Ambon creatures and Raja Ampat Reefs, dream destinations

We welcomed our much loved Dive India group back on Mermaid II and with great conditions in Ambon the trip was of to a fantastic start.  The first two days was spent searching for critters amongst the rubble substrates and steep sloping banks. The eagle eyed guides spotted countless rare and magical creatures such as, warty frogfish, Rhynopious,  Sea horses and a whole array of Nudibranch.

After our critter cravings were satiated we set sail for Banda Neira where we docked for the night and spent the following morning learning of the interesting history of the Banda Islands, also known as the spice islands due to it’s history with the lucrative spice trade. Back at the boat we dawned Scuba gear for another underwater adventure and this time in search of the spawning Mandarin fish, which we were fortunate enough to get a full display of.

Pulling up anchor and setting course for Misool we made a quick stop at Koon and dived the famous Two many fish reef, which more than lived up to its name, before making the long over-night crossing and waking up to a paradise like no other… Misool.  This area of Raja Ampat is one of the most well protected Marine areas in the world and it’s easy to see when diving. The abundance of marine life is incredible, from the tiniest pygmy sea horses to the huge majestic manta rays we seen it all on this trip.

Last but not least on our itinerary was the Dampier Strait area of Raja Ampat which of course provided a spectacular display both above and below the water, from the lookouts of Piaynemo to the stunning corals in Melissa’s Garden dive site.  Another fantastic trip with Mermaid liveaboards!