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 always, Raja Ampat exhibited the remarkable diversity of hard and soft coral reefs that attract divers from around the globe. Yet this trip it was Mangrove Ridge that truly captivated me. These saltwater mangroves harbour a magnificent reef and serve as the habitat for the mesmerizing Broadclub Cuttlefish.

Numerous cuttlefish gracefully manoeuvred through the tangle of roots, displaying their captivating colours. One cuttlefish approached my camera, seemingly intrigued by its own reflection in my wide-angle dome, affording me the opportunity to capture footage of it gliding through the shallows with the mangroves mirrored in the ripples above.

Continuing through the Banda Sea, we made a stop at the volcanic island of Manuk, where countless sea kraits thrive among the colossal barrel sponges and hard corals. Watching these snakes rise for a breath in the crashing waves overhead before plunging back into the depths is an experience unlike any other.

For many divers, the highlight of this crossing was the close encounters with both reef manta rays and the more elusive oceanic mantas. These majestic giants gracefully circled us during entire dives, swimming alongside divers and maintaining eye contact, leaving us with so many unforgettable moments crammed into 11 exhilarating days of diving.

John Roney

Mermaid I
Raja Ampat-Banda Sea-Ambon
April 04 to 15, 2024