Banda Sea

Requirements: PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent - minimum of 50 logged dives and experience in currents

itinerary-duration

Duration

10 nights

itinerary-skill

Skill level

Advanced

Banda Sea

Overview

Abundant Marinelife
Abundant marine life
Pristine Corals
Pristine reefs
Great Visibility
Suitable for experienced divers
Spectacular scenary
Stunning Topography
Tropical beaches

Diving the Banda Sea’s remote islands is only possible by liveaboard. The entire region stretches from Nusa Tengarra in the south to Raja Ampat in the far north with Ceram Island at the centre. Dotted in between are the tiny islands of Banda Neira, Manuk, Nil Desperandum & Serua and Nila. The Banda Sea is a diving area that offers a wide diversity of sites and sights.

Dates & Prices

What's included:
Obligatory surcharges:

Maps & Itinerary

Prepare to be amazed as we navigate the Banda Sea, exploring a string of remote islands teeming with marine wonders. This unforgettable liveaboard diving adventure kicks off in Ambon, where you’ll embark on Indo Master and complete a check dive to ensure everything is shipshape.

Our journey begins at Pulau Suanggi, where vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish await. Prepare for dazzling walls, swim-throughs, and encounters with a remarkable array of marine life. Next, we set course for Manuk Island, a haven for curious olive and banded sea snakes. Keep your eyes peeled in the blue for majestic manta rays and hammerhead sharks cruising by.

Unforgettable experiences continue at Nil Desperandum and Serua (7 and 10 night itineraries only). Although not guaranteed, adrenaline-pumping encounters with hammerhead sharks are a distinct possibility at Serua’s “Jackpot” dive site.

Returning to Manuk Island, we explore a different facet of its underwater world. Keen muck divers will be in their element, uncovering an incredible diversity of macro life, with the possibility of spotting the mesmerizing Mandarin fish.

And no Banda Sea expedition is complete without a visit to the Banda Islands. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich history before diving into vibrant coral gardens teeming with life.

Finally, our adventure concludes back in Ambon, where you’ll disembark with memories that will last a lifetime.

On a typical day we offer up to 4 dives: 3 day dives and a fourth sunset or night dive. The diving day is scheduled as follows:

  • Light Breakfast followed by a briefing and Dive 1
  • Full Breakfast, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 2
  • Lunch, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 3
  • Snack, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 4, where possible
  • Dinner
Detailed itinerary

The itinerary outlined above is an example only and may be subject to change depending on local regulations, guests’ experience, flight schedules*, weather and logistics and is at the Captain’s discretion. Adverse weather can affect the Banda Sea itinerary which includes several overnight sailings.

*Please be advised that domestic flights in Indonesia are often subject to delays, schedule changes and cancellations which can result in missed connections and arrival after the liveaboard has departed. We strongly recommend that you make arrangements to arrive at Ambon the day before your itinerary’s embarkation date. Please refer to the Indonesia Travel FAQs, or contact our reservations team for further advice.

Accommodation

9.22

Rated excellent

Nitrox

Surcharge

Wifi

Surcharge

Equipment

Surcharge

Tech friendly

No

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey aboard Indo Master, a true reflection of Indonesian culture and spirit within a phinisi style boat. Our 47 meter luxury wooden liveaboard has 9 cabins, hosting a maximum of 18 guests and also includes 16 crew ready to serve you day and night.

Indo Master seamlessly blends modern comforts with timeless charm. Relax on the spacious top deck, leaving your worries behind as you bask in luxury. Seek solace in the cozy lounge areas, surrounded by breathtaking views and peaceful moments.

Extras

Master Liveaboards offers a range of services to make your stay on board even more enjoyable. Rental equipment, Marine Park & Port fees, and courses can now be pre-booked and pre-paid at the time of booking.

Per person
Marine Park and Port Fees
Komodo – 7 nights
180 USD*
Komodo – 10 nights
230 USD*
Raja Ampat – 7 nights
170 USD*
Raja Ampat – 10 nights
200 USD*
Triton Bay & Raja Ampat
275 USD*
Alor Archipelago
130 USD*
Banda Sea
200 USD*
Raja Ampat, Halmahera & Lembeh
215 USD*
Fuel Surcharge

*All surcharges, including marine, park and port fees, are subject to change at any time, and without notice.

The applicable marine park fees for your itinerary will be added to your onboard extras to be paid on the boat before disembarkation.

Equipment
6 nights
7 nights
10 nights
12 nights
Full equipment set*
200 USD
240 USD
360 USD
440 USD
BCD
75 USD
90 USD
135 USD
165 USD
Regulators
75 USD
90 USD
135 USD
165 USD
Wetsuit
50 USD
60 USD
90 USD
110 USD
Fins
25 USD
30 USD
45 USD
55 USD
Boots
25 USD
30 USD
45 USD
55 USD
Mask & Snorkel
25 USD
30 USD
45 USD
55 USD
Dive Computer
75 USD
90 USD
135 USD
165 USD
UW Torch/ Flashlight
50 USD
60 USD
90 USD
110 USD

*Full equipment set includes Wetsuit, BCD, Regulators, Mask, Snorkel, Boots, Fins, Weights and Weight belt. Additional charges apply for dive computer and torch rental. 

All equipment must be pre-booked to ensure availability and correct sizes, etc. are on board.

