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Triton Bay to Ambon Adventure

This is a real diving adventure with some amazing topside trips thrown in for good measure.  The trip starts in the remote Triton Bay before moving out into the Banda Sea and some of the remote islands found there and finishing in the critter rich, black sands of Ambon.  There is a real variety of diving on offer with some amazing reefs, plenty of rich fish-life and some world-class critter action.

  • Triton Bay to Ambon Adventure 19 October to 02 November 2012

 

Trip Outline

The trip starts off in Kaimana and we will be in Triton Bay the same day. We plan to spend a few days in Triton Bay diving those great reefs when visibility is best, early-morning, then going into macro mode in the afternoon. There are a few little known, but great, critter spots in this area.
We will have a day exploring around the Watubela island group before heading into Banda, the heart of the spice islands.
Here we will have a few land tours including Banda Niera and maybe on the smaller island of Hatta too. We will spend a few days of diving round the Banda islands, coming into one of Indonesia’s most scenic harbours each evening where guests can make an excellent mandarinfish dive at dusk.
If all is going well we plan another day of adventure going to Southern Seram; so far we’ve a few excellent sites on the north of this island and now it’s time to check out the south. We will make at least one day checking out this area before heading into the Ambon island group diving the great reefs round Nusa Laut and outlying islands before hitting the critter hot spots on the north of Ambon.
For the last day we will make our last dives in the bay of Ambon.

Triton Bay

Diving 4 Images was one of the first operators to dive Triton Bay and Graham has lead many groups there, including some of the early expeditions to the area with Gerry Allen.  This area has some of the richest biomass on the planet and the coral and fish-life is pristine.  There is a chance of seeing the famous Epaulette or ‘walking’ shark as well as some big pelagics.  On the downside Triton Bay is subject to quite variable viability but with Diving 4 Images you can be sure that we will time the dives to offer the best each site has to offer.  Click here to see a gallery of images from our previous trips to Triton Bay.

Banda

This is home of the Best Mandarin Fish Site we have ever came across, and so says everyone that we have dived here with too.  Here they have no fear like the usual Mandarin fish seen elsewhere, allowing divers and even photographers to get so close.  Lots of other interesting marine life and breathtaking scenery topside make this gorgeous natural harbour a great place to be anchored. Other sites here include; an incredible archway, basically a giant swim through with good fish life and great reef scenery all over; The Lava Flow, a must, just to see how fast this reef has grown since the volcano erupted in 1988; Kraka island, this makes an excellent night dive with huge nudibranchs including the Spanish dancers, many colourful crustaceans and lots of other marine life hiding away in crevices and beneath the sand awaiting their prey.  The visibility around this area is usually very good and the end of October is the best time to dive here.

Seram

Seram is one of underwater Indonesia’s last frontiers with fantastic exploratory diving to be had.  So far in Seram we’ve found outstanding fishy dives, world class scenic dives, off the charts macro dives and even plenty of great shallow reefs for easy dives or even snorkelling.  All this was only with a few days exploring and with lots more time diving this area coming soon we’re sure that this will become yet another off the beaten track destination for a more discerning diver wanting to get away from the masses of dive boats starting to crowd some parts of Indonesia.

Ambon

Ambon is an old favourite and not only marine life photographers; this deep bay was also a stopping off point for many biologists who named many of Indonesia’s fish species from collections within this area back in the 1600′s.  Now Ambon is becoming a new mecca for critter lovers. There are many new and outstanding macro dive sites and some excellent reefs for scenery and there is now a new resort right in the bay of Ambon right next to all the hottest critter diving sites; perfect for anyone looking to extend their trip!   Click here to see a gallery of images from our previous trips to Ambon.

The Boat: The Raja Ampat Explorer

The Raja Ampat Explorer is a traditional wooden Pinisi, furnished to a good standard and great for diving.  The boat is perfect for this trip as it is fast and stable enough for the long crossings.  The boat holds a maximum of 14 guests in two double and five twin cabins, all of which are air-conditioned and en-suite.  An air-conditioned lounge/dining room comes with camera charging stations and there is a beautiful sun-deck for enjoying those amazing Spice Island sunsets.

Details

Price:

  • $4410 for the 14 night trip ($315/night)
  • Included: All meals, airport transfers, four guided dives a day*
  • Not Included: Canned or alcoholic beverages, equipment rental, National Park/Conservation Fees**, flights, hotels and gratuties.

Flight Information

  • The trip starts on 19 October 2012 in Kaimana, Indonesia.
  • The trip finishes on 02 November 2012 in Ambon, Indonesia.
  • We can arrange your flights for you.
  • Baggage allowance on internal flights in Indonesia is typically 20kg though this varies between operators.

Optional Extras

  • The prices above are based on two people sharing.  If you would like a cabin to yourself this can be arrnaged though a single supplement will apply.  Contact us for more information.
  • Ambon is home to Maluku Divers Resort, a charming resort with some of the best critter diving in Indonesia on its doorstep.  Why not extend your trip with a stay here before flying off home?  Contact us for more information and prices.
  • If you are travelling through Bali before or after the trip why not add a visit to Scuba Seraya Resort in the North East of the island?  The resort has steadily built a reputation as one of the best for underwater photographers with excellent critter diving and the famous Liberty Wreck on the doorstep.  Contact us for more information and prices.
  • Diving 4 Images can look after every aspect of your trip including flights and hotels before and after the trip.  We can help you build a personalised itinerary to make sure that the trip runs like clock-work.  If you would like us to arrange your flights and hotels in Indonesia just contact us!

Please note:

Nitrox is not available on the Raja Ampat Explorer.

* Night dives may not be possible for a couple of days on this trip as the boat has to make the occasional long over-night crossing.

** National Park/Conservation Fees are charged at $70 per diver and are payable in cash only.  You will received a tag that is valid for one year.  If you have had a trip to the area in the 12 months preceding this trip you may not have to pay this fee. If you think this applies to you please contact us.