O2 Tours & dive
Ambon – Ambon 9D/8N
Day 1: Ambon Bay
You will be met at Ambon airport by the yacht’s crew and transferred to the harbour. After a refreshing welcome drink, introduction of a detailed itinerary and settling into cabins, your Phinisi will then set course for the heart of the blue Banda Sea. One or two dives might be scheduled depending on time, including check dive. (maybe night dives)
Known for Muck Diving, there are some world-class macro dive sites in the bay. Macro ecology here is diverse due to active volcanoes nearby. Please look out for hidden psychedelic frogfish and watch out for the highly poisonous blue-ringed octopus. In addition, there are Harlequin Shrimp, Hairy Frogfish , Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Seahorses, which are loved by macro photographers. If you are lucky, you can spot Ambon scorpionfish and Rhinopia Frondosa, two stars of the ocean.
Day 2: Nusa Laut
After a day’s journey, we came to the east coast of Ambon, where there are more than 20 various dive sites such as cliffs, drifts, and holes. In addition to seeing large fans, reef sharks, and Napoleons, there are white tips and grey reef sharks patrolling the depths and playful turtles can be spotted as well.
Day 3：Banda Neira
After Gunung Api’s eruption in 1988, volcanic lava flowed into the sea, covering and destroying existing underwater corals, but you will still be stunned by the rapidly-recovered hard coral here. In the evening we will dive at dusk to try and spot some romantic mandarin fish, frogfish, seahorse, razorfish and Octopus.
Another highlight of the Banda Sea journey is an active volcano. Diving here, you will traverse the lava seabed densely covered by coral, spot large pelagic species, accompanied by hundreds of sea snakes. Isn’t it exciting!
Dive sites: Pohon Miring, Lava Flow, Mandarin dive
Day 4-5：Manuk（ Ring of Fire ）
Arriving in the Ring of Fire, we have officially entered the area with the greatest chance of seeing hammerhead sharks, which is another highlight of the Banda Sea itinerary. Manuk, an active volcano about 55 nautical miles south of the Banda Islands, is one of two places in Indonesia where there are huge aggregations of sea snakes: Chinese sea snakes and banded sea kraits. It is an incredible experience to dive surrounded on all sides by sea snakes with chances to spot Hammerheads, mobula rays and eagle rays.
Day 6-7: Nil Desperandum（ Ring of Fire ）
Still cruising the Ring of Fire, South Banda Sea and Forgotten Islands. Nil Desperandum means “don’t despair” possibly referring to a ship wrecked here centuries ago. A big atoll with a very steep drop off, hides the most spectacular essence of the whole trip. Schooling sharks have been spotted in the deep here with a chance to see hammerhead, silky and grey reef sharks.
Day 8: Banda Neira
We will spend 2 dives in the morning to continue looking for hammerhead sharks. Worth mentioning on this trip is the visit to Banda Archipelago, the birthplace of spices. No one should miss a land excursion of the historical Banda Neira, where you can enjoy the art work and many antiquities from the era of spice trade. We’ll visit an ancient nutmeg plantation, where you’ll have the chance to experience how this prestigious spice shines in dishes. Know that in the long dark European Middle Ages, it was rumored to be the cure for the plague.
After the visit, we set sail and start our trip back to Ambon.
Day 9: Ambon
After a delicious breakfast, your Banda Sea journey is coming to an end. O2 staff will escort you to the airport according to your flight time.
Information compiled here is based on past trips we have conducted. Weather and sea conditions in the area can be unpredictable, and O2 retains the right to alter an itinerary from advice of the ship’s captain, cruise director, or owner for the safety of the vessel, its passenger and crew.
Price
450 USD/person/night
The boat price includes:
— All meals during the ship (breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments)
— Contains soft drinks, purified water, tea, coffee, chocolate and other hot drinks
— Up to 4 dives per day
— Free Nitrox
— Free laundry service
— Cylinders, weights and belts
— Water Activities
— Airport transfers
Does not include:
— National park and pier fee 180 USD per person
— Alcoholic beverages
— International and Indonesian domestic air tickets
— Other diving equipment rental
— diving courses
— Tipping (recommended $20 per person/day)
— Massage $15/time
— Everything else is not included in the cost of the project
Kind reminder:
–All additional fees (excluding park tax) will be paid in cash on board
–Must present a valid insurance contract before boarding
–Please bring a valid diving certificate (electronic version is also available)
–Please consciously abide by the relevant diving guidelines, and abide by local laws and regulations
For equipment rental, please consult in advance, make an appointment and prepay.
