16 Days Across 5 Seas: Raja Ampat to Alor – An Epic 1000-Mile Dive Adventure”
This super special trip took us from Raja Ampat, through the vast Banda Sea and the Forgotten Islands, all the way to Alor and Maumere over the course of 16 days and over a 1000 nautical miles of navigation across 5 different seas.
We started our journey on a high note in Raja Ampat with pleasant weather and good visibility, picturesque landscapes above and mesmerizing coral reefs teeming with marine life down below. Dramatic rocky limestone topography decorated with soft corals and sea fans, where Mermaid’s eagle eyed dive guides found the first of our Pygmy Seahorses. Massive school of Ribboned and Oriental Sweetlips huddled together near the bottom, while Wobbegong Sharks lurked under some coral bommies waiting for the perfect moment to ambush their prey. Some lucky guests also encountered a couple of Reef Manta Rays and the elusive Walking Shark endemic to this area
On our way to the Banda Sea, we did a quick stop at the island of Koon, at the eastern tip of Seram. This tiny island paradise is home to lots of schooling fishes. Massive school of batfish, pompanos, snappers and groupers just to name a few. A lucky guest also had a brief close encounter with a Marlin!
Moving on to the Banda Sea, diving along the chain of volcanic remote islands scattered across the vast Banda Sea, we were blessed with great visibility with gin-clear blue waters allowing sunlight to shine through and illuminated the spectacular walls full of sea fans, large hard coral formations as far the eye could see, dramatic overhangs and massive barrel sponges. One particular remote volcanic island called Manuk is home to a large population of sea snakes. It’s not rare to see more than a dozen of these beautiful marine reptiles hunting together alongside Bluefin Trevallies
Taking a break from diving, we sailed to the historic islands of Banda Neira, the world’s original spice islands, where guests were introduced to the rich history of the island, walking through the town, the famous Fort Belgica, a 17th century Dutch fort, and a nutmeg plantation
After the Banda Sea, we pulled the anchor and set course towards Alor. We were delighted by the amazing diversity this region had to offer. From rich coral reefs dazzling with Anthias dancing in the currents to some world class muck diving, with a wide array of critters to find. While the local children put on a show, paddling their little boats to greet us.
Before landing in Maumere, we concluded our superlative trip by diving in the Bacatan Area, just east of Flores, with pleasant currents, good visibility, beautiful walls and ridges with a plethora of marine life to discover
– Christopher Pen
Mermaid II
Apr 17 to May 02, 2025