5 – North & Central Banda Islands
Up to 3–4 dives at classic Banda wall sites:
- Batu Kapal – pinnacle dive with schooling fish
- Pohon Miring – stunning coral coverage
- Karang Hatta – deep walls and seasonal hammerheads
Visibility often ranges from 20–40 meters.
Day 6 – South Banda & Lava Flow Sites
3 dives exploring:
- Historic lava flow reefs formed after the 1988 eruption
- Healthy hard coral gardens
- Schooling jacks and bumphead parrotfish
Optional land excursion to Banda Neira to explore local history and nutmeg heritage.
Day 7 – Remote Banda Sea Seamounts
3 offshore dives at isolated seamounts featuring:
- Deep walls dropping into the blue
- Pelagic encounters
- Possible hammerhead sightings
Blue-water diving protocols applied as necessary.
Day 8 – Nusa Laut / Return Toward Ambon
2–3 dives at colorful coral gardens such as Ameth (Nusa Laut), known for calm conditions and vibrant reef life.
Afternoon cruise back toward Ambon.
Day 9 – Ambon Macro Diving
2–3 dives in Ambon’s famous black sand sites, including Laha.
Expect:
- Rhinopias
- Frogfish
- Ghost pipefish
- Exceptional macro photography opportunities
Relaxed final evening onboard.
Day 10 – Disembarkation in Tulehu
Breakfast onboard followed by transfer to the airport or hotel.
What Makes This Route Unique
- Exceptional hammerhead potential (seasonal)
- Volcanic island diving at Manuk
- Pristine Banda walls with minimal diver traffic
- Strong pelagic action
- Historic Banda Islands culture
- World-class macro diving in Ambon
- Far fewer boats compared to Raja Ampat
*Note:
All times in this itinerary are estimates only. Times, dive sites and number
of dives can change, depending on weather conditions, dive skill and special
requests or circumstances