Banda Sea
Requirements: PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent - minimum of 50 logged dives and experience in currents
Duration
6, 7 & 10 nights
Skill level
Advanced
Overview
Abundant marine life
Pristine reefs
Suitable for experienced divers
Spectacular scenary
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:
- Transfer between the domestic airport and harbour on embarkation and disembarkation days
- Full board accommodation (based on double occupancy)
- Tea, coffee, fruit juice & soft drinks
- Up to 4 dives daily
- 11 litre (80 cuft) cylinder with air fills
- Weights, weight belt and SMB
Obligatory surcharges:
- Marine Park & Port Fees
- Fuel Surcharge
- Flights
- Additional transfers
- Obligatory surcharges
- Equipment rental
- Nitrox fills (for qualified divers)
- Beer, cocktails, wine & spirits
- On board merchandise
- Crew and dive guide gratuities
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
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 | 185 USD* |
Raja Ampat – 10 nights | 215 USD* |
Triton Bay & Raja Ampat | 290 USD* |
Alor Archipelago | 130 USD* |
Banda Sea | 200 USD* |
Raja Ampat, Halmahera & Lembeh | 230 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 |
All cylinders must be requested in advance to ensure availability.
Availability of large cylinders is limited and not guaranteed. Please contact our reservations team to check 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.
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.
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
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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