BANDA SEA 12 NIGHTS
AMBON - MAUMERE
Come and discover the fabulous Banda sea, offering one of the most extraordinary diversity of fish and invertebrate species in the world.
12 nights itinerary, going through Ambon, Nusa Laut, Banda Islands, Manuk Serua, Damar, Alor & East Flores.
Route is subject to weather conditions and can be modified.
Best period : From March to May & October to November
Program
Day 1 : Ambon
Our staff will pick you up at the airport for immediate boarding Depending on the arrival time, we might do the check dive around Laha or Tulehu Bay and maybe even a night dive.
Laha or Tuleu Bay: area known for its fabulous muck dives, probably among the best in the world for the macro dive. Only the Lembeh Strait in Indonesia can compete.
Day 2: Nusa Laut
South of Seram, fantastic diving experiences on the reefs of Nusa Laut. These rather picturesque islands of Maluku are popular dive destinations due to their diversity of reef fish species, ghost pipefish, frogfish and the variety of well-preserved hard corals.
Flash News: we have seen sperm whales in the area on previous trips, so keep your eyes wide open.
Day 3: Banda Islands, outer reefs
You will now arrive at the northern end of the outer reefs of the Banda Sea: Pulau Suanggi. The waters here are full of fish, reef sharks and tuna. As a small bonus for bird lovers, many species can be observed around the island: brown boobies, red-footed boobies and frigate birds. We will do 2 dives, and after head to banda neira island to enjoy a magnifecent night dive inside its small harbour
Day 4: Banda Island
In the morning We will make a land excursion in this spices paradise to visit and learn more about the incredible history of this beautiful island. After that we will head to Pulau hatta / Karang hatta: We will dive both sloping reefs and vertical walls. The current attracts many fish: fusiliers, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, barracudas and sometimes sharks. On the reef: soft corals, leather corals, big eye trevallies and turtles.
Day 5: Manuk, Snake Island
Manuk, the ‘Snake Island’, a volcanic island with lower interest on land. It takes its nickname from the large amount of sea snakes found there. You will surely see a lot! The drop-offs here are amazing and sharks, mackerels, tunas and barracudas are often observed.
Day 6: Serua / Nil Desperambum
Serua Island and Nil Desperandum (‘no despair’) takes its name from a ship, stranded on the reef. This are the hot spots to come across hammerhead sharks if you are lucky enough
Day 7: Damar
Terbang Utara / Terbang Selatan, two small islands located south of Damar. Usually, we can expect easy but very fast drifts along marvellous coral drop-offs.
Nuss Leur: several pinnacles with all the colourful life of coral reefs.
Day 8: Reong & Wetar, last step of the Banda Sea
Wetar is a large island north of Timor. Untouched landscapes with lush vegetation, the dives are not to be missed. Stunning drop-offs and pelagic life are waiting for you.
Reong Island: white sand beaches and turquoise water. Steep walls are all around the south side of this little island. Covered in soft corals and gorgeous table corals, these reefs attract a big number of reef fish. Overhangs and small caves make the dive exciting and interesting
Day 9 to 11: Alor Strait
Nusa Tenggara area, Timor. An incredibly rich biodiversity on land and underwater. The place offers all types of dives, from superb muck dives to magnificent drop-offs with sweeping currents.
Pulau Pura and Pulau Ternate: clear and warm water with nice coral gardens and a huge marine wildlife. Superb macro to observe, especially the shy mandarin fish. An unusual and excellent bonus of diving here is the possibility of spotting pilot whales and dolphins from the surface.
We will take you on a land excursion to see a forgotten tribe in a local village. An unforgettable cultural experience!
Day 12: East Flores
Tanjung Gedong: northeast Flores. The reef slopes down into a sandy area with large coral heads. The beautiful deep sections are decorated with soft corals and large table corals. Reef sharks, groupers and other encounters are to be expected.
We will cruise to Maumere in the afternoon.
Day 13: Maumere
After a nice breakfast on board, our Aurora crew will organize, according to your flight schedules, your transfer to the airport of Maumere.
Unfortunately our trip will arrive at an end and we have to say goodbye but we hope to see you again on board.
Itinerary
Practical Info
PRICES INCLUDE
- Pick up and drop off (before and after the cruise) from the nearest airport to Aurora
- Accommodation in a double-bed or twin-bed cabin with en-suite bathroom, toilet and AC
- Meals and all soft drinks on board (excluding beer, spirits, wine, espresso coffee)
- 30 dives (inluding night dives), according to weather conditions and flights schedules
- 12L Tank, belt, weights and diving guide
- Nitrox. As a service offered by Dune, Nitrox can’t be subject to any complaint or refund in case of a possible failure or malfunctioning of the compressor
- Multilingual guides on board (French, English, Indonesian),
- Land excursions, according to the diving cruise itinerary,
- Marine park fees, Taxes, Village’s Contributions and Port Clearance*
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE
- Scuba diving courses
- Rental diving equipment
- Dive insurance (mandatory – possibility to buy on board)
- 15L Tank
- Extra excursion requested
- Beer, wine and spirits, Expresso coffee
- Souvenirs, laundry, use of satellite phone
- Tips on board (for crew): 15 USD minimum / person / day – to be paid in cash
- Port Fee: 150$ per trip per person
