MALUKU-BANDA-RAJA AMPAT

12 Days/11 Nights Sorong – Ambon Cruise Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation in Sorong

Raja Ampat means ‘Four Kings’. In an archipelago of over 1,500 small islands, there are four main islands or ‘kings’—Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta, and Misool. The majority of Raja Ampat is in Marine Protected Areas. These islands usually experience varying visibility depending on the weather conditions and warm water around 27-30C (81-86F).

Day 2: Dampier Strait (4 dives)

The strait that flows between Waigeo and Batanta is rapidly becoming known for excellent diving due to nutrient-rich ocean currents. Highlights include Cape Kri, holding the record of 374 fish species identified in one 90-minute dive, and Blue Magic, where divers have a chance to encounter Giant manta rays. Sardine Reef features massive schools of fusiliers, trevallies, sweetlips, and bannerfish. Sawandarek Jetty offers encounters with sweetlips, big-eyed jacks, and giant turtles among vibrant corals. Between dives, we visit the Sawandarek village, where guests can experience local culture.

Day 3: Penemu (2 dives)

We travel to Penemu, home to the renowned Melissa’s Garden, featuring healthy hard coral reefs and abundant schooling fish. Other notable dive sites include Penemu Wall and My Reef. After the dives, we visit Penemu’s viewpoint for panoramic views of islands and blue lagoons before heading south to Misool.

Days 4-6: Misool, Raja Ampat (10-11 dives)

Misool, in southern Raja Ampat, is known for its lush soft corals, sea fans, and diverse marine life. We will explore various areas such as:

Boo Area: Famous for Boo Windows, circular openings piercing a reef, and Boo Ridge, covered in sea fans.

Fiabecet Area: Rich in soft corals, this area offers sites like Batu Kecil (Tank Rock), Nudi Rock, and Kalig Ridge.

Wayilbatan Area: Includes Neptune Fan Sea, a drift dive along a wall covered in large gorgonian fans.

Daram Area: Features Andiamo, known for its sea fans and batfish, and Candy Store, named for its explosion of colors.

Day 7: Koon Island (2 dives)

Koon Island’s “Too Many Fish” dive site is a must-visit, featuring massive schools of black snappers, batfish, barracudas, and fusiliers. The reef transitions from white sandy patches to a steep wall where divers can spot large groupers, sharks, or even an eagle ray.

Day 8: Banda Islands (4 dives)

The Banda Islands, once central to the global spice trade, offer stunning diving with clear waters and vibrant marine life. Possible dive sites include:

Karang Hata: A large atoll with steep walls, massive barrel sponges, and a chance to see hammerhead sharks.

Hata Island: Features steep walls and excellent visibility, ideal for spotting hawksbill turtles and scorpionfish.

Batu Kapal: A pinnacle dive site teeming with Napoleon wrasses and massive gorgonian fans.

Lava Flow: A thriving coral reef that emerged from a volcanic eruption in 1988.

Day 9: Banda Neira Tour / Banda Islands (2 dives)

In the morning, we explore the historic town of Banda Neira, including Fort Belgica and a traditional nutmeg plantation where guests can sample nutmeg and cinnamon treats. Afterward, we do two more dives in the Banda Islands before cruising towards Ambon.

Days 10-11: Ambon Bay (5-6 dives)

Ambon Bay is a haven for macro enthusiasts, with an abundance of rare critters such as psychedelic frogfish, Rhinopias scorpionfish, ornate ghost pipefish, and various nudibranchs. Sites include:

Twilight Zone: A world-class muck diving site with wunderpus, mimic octopus, and zebra crabs.

Laha: Known for ghost pipefish, frogfish, and juvenile Rhinopias.

On the last full day, there will be one or two dives depending on flight schedules for the following day.

Day 12 Disembarkation in Ambon

Total dives: 32-33 dives