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Raja Ampat - Banda - Ambon
14 Day / 13 Night
From the Four Kings to the Spice Islands (30-34 dives)
Jaya takes you on a 14-day journey from the wonders of Raja Ampat to the fabled Spice Islands.
We start in Raja Ampat, a Regency in Indonesia’s West Papua Province that incorporates around 600 islands off the northwestern tip of New Guinea.
The name Raja Ampat translates to Four Kings. It originates in local mythology where four kings hatched from dragon eggs and went on to rule the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo.
The seas surrounding the islands are part of the Indonesian Throughflow, channelling a gigantic volume of water from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean and back. These currents carry with them millions of eggs and larvae that supply the region with both genetic diversity and food. A buffet for sea creatures of all sorts!
Almost 75% of the world's known hard coral species, 1400 species of reef fish, 17 types of mollusc, 13 marine mammal species and five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found in the area.
The second leg of our adventure takes us further south, to the Spice Islands.
The scenery is dominated by volcanic mountains covered in lush, green vegetation, framed by white sandy beaches. But the remote Banda Islands aren’t just famous for its breath-taking landscapes and its rich history, it is also one of the most popular dive destinations in Southeast Asia.
Exposed to the nutrient-rich currents of the 5000m deep Banda Sea the reefs are a meeting point for all manners of sea life. From small critters to the mighty hammerhead, with some luck, everything can be found.
The Journey
We will welcome you in Waisai aboard the Jaya at around 11 am. After an introduction to our team, our boat and our safety procedures you have plenty of time to enjoy a delicious lunch on our liveaboard and settle in before we get ready for our first dive.
Our next four days are spent marvelling at the wonders of Raja Ampat. Starting in central Raja Ampat we explore the sites in the Dampier Strait before heading south, past Batanta and Salawati to the southernmost King - Misool. In Misool we dive the hotspots from the Goa Farondi region in the east to the Fiabacet Chain in the southeast.
Over a hundred nautical miles south we visit the reefs around Pulau Mandorang and Pulau Koon. Our adventure takes us further south to the Banda islands, where we spend the next seven days exploring the rich marine life surrounding the ten islands and rocks that make up the area.
From secluded Gili Manuk in the south to remote Pulau Suanggi in the north, each day highlights a different island. We cruise to Karang Hatta in the southeast, to Pulau Run and Pulau Ai to the west and finally make our way north to distant Ambon.
The last days are spent around Pulau Nusalaut before we cross over to Tulehu Harbour where it’s time for us to say goodbye.
Our adventure ends in Ambon at Tulehu Harbour where you depart Jaya at 10 am.
The Highlights
Blacktip reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks feel at home on most of the dive sites. A little rarer, but not uncommon, is the grey reef shark. But our most charismatic shark is without a doubt the tasselled wobbegong shark a well-camouflaged ambush predator that can be found under ledges or sometimes curled up on top of table corals. The endemic Raja Ampat epaulette shark is more elusive but equally popular with divers. It is also called “the walking shark” due to its ability to walk along the seafloor using an undulating, crawling motion.
What is a dive adventure without our beloved gentle giants – the manta rays. On our journey, we will visit some of the known cleaning stations, where we hope to watch reef mantas and oceanic mantas get cleaned by several species of wrasses and butterflyfish.
The volcanic Spice Islands lie on the migratory path of several large pelagic predators, among them the hammerhead shark! We dive the spots where we are most likely to cross paths with schooling hammerheads and give you the best possible chance to experience an encounter with these exhilarating creatures.
If this doesn’t give you an adrenaline rush, maybe diving around Gili Manuk will do the trick. Not only is this an active volcano where you can warm up during the dive while burying your hands in the hot black sand, but it is also home to one of the largest sea snake populations. They are inquisitive and friendly, and a close up is almost guaranteed.
For the more colourfully inclined, don’t worry. Gorgonian gardens, huge barrel sponges and healthy coral communities bustling with reef fish set the background for most of the dives. And if this is not enough, wait for the sunset dive where you can admire the fairest of them all – the mandarin fish with its bright, psychedelic patterns, performing its mating ritual.
