EXPEDITION LIVEABOARDS – TRIP INFORMATION & SAMPLE ITINERARIES

Sorong to Lembeh Liveaboard (13D/12N)

This itinerary takes you from the heart of Raja Ampat’s “Coral Triangle” to the “Muck Diving Capital of the World.” The first half of the trip focuses on the stunning reef ecosystems of Raja Ampat, including the southern region of Misool. The second half is a transitional phase through the Halmahera Sea, before ending with the famous muck diving of Lembeh Strait.

Trip Highlights:

• Raja Ampat: Huge schools of fish, manta rays, wobbegong sharks, pristine soft and hard corals, and breathtaking topside scenery.

• Misool: The most spectacular soft coral gardens in the world, with vibrant reefs and rich marine biodiversity.

• Halmahera Sea: A chance to see a mix of pelagics and unique macro life in a less dived region.

• Lembeh Strait: The ultimate destination for macro photographers, with a seemingly endless list of rare and unusual critters.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & First Dives in Sorong/Dampier Strait

• We will organise a taxi to collect you from Sorong Airport (SOQ) or your hotel, taking you to our meeting point, Marina Star Café in Sorong Harbour at 7:30am.

• After a tea or coffee while we wait for all our guests, we’ll transfer you to Jelajahi Laut.

• We’ll give you our welcome briefing and a tour around the boat, then you’ll get ready to enjoy your first check dive to get acquainted with the gear and the local conditions.

• Possible Dive Sites: Begin in the Dampier Strait at a site like Mioskon, where you can witness vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Days 2-3: Central Raja Ampat – The Dampier Strait & Fam Islands

• Your first dives will be in the famed Dampier Strait, known for its incredible fish density and strong currents.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Cape Kri: Holds a record for the most fish species counted on a single dive. Expect barracudas, jacks, and various reef sharks.

o Sardine Reef: Another fish-packed site, with schooling fusiliers, snappers, and mobula rays.

o Manta Sandy: A dedicated manta ray cleaning station where you can observe these majestic creatures.• We’ll also visit the stunning karst formations of the Fam Islands, with a trek to the iconic viewpoint at Piaynemo.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Melissa’s Garden: A beautiful hard coral reef that resembles a sprawling underwater garden.

o Keruo Channel: A sloping reef with excellent coral coverage and opportunities for pelagic sightings.

Days 4-7: Misool – The Southern Kingdom

• Jelajahi Laut will cruise south to the Misool Marine Protected Area. This area is famous for its vibrant soft corals and dramatic underwater topography.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Boo Windows: Named for the two swim-through holes in a small rock formation. Incredible biodiversity and a great site for wide-angle photography.

o Magic Mountain: A submerged pinnacle that serves as a busy cleaning station for both reef and oceanic manta rays. It’s also a nursery for white-tip reef sharks.

o Nudi Rock: A small island shaped like a nudibranch, perfect for critter enthusiasts and macro photographers. Look for pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and other small marine life.

o Fiabacet: A series of pinnacles and ridges with phenomenal soft corals, huge schools of fish, and a chance to see wobbegong sharks.

o Daram Island: Another Misool hotspot with impressive coral walls and submerged pinnacles teeming with life.

• Topside Excursion: Visit the famous viewpoint to see the iconic limestone karst islands and jellyfish lake that Misool is known for.

Days 8-10: Crossing the Halmahera Sea

• We’ll begin our crossing from Raja Ampat to Lembeh, a long distance that involves some overnight cruising. This portion of the trip is less dived and offers a mix of reef and muck diving.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Pulau Pisang: Remote islands between Misool and Halmahera with sloping reefs full of both soft and hard corals. A great spot for schooling fish.

o Strait of Patintie (Halmahera): This area is known for strong currents and amazing action, with a chance to see manta rays and other large pelagics.

o Goraici Islands: A group of islands with diverse dive sites, including submerged pinnacles and pristine coral gardens.

o Tifore Island: A small island with a submerged reef known for schooling barracudas and bigeye trevally.

Days 11-13: Lembeh Strait – The Muck Diving Mecca

Our final destination is the famous Lembeh Strait, where the focus shifts from reefs to the volcanic black sand bottoms. This is a haven for macro photographers and critter hunters.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Nudibranch City: A site dedicated to a wide variety of nudibranchs and other small invertebrates.

o Hairball: A classic muck dive site known for frogfish, scorpionfish, and the elusive mimic octopus.

o Tanjung Kusu: A site with unique macro critters, including various species of ghost pipefish and seahorses.

o Jahir: A black sand slope where you can find flamboyant cuttlefish, ribbon eels, and blue-ringed octopus.

o Critter Hunt: Our guides are experts at finding the most unusual and well camouflaged creatures.

