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Mari Liveaboard, Indonesia
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Mari liveaboard is a traditional Indonesian Phinisi built for divers who value space, comfortable accommodation, organized dive operations, and attentive service. Constructed from high-quality ironwood and teak by Phinisi boat builders in South Sulawesi, the vessel accommodates up to 14 guests in 7 sea-view en-suite cabins.
Built in 2008, Mari Indonesia measures 34 metres long and 6.5 metres wide, cruises at 8 knots, and has a range of 4,000 nautical miles. Fourteen crew members look after 14 guests, creating a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, while a maximum ratio of 4 divers to 1 guide keeps dive groups small.
The vessel has several outdoor spaces for time between dives. Sun beds are available on the upper sun deck and sky deck, while the shaded lounge deck is furnished with bean bags. The open-air lounge and bar area offers 270-degree sea views, and free Wi-Fi is available on board.
Each cabin includes an additional bunk bed and can accommodate families or groups of up to 3 guests. Two cabins have twin beds that can be joined as a double, while 1 cabin has a 1.8-metre king-size bed.
Each cabin has a twin bunk-bed layout and accommodates up to 2 guests.
The vessel carries 25 12-litre tanks and 6 15-litre tanks. Nitrox is available at an additional cost, while dive equipment can be rented when requested in advance. The filling system includes 2 CAT 9 compressors, 1 ASTRA compressor, and 1 NRC Nitrox membrane system.
Up to 4 dives may be scheduled each day. A typical routine includes dives at 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m., followed by a night dive at 6:30 p.m. when scheduled. Eleven-night cruises include up to 33 dives, with a maximum dive time of 70 minutes and a maximum depth of 40 metres.
The minimum requirement for all cruises is an Open Water certification and 30 logged dives.
Safety equipment also includes 2 life rafts, life jackets, and fire extinguishers. Diving insurance that includes medical evacuation is mandatory for all diving guests, while travel insurance is highly recommended.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are freshly prepared each day and combine Indonesian and Western cuisine. Coffee, tea, water, and snacks are available throughout the day.
Soft drinks, juice, and alcoholic beverages can be purchased on board. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Above the water, Komodo is home to the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, and is known for dramatic scenery on land and below the surface.
Mari visits Komodo in May and operates Bali and Komodo routes from June through August. Bali, Komodo, and Banda Sea itineraries may also be available in September.
Limestone karst peaks and turquoise lagoons shape the scenery above the water, including the distinctive landscape of Wayag.
Mari operates Raja Ampat itineraries from January through March and again in December, with combined Raja Ampat and Banda Sea routes in April.
The itinerary also reaches the historic Spice Islands, adding a cultural dimension to the journey.
Mari visits the Banda Sea in April, September, and October, with Banda Sea and Triton Bay routes offered in November.
The region lies on the route towards Komodo and may be included in combination itineraries.
With fewer visiting liveaboards and relatively undisturbed reefs, Triton Bay offers remote diving in one of Indonesia’s least-visited regions. Mari operates Banda Sea and Triton Bay routes in November.
Komodo routes begin in May, followed by Bali and Komodo itineraries from June through August. September may include Bali, Komodo, and Banda Sea, while October focuses on the Banda Sea. November combines the Banda Sea and Triton Bay.
The itineraries provide varied photographic opportunities. Komodo combines manta rays, current-swept pinnacles, macro subjects, and dramatic landscapes, while Raja Ampat offers coral-covered reefs, endemic species, and wide-angle scenery. The Banda Sea adds hammerhead sharks, sea snakes, volcanic walls, and remote atolls. Triton Bay offers shallow soft corals, whale sharks, wobbegongs, and macro life, while Sumbawa brings seasonal whale sharks, healthy reefs, and volcanic reef formations
Built in 2008, Mari Indonesia measures 34 metres long and 6.5 metres wide, cruises at 8 knots, and has a range of 4,000 nautical miles. Fourteen crew members look after 14 guests, creating a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, while a maximum ratio of 4 divers to 1 guide keeps dive groups small.
Boat Interior
Mari liveaboard Indonesia has 7 sea-view cabins, all located on the main deck. Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with hot water and toiletries, individually controlled air conditioning, and daily housekeeping.The vessel has several outdoor spaces for time between dives. Sun beds are available on the upper sun deck and sky deck, while the shaded lounge deck is furnished with bean bags. The open-air lounge and bar area offers 270-degree sea views, and free Wi-Fi is available on board.