Travel Information
Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ) -- Sorong
Pattimura Ambon Airport (AMQ) – Ambon
Flights to/from Sorong and Ambon are available from Makassar, Jakarta and a few other smaller cities. Most of these locations offer convenient hotels just outside the airport for a convenient stopover and rest along the way. Transportation from the airport to your hotel can be done by using readily available taxis or by booking a pick-up in advance with your hotel.
There are several airlines that provide service to/from Sorong and Ambon, however few provide very much baggage allowance. We recommend Batik Air as they allow 20kg of checked baggage or even better, Garuda Air that allow 20kg of checked baggage plus an additional 23kg of sports equipment (dive gear) allowance.
Please plan a flight out of Ambon for at least a day after Jaya’s planned arrival in Ambon.
Meeting Point
We will meet you at 8am at the Meridien Hotel (across the street from the Sorong airport) on the morning of the trip departure. Guests flying in on trip departure day should choose a flight that arrives before 7:30am. We will go together to the harbor and travel by 2-hr ferry to Waisai (departing at 9am). If you are meeting with us on departure day, the ferry ticket is included with your liveaboard trip.
For guests already in Wasai, plan to meet our team at the Waisai Harbor Tourist Information Center at 11am.
Itineraries
Our schedule will be determined by conditions such as weather, waves and our best judgement regarding dive sites and suitability for our guests. We ensure to select the best sites possible depending on various factors. We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of each dive site. However, we strive to meet our guests needs as much as it is in our power to do so.
Accommodation
On board Jaya, there are 4 twin cabins, 2 triple cabins and 3 shared bathrooms.
Dive groups
Maximum 4 divers per guide
Minimum certification level /Number of dives
Advanced Open Water Diver / 25 dives
Must have dived within 12 months prior to trip date
What's included:
3 meals per day, fruit and light snacks
Drinking water, tea, and coffee
Fresh towels and linens
Dive guide
Weights, weight belts and tanks (DIN tanks available)
Transfers between your hotel/airport and the Ambon/Banda harbors before and after the liveaboard trip
What's not included:
Dive equipment- full sets of equipment available for rent including computer at per trip price: 175 USD
Or per piece, per day:
BCD: 5 USD
Regulator: 5 USD
Boots & Fins: 4 USD
Wetsuit: 4 USD
Mask: 2 USD
Computer: 10 USD
15 liter tank: 15 USD
Marine park fees:
for foreign nationals IDR 700,000 per yearPrivate guide (inquire for current prices and availability)
Refresher or course dives (inquire for current prices and availability)
Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
Flights
Insurance
Payments
We accept
cash payments of EUR, USD, and IDR
credit cards (plus 3%)
What we need from each guest:
A filled in online check in form (www.scuba-republic.com/checkin-form/)
Diver certification level
Approximate number of dives in personal history
Any dietary requirements (we will do our best to accommodate)
Sizes of equipment needed
A copy of dive insurance policy and passport
A refresher dive is mandatory if you have less than 30 dives and haven’t dived in the last 12 months. If you have 30 dives or more, a refresher is required if you haven’t dived in the last 24 months. Refresher dives cannot be done on this trip; they must be done elsewhere BEFORE the trip.
Boat features
Leisure deck
Sun deck
Dive deck
Food & Drink
Local food
Western food
Buffet Style
Any specific dietary requirements can be added to special requests on the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.
Languages Spoken
English
Indonesian
Ambon - Banda
7 Day / 6 Night
The Spice Trade Route (18 dives)
Introduction
Jaya takes you on a seven day journey through the fabled Spice Islands. Volcanic mountains covered in lush, green vegetation are framed by white sandy beaches. But the remote Banda Islands aren’t just famous for its breath-taking landscapes and its rich history, it is also one of the most popular dive destinations in Southeast Asia.
Exposed to the nutrient-rich currents of the 5000m deep Banda Sea the reefs are a meeting point for all manners of sea life. From small critters to the mighty hammerhead, with some luck, everything can be found.
The Journey
We will welcome you in Ambon aboard the Jaya at around 10 am. After an introduction to our team, our boat and our safety procedures you have plenty of time to enjoy a delicious lunch on our liveaboard and settle in before we get ready for our first dive.