Important

This is a sample itinerary only; the final route may vary.

Weather and tides play a big role in safety and planning, which is why the Cruise Director and Captain plan every day accordingly.

For any special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us beforehand or chat with the Cruise Director on the boat.

*Please note: Before booking your return flight, our last dive will be on the final day of the trip, and we will arrive back at Bitung Harbour around 3-4pm – please observe the 24-hour no-fly surface interval.

Upon arrival at the harbour, we will organise a transfer for you to take you to your hotel, you’ll need to get your return flight from Manado Airport (MDC).

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Lembeh to Ternate Liveaboard (12D/11N)

This trip offers a spectacular transition from the critter-filled volcanic sands of Lembeh to the healthy coral reefs and pelagic life found in the Sangihe and Halmahera Sea. The journey ends in Ternate, providing a blend of exceptional diving and historical intrigue.

Trip Highlights:

• Lembeh Strait: Critter hunting on black sand slopes with an expert guide.

• Bangka Island: Pristine coral gardens and schools of fish.

• Bunaken Marine Park: Spectacular wall dives, huge sponges, and sea turtles.

• Halmahera Sea: Exploring remote and seldom-dived sites with a chance for both macro and wide-angle photography.

• Ternate: The final destination, a historic port and a gateway to the volcanic islands of the North Maluku region.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & First Dives in Lembeh

• We will organise a taxi to collect you from either Manado Airport (MDC) or your hotel to take you to the meeting point.

• We then transfer you to Jelajahi Laut.

• We’ll give you our welcome briefing and a tour around the boat, then you’ll get ready to enjoy your first check dive to get acquainted with the gear and the local conditions, where you’ll enjoy your first check dive in the famous Lembeh Strait.

• Possible Dive Sites: Start with a classic muck dive at a site like Hairball or Jahir to immediately immerse yourself in the world of unique critters like frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish.

Days 2-3: Lembeh Strait – The Muck Diving Mecca

• Dedicate two full days to exploring the diverse muck diving sites of Lembeh.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Nudibranch City: A site dedicated to a wide variety of nudibranchs and other small invertebrates.

o Police Pier: An excellent spot for night diving to find snake eels and other nocturnal creatures.

o Tanjung Kusu: Famous for its pipefish and seahorses.

o Mawali Wreck: A Japanese WWII wreck, providing a break from the sand and a habitat for schools of fish.

Day 4-5: Bangka Island – Colorful Coral Gardens

• The vessel will cruise south to Bangka Island, which lies between Lembeh and Bunaken. This area is famous for its vibrant soft corals and clear water.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Lihaga Island: Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and healthy reefs.

o Tanjung Arus: A sloping reef with a wide variety of corals and schooling reef fish.

Days 6-7: Bunaken Marine Park – Wall Diving Mecca

• The boat will make a short journey to the world-renowned Bunaken Marine Park.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Lekuan I, II, or III: A series of famous wall dives with incredible visibility, huge sponges, and numerous sea turtles.

o Fukui: A sloped reef known for its large schools of bannerfish and a chance to see eagle rays.

o Mandarin City: A perfect spot for a dusk dive to watch the mesmerizing mating dance of the mandarin fish.

Days 8-10: Crossing the Halmahera Sea

• Jelajahi Laut will begin her final leg of the journey, crossing the Halmahera Sea toward Ternate. This is a vast and remote area with a mix of dive environments.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Goraici Islands: Located on the west coast of Halmahera, offering sloping reefs and beautiful coral coverage.

o Pulau Tifore: A small island with a submerged reef, where the main attraction is often schooling barracudas.

o Pulau Pisang: Another remote island with sloping reefs and a lot of schooling fish.

Days 11-12: Last Days of Diving

• Arrive in the waters around Ternate and the neighbouring island of Tidore. This region offers a mix of volcanic landscapes and vibrant underwater ecosystems.

• Possible Dive Sites: Explore the reefs around Ternate, with a final farewell dive. The specific sites will depend on the day’s conditions, but you can expect a mix of colourful reefs and potential macro life.

Important

This is a sample itinerary only; the final route may vary.Weather and tides play a big role in safety and planning, which is why the Cruise Director and Captain plan every day accordingly.

For any special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us beforehand or chat with the Cruise Director on the boat.

*Please note: Before booking your return flight, our last dive will be on the final day of the trip, and we will arrive back at Ternate Harbour around 3-4pm – please observe the 24-hour no-fly surface interval.

Upon arrival at the harbour, we will organise a transfer for you to take you to your hotel, you’ll need to get your return flight from Ternate Airport (TTE).

