Banda & Forgotten Islands
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Banda & Forgotten Islands 11 Days / 10 Nights
Don’t let the name fool you – cruising this long chain of islands, atolls and active volcanoes promises to be unforgettable. Each island is isolated and home to a unique marine environment where various species thrive in large numbers, from sea birds to schooling fish or even hammerhead sharks. Beyond being an absolutely exceptional destination for diving, the Banda Islands boast a rich history at the heart of the spice trade. For centuries, they were coveted by countless European countries as the sole producer of nutmeg. Dive into the past as you explore the spice plantations, Dutch fortresses and local villages.
Our liveaboard route includes long stretches of open sea and is therefore very weather-dependent. The best conditions are usually found in September, October & November, and April & May.
Day 1
Saumlaki
Day 2
Dawera
Day 3
Dai
Day 4
Desperandum
Day 5
Serua
Day 6
Manuk
Day 7
Hatta
Day 8-9
Banda Islands
Day 10
Saparua
Day 11
Ambon
1
Welcome Aboard
We’ll collect you in style at your hotel or Saumlaki airport, the capital of Tanimbar Island, where the Banda Sea liveaboard begins. It’s anchors aweigh and we’re off to to the shores of a nearby atoll, where you can have your first dip in the sea. In the afternoon, you can either go for an easy check dive or go snorkeling around massive table corals, followed by an evening drink while cruising north.
Dawera
We’ll reach the Forgotten Islands where you can immerse yourself in the unique environment – beautiful beaches and thriving coral reefs that host a wonderful diversity of marine life. You’ll finish the day in the picturesque village of Welora, where you can get a glimpse into the local culture and dances while savouring the local food and sipping the strong coconut liquor!
2
3
Dai
You’ll get to meet the local people of Dai Island who live in tiny villages nestled in between deep waters and high cliffs. Next, you’ll plunge into the fringing reefs where you can see huge schools of fish gathering, sometimes even hammerhead sharks. This is an island of extremes: from the landscapes to the shimmering waters, from the rich biodiversity to the strong local cultural traditions. Dai is sure to remain engraved in your memory for a long time to come…
Desperandum
Nil Desperandum reef is a tiny speck of coral in the middle of the Banda Sea with incredible hard coral formations and resident hammerhead sharks rising from the depths, much to the delight of divers lucky enough to see them. You’ll get to spend a full day here gazing in awe upon the shoals of big fish swimming past, including tuna and Spanish mackerel.
4
5
Serua
Serua Island is located right at the heart of the Ring of Fire. It is an active volcano, home to only one small village, with which we have built a strong connection. In this village, perhaps the most isolated in all of Indonesia, various spices are cultivated, such as cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg and the villagers live a very simple life, surrounded by the deep vast sea. You’ll explore both the village and its amazing house reefs, teeming with big fish.
Manuk
Manuk rises from a depth of 7000m to just 200m above sea level, and is the epitome of our Banda Sea liveaboard. Dozens of sea bird colonies patrol the skies above this very active volcano, thanks to which there are breathtaking lava flows to explore underwater. You’ll get to see sea snakes swimming gracefully around massive sponges, and perhaps even dolphins, hammerhead sharks and huge tunas.
6
7
Hatta
Welcome to the easternmost Spice Island. While relatively flat above the water with stunning beaches, the underwater landscape features endless vertical walls. The marine life boasts astonishing diversity, from green turtles to eagle rays, from reef sharks to rare scorpion fishes – it is a delight for both divers and snorkelers, who can let themselves drift along effortlessly with the current.
Banda Islands
We’ll enter the natural harbor of the Banda Islands where you can discover the rich history of the Spice Islands by visiting the 17th-century Dutch fortress and nutmeg plantations. Then you can go for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Batu Kapal and Soangi Island. You’ll definitely need two days to explore this magical place.
8-9
10
Saparua
You’ll wake up in front of Pombo Boi, a tiny rock with palm trees, surrounded by a superb coral reef teeming with strange, tiny creatures – heaven for underwater photographers and snorkelers. We’ll then head to Molana Island to enjoy its pristine white sandy beaches and some easy dives to finish off a beautiful trip!
Ambon
We will cruise to Ambon, the capital of the Maluku region, where we’ll savour our last hearty breakfast and check out before noon. After sharing photos and farewells, our crew will arrange your transfer to your hotel or airport so you can return home with memories that will last a lifetime.