Top Liveaboard’s in the Banda Sea
Highlights ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Historial Spice Islands
Hammerhead Sharks
Wifi Available (Starlink 5G)
Diving Liveaboard (Nitrox Available)
Marine Biologist (Cruise Director)
Traditional Indonesian sailing boat
Banda Neira is renowned for its vibrant marine biodiversity and dive sites like Batu Kapal and Pohon Miring, where divers can encounter colorful corals, diverse fish species, and stunning mandarin fish during sunset dives. Adventurous divers may also spot hammerhead sharks. Once the center of the spice trade, Banda Neira features historical remnants such as Fort Belgica, providing panoramic views of the bay and highlighting the island’s rich cultural heritage, making it a captivating destination for both diving enthusiasts and history buffs
Diving in the Banda Sea
Calico Jack and Anne Bonny visit Banda Neira in October when winds are favorable for crossing open waters. During this time, we offer two incredible 11-night dive cruises that access the best dive sites in this stunning region while also covering the renowned Misool archipelago in Raja Ampat. Throughout the journey, we spend half our time in Misool before navigating to Banda Sea, where divers may encounter hammerhead sharks, making it a “two-for-one” experience!
Some highlights of diving in Banda Neira include:
Rich Marine Ecosystems: The waters around Banda Neira are filled with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including various fish and turtles.
Unique Dive Sites: Sites like Batu Kapal and Pohon Miring offer unique underwater experiences, featuring submerged pinnacles and intriguing swim-throughs.
Mandarin Fish: Banda Neira is famous for its sunset dives at the jetty, where divers can observe the striking mandarin fish and their mating displays.
Hammerhead Sharks: Adventurous divers have the chance to see schooling hammerhead sharks, adding excitement to their dives.
Conservation Efforts: Successful conservation initiatives have preserved the marine environment, resulting in healthy reefs and abundant marine life, making Banda Neira a prime destination for eco-conscious divers.
- Batu Kapal: Renowned as one of the most famous dive spots in the Banda Sea, Batu Kapal is celebrated for its consistent sightings of majestic hammerhead sharks. These incredible creatures often swim in schools, providing divers with an unforgettable experience. The crystal-clear waters enhance visibility, allowing for close encounters that make this location a must-visit for diving enthusiasts.
- Manuk Island Wreck: Located near Manuk, this WWII shipwreck is a fascinating dive site where history meets marine life. The wreck lies at varying depths, becoming a vibrant habitat for diverse fish species and corals. This site attracts both history buffs and underwater photographers eager to explore the wreck’s unique ecosystem.
- Nusa Laut: Known for its stunning coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity, Nusa Laut offers excellent opportunities for both macro photography and encounters with larger pelagic species. The vibrant underwater landscape makes this location ideal for divers of all experience levels.
- Banda Neira: Another fantastic diving destination, Banda Neira features beautiful coral gardens and a variety of fish species. The diverse underwater scenery makes it suitable for divers at all levels, providing ample opportunities for exploration and discovery.
- Pulu Pulu: The Pulu Pulu area is noted for its spectacular coral reefs and abundant marine life, providing a more secluded diving experience away from the busier sites. Divers can enjoy the tranquility of this less-explored region while encountering a wealth of colorful marine species.
This sample itinerary might be subject to change due to weather conditions.
Day 1: Arrive in Sorong, where you’ll be picked up from the airport and taken to the boat for a check dive. We will then set sail for Misool.
Days 2-6: Dive in Southern Raja Ampat, exploring diverse marine life and stunning coral reefs. Highlights include:
- Day 2: Four dives in the Wayilbatan area, including Wedding Cake, known for its schools of batfish and pygmy seahorses, plus kayaking in hidden lagoons.
- Day 3: Dive three times at Balbulol, spotting schools of fish and enjoying an afternoon in a hidden lagoon.
- Day 4: Dive at Daram, with stunning sites like Andiamo and Candy Store, featuring vibrant reefs and reef sharks.