Cabin Types
Mari liveaboard has 7 sea-view cabins on the main deck. Every cabin includes individually controlled air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom with hot water and toiletries, and daily housekeeping.Deluxe Sea View Cabin
There are 3 Deluxe Sea View Cabins on the main deck. These cabins provide additional storage and floor space for longer cruises and camera equipment.Each cabin includes an additional bunk bed and can accommodate families or groups of up to 3 guests. Two cabins have twin beds that can be joined as a double, while 1 cabin has a 1.8-metre king-size bed.
Superior Sea View Cabin
There are 4 Superior Sea View Cabins on the main deck, with sea-view windows and easy access to the outdoor areas.Each cabin has a twin bunk-bed layout and accommodates up to 2 guests.
Dive Deck
Mari liveaboard has a spacious dive deck supported by 3 dedicated dive tenders. The dive team includes a cruise director and 3 dive guides, maintaining a maximum ratio of 4 divers to 1 guide.The vessel carries 25 12-litre tanks and 6 15-litre tanks. Nitrox is available at an additional cost, while dive equipment can be rented when requested in advance. The filling system includes 2 CAT 9 compressors, 1 ASTRA compressor, and 1 NRC Nitrox membrane system.
Up to 4 dives may be scheduled each day. A typical routine includes dives at 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m., followed by a night dive at 6:30 p.m. when scheduled. Eleven-night cruises include up to 33 dives, with a maximum dive time of 70 minutes and a maximum depth of 40 metres.
The minimum requirement for all cruises is an Open Water certification and 30 logged dives.
Safety
Mari liveaboard Indonesia is equipped with radar, an echo sounder, GPS chartplotter, VHF and SSB radios, an EPIRB, SART, and satellite phone.Safety equipment also includes 2 life rafts, life jackets, and fire extinguishers. Diving insurance that includes medical evacuation is mandatory for all diving guests, while travel insurance is highly recommended.
Food and Beverages
Meals are served in a shaded 50 m² open-air dining area with a full bar, lounge seating, and 270-degree sea views.Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are freshly prepared each day and combine Indonesian and Western cuisine. Coffee, tea, water, and snacks are available throughout the day.
Soft drinks, juice, and alcoholic beverages can be purchased on board. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Itineraries
Mari liveaboard Indonesia operates across Raja Ampat, Komodo, Bali, the Banda Sea, Triton Bay, and Sumbawa. The schedule follows the diving seasons, moving between different regions of Indonesia throughout the year.Komodo
Komodo offers strong currents, fish-covered pinnacles, coral walls, and manta ray cleaning stations. Divers can experience current-swept drift dives and year-round manta encounters, while South Komodo adds smaller subjects such as frogfish, pygmy seahorses, and nudibranchs.Above the water, Komodo is home to the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, and is known for dramatic scenery on land and below the surface.
Mari visits Komodo in May and operates Bali and Komodo routes from June through August. Bali, Komodo, and Banda Sea itineraries may also be available in September.
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat combines exceptionally rich fish and coral life with manta ray cleaning stations and reefs covered in soft and hard corals. Divers may encounter walking sharks, tasseled wobbegongs, and Raja Ampat pygmy seahorses around walls, slopes, and bommies.Limestone karst peaks and turquoise lagoons shape the scenery above the water, including the distinctive landscape of Wayag.
Mari operates Raja Ampat itineraries from January through March and again in December, with combined Raja Ampat and Banda Sea routes in April.
Banda Sea
Banda Sea is known for remote diving around deep volcanic walls, isolated atolls, and pristine reefs. Seasonal schooling hammerhead sharks are among the region’s best-known encounters, while Manuk Island is associated with sea snakes.The itinerary also reaches the historic Spice Islands, adding a cultural dimension to the journey.
Mari visits the Banda Sea in April, September, and October, with Banda Sea and Triton Bay routes offered in November.
Sumbawa
Sumbawa offers seasonal whale shark encounters at Teluk Saleh. Around Moyo Island, divers can explore healthy reefs, drift sites, macro-rich coral gardens, and volcanic reef formations.The region lies on the route towards Komodo and may be included in combination itineraries.
