Take the trip of a lifetime on the Mari Dive liveaboard 13D12N Raja Ampat, Ambon, Banda Sea. This is an amazing adventure for divers who want to see the most diverse marine species in the world. This amazing 13-day trip on the expedition-ready Mari Dive ship connects the famous coral kingdoms of Raja Ampat with the famous critter capital of Ambon. It goes via the historic and pelagic-rich Banda Sea. You will start in the Dampier Strait, where there are a lot of fish and big manta rays. Then you will sail across open ocean, where you might see dolphins and whales. Finally, you will explore the strange black sand slopes of Ambon Bay, where the ocean’s rarest creatures, like the psychedelic frogfish, live. This 13-day Raja Ampat and Ambon liveaboard is the best choice for dedicated underwater photographers and marine life lovers who want to capture the complete range of life in the Coral Triangle as it has evolved.
The 13-day Mari Dive Raja Ampat, Ambon, Banda Sea program is a masterclass in marine exploration. It gives you plenty of time to properly enjoy the drastic change in the environment from colorful coral reefs to a volcanic muck-diving paradise. The extra day is used wisely for patients to explore the secluded Banda Islands, which are known for their nutrient-rich volcanic slopes that are home to schools of hammerheads, huge sea fans, and amazing drift dives. This longer time frame lets you dive in each unique environment more than once, which increases your chances of seeing uncommon pelagic animals and getting close-up macro photos. You will be safe and comfortable as you explore these distant areas on the Mari Dive liveaboard, which is known for its skilled guides and expedition-level skills. This 13-day trip is the best Indonesia liveaboard package for the discriminating diver who wants to see everything. It is a life-changing tour that uncovers the deepest mysteries of Indonesia’s richest seas.
More About Mari DiveDives: Approximately 33 dives in total
Experience: Open Water – 30 minimum logged dives required.
Marine Life: At least 75 percent of all coral species can be found in Raja Ampat, divers can expect a range of topography from soft corals and sea fans, to hard corals, seagrass beds, mangroves, shallow reefs, deep drop-offs, caves, black sand, and white sand. Giant manta rays, sea turtles, sharks, cuttlefish, pipefish, various seahorse species, and massive schools of reef fish are the norm, plus the delightful wobbegong sharks and epaulet sharks inhabit these waters too.
Your flight will arrive in Sorong.
If possible we offer 3-4 dives daily. When crossing only 1-2 dives a day can be scheduled. (We reserve the right to change the itinerary or specific agreed services, if force majeure, unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances require us to do so.)
Some of the destinations:
Misool, formerly spelled Mysol (Dutch: Misoöl), is one of the four major islands in the Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua. The inhabitants speak the Biga language and Matbat language, as well as Indonesian. The reason the reefs in the southeast of Misool are so incredibly rich is their relative location to the deep waters of the Ceram Trough and the upwelling of nutrients created as the Indonesian Throughflow makes its way south to the Banda Sea.
Koon Island: Small Island, located in the district of South East Seram The name of the dive site says it all: “Too many fishes”. With the right current, the diving could be unforgettable, with millions of fish, schooling jacks, barracudas, and sharks.
Banda Neira: Once known as the Spice Islands, the condition and health of the coral reefs are breathtaking. Isolated from the rest of Central Maluku, the 10 little volcanic islands that make up the Banda archipelago is the most wanted tourist destination in the whole of Maluku. Fortunately, these pretty little islets remain somewhat time-consuming to reach which keeps the crowds away. Obligated stop for a cultural tour: the fort, the governor’s house, the church, nutmeg plantations, the chance to have a beer on land with the locals… Diving: both Pulau Run and Pulau Ai have pristine clear waters, lovely walls, and good fish life; we might go a bit deeper in search of more hammerheads, big fish can be seen here as well, napoleons, schools of black snappers, bump heads, etc.
Nusa Laut: Nusa Laut is the most easterly of the Lease group and about 80 km from Ambon, so, in reality, it’s probably only possible to dive into the sites there from life aboard. The diving around Nusa Laut was pioneered by Eddie Frommenweiler and the late Larry Smith, who between them opened up much of the diving in Eastern Indonesia. The reef is as it was hundreds of years ago. The locals have protected it and now it is an outstanding diving site, many people’s favorite dive. With a bit of luck In the shallow bay of Paperu, it is possible to spot a dugong in the seagrass. On Nusa Laut, there are a few old forts and colonial buildings.
Ambon is the capital of Maluku Province and its main town, Kota Ambon is the largest and most developed in the region. In the 17th century when the spice trade was at its peak and the Dutch monopoly on cloves its strongest, they made Kota Ambon their base in the Moluccas because of its superb natural harbor, and the town was known as the “Queen of the East”.While it is still possible to find the odd legacy of those days, most of the Dutch colonial-era buildings were destroyed during the WWII battle for Ambon between the Allied forces and the Japanese.
Final day of diving – our trip ends at Ambon.
Check out after breakfast or lunch, depending on your return flight time. We say goodbye to our guests and wish them farewell. The MARI crew will organize the transfer to the Airport and assist at check-in for onward flights.
Included: VAT, Environment Tax, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Welcome Cocktails, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear, Snorkeling Guide, Beach Towels, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Deck Towels, WiFi internet.
Required Extras: Fuel Surcharge (75-230 EUR), National Park Fees (140 EUR per trip).
Optional Extras: Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Nitrox (5 EUR per activity), Rental Gear.
Raja Ampat Ultimate
30 Dives
Certificate: Open Water
30 minimum logged dives required
Triton Bay, Raja Ampat
33 Dives
Certificate: Open Water
30 minimum logged dives required
Raja Ampat (Misool)
27 Dives
Certificate: Open Water
30 minimum logged dives required
Raja Ampat, Ambon, Banda Island
33 Dives
Certificate: Open Water
30 minimum logged dives required
Raja Ampat
29 dives
Certificate: Open Water
10 minimum logged dives required
Banda, Forgotten Island, Alor
30 dives
Certificate: Open Water
50 minimum logged dives required
It was astonishing how many different kinds of aquatic life there were, such sharks, manta rays, fish, sea turtles, and more! Both the crew and the other guests may be more attentive of the marine environment when they go diving. The cuisine was great and the boat was wonderful. Great experience overall!