After the check dive, we set sail from Tulehu Harbour and head east to Pulau Nusalaut where we spend our second day.
Our adventure takes us further south to the Banda islands, where we spend the next five days exploring the rich marine life surrounding the ten islands and rocks that make up the area.
From secluded Pulau Suanggi in the north to remote Gili Manuk in the far south, each day highlights a different island. We cruise to Karang Hatta in the southeast, to Pulau Run and Pulau Ai to the west and end our trip with the last dive in Karang Kapal before it’s time for us to say goodbye.
Our adventure ends in Banda Naira where you depart Jaya at 11 am. Last dive?
The volcanic Spice Islands lie on the migratory path of several large pelagic predators, among them the hammerhead shark! We dive the spots where we are most likely to cross paths with schooling hammerheads and give you the best possible chance to experience an encounter with these exhilarating creatures.
If this doesn’t give you an adrenaline rush, maybe diving around Gili Manuk will do the trick. Not only is this an active volcano where you can warm up during the dive while burying your hands in the hot black sand, but it is also home to one of the largest sea snake populations. They are inquisitive and friendly, and a close up is almost guaranteed.
For the more colourfully inclined, don’t worry. Gorgonian gardens, huge barrel sponges and healthy coral communities bustling with reef fish set the background for most of the dives. And if this is not enough, wait for the sunset dive where you can admire the fairest of them all – the mandarin fish with its bright, psychedelic patterns, performing its mating ritual.
Travel Information
Pattimura Ambon Airport (AMQ) – Ambon
Flights to/from Ambon are available from Sorong, Makassar, Jakarta and a few other smaller cities. Most of these locations offer convenient hotels just outside the airport for a convenient stopover and rest along the way. Transportation from the airport to your hotel can be done by using readily available taxis or by booking a pick-up in advance with your hotel.
There are several airlines that provide service to/from Ambon, however few provide very much baggage allowance. We recommend Batik Air as they allow 20kg of checked baggage or even better, Garuda Air that allow 20kg of checked baggage plus an additional 23kg of sports equipment (dive gear) allowance.
FLIGHTS FROM BANDA TO AMBON:
Flights to/from Bandara Udara Airport (NBX) in Banda are at this time only available to/from Ambon through Susi Air. Here's the schedule for Ambon - Bandaneira (return) :
Ambon - Bandaneira
SI-6174 Dep (07.00) Arr (08.00) Fly on Monday
Bandaneira - Ambon
SI-6175 Dep (11.20) Arr (12.20) Fly on Monday
The price of ticket for Ambon - Bandaneira - Ambon :
Adult and Child : IDR 269.000 (exclude Vat 10%, Airport Tax, Insurance)
Infant : IDR 26.900 (exclude Vat 10%, Insurance)
Baggage allowance is 10 kg/passenger/one way, if you'll bring more than 10
kg, you must pay excess baggage IDR. 20,000/kg/passenger/one way.
For more information/ticket reservation, please contact :
Susi Air Ambon :
Phone : +62 813 4412 3335
Email : ambon@susiair.com
Crew Bandaneira : +62 813 5436 7157
Or Hotline 24 Hours Call Center
Phone : +62 811 211 3080 / +62 811 211 3090
Email : callcenter@susiair.com
FERRY FROM BANDA TO AMBON:
As of February 2020, the plan for November 2020 is that the Express Bahari 2B fast ferry will go from Banda to Tulehu Harbor in Ambon on Wednesdays and Sundays at 9 am. The trip takes 5 to 6 hours.Tickets do not need to be booked in advance; just show up to the harbor before departure. The price for an economy ticket is IDR 415,000 and VIP is 650,000.
Meeting Point
We will pick you up from your hotel or the airport on the morning of the trip departure. Pick-ups from hotels will be between 9 and 10am. Guests flying in on trip departure day should choose a flight that arrives before 9am but it is advised that you fly in to Ambon the day before your trip departure.
Itineraries
Our schedule will be determined by conditions such as weather, waves and our best judgement regarding dive sites and suitability for our guests. We ensure to select the best sites possible depending on various factors. We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of each dive site. However, we strive to meet our guests needs as much as it is in our power to do so.
Accommodation
On board Jaya, there are 4 twin cabins, 2 triple cabins and 3 shared bathrooms.
