Anticipation was high for one of the most awaited trips of the year, and it surpassed expectations by offering much more than just encounters with walls of Hammerhead sharks. The expedition unfolded as an extraordinary adventure spanning from Maumere to Ambon, weaving through Alor and the Bandas, tracing the path known as The Ring of Fire.
Over 12 days, this journey covered an impressive 800 nautical miles, showcasing a plethora of biodiversity amidst a backdrop of pure action. From steep drop-offs to untouched pristine reef walls, black sands, and the dramatic volcanic scenery above the water, every moment was a visual feast.
The undisputed highlight of this expedition was the Hammerhead sharks, and the experience exceeded all expectations. The Banda Sea, at this particular time of the year, was teeming with these majestic creatures, offering an unprecedented five days of continuous Hammerhead encounters. Whether it was single individuals, small groups in the shallows, or large walls in deeper waters, the Hammerheads seemed to be omnipresent.
Just when the awe of the Hammerhead spectacle reached its peak, nature presented another marvel – Blue Whales emerged from the depths. Migrating in tandem with the Mermaid I, these unbelievable-sized animals surfaced right next to the vessel, leaving everyone speechless.
As the journey reached its final destination in Ambon, the adventure continued with more muck dives. A beautiful Rhynopias, adorned in vibrant colors, graced the sea floor – a fitting conclusion to an incredible journey. Each dive, each encounter, added layers to the richness of this expedition, making it a complete and unforgettable experience for all fortunate enough to be part of this maritime odyssey.
More About Mermaid IIDives: Approximately 34 dives in total
Experience: Open Water – No minimum logged dives required.
Day 1
Check-in on board Mermaid II. We recommend all guests to arrive the day before the cruise departure. After all the guests have settle into the cabins and set up the diving equipment, we will start crossing overnight to our first destination at Kawula Island, 90 nautical miles.
Day 2
Dive Cape Bacatan and Lewaling Bay at the island of Kawula. Three dives along walls and ledges covered in sea fans and soft corals – chance for pygmy seahorse and critters here as well.
Cape Bacatan is a good place to spot whitetips, blacktips and occasionally, grey reef sharks. Also a popular spot for eagle rays and Napoleon wrasse with loads of schooling fish. A great muck night dive will be done in front of a traditional fishing village. Cruise overnight to Alor, 70 nautical miles.
Day 3
Alor is a favourite dive spot for divers coming to dive Indonesia year after year due to its variety of dive sites. Healthy reefs, pinnacles, walls, great muck dives, cold water, warm water, strong currents and protected areas. Alor has it all. Cruise overnight to Wetar, 95 nautical miles.
Day 4
In Wetar you will dive at the small island of Reong and at Cape Nunukae.
Pulau Reong is a small island on the northwest coast of Wetar and separated by a small channel only 700 metres wide. More walls, like many of the dive sites in the Banda Sea, covered in small soft corals but of a great variety of colours, with zillions of triggerfish of every species.
Cape Nunukae, about 6 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Reong, is a large ridge with slopes on both sides, covered with a hard coral reef on the shallow area of the ridge, with soft corals on the slopes in the deeper areas. There can be strong currents at the end of the ridge, where large aggregations of schooling fish can be found. Cruise overnight to the Damar Islands, 150 nautical miles.
Day 5
Today you will dive several small islands – Neus Leur, Terbang Seletan and Terbang Utara. The island of Damar and its three surrounding small islands have spectacular diving. Like many dives in the Banda Sea, there is crystal clear water and beautiful walls covered in massive sponges and beautiful soft corals. Cruise a few hours to Nila, 90 nautical miles.
Day 6
Surrounding Nila Island there are two atolls, Dusborgh and Nil Desperandum. It’s at these two atolls that there is a good chance of seeing hammerhead sharks. Even without the hammerheads, the reefs are fabulous, with healthy walls and big schools of fish. Cruise to Serua Island, 20 nautical miles.
Day 7
Serua Island is probably one of the most emblematic spots in the Banda Sea to see schooling hammerhead sharks. Also an amazing side to see schooling fish such as big eye trevallies, pinjalo snappers and others. Cruise to Manuk, 55 nautical miles.
Day 8
Manuk, also known as the Snake Volcano. Don’t need to be afraid! The site also offers a black sand reef dive with loads of fish and pretty hard and soft corals. We will spend the whole day her doing four day dives, then travelling to the Banda Islands, 60 nautical miles.
Day 9-10
Banda Islands for the next 2 days! Walls, swim throughs, sponges and sea fans – good diving and great for wide angle. Several sites have swim throughs large enough for several people to go through at the same time and is especially nice for wide angle shots, as they are covered in soft corals and sponges.
Dive sites in the Banda Islands drop down thousands of metres, offering spectacular walls and stunning reef tops, with visibility usually in the 40-50 metre range.
The sunset dive is at the pier in front of an old colonial hotel! Black sand and volcanic rock with an unusual amount of large and not shy mandarin fish – also great for critters.
