Ambai 15D14N

Beginning in Ambon, this trip investigates the fascinating underwater worlds of the West and South West areas of Halmahera, the southern section of Raja Ampat (Misool), and the Banda Sea.

Celebrated as one of Indonesia’s top dive locations, Halmahera features a wide range of dive spots surrounded by immaculate islands covered in rich tropical forests.

Renowned for their vivid soft coral and abundance of underwater life, Misool is the height in Indonesian diving. See amazing displays of baitfish balls coupled with Mobula rays and predators.

The Banda Sea, especially in late September, comes alive with nutrient-dense upwellings as the trip advances. For those who enjoy critters, now is the best time to see hammerhead sharks among amazing drop-offs, walls, seamounts, and secret treasures.

Starting Ternate, the schedule starts with the Goraici islands, where seamounts display bommies covered in vibrant soft corals alongside blacktip sharks, tunas, and other pelagic beauties.

Traveling further south, we investigate another cluster of islands along the northern Patientie strait: Kusu and Sale. These dive locations, some of the most spectacular in Indonesia, are vibrant thanks in part to the powerful currents in the strait. Approaching south into the Pantientie strait, the island of Pigajara calls with a wooden shipwreck and mesmerizing underwater scenes.

Nestled between Halmahera and Misool, the trip veers toward Pisang islands. Millions of triggerfish, schools of surgeonfish, bump head parrotfish, Spanish mackerel, and tunas abound in this quiet paradise teeming with aquatic life.

The schedule then calls for Misool, the southern gem of Raja Ampat, where three days are devoted to investigating its best diving sites. Soft coral and rich with marine life, gorgonian forests provide an amazing underwater environment.

Proceeding the journey, Koon, at the easternmost point of Seram islands, offers the captivating “Too Many Fish” dive site. Exploration awaits a plunge rich in schools of trevallies, surgeonfish, barracudas, and maybe hammerhead sharks.

The expedition then travels to the ancient Banda Islands, crucial to the 16th-century spice trade and warfare. Diving among these islands reveals amazing views, including a dive along the lava flow of “Gunung Api,” the fire mountain, which highlights the recovery of coral and enormous sponges since the previous eruption in 1988. With a museum and a fort, a land visit to Banda Neira provides understanding of the village’s past.

With weather allowing, the path runs south to Serua island, known for unmatched experiences with schooling hammerheads. Two days of really good diving around this remote island in the middle of the Banda Sea await.

The trip ends with a return to Suanggi island, a prime site for seeing pelagic marvels like hammerhead sharks. The last day of diving presents chances for interesting muck diving either in the Ambon bay or on Nusa Laut island.

From quick visits to towns and beaches in Halmahera to a short climb in Misool for panoramic views and the sight of a heart-shaped lagoon, tourists can experience rich land excursions throughout the expedition. Visiting Banda Neira in the Banda Sea means touring the settlement, fort, and museum.

The last dive occurs on the penultimate day at around 10 am; divers are encouraged to wait 24 hours before flying following their last dive, therefore guaranteeing a safe and unforgettable ending to this amazing voyage.

Dives: Approximately 42 dives in total

Experience: Advanced Open Water – 30 minimum logged dives required.

Day 1: Ternate (Checkin)

Day 2: Halmahera – Goraichi (3-4 Dives)

Day 3: Halmahera – Goraichi (3-4 Dives)

Day 4: Halmahera – Lilai & Bacan (3-4 Dives)

Day 5: Halmahera – Saleh & Kusu (3-4 Dives)

Day 6: Pisang Island (3 Dives)

Day 7: Misool – Pele & Wayil (3-4 Dives)

Day 8: Misool – Fiabacet (3-4 Dives)

Day 9: Misool – Boo (3 Dives)

Day 10: Koon (2 Dives)

Day 11: Hatta (3-4 Dives)

Day 12: Banda (3-4 Dives)

Day 13: Suanggi (3-4 Dives)

Day 14: Nusa Laut (1 Dive)

Day 15: Ambon (Checkout)