Triton Bay
Triton Bay is known for dense soft coral formations extending from shallow water down its walls. Whale sharks gather around traditional fishing platforms at Namatote, while endemic wobbegong sharks and macro life add further variety.With fewer visiting liveaboards and relatively undisturbed reefs, Triton Bay offers remote diving in one of Indonesia’s least-visited regions. Mari operates Banda Sea and Triton Bay routes in November.
When to Go
Mari liveaboard follows a seasonal schedule across Indonesia. Raja Ampat itineraries operate from January through March and again in December, with combined Raja Ampat and Banda Sea routes in April.Komodo routes begin in May, followed by Bali and Komodo itineraries from June through August. September may include Bali, Komodo, and Banda Sea, while October focuses on the Banda Sea. November combines the Banda Sea and Triton Bay.
Boat for Photographers
Mari liveaboard provides camera charging stations for underwater photographers. Deluxe Sea View Cabins also offer additional storage and floor space for longer trips and camera equipment.The itineraries provide varied photographic opportunities. Komodo combines manta rays, current-swept pinnacles, macro subjects, and dramatic landscapes, while Raja Ampat offers coral-covered reefs, endemic species, and wide-angle scenery. The Banda Sea adds hammerhead sharks, sea snakes, volcanic walls, and remote atolls. Triton Bay offers shallow soft corals, whale sharks, wobbegongs, and macro life, while Sumbawa brings seasonal whale sharks, healthy reefs, and volcanic reef formations
This liveaboard is unavailable for individual bookings or available only for charters.You can explore other liveaboards in Indonesia or send us a Group Request
Cabins

Main Deck
Deluxe Cabin
2 Guests
Deluxe Cabin
Deluxe Cabin
Deck:Main Deck
Bedding:Twin / Double (Convertible)
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:3 Cabins
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
3 x Double-Bed or Twin-Bed Cabins + 1 extra bed, ideal for families or groups of friends. All cabins with private air conditioners, bathrooms with hot and cold water, are located on deck, with windows making the rooms very bright and well ventilated

Main Deck
Superior Cabin
2 Guests
Superior Cabin
Superior Cabin
Deck:Main Deck
Bedding:Twin Beds (Bunk-Style)
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:4 Cabins
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
4 Superior Cabin with bunk beds 2x1m. All cabins with private air conditioners, bathrooms with hot and cold water, are located on deck, with windows making the rooms very bright and well ventilated

Boat deck plan
Boat Specification
Year built / Renovation
2008
Number of cabins
7
Dive guides to divers ratio
4:1
Groups or charters
Yes
Gear rental
Surcharge
Wi-Fi
Free
Nitrox
Surcharge
Fleet/Managing company
Mari Liveaboard・PT Wisata Laut Indah
Length and width
34 m / 6.5 m
Capacity
14
Tenders
3 fiber dhingies (2x 6.5 m / 40 HP Yamaha + 1x 4 m / 15 HP Yamaha)
Material
Ironwood
Languages crew speak
English
Power plugs onboard
220 Volts/ 50 Hz. EU type plugs
Engines
1 x Yanmar 4 Cyl./26,4kW, 1 x Yanmar 4 Cyl./16kW
Generator
1 x Yanmar 4 Cyl./26,4kW, 1 x Yanmar 4 Cyl./16kW
Tech diving friendly
No
Handicapped Friendly
No
Compressors
2x CAT 9 / 240 liter/min, 1x ASTRA 200 liter/min
Nitrox Membrane
1x NRC NITROX membrane system (500 liter/min)
Dive Facilities
- Compressors
- Tenders for Diving
Boat navigation & safety
Full safety
Onboard Facilities
- Sun Deck
- Open Air Saloon
Photographer Facilities
- Charging Stations
Similar Liveaboards
Mari Liveaboard Itineraries
Raja Ampat, Misool & Banda Sea (12 nights) (Port of Sorong-Ambon Island)
12 nights nights, ±36 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 30 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel Surcharge > 11N (subject to change): 250EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Part & Port Fees >11N (subject to change): 200EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 12N: 84EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 12N: 84EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 12N: 60EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 12N: 120EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 12N: 192EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 12N (no computer): 252EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 12N: 192EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Pygmy seahorse and rare macro life
Dramatic underwater landscapes and stunning reefs of Misool
Dive the world-class muck diving sites of Ambon
Night dive is included in the schedule
Day 1:
Your flight will arrive in Sorong.