For the second day here, in addition to great diving, you will go on land for an excursion on the island of Banda Neira visiting the local museum, Dutch fort, nutmeg plantation and local market. You will even get to have breakfast at the nutmeg plantation! Cruise overnight to Nusa Laut, 75 nautical miles or Ambon, 110 nautical miles.
Day 11
Today you will either do two dives at Nusa Laut – healthy reefs, chance for dugong…or onto Ambon for some fabulous muck dives with critters galore. This area is known for many rare and unusual species including the psychedelic frogfish and Ambon scorpion fish.
Day 12
Disembark at 8 am. Mermaid II staff will transfer you to the airport or hotel.
Day 1
Check-in on board Mermaid II. Once all guests are on board a safety briefing will be given. If all the guests are on board by 12.00 hours, you have the chance to do two extra dives at Ambon Bay in some fabulous muck dives with critters galore. This area is known for many rare and unusual species including the psychedelic frogfish and Rhinopias.
Day 2
Ambon for some fabulous muck dives with critters galore – this area is known for many rare and unusual species including the psychedelic frogfish and Ambon scorpion fish. Cruising overnight to the Banda Islands, 110 nautical miles.
Day 3-4
The next two days will be spent in the Banda Islands, formerly known as the Spice Islands. Many of the dive sites around the Banda islands are wall dives. The walls are covered in massive gorgonians, soft corals, barrel sponges and have some very interesting swim throughs. But there are other attractive dive sites such as pinnacles with enormous groups of schooling pyramid butterflyfish, triggerfish and pelagic fishes such as tunas passing through, spectacular hard coral reefs next to the volcano, and great muck dives with lots of mandarin fish at the local jetty.
The Banda Islands are much more than diving. It is also a cultural and historical experience. You will spend one morning walking around the village of Banda Neira the main island, with a local guide, visiting the local museum, the old Dutch fort, the old colonial governor’s house, the local fish market and a nutmeg plantation, where you will have breakfast. Cruising overnight to Manuk Volcano, 50 nautical miles.
Day 5
Manuk, also known as the Snake Volcano. Don’t need to be afraid! The site also offers a black sand reef dive with loads of fish and pretty hard and soft corals. We will spend the whole day here doing four day dives. Cruise to Serua Island, 55 nautical miles.
Day 6
Serua Island is probably one of the most emblematic spots in the Banda Sea to see schooling hammerhead sharks. Also an amazing site to see schooling fish such as big eye trevallies, pinjalo snappers and others. Cruise to Nila Island, 20 nautical miles.
Day 7
Surrounding Nila Island there are two atolls, Dusborgh and Nil Desperandum. It’s at these two atolls that there is a good chance of seeing hammerhead sharks. Even without the hammerheads, the reefs are fabulous, with healthy walls and 50+ metre visibility. Cruise overnight to Damar, 90 nautical miles.
Day 8
Today you will dive several small islands – Neus Leur, Terbang Seletan and Terbang Utara. The island of Damar and its three surrounding small islands have spectacular diving. Like many dives in the Banda Sea, there is crystal clear water and beautiful walls covered in massive sponges and beautiful soft corals. Cruise to Wetar Island, 150 nautical miles.
Day 9
In Wetar you will dive at the small island of Reong and at Cape Nunukae.
Pulau Reong is a small island on the northwest coast of Wetar and separated by a small channel only 700 metres wide. More walls, like many of the dive sites in the Banda Sea, covered in small soft corals but of a great variety of colours, with zillions of triggerfish of every species.
Cape Nunukae, about 6 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Reong, is a large ridge with slopes on both sides, covered with a hard coral reef on the shallow area of the ridge, with soft corals on the slopes in the deeper areas. There can be strong currents at the end of the ridge, where large aggregations of schooling fish can be found. Cruise overnight to Alor, 95 nautical miles.
Day 10
Alor is a favourite dive spot for divers coming to dive Indonesia year after year due to its variety of dive sites. Healthy reefs, pinnacles, walls, great muck dives, cold water, warm water, strong currents and protected areas. Alor has it all. Cruise overnight to Kawula Island (90nm) or Serbete Island (120 nm).
Day 11
You will do two dives today at Kawula Island (90 nm to Maumere) or Serbete Island (60 nm to Maumere).
Day 12
Disembark at 8.00 am after breakfast. Mermaid II staff will transfer you to the airport or hotel.
Included: VAT, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Cabin Towels, Deck Towels, WiFi internet.
Required Extras: Fuel Surcharge (160-320 EUR per trip), National Park Fees (200-275 EUR per trip).
Optional Extras: Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages, Nitrox, Nitrox Course (175 EUR), Private Dive Guide, Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses (75-250 EUR).
Raja Ampat
29 Dives
Certificate: Open Water
No minimum logged dives
Bali, Sumbawa, Komodo Island
26 Dives
Certificate: Open Water
No minimum logged dives
Maumere, Alor, Banda Island, Ambon
34 Dives
Certificate: Open Water
No minimum logged dives
Alor, Maumere
27 Dives
Certificate: Open Water
No minimum logged dives
Komodo Island
21 dives
Certificate: Open Water
20 minimum logged dives required
Komodo Island
30 dives
Certificate: Open Water
20 minimum logged dives required
