BANDA SEA - RAJA AMPAT

Nusa Laut

Protected by its population, this island next to Ambon is a true example of how villagers live to protect their reefs. Nusa Laut holds a very unique combination of coral gardens in shallow water. Manta Rays and other pelagic life may be encountered along these beautiful walls. Divers can spot Turtles, Dugongs, Schooling Jacks in the area. This place is the perfect area to start or end a diving trip between Raja Ampat and Banda.

Banda Neira

There are several dive sites  along the two islands of Banda and Neira. Lava flow is the highlight for divers. An impressive coral garden has grown in a very special way after the last eruption of this volcano. Its formations makes a very unique dive site in the world. Neira Bay presents a great opportunity for a night dive to spot special Critters and even the Mandarin Dish. There is also another pinnacle out of the bay which allows divers to spot Tunas, Sharks, and Schooling Fish.

Run/Hai

On the West side of Banda islands, the two islands are home to some interesting and beautiful dive sites to explore. The wall on the south of Pulai Ai is covered with some of the biggest Sea Fans. These dive sites are usually patrolled by Rainbow Runners, Schooling Barracudas and Napoleon Wrasses.

Hatta

Several days of diving along Hatta Island shall be allocated during the cruise. On the South side, there is a submerged reef that breaks the surface at low tide. Divers can spot Eagle Rays, Mobula Rays, Tunas or Hammerhead Sharks in the area. The beauty of the walls covered by Soft Corals and Barrel Sponges will impress divers. Guests can spot Pelagic marine life and Sharks along the nice sloping reef covered by soft corals on the South of Hatta.

Misool/Fiabacet

Fiabacet is an incredible experience for any diver. This protected area has been deemed as a “no-fishing” zone. An incredible range of explosive colors of soft corals will keep divers’ eyes fixated to its beauty. A Manta Ray dance at Magic Mountain or diving through Schooling Fish of Fiabacet, are just a few experiences divers can experience at this dive site. Macro lovers can spot Pygmy Seahorses in Sea Fans, while other divers will be amazed by the stunning healthy Corals. A night dive to discover the Endemic Raja Walking Shark will certainly wrap up the day. During the Mobula Ray seasons, divers may be able to witness the impressive hunting of Mobula Rays chasing Anchovies. This marks also the beginning or the end of Raja Ampat on a diving trip to or from the Banda.

Famous Dive Sites: Magic Mountain, Boo Windows, Nudi Rock, Eagle Nest, Anchovies

Piaynemo

This UNESCO Geosite houses one of the most incredible Coral Gardens of Indonesia. Melissa’s Garden is an underwater journey. Fish and Corals live in harmony in a colorful haven. Other dive sites such as My Reef will also amaze the divers with its diversity of fish and explosion of colors. Barracudas, Reef Sharks, and the Wobbegong sharks are among the marine life that divers can encounter. Macro lovers would also love to discover Pygmy Seahorses and Mushroom Pipefish.

Famous Dive Sites: My Reef, Melissa’s Garden, Keruo

Central Raja

Dive sites in Central Raja Ampat hold the world record of the most species of fish counted during a single dive. Oceanic Manta Rays are often encountered during the season. Aside from the Manta Rays, it is definitely the diversity and the quantity of fish that will surprise all divers. From the Pygmy Seahorses to the Grey Reef Sharks patrolling around submerge pinnacles, the area has a variety of diving experiences to offer.

Famous Dive Sites: Manta Ridge, Cape Kri, Blue Magic, Sardine Reef