Super Special Biodiversity

Our most recent voyage marked the grand seasonal crossing into Raja Ampat, charting a course from Maumere through the remote reaches of eastern Indonesia. It was a journey defined not just by distance, but by the remarkable variety of marine environments we passed through, each new island group offering a fresh perspective on biodiversity, seascape, and surprise.

From the first day, this trip delivered on its promise of variety. We moved through regions of wild topography, from steep volcanic coastlines to calm coral-fringed atolls. Underwater, the scenery shifted constantly, plunging walls veiled in soft coral gave way to shallow reef plateaus, sprawling gardens of hard coral teeming with life, and the occasional dark sand slope that concealed the small and strange.

At key sites in Alor and Raja, muck dives gave us a glimpse into the weird and wonderful: tiny octopus species, cryptic squid, and a cast of elusive critters hidden among rubble and silt. These quieter, unassuming landscapes held a charm of their own, a stark contrast to the kaleidoscopic chaos of the nearby reefs.

Crossing the Banda Sea delivered everything we’ve come to love about these isolated waters: clear visibility, warm seas, and a sense of true remoteness. Often, we were the only vessel for miles, and the silence, both topside and underwater, was a luxury.

As we neared the famous Raja Ampat, the energy shifted. The reefs in Misool and the Dampier Strait exploded with life. Turtles drifted through colourful coral gardens, reef fish bustled in every direction, and healthy coral coverage stretched as far as the eye could see. A sense of abundance defined every dive.

Each region offered something distinct, from critter-rich muck sites to the vibrant, bustling reefs. The contrast from one day to the next made the scale of this journey feel even more remarkable. We weren’t just travelling through Indonesia; we were crossing through entirely different marine worlds.

This was more than just a dive trip; it was a true voyage. The sheer distance we covered, the shifting seascapes, and the constant sense of discovery made it one of the most adventurous and rewarding itineraries on offer.

Aaron Sanders

Mermaid II
BioDiversity Super Special Maumere-Banda Sea-Raja Ampat
November 15 to 30, 2025