Biodiversity Super Special 16 Days Cruise Raja Ampat-Banda Sea-Alor-Maumere
It’s that time of year again where the Mermaid II embarks on her famous seasonal crossing from Raja Ampat into Maumere. An incredible 16 days voyage of biodiversity, traversing over 1000 nautical miles across 5 different seas, passing through some remote and extraordinary destinations along the way.
Starting this super special trip on a high note in Raja Ampat, indulged in what this rich has to offer. From the picturesque landscapes of limestone karst islands above, down to fields of stunning hard coral gardens, pinnacles covered in lush vibrant soft corals and giant sea fans, and of course, schooling fish actions. Some other favourites include, fishy jetty dives right in front of small island villages, finding a number of Raja Ampat Walking Shark during one of the night dive, and the bluewater mangroves that offers unique experience of diving in the shallow mangroves where the rainforest literally meets the ocean.
Leaving Raja Ampat behind us, we made a quick stop at the island of Koon before entering the Banda Sea. This remote island paradise is home to many schooling fish of different kinds. Snappers, Barracudas, Bigeye Jacks, Pompanos, and Batfish in record numbers. Some groups even encountered a giant Queensland Grouper, larger than a diver, passing by the current swept plateau. All make for some epic dives!
After Koon, we sailed down south and entered the vast Banda Sea where the reefs are as rich as the area’s history. We were all delighted to be immersed in crystal clear blue waters, drifting along the deep walls and dramatic overhangs covered in soft corals and large barrel sponges, while monstrous Dogtooth Tuna and large school of Unicornfish sneakily passed by in the blue.
Venturing deeper into the heart of the vast Banda Sea, we found ourselves cruising along the Forgotten Islands. One in particular is an uninhabited volcano of Manuk. Above the surface, this island is home to a large population of birds such as Boobies and Frigates. Below the surface, an underwater kingdom of sea snakes! It’s not uncommon to encounter over a dozen of Chinese Sea Snake and Banded Sea Krait in one dive, slithering along the volcanic black sands and deep ridges, hunting together with Bluefin Trevallies.
Even though it’s not the “hammer season” just yet, some groups found themselves staring at one or two individuals while exploring the dramatic deep walls.
After spending several days cruising along the volcanic islands and atolls around the Forgotten Islands, the landscape changed into bold islands of Flores as we entered Alor. So much variety here, from pristine coral reefs dazzling with Anthias dancing in the currents, larger pelagics passing by in the blue, to world class muck diving with tons of critters to discover. One of the highlights was finding a rare Paddleflap Rhinopias!
After two days well spent in Alor, we concluded the trip by spending the last two dives around Kawula and Adonara just east of Flores. Easy dives following a gentle current along beautiful walls and ledges. Surfacing to a dramatic sight of Lewotolo volcano, perfect way to end this amazing trip!
– Christopher Pen
Mermaid II
Biodiversity Super Special Raja Ampat – Banda Sea – Alor – Maumere
April 19 – May 4, 2026