This trip begins in Ambon, capital of the Moluccas. From there we will visit the best dive sites of Saparua and Nusa Laut before we reach the historically important Spice Island Banda Neira. A strategic dutch colony from history hard fought for in the 16th and 17th centuries. Fascinating land excursions to the old dutch fort or climbing the volcanes gives a complete feel to this trip. Along the east coast of Ceram we continue towards Raja Ampat. The fantastic labyrinth of islands around Misool is incredible and has been scientifically proven to be the epicenter of global marine biodiversity. In the Raja Ampat Marine Park we will spend 7 memorable days and the trip will finish in Sorong, West Papua.

The guests will be met by the crew of Pindito at Ambon airport. From there it is a short 15 minute transfer to the Pindito. Once everyone is on board, we will lift the anchor and get underway. After dinner we have the boat briefing.

In the morning we arrive in Nusa Laut. In front of the village of Ahmed we make the first dive. Nusa Laut has spectacular reefs and wonderful coral gardens. Schools of surgeonfish, bigeye trevally, barracuda and plenty of reef fish are found here. With a bit of luck you can also have sightings of hammerhead sharks in the blue. For the night dive we will be critter hunting under a pier. Overnight cruise to Banda Neira.

We will start the dive day on the outer reefs of Banda Neira. The reefs here are full of marine fauna of all colours and shapes. Schooling fish gather and the macro life is rich. In the afternoon we cruise into the harbour of Banda Neira where we will do a dusk dive amongst the displaying mandarin fish.

For those who are fit and want to get up early we can climb the Volcano Gunung Api to watch the sunrise. Of course diving is our main focus and the dive site Lava Flow is not to be missed. 20 years ago the lava poured into the ocean and in the short time since a hard coral garden grew which is unrivalled in the world. Table corals over 5 metres in width, staghorn corals as far as the eye can see and even endemic species found nowhere else is just a sample of what you can see here. In the evening we leave Banda Neira in the direction of Koon.

As soon as we arrive in Koon we hit the water. On the dive site “Too Many Fish” a spectacle of schooling fish awaits you. Giant groupers, schooling fish of all types in the midst of beautiful corals. Underwater photographers be prepared to be spoilt for choice and disorientated by the number of possible subjects! After 3 dives we leave towards Raja Ampat.

Our first stop is Wajil Batan. Many small islands and reefs full of life are waiting for us. From schooling fish to different species of pygmy seahorses, almost everything can be seen here if you have good eyes. Otherwise you can follow your Pindito dive guides. The diving scenery is impressive with cliffs and overhangs covered in soft corals and bathed in sunlight. You will want to go back for the night dive.

A short cruise in the morning to Fiabatjet. 4 small rocks break the surface from the submerged reefs. On the slopes are gigantic seafans as far as you can see in their thousands. Swarms of anchovies are hunted by mobulas and Spanish mackerel. Lazy barracudas hang in the current and Napoleon wrasse curiously check you out. Another highlight of the trip.

The islands of Boo and Jilliet are next. Fantastic reefs unrivalled in the world, covered in soft and hard corals of every colour. An unbelievable variety of fish life will astonish you and the dive time will pass far too quickly.

The Pindito will cruise in the early morning to Misool. A half day excursion to several different limestone caves is next, where you can see ancient burial remains in the cliffs. The journey to the caves is a spectacular speed boat ride through small channels, shallow reefs and equatorial tropical vegetation. In the afternoon we dive in a bay before we cruise the evening to Jef Fam.

Batu Burung is our next dive site in the morning. A huge reef with wonderful coral and spectacular fish life. Wobbegongs are one of the highlights here. Seasnakes, pygmy seahorses and enormous tricadna clams can be seen in the shallows. On “Red Wall” for the nightdive we can see Harlequin shrimp, frogfish and many species of nudibranchs. An overnight cruise takes us to Mansuar.

Our last diving day will really round the trip off in style. On the manta cleaning station, these majestic rays will cruise over our heads and let us enjoy the spectacle from up close. With this impression we will leave Raja Ampat and cruise back to Sorong.

Check out from the Pindito and transfer with the Pindito crew to Sorong airport.