Dive groups
Maximum 4 divers per guide
Minimum certification level / Number of dives
Advanced Open Water Diver / 25 dives
Must have dived within 12 months prior to trip date
What’s included:
3 meals per day, fruit and light snacks
Drinking water, tea, and coffee
Fresh towels and linens
Dive guide
Weights, weight belts and tanks (DIN tanks available)
Transfers between your hotel/airport and the Ambon/Banda harbors before and after the liveaboard trip
What’s not included:
Dive equipment- full sets of equipment available for rent including computer at per trip price: 175 USD
Or per piece, per day:
BCD: 5 USD
Regulator: 5 USD
Boots & Fins: 4 USD
Wetsuit: 4 USD
Mask: 2 USD
Computer: 10 USD
15 liter tank: 15 USD
Crew gratuities (recommendation: approx. 10% of trip cost / person)
Private guide (inquire for current prices and availability)
Refresher or course dives (inquire for current prices and availability)
Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
Flights
Insurance
Payments
We accept
cash payments of EUR, USD, and IDR
credit cards (plus 3%)
What we need from each guest:
A filled in online check in form (www.scuba-republic.com/checkin-form/)
Diver certification level
Approximate number of dives in personal history
Any dietary requirements (we will do our best to accommodate)
Sizes of equipment needed
A copy of dive insurance policy and passport
A refresher dive is mandatory if you have less than 30 dives and haven’t dived in the last 12 months. If you have 30 dives or more, a refresher is required if you haven’t dived in the last 24 months. Refresher dives cannot be done on this trip; they must be done elsewhere BEFORE the trip.
Boat features
Leisure deck
Sun deck
Dive deck
Food & Drink
Local food
Western food
Buffet Style
Any specific dietary requirements can be added to special requests on the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.
Languages Spoken
English
Indonesian
Banda - Ambon
7 Day / 6 Night
The Spice Trade Route (18 dives)
Introduction
Jaya takes you on a seven day journey through the fabled Spice Islands. Volcanic mountains covered in lush, green vegetation are framed by white sandy beaches. But the remote Banda Islands aren’t just famous for its breath-taking landscapes and its rich history, it is also one of the most popular dive destinations in Southeast Asia.
Exposed to the nutrient-rich currents of the 5000m deep Banda Sea the reefs are a meeting point for all manners of sea life. From small critters to the mighty hammerhead, with some luck, everything can be found.
The Journey
We will welcome you in Banda Naira aboard the Jaya at around 10 am. After an introduction to our team, our boat and our safety procedures you have plenty of time to enjoy a delicious lunch on our liveaboard and settle in before we get ready for our first dive.
After the checkdive, we set sail from Banda Harbour to the neighbouring islands, where we spend the next few days exploring the rich marine life surrounding the ten islands and rocks that make up the Banda Islands.
From secluded Gili Manuk in the south to remote Pulau Suanggi in the north, each day highlights a different island. We cruise to Karang Hatta in the southeast, to Pulau Run and Pulau Ai to the west and finally make our way north to distant Ambon.
The last days are spent around Pulau Nusalaut before we cross over to Tulehu Harbour where it’s time for us to say goodbye.
Our adventure ends in Ambon at Tulehu Harbour where you depart Jaya at 10 am.
The volcanic Spice Islands lie on the migratory path of several large pelagic predators, among them the hammerhead shark! We dive the spots where we are most likely to cross paths with schooling hammerheads and give you the best possible chance to experience an encounter with these exhilarating creatures.
If this doesn’t give you an adrenaline rush, maybe diving around Gili Manuk will do the trick. Not only is this an active volcano where you can warm up during the dive while burying your hands in the hot black sand, but it is also home to one of the largest sea snake populations. They are inquisitive and friendly, and a close up is almost guaranteed.
For the more colourfully inclined, don’t worry. Gorgonian gardens, huge barrel sponges and healthy coral communities bustling with reef fish set the background for most of the dives. And if this is not enough, wait for the sunset dive where you can admire the fairest of them all – the mandarin fish with its
bright, psychedelic patterns, performing its mating ritual.
