Biodiversity - Trip Reports

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 […]

Biodiversity Super Crossing

This April, the Mermaid II embarked on an epic 16 day crossing from the stunning islands of Raja Ampat, through Alor and the Banda Sea and finally landing in Maumere. The tour started exploring the vibrant hard and soft coral reefs of Raja Ampat, with multiple Manta Ray encounters, nighttime sightings of the rare endemic […]

There’s a reason we call this itinerary Super Special.

Biodiversity Super Special 2022 Nov 17 – Dec 02, 2022. One of the main reasons I have come back to Indonesia was to be part of this extraordinary 16 day trip! Nearly 50 dives between 5 different seas on a stretch from Flores Island, Alor, the Banda Islands and Raja Ampat! 1200 nautical miles may […]

The Ring of Fire Continued

12 Days Diving Cruise Ambon-Banda Sea–Alor-Maumere on MV Mermaid I. Sep 29t – Oct 10th, 2022 Check out the trip itinerary here: https://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com/itineraries/ring-of-fire/ Returning from Ambon to Maumere, on another incredible journey through the Forgotten islands and one of my favourite places, Alor! Let’s talk about Alor, located on the east of Flores Island, this […]

The Ring of Fire (2022)

12 Days Diving Cruise Maumere-Alor-Banda Sea-Ambon on MV Mermaid I. September 17 – 28, 2022 Check out the trip itinerary here: https://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com/itineraries/ring-of-fire/ “If you are the type of diver that wishes to see the most diverse marine animals in a single trip, then the crossing trips are for you! 30+ dives from Maumere to Ambon […]

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, […]

From Raja Ampat reefs to Ambon’s muck diving

Over 700 miles, 3 different seas, 10 days of diving, from Raja Ampat via the Banda Sea to Ambon! Raja treats us with schooling fish life, swimming Wobbegongs and tons of Pygmy Seahorses. My personal highlight is our last dive in Misool, at Magic Mountain: at least 5 different Oceanic Mantas keep circling us for […]

Biodiversity Super Special: The perfect crossing

When a trip just takes your breath away… it must have been because it was the perfect Crossing! The Biodiversity Super Special is the highlight of the year and for a good reason: over 1,200 nautical miles from Maumere via Alor, the Forgotten Islands in the Banda Sea all the way up to Raja Ampat. […]

Pure Biodiversity in our crossing from Maumere to Raja Ampat

When you venture across the big blue sea there is no knowing what you may find. Adventure is truly around the corner on Mermaid 1 with the annual crossing from Maumere, through Alor and the Banda sea, to Raja Ampat. There is a reason why we have named this voyage the Biodiversity Super Special. Whales […]