Ternate to Ambon Liveaboard (14D/13N)

This trip is a deep dive into the heart of the “Coral Triangle.” It begins in the historically rich volcanic islands of Ternate, transitions through the pristine reefs of the Halmahera Sea, crosses the deep, pelagic-filled waters of the Banda Sea, and concludes with the world- famous macro diving of Ambon.

Trip Highlights:

• Halmahera’s Pristine Reefs: Exploring diverse and untouched coral ecosystems, with a chance for pelagic encounters.

• Banda Sea’s Pelagic Action: Diving on remote seamounts and pinnacles known for schooling hammerhead sharks and other large marine life.

• Ambon’s Muck Diving: Hunting for rare and unusual critters on the famous black and white sand slopes.

• Historical Context: Ternate and Ambon are both integral to the history of the spice trade, adding a unique cultural element to the trip.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & First Dives near Ternate

• We will organise a taxi to collect you from either Ternate Airport (TTE) or your hotel to take you to the meeting point.

• We then transfer you to Jelajahi Laut.

• We’ll give you our welcome briefing and a tour around the boat, then you’ll get ready to enjoy your first check dive to get acquainted with the gear and the local conditions.

• Possible Dive Sites: We might begin at a site like Jikomalamo, an iconic spot with schooling mackerel, or one of the local wrecks, to kick off your adventure.

Days 2-4: Central Halmahera – The Strait & Patintie Area

• Jelajahi Laut will cruise south into the Halmahera Sea. This region is known for its healthy reefs and strong currents.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Patintie Strait: Experience exhilarating drift dives in this narrow passage, with a chance to encounter reef sharks, tunas, and manta rays.

o Pulau Tifore: A submerged reef famous for its schooling barracudas and pristine hard corals.

o Goraici Islands: A group of islands with diverse dive sites, including submerged pinnacles and sloping reefs teeming with life.

Days 5-7: Banda Sea – The Pelagic Highway

• Jelajahi Laut will make her long journey across the deep waters of the Banda Sea, which is part of the “Ring of Fire.” This is where you’ll look for big animal action.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Nil Desperandum & Serua: These are remote seamounts and pinnacles in the middle of the sea. They are famous as seasonal hotspots for schools of scalloped and great hammerhead sharks, so if we’re lucky we have a chance to see them.

o Manuk Island: An active volcanic island known for its large population of sea snakes. You can often see them swimming around the reef.

o Nusa Laut: An island known for its beautiful walls and rich marine life, with excellent visibility.

Days 8-11: Banda Islands – History & Diving

• We’ll arrive at the historic Banda Islands, the heart of the original spice trade. Here, you’ll find a blend of stunning diving and topside cultural experiences.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Gunung Api: Dive on the slopes of an active volcanic island, where you’ll see a unique combination of black sand and vibrant reefs that have rapidly regrown after an eruption.

o Pulai Ai: Known for its spectacular walls and pristine coral gardens.

o Sjahrir (Snelgroen): A site with an incredible density of schooling fish, including fusiliers, snappers, and trevally.

• Topside Excursion: A tour on Banda Neira to visit historic site Fort Belgica, the nutmeg plantations, and the old colonial town.

Day 12-14: Ambon Bay – Muck Diving & Last Dives

• The final leg of the journey takes us into Ambon Bay, a world-class destination for macro photography.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Laha: A series of sites (Laha I, II, and III) that are famous for their unique critters, including the psychedelic frogfish, mimic octopus, and a wide variety of nudibranchs.

o Rhino City: Named for the rare rhinopias scorpionfish that are often found here.

o Pintu Kota: A scenic dive site outside the bay with a natural rock arch, offering both great reef diving and macro life.

Important

Weather and tides play a big role in safety and planning, which is why the Cruise Director and Captain plan every day accordingly.

For any special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us beforehand or chat with the Cruise Director on the boat.

*Please note: Before booking your return flight, our last dive will be on the final day of the trip, and we will arrive back at Ambon Harbour around 3-4pm – please observe the 24-hour no-fly surface interval.

Upon arrival at the harbour, we will organise a transfer for you to take you to your hotel, you’ll need to get your return flight from Ambon Airport (AMQ).

Ambon to Sorong Liveaboard (15D/14N)

This expedition offers an unparalleled journey through the heart of the “Coral Triangle.” You will start with Ambon’s unique muck diving, travel across the deep, pelagic-filled waters of the Banda Sea, experience the stunning, healthy reefs and iconic karst formations of Misool and then finish off in central Raja Ampat.

Trip Highlights:

• Ambon Bay: World-class muck diving with rare and unusual critters.