The volcanic Spice Islands lie on the migratory path of several large pelagic predators, among them the hammerhead shark! We dive the spots where we are most likely to cross paths with schooling hammerheads and give you the best possible chance to experience an encounter with these exhilarating creatures.
If this doesn’t give you an adrenaline rush, maybe diving around Gili Manuk will do the trick. Not only is this an active volcano where you can warm up during the dive while burying your hands in the hot black sand, but it is also home to one of the largest sea snake populations. They are inquisitive and friendly, and a close up is almost guaranteed.
For the more colourfully inclined, don’t worry. Gorgonian gardens, huge barrel sponges and healthy coral communities bustling with reef fish set the background for most of the dives. And if this is not enough, wait for the sunset dive where you can admire the fairest of them all – the mandarin fish with its bright, psychedelic patterns, performing its mating ritual.
Travel Information
Pattimura Ambon Airport (AMQ) – Ambon
FLIGHTS FROM BANDA TO AMBON:
Flights to/from Bandara Udara Airport (NBX) in Banda are at this time only available to/from Ambon through Susi Air. Here's the schedule for Ambon -Bandaneira (return) :
Ambon - Bandaneira
SI-6174 Dep (07.00) Arr (08.00) Fly on Monday
Bandaneira - Ambon
SI-6175 Dep (11.20) Arr (12.20) Fly on Monday
The price of ticket for Ambon - Bandaneira - Ambon :
Adult and Child : IDR 269.000 (exclude Vat 10%, Airport Tax, Insurance)
Infant : IDR 26.900 (exclude Vat 10%, Insurance)
Baggage allowance is 10 kg/passenger/one way, if you'll bring more than 10kg, you must pay excess baggage IDR. 20,000/kg/passenger/one way.
For more information/ticket reservation, please contact :
Susi Air Ambon :
Phone : +62 813 4412 3335
Email : ambon@susiair.com
Crew Bandaneira : +62 813 5436 7157
Or Hotline 24 Hours Call Center
Phone : +62 811 211 3080 / +62 811 211 3090
Email : callcenter@susiair.com
FERRY FROM AMBON TO BANDA:
As of February 2020, the plan for November 2020 is that the Express Bahari 2B fast ferry will go from Tulehu Harbor in Ambon to Banda on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 9 am. The trip takes 5 to 6 hours.Tickets do not need to be booked in advance; just show up to the harbor before departure. The price for an economy ticket is IDR 415,000 and VIP is 650,000.
Meeting Point
We will pick you up from your hotel or the airport on the morning of the trip departure. Pick-ups from hotels will be between 9 and 10am. Guests flying in on trip departure day should choose a flight that arrives before 9am but it is advised that you fly in to Ambon the day before your trip departure.
Itineraries
Our schedule will be determined by conditions such as weather, waves and our best judgement regarding dive sites and suitability for our guests. We ensure to select the best sites possible depending on various factors. We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of each dive site. However, we strive to meet our guests needs as much as it is in our power to do so.
Accommodation
On board Jaya, there are 4 twin cabins, 2 triple cabins and 3 shared bathrooms.
Dive groups
Maximum 4 divers per guide
Minimum certification level / Number of dives
Advanced Open Water Diver / 25 dives
Must have dived within 12 months prior to trip date
What’s included:
3 meals per day, fruit and light snacks
Drinking water, tea, and coffee
Fresh towels and linens
Dive guide
Weights, weight belts and tanks (DIN tanks available)
Transfers between your hotel/airport and the Ambon/Banda harbors before and after the liveaboard trip
What’s not included:
Dive equipment- full sets of equipment available for rent including computer at per trip price: 175 USD
Or per piece, per day:
BCD: 5 USD
Regulator: 5 USD
Boots & Fins: 4 USD
Wetsuit: 4 USD
Mask: 2 USD
Computer: 10 USD
15 liter tank: 15 USD
Crew gratuities (recommendation: approx. 10% of trip cost / person)
Private guide (inquire for current prices and availability)
Refresher or course dives (inquire for current prices and availability)
Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
Flights
Insurance
Payments
We accept
cash payments of EUR, USD, and IDR
credit cards (plus 3%)
What we need from each guest:
A filled in online check in form (www.scuba-republic.com/checkin-form/)
Diver certification level
Approximate number of dives in personal history
Any dietary requirements (we will do our best to accommodate)
Sizes of equipment needed
A copy of dive insurance policy and passport
A refresher dive is mandatory if you have less than 30 dives and haven’t dived in the last 12 months. If you have 30 dives or more, a refresher is required if you haven’t dived in the last 24 months. Refresher dives cannot be done on this trip; they must be done elsewhere BEFORE the trip.