6 nights
7 nights
10 nights
12 nights
Nitrox
80 USD
100 USD
130 USD
150 USD
Additional 11 L (AL80) Aluminium cylinder
35 USD
42 USD
63 USD
77 USD
13 Litre (AL100) Aluminium cylinder
25 USD
30 USD
45 USD
55 USD
15 Litre (HP120) Steel cylinder*
50 USD
60 USD
90 USD
110 USD

All cylinders must be requested in advance to ensure availability.

*There is a very limited number of 15 Litre cylinders available to rent on Indo Master. Please contact our reservations team to check availability and pre-book.

PADI Courses
Cost:
PADI Advanced Open Water
250 USD
PADI Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx)
100 USD
PADI Deep Diver Speciality
200 USD
Other PADI Specialities
Please enquire*

Please note: The course prices listed above do not include course materials or certification registration. You can register for online learning for PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI EANx (Nitrox) here. For other courses, please contact our reservations team. While completing AOWC onboard is possible, we need a minimum of 3 students to run the course. If there are less students, a private guide will be required.

*Other speciality courses may be possible on request, depending on itinerary and instructor availability. Please enquire with our reservations team for more information and prices. All courses are subject to availability and must be pre-booked.
Bar Services
Price
Local beer (per can)
3 USD
Cocktails (per glass)
8 USD
Spirits (single shot)
from 6 USD
Spirits (bottle)
from 120 USD
Wine (per bottle)
from 45 USD
Corkage & handling fee*
20 USD
Other Services
Price
Laundry (per bag)
25 USD
In-room massage (60 minutes)
45 USD
In-room massage (90 minutes)
60 USD
Indo Master merchandise
Prices vary
Wi-Fi Internet access
Single device
50 USD
Additional device (per person)
15 USD

*Should you wish to bring alcohol onboard with you, a corkage fee will be charged per bottle, or per 6 cans of beer/breezers.

On-board pricing is subject to change without notice. While we try to keep information as up to date as possible, please be aware that, although unlikely, prices may be different on your cruise.

Master Liveaboards

Your opportunity to explore remote sites and encounter amazing creatures

Join us and dive into the Banda Sea's 'Ring of Fire'

Prices from US$ 1,234 per person

You could secure your spaces today for as little as 5% deposit*

*our payment terms and  standard terms and conditions apply

Customer Reviews

Some of the great things our customers have said about our liveaboard in Indonesia

Marika (Alisa) Garcia
Marika (Alisa) Garcia
Indonesia, Sep 2023, Alor Archipelago
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The ✨ extra ✨ things on this trip I really enjoyed/appreciated: flowing fizzy water, bathrobe, delicious homemade peanut butter, loose-leaf tea station, having so much space on the boat, and a really nice yoga session taught by Alexa... all of that to say, I REALLY enjoyed the trip, so much so that I booked the next trip! Thank you to all the crew for a fantastic time
Trevor Hunter
Trevor Hunter
Indonesia, Aug 2023, Komodo
Read More
The very best liveaboards I have experienced in 25 years of diving .. nothing is too much trouble.. everything is individualised to meet the needs of the client .. smooth professional operation that copes with any and every contingency.. you guys set the benchmark in my humble opinion!!!
Elle McLaughlin
Elle McLaughlin
Indonesia, Aug 2023, Komodo
Read More
I truly enjoyed my experience with Master Liveaboards. Alexa is so through and patient with guest it is inspirational. The level of expertise of Ghee, Marif and Alexa is exceptional and the eye of spotting sea life is brilliant. I truly enjoyed getting to know and experience diving with the guides. I cannot say enough good things about Alexa, she works very hard and uses all her energy for the guest to maximize their enjoyment. Regardless of the detours needed we never missed a beat on the trip and that alone is enough to applaud the crew for their endurance for change and shifting things around to accommodate all and make everyones experience as maximized as possible. Knowing the dive professional world and watching them all handle each situation with care and attention was overwhelming positive. I cannot say enough good things about my trip to Komodo, thank you thank yoo
Kimberly Giardino
Kimberly Giardino
Indonesia, Jul 2023, Komodo
Read More
We had a fantastic trip. Thank you! Some of the things that stood out to me: The safety protocols and briefings were excellent. Best of any liveaboard I’ve been on...Our cabin was nice and we had everything we needed...Dive guides were amazing! Garth and Ghee were above par and truly excellent. Meals. As someone with an allergy I was super impressed by how my circumstance was addressed right away by Alexa. And in addition the chef was able to make so many things accessible to me! ...I love the “welcome back” after every dive. Made my heart soar...Last note to Alexa and Garth who really went above and beyond to make it a great experience as cruise directors. Thank you.
Jonathon Field
Jonathon Field
Indonesia, Jul 2023, Komodo
Read More
Fantastic trip. Excellent trip leader. Fabulous crew. A real sense of joy, fun and professionalism on the boat. Great job on choosing dive sites for currents etc and no other dive boats where possible. Liked the safety aspect. Have a real sense from the first minute that this was a professional crew who knew what they were doing. Great variety of dives. Excellent cabin and dive deck. Loved the space and how the boat is set up for divers. We will try and be back.
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Do you have questions about Indonesia?

We’ve tried to include a lot of information on our website. You may find, however, that you have additional questions about our liveaboard in Indonesia, the diving in the Banda Sea or just general information about booking with Master Liveaboards. Via the following link, you can find answers to some commonly asked questions. Should you have other questions or queries, please contact our reservations team who will be pleased to assist you.

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