• Banda Sea: Diving on remote seamounts and pinnacles known for schooling hammerhead sharks and other large marine life.

• Banda Islands: A blend of spectacular diving and fascinating historical topside excursions related to the spice trade.

• Misool, Raja Ampat: Pristine soft coral reefs, stunning sea fans, and dramatic limestone formations.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & First Dives in Ambon

• We will organise a taxi to collect you from either Ambon Airport (AMQ) or your hotel to take you to the meeting point.

• We then transfer you to Jelajahi Laut.

• We’ll give you our welcome briefing and a tour around the boat, then you’ll get ready to enjoy your first check dive to get acquainted with the gear and the local conditions, the famous muck diving sites of Ambon Bay

• Possible Dive Sites: Start with a site like Laha, a series of sites that are excellent for finding frogfish, Ambon scorpionfish, and nudibranchs.

o Rhino City: Named for the rare rhinopias scorpionfish that are often found here.

o Twilight Zone: A great site for night diving to find bizarre nocturnal creatures.

Days 2-3: Banda Sea – The Pelagic Highway

• We’ll make our long journey across the deep waters of the Banda Sea, which is part of the “Ring of Fire.” This is where you’ll look for big animal action.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Suanggi: This remote and uninhabited island is known for its pristine coral reefs and encounters with large pelagic marine life.

o Nusa Laut: An island known for its beautiful walls and rich marine life, with excellent visibility.Days 4-7: Banda Islands – History & Diving

• We’ll arrive at the historic Banda Islands, the heart of the original spice trade. Here, you’ll find a blend of stunning diving and topside cultural experiences.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Gunung Api: Dive on the slopes of an active volcanic island, where you’ll see a unique combination of black sand and vibrant reefs that have rapidly regrown after an eruption.

o Run Island: This untouched underwater world is a hidden gem away from more crowded destinations, we’re wall diving with an abundance of colourful reef fish and looking into the blue for pelagics.

o Ai Island: Due to strong currents, the area is known for encounters with large pelagic fish, such as large schools of chevron barracuda and giant trevally. It is also a good spot for shark encounters, including hammerheads, threshers, and silvertip sharks.

o Batu Kapal: This dome like reef is home to diverse critters, including nudibranchs, flatworms, shrimps, crabs, and even blue-ringed octopuses.

o Mandarin Fish Hotel: An opportunity to get up close to mandarin fish

• Topside Excursion: Take a tour on Banda Neira to visit historic sites like Fort Belgica, the nutmeg plantations, and the old colonial town.

Days 8-13: Journey to Misool, Raja Ampat – The Coral Kingdom

• This leg of the journey takes us north to the spectacular Misool region of Raja Ampat. This is where you will explore some of the world’s most pristine reefs.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Fiabacet, Nudi Rock, and Whale Rock: A series of interconnected dive sites known for their vibrant soft corals, large schools of fish, and stunning underwater topography.

o Boo Window: Famous for a distinctive swim-through in the reef that look out to the blue water.

o 4 Kings: Rocky pinnacles rising to just beneath the surface excellent for big fish encounters and macro

o Daram Islands: Home to unique sites like Andiamo and Candy Store, offering an explosion of colour and macro life.

• Topside Excursion: Visit the famous viewpoint to see the iconic limestone karst islands and jellyfish lake that Misool is known for.

Days 14-15: Northbound Journey

• We’ll begin our journey back north towards Sorong via Central Raja Ampat. You’ll have a chance for a few final dives along the way where we dedicate these last two days to exploring the most famous and fish-dense sites of Central Raja Ampat.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Cape Kri: Holds the world record for the most fish species on a single dive. Expect barracudas, jacks, and various reef sharks.o Sardine Reef: Another fish-packed site, with schooling fusiliers, snappers, and mobula rays.

o Blue Magic: A submerged pinnacle known for attracting reef mantas, schooling barracudas, and sometimes the rare wobbegong shark.

Important

This is a sample itinerary only; the final route may vary. For the last 2 days, we’ll keep the itinerary very loose – if conditions in Misool are amazing, we’re happy to stay here, we like to let our guests decide and we’ll take a vote.

Weather and tides play a big role in safety and planning, which is why the Cruise Director and Captain plan every day accordingly.

For any special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us beforehand or chat with the Cruise Director on the boat.

*Please note: Before booking your return flight, our last dive will be on the final day of the trip, and we will arrive back at Sarong Harbour around 4pm – please observe the 24-hour no- fly surface interval.

Upon arrival at the harbour, we will organise a transfer for you to take you to your hotel, you’ll need to get your return flight from Sorong Airport (SOQ).