Boat features
Leisure deck
Sun deck
Dive deck
Food & Drink
Local food
Western food
Buffet Style
Any specific dietary requirements can be added to special requests on the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.
Languages Spoken
English
Indonesian
Ambon - Banda - Raja Ampat
14 Day / 13 Night
From the Spice Islands to the Four Kings (30-34 dives)
Jaya takes you on a 14-day journey through the fabled Spice Islands up to the wonders of Raja Ampat, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
During the first leg of the trip, the scenery is dominated by volcanic mountains covered in lush, green vegetation, framed by white sandy beaches. But the remote Banda Islands aren’t just famous for its breath-taking landscapes and its rich history, it is also one of the most popular dive destinations in Southeast Asia.
Exposed to the nutrient-rich currents of the 5000m deep Banda Sea the reefs are a meeting point for all manners of sea life. From small critters to the mighty hammerhead, with some luck, everything can be found.
Further north lies Raja Ampat, a Regency in Indonesia’s West Papua Province that incorporates around 600 islands off the northwestern tip of New Guinea.
The name Raja Ampat translates to Four Kings and originates in local mythology where four kings hatched from dragon eggs and went on to rule the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo.
The seas surrounding the islands are part of the Indonesian Throughflow, channelling a gigantic volume of water from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean and back. These currents carry with them millions of eggs and larvae that supply the region with both genetic diversity and food. A buffet for sea creatures of all sorts!
Almost 75% of the world’s known hard coral species, 1400 species of reef fish, 17 types of mollusc, 13 marine mammal species and five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found in the area.
We will welcome you in Ambon aboard the Jaya at around 11 am. After an introduction to our team, our boat and our safety procedures you have plenty of time to enjoy a delicious lunch and settle in before we get ready for our first dive.
After the check dive, we set sail from Tulehu Harbour and head east to Pulau Nusalaut.
Our adventure takes us further south to the Banda islands, where we spend the next six days exploring the rich marine life surrounding the ten islands and rocks that make up the area.
From secluded Pulau Suanggi in the north to remote Gili Manuk in the far south, each day highlights a different island. We cruise to Karang Hatta in the southeast, to Pulau Run and Pulau Ai to the west and rest at Banda Naira for a day to see the sites of the historical town.
The next step of our journey takes us further north towards Misool, the southernmost King of Raja Ampat. On the way, we stop at Pulau Koon and Pulau Mandorang for some diving before we take on the long crossing to Raja Ampat.
Our next five days are spent marvelling at the wonders of Raja Ampat. In Misool we cruise from the Fiabacet Chain in the southeast up to the Goa Farondi region in the east. We keep heading north, past the islands Salawati and Batanta to central Raja Ampat, where we’ll roam the Dampier Strait and explore the sites around the islands of Kri, Gam and Arborek.
Our adventure ends in Waisai Harbour where you depart Jaya for the 9 am ferry to Sorong.
The volcanic Spice Islands lie on the migratory path of several large pelagic predators, among them the hammerhead shark! We dive the spots where we are most likely to cross paths with schooling hammerheads and give you the best possible chance to experience an encounter with these exhilarating creatures.
If this doesn’t give you an adrenaline rush, maybe diving around Gili Manuk will do the trick. Not only is this an active volcano where you can warm up during the dive by burying your hands in the hot black sand, but it is also home to one of the largest sea snake populations. They are inquisitive and friendly, and a close up is almost guaranteed.
For the more colourfully inclined, don’t worry. Gorgonian gardens, huge barrel sponges and healthy coral communities bustling with reef fish set the background for most of the dives. And if this is not enough, wait for the sunset dive where you can admire the fairest of them all – the mandarin fish with its bright, psychedelic patterns, performing its mating ritual.
