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 in Ambon to big pelagic
encounters in the Banda Sea, this trip had a variety of marine experiences that few places on
Earth can rival.

Starting in Ambon, famous for its muck diving and incredible critters. We were treated to a
macro photographer’s paradise, with hundreds of different creatures found throughout our
dives. Mantis Shrimp, Seahorse, Octopus, Cuttlefish and so much more, every nook and
cranny had some weird and wonderful resident living within.

As we moved on into the Banda Sea, our scenery changed and the alien like critters of
Ambon were replaced with pristine reefs and some much larger animals. The Banda Islands,
with their rich history as the world’s original spice islands, provided not only a cultural stop
but also some astonishing diving. With walls and slopes covered in carpets of vibrant soft and
hard corals, creating a kaleidoscope of colour and shallow top reefs forming a bustling
community of fish our dives were nothing but spectacular.

These reefs teemed with life, from schools of jacks and barracudas to turtles and reef sharks.
Yet, set off from the walls in the deep surrounding waters, we found some incredible pelagic
species. Huge Tunas patrolled the blue as Mobula Rays would occasionally pass by, but all of
this was just an appetiser for what was to come.

Hooked atop a ridge, below the surface at the Volcanic Island of Manuk, everyone waited
eagerly, anxious to see the spectacle that the Banda Sea is famous for. They didn’t have to
wait long. From within the the blue they appeared, their silver bodies gaining shape and form
as they came ever closer. Then, in a show of grace, they soared into view, an enormous shoal
of Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks filled the water column. Watching in awe, everyone was
transfixed on this magnificent encounter. These gentle giants graced us with their presence
for some time, making multiple passes before disappearing back into the blue.

The Ring of Fire offers so much; diverse marine environments, critter-filled muck dives to
encounters with majestic pelagic species. It is a journey through pristine reefs, volcanic
islands, and crystal-clear waters, all brimming with life. The sheer variety of diving,
combined with the remote and pristine nature of the locations, makes this expedition truly
unforgettable.

– Aaron Sanders

Mermaid II
Ambon – Banda Sea – Alor
October 04 – 15, 2024

Click here for more details about the trip https://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com/destinations/banda-sea-liveaboard/