Banda Sea - Trip Reports
An Ocean Safari – Raja Ampat Bird & Whale Watching
Our second whale-watching and snorkel trip with renowned cetacean scientist Dr. Charles Anderson felt like an ocean safari—an expedition filled with once-ina-lifetime marine encounters. Not long after departing Sorong on our way to Waigeo Island, a pod of pilot whales kicked off our journey on a high note. Just when we thought the first day […]
Incredible Raja Ampat
This week’s voyage in Raja Ampat onboard the Mermaid II showcased the region’s incredible biodiversity through a series of incredible encounters. From the smallest of critters, vibrant coral reefs, to schooling fish, sharks and even a couple of manta rays Spirits were high as we set sail south towards Misool, everybody was excited for what […]
Manta Magic to Macro Wonders
This adventure on mermaid 1 was jam-packed with unforgettable moments. Starting in one of the last true paradises on earth, Raja Ampat. This archipelago holds some of the best diving on our planet, stunning diverse coral reefs, mangroves, and panicles, which are home to reef sharks, giant schools of fish, both oceanic and reef manta […]
An Epic 16 Days Voyage
An epic 16-day voyage from Alor, through the Banda Sea and the Forgotten Islands and all the way to Raja Ampat, covering over 1000 nautical miles across 5 different seas. Starting off on a high note in Alor with an incredible muck dive, hunting for weird tiny critters. We were treated with Ghost Pipefishes, Frogfishes, […]
A Remarkable Ring of Fire Diving Cruise
Our Ring Of Fire trip from Ambon to Alor was remarkable. A journey through some of the most spectacular and diverse underwater environments in Indonesia. This route took us through the heart of the Banda Sea, past volcanic islands, remote coral atolls, and into the rich waters of the Alor archipelago. From extraordinary muck dives […]
The Journey Through the Ring of Fire
This trip on Mermaid 1 was filled with an abundance of fish, sharks and a huge diversity of coral. Starting off in Alor, the first dive kicked off the journey with a beautifully rare yellow weedy rhinopias and a range of cephalopods. From there, the journey through the forgotten islands to the Banda Sea, where […]
Banda Sea – A Remote Diving Paradise
In the heart of Indonesia’s vast archipelago lies the Banda Sea, a diving paradise known for its remote islands, vibrant marine life, and thrilling underwater landscapes. Our unique trip through ‘The Ring of Fire’ took us across some of the most spectacular dive sites in the region, characterized by venting volcanos, sheer walls and pristine […]
Biodiversity Crossing Ambon – Banda Sea – Raja Ampat
You never know what unique experiences you’ll have underwater on a 12-day crossing from the island of Ambon through the Banda Sea to Raja Ampat. With so many dives, from the sandy seafloor of Ambon to volcanic islands, and the stunning coral reefs of Raja Ampat, there are plenty of opportunities for rare marine life […]
Sixteen Days Biodiversity Super Special Maumere-Alor-Banda Sea-Raja Ampat Cruise
The striking silhouette of Watu Warawutun volcano stood proud against a stary black backdrop. A faint orange glow radiated from within its belly, rising through its mouth to glow softly in the night sky. Suddenly, an explosion of light and colour painted the blackness. We stare in awe as Watu Warawutun erupts, firing a fountain […]
Incredible Array of Indonesia’s Marine Biodiversity
This week’s journey from Raja Ampat, crossing through the Banda Sea to Ambon, unveiled an incredible array of Indonesia’s marine biodiversity. From the inaugural night dive off the village of Sapokren, guests had the privilege of observing rare species such as the Flamboyant Cuttlefish and the enigmatic Wunderpus hunting crustaceans on the sandy seabed. As […]