What is a dive adventure without our beloved gentle giants – the manta rays. On our journey, we will visit some of the known cleaning stations, where we hope to watch reef mantas and oceanic mantas get cleaned by several species of wrasses and butterflyfish.
Last but not least we would like to present our varied shark population. Blacktip reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks feel at home on most of the dive sites. A little rarer, but not uncommon, is the grey reef shark. But our most charismatic shark is without a doubt the tasselled wobbegong shark a well-camouflaged ambush predator that can be found under ledges or sometimes curled up on top of table corals. The endemic Raja Ampat epaulette shark is more elusive but equally popular with divers. It is also called “the walking shark” due to its ability to walk along the seafloor using an undulating, crawling motion.
Travel Information
Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ) -- Sorong
Pattimura Ambon Airport (AMQ) – Ambon
Flights to/from Sorong and Ambon are available from Makassar, Jakarta and a few other smaller cities. Most of these locations offer convenient hotels just outside the airport for a convenient stopover and rest along the way. Transportation from the airport to your hotel can be done by using readily available taxis or by booking a pick-up in advance with your hotel.
There are several airlines that provide service to/from Sorong and Ambon, however few provide very much baggage allowance. We recommend Batik Air as they allow 20kg of checked baggage or even better, Garuda Air that allow 20kg of checked baggage plus an additional 23kg of sports equipment (dive gear) allowance.
Please plan a flight out of Sorong for at least a day after our planned arrival in Waisai. Accommodation is available in Waisai and guests who book accommodation directly with Scuba Republic Beach Bungalows will receive 10% off accommodation rates. There is a ferry from Waisai to Sorong departing daily at 9am and 2pm. The ferry trip takes 2 hours and the taxi ride from the Sorong Harbor to the Sorong Airport takes less than 20 minutes.
Meeting Point
We will pick you up from your hotel or the airport on the morning of the trip departure. Pick-ups from hotels will be between 9 and 10am. Guests flying in on trip departure day should choose a flight that arrives before 9am but it is advised that you fly in to Ambon the day before your trip departure.
Itineraries
Our schedule will be determined by conditions such as weather, waves and our best judgement regarding dive sites and suitability for our guests. We ensure to select the best sites possible depending on various factors. We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of each dive site. However, we strive to meet our guests needs as much as it is in our power to do so.
On board Jaya, there are 4 twin cabins, 2 triple cabins and 3 shared bathrooms.
Maximum 4 divers per guide
Advanced Open Water Diver / 25 dives
Must have dived within 12 months prior to trip date
3 meals per day, fruit and light snacks
Drinking water, tea, and coffee
Fresh towels and linens
Dive guide
Weights, weight belts and tanks (DIN tanks available)
Transfers between your hotel/airport and the Ambon/Banda harbors before and after the liveaboard trip
What's not included:
Dive equipment- full sets of equipment available for rent including computer at per trip price: 175 USD
Or per piece, per day:
BCD: 5 USD
Regulator: 5 USD
Boots & Fins: 4 USD
Wetsuit: 4 USD
Mask: 2 USD
Computer: 10 USD
15 liter tank: 15 USD
Marine park fees:
for foreign nationals IDR 700,000 per yearCrew gratuities (recommendation: approx. 10% of trip cost / person)
Private guide (inquire for current prices and availability)
Refresher or course dives (inquire for current prices and availability)
Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
Flights
Insurance
Payments
We accept
cash payments of EUR, USD, and IDR
credit cards (plus 3%)
What we need from each guest:
A filled in online check in form (www.scuba-republic.com/checkin-form/)
Diver certification level
Approximate number of dives in personal history
Any dietary requirements (we will do our best to accommodate)
Sizes of equipment needed
A copy of dive insurance policy and passport
A refresher dive is mandatory if you have less than 30 dives and haven’t dived in the last 12 months. If you have 30 dives or more, a refresher is required if you haven’t dived in the last 24 months. Refresher dives cannot be done on this trip; they must be done elsewhere BEFORE the trip.
Boad features
Leisure deck
Sun deck
Dive deck
Food & Drink
Local food
Western food
Buffet Style
Any specific dietary requirements can be added to special requests on the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.
Languages Spoken
English
Indonesian