Ilike 13D12N

Embark on an extraordinary 13-day, 12-night diving expedition with ILIKE Liveaboard, navigating the captivating waters from Ambon to Sorong in Indonesia. This immersive journey promises a blend of world-class muck diving sites, remote locations, and the unparalleled biodiversity of Raja Ampat. Dive into the enchanting Laha Bay in Ambon, where harlequin shrimp, hairy frogfish, and seahorses await discovery. Nausa Laut offers a conservation success story, protecting against illegal fishing, while Pulau Koon, situated between Ceram and the Banda Sea, thrives with nutrient-rich currents supporting vibrant marine life.

As the voyage unfolds, explore the historic town of Banda Neira, remnants of the Dutch and English spice trade, and witness the fast recovery of coral gardens after the Gunung Api eruption. The journey culminates in Raja Ampat’s Misool, a spectacle of coral balance and underwater wonders, before traversing the Dampier Strait. ILIKE Liveaboard promises a diving odyssey, unveiling Indonesia’s hidden gems and diverse marine ecosystems on a luxurious and unforgettable aquatic adventure.

Dives: Approximately 32 dives in total

Experience: Advanced Open Water – 75 minimum logged dives required.

Itinerary Extras: * We require a minimum of 75 logged dives and AOW (or equivalent) certification. If clients have between 50 and 75 logged dives, they can book a private dive guide (subject to availability).

Laha Bay in Ambon is an exceptional diving destination, particularly renowned for its world-class muck dive sites within the bay. Divers can encounter an impressive array of critters, including harlequin shrimp, hairy frogfish, rhinopias, flamboyant cuttlefish, seahorses, mototi, and starry wonderpus. The diversity of octopus species found here is truly remarkable.

Venturing to Nausa Laut promises incredible diving experiences, thanks to the efforts of the local village in Ahmed to protect the area from illegal fishing activities. The underwater landscape features sizable schools of jacks, rainbow runners, tuna, and Spanish mackerel, offering opportunities to witness big pelagics in action.

The Banda Sea, with its remote location and potential for rough seas, provides a spectacular backdrop for diving enthusiasts. Crystal clear waters, bottomless drop-offs, vibrant coral pinnacles, and the remarkable recovery of the coral garden following the 1988 eruption of Gunung Api near Banda Neira are highlights of this region. Night and dusk dives reveal the enchanting mating dance of mandarin fish, alongside encounters with frogfish, seahorses, razorfish, and octopuses.

Exploring the historic town of Banda Neira adds a cultural dimension to the journey, offering glimpses of the Dutch and English spice trade remnants. Visits to an old nutmeg plantation and the impressive Fort Belgica, with its panoramic views of the port and Gunung Api, enhance the overall experience.

Pulau Koon, situated in a remote location between Ceram and the Banda Sea, stands out for its thriving marine life, nourished by nutrient-rich currents. Raja Ampat, meaning “Four Kings” in Indonesian, encompasses more than 1500 islands and ranks among the world’s richest biodiversity areas. The journey explores Misool, a spectacular dive site where fish and coral coexist harmoniously. From sheer drop-offs to soft coral gardens, this region boasts a diverse underwater landscape, including massive sea fans hosting tiny seahorses and table corals providing shelter for wobbegongs and baby white tip sharks.

Concluding the trip in the Dampier Strait, divers can anticipate underwater ridges, seamounts, coral bommies, and gardens. Manta rays frequently grace the dive sites, engaging in cleaning rituals, playful chases, and feeding on plankton blooms. Whether exploring the underwater wonders or experiencing the rich cultural heritage, this journey offers an unforgettable dive adventure in the Indonesian archipelago.