- Day 5: Explore Yilliet with dives at Whale Rock, Nudi Rock, and Tank Rock, showcasing extensive marine diversity.
- Day 6: Four dives at Warokaraket/Boo Island, including Shadow Reef, known for its cleaning stations for manta rays and abundant marine life.
Day 7: Dive at Pulau Koon with three dives featuring schooling fish and pelagics before setting sail toward the Banda Islands.
Day 8: In Banda, dive the Karang Hatta reef, renowned for encounters with pelagic species like hammerhead sharks, then explore a unique dive site near Pulau Hatta.
Day 9: Spend the morning touring Banda Neira’s historic sites, including Fort Belgica, followed by three dives, including Batu Kapal and a sunset dive at Banda’s jetty for mandarin fish.
Day 10: Dive at Pulau Ai and Pulau Run, experiencing the historic significance of the area while exploring unique underwater landscapes.
Day 11: Dive the Amet Reef, a successful conservation site near Nusa Laut. Spot colorful corals and potentially see hammerhead sharks and dugongs. Later, relax at a secluded beach before heading toward Ambon.
Day 12: After breakfast and final farewells, disembark in Ambon, concluding your remarkable diving adventure.
Day 1: Arrive in Ambon, where you’ll be picked up from the airport and taken to the boat for a check dive. Later, we will set sail for Nusa Laut.
Day 2: Dive at Amet Reef, an example of successful conservation, before heading to Molana Wall for more exploration. In the afternoon, we will navigate to Pulau Suanggi.
Day 3: Experience three dives at Pulau Ai and Pulau Run, including drifting along the Umbrella Rock and diving at Little Manhattan, famous for its bumphead parrotfish. The day ends with an exploratory dive off Pulau Run.
Day 4: Visit Banda Neira to explore its colonial history and spice trade remnants, including Fort Belgica. Enjoy dives at Batu Kapal, Pohon Miring, and a sunset dive at Banda’s jetty to spot mandarin fish.
Day 5: Dive at Karang Hatta near the Banda trench, where pelagic marine life is abundant. Explore a 5-meter hole in the reef at Pulau Hatta, then sail overnight to Pulau Koon.
Day 6: Discover Pulau Koon, diving three times to encounter schooling fish and pelagic species, before heading towards Misool, Raja Ampat.
Days 7-11: Enjoy 16-18 dives in Southern Raja Ampat, starting with Wayilbatan, featuring diverse marine life. Continue diving at top sites like Shadow Reef, Boo Island, Yilliet, Daram, and Balbulol, experiencing colorful corals, unique rock formations, and rich marine diversity.
Day 12: After breakfast and final farewells, disembark in Sorong, concluding your incredible diving adventure.
Beyond Diving in Banda
Banda Neira is one of the last resorts of untouched history. Here, for three centuries, some of the most powerful countries tried to establish their domination over the spice trade. This history remains in the architecture of the forts, houses, and household items. Visiting Banda Islands will leave you wondering about the major events that happened in this remote location.
Kayaking amongst the carst lagoons of the Misool archipelago is another fantastic activity to engage in. We can also set up a beach hang-out to spend a lazy day under the umbrella. So, if you (or your partner) are not a diver, there are still plenty of exciting things to do on the Banda Neira cruise!
Visitors Neira can enjoy a variety of inland activities that enhance their understanding of the island’s cultural heritage and natural beauty:
Historical Tours: Explore the remnants of Banda Neira’s colonial past, including Fort Belgica, which offers panoramic views, and other historical spice trade sites.
Nature Walks and Hiking: Discover the island’s lush landscapes through hiking trails, including one that leads to the summit of a nearby sleeping volcano.
Spice Plantations: Visit local spice plantations to learn about nutmeg, cloves, and the role these products played in the island’s history.
Birdwatching: Join birdwatching tours to spot a variety of species, including Wilson’s bird of paradise.
Beach Activities: Relax on tranquil beaches, perfect for beachcombing or picnicking.
Kayaking: Paddle through the serene waters, exploring hidden coves, mangroves, and deserted beaches for a unique perspective on the region’s beauty.
Community Engagement: Participate in local initiatives by helping schools or clinics, and consider bringing school or medical supplies to foster goodwill.
These inland activities complement the exceptional diving experiences in Banda Neira, providing a well-rounded adventure filled with cultural insights and stunning scenery.
Raja Ampat – Banda Neira cruise starts from Sorong and finishes in Ambon, a city in the Maluku Islands that can be reached via flights from Jakarta, Bali, or Makassar. The reverse, Banda Neira – Raja Ampat cruise starts from Ambon and finishes in Sorong. We suggest choosing Garuda Indonesia for your domestic flights, but other carriers are also acceptable. It’s advisable to book your flights in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Our driver will pick you up from the airport or the hotel on the first day of the cruise. The hotel pick-up is usually between 9 and 9:30 am. We will drop you off at the airport or the hotel on the last day of the cruise. They will assist you with your luggage and transfer.
The boat will leave the harbour at 11 a.m. All guests are required to be on board before 10 a.m. For the remote areas like this, we advise arriving one day in advance to be on time for the cruise and to get some rest after the long travel.
Our last dive will be at 12 p.m. on the day before last. We will arrive at the harbour in the late light of the day before the last. The departure from the boat is planned for after breakfast (around 11 a.m.). Yet, if you need to take an early morning flight, we can drop you off any morning. However, for the early departures, please mind that you will need to skip the last dive at noon of the previous day.
Reliable Travel Agent
Vifa Holidays Indonesia has supported international travel agents and local boat and resort operators for over 19 years. They ensure that you enjoy a hassle-free travel experience in one of the world’s most diverse and captivating diving destinations.
Vifa Holiday Indonesia provides a wide range of services designed to cater to all travel needs:
- Travel Planning
- Domestic and International Flight Bookings
- Airport Assistance
- Accommodation Arrangements
- Transportation Services
- Tours and Excursions
Please contact Vifa’s team for enquiries on your best flight route by emailing travel@vifaholidayindonesia.com or visiting their website, www.vifaholidayindonesia.com.
WhatsApp: Theo +62 812 4262 7110
Exploring the Banda Sea
A Diverse and Thrilling Landscape
The Banda Sea is a stunning underwater realm, offering a breathtaking landscape both above and below the water. From its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity to the historical significance of the Banda Islands, there’s something for every explorer. The area has a rich history, once a center for spice trade, that continues to captivate adventurers today. Read More
Banda Sea Schedule
The Liveaboard Experience in Banda Neira
Tailored Itineraries Just for You
Banda Neira is not accessible by water for most of the year. Strong currents and waves only allow large ferries and container ships to navigate the waters safely.
However, we have the opportunity to visit this remote area in October, when the winds change and the calmer waters permit Anne Bonny to cross from Komodo on its way to Raja Ampat, and Calico Jack to make two trips between Raja Ampat and Banda Neira.
Both boats offer 11-night diving cruises. However, for private charters aboard Anne Bonny, we provide a shorter 8-night cruise from Ambon to Ambon, allowing you to spend more time in this historical paradise.
Calico Jack Liveaboard
Calico Jack has become a legend within the Liveaboard world, operating in some of the more far-flung corners of Eastern Indonesia; Raja Ampat, Komodo, Cenderawasih Bay, Triton Bay and the Banda Sea.
Anne Bonny Liveaboard
Anne Bonny, the latest beautiful addition to our operations, is a balance to our original Vessel Calico Jack, being more refined and lighter for Charter groups and families.
Book Your Banda Sea Liveaboard Adventure
Don’t miss the chance to explore one of the world’s most stunning marine environments. Contact Calico Jack Charters today to book your liveaboard adventure.