Day 2-11:
If possible, we offer 3-4 dives daily. When crossing, only 1-2 dives a day can be scheduled. Some of the destinations:
Misool, formerly spelled Mysol (Dutch: Misoöl), is one of the four major islands in the Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua. The inhabitants speak the Biga language and Matbat language, as well as Indonesian. The reason the reefs in the southeast of Misool are so incredibly rich is their relative location to the deep waters of the Ceram Trough and the upwelling of nutrients created as the Indonesian Throughflow makes its way south to the Banda Sea.
Koon Island: Small Island, located in the district of Southeast Seram The name of the dive site says it all: "Too many fishes." With the right current, the diving could be unforgettable, with millions of fish, schooling jacks, barracudas, and sharks.
Banda Neira: Once known as the Spice Islands, the condition and health of the coral reefs are breathtaking. Isolated from the rest of Central Maluku, the 10 little volcanic islands that make up the Banda archipelago is the most wanted tourist destination in the whole of Maluku. Fortunately, these pretty little islets remain somewhat time-consuming to reach, which keeps the crowds away. Obligated stop for a cultural tour: the fort, the governor's house, the church, nutmeg plantations, the chance to have a beer on land with the locals... Diving: both Pulau Run and Pulau Ai have pristine clear waters, lovely walls, and good fish life; we might go a bit deeper in search of more hammerheads. big fish can be seen here as well, napoleons, schools of black snappers, bump heads, etc.
Nusa Laut: Nusa Laut is the most easterly of the Lease group and about 80 km from Ambon, so, in reality, it’s probably only possible to dive into the sites there from life aboard. The diving around Nusa Laut was pioneered by Eddie Frommenweiler and the late Larry Smith, who between them opened up much of the diving in Eastern Indonesia. The reef is as it was hundreds of years ago. The locals have protected it and now it is an outstanding diving site, many people's favorite dive. With a bit of luck In the shallow bay of Paperu, it is possible to spot a dugong in the seagrass. On Nusa Laut, there are a few old forts and colonial buildings.
Ambon is the capital of Maluku Province, and its main town, Kota Ambon, is the largest and most developed in the region. In the 17th century, when the spice trade was at its peak and the Dutch monopoly on cloves was at its strongest, they made Kota Ambon their base in the Moluccas because of its superb natural harbor, and the town was known as the “Queen of the East.” While it is still possible to find the odd legacy of those days, most of the Dutch colonial-era buildings were destroyed during the WWII battle for Ambon between the Allied forces and the Japanese.
Day 12:
Final day of diving - our trip ends at Ambon.
Day 13:
Check out after breakfast or lunch, depending on your return flight time. We say goodbye to our guests and wish them farewell. The MARI crew will organize the transfer to the Airport and assist at check-in for onward flights.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Your flight will arrive in Sorong.
Day 2-11:
If possible, we offer 3-4 dives daily. When crossing, only 1-2 dives a day can be scheduled. Some of the destinations:
Misool, formerly spelled Mysol (Dutch: Misoöl), is one of the four major islands in the Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua. The inhabitants speak the Biga language and Matbat language, as well as Indonesian. The reason the reefs in the southeast of Misool are so incredibly rich is their relative location to the deep waters of the Ceram Trough and the upwelling of nutrients created as the Indonesian Throughflow makes its way south to the Banda Sea.
Koon Island: Small Island, located in the district of Southeast Seram The name of the dive site says it all: "Too many fishes." With the right current, the diving could be unforgettable, with millions of fish, schooling jacks, barracudas, and sharks.
Banda Neira: Once known as the Spice Islands, the condition and health of the coral reefs are breathtaking. Isolated from the rest of Central Maluku, the 10 little volcanic islands that make up the Banda archipelago is the most wanted tourist destination in the whole of Maluku. Fortunately, these pretty little islets remain somewhat time-consuming to reach, which keeps the crowds away. Obligated stop for a cultural tour: the fort, the governor's house, the church, nutmeg plantations, the chance to have a beer on land with the locals... Diving: both Pulau Run and Pulau Ai have pristine clear waters, lovely walls, and good fish life; we might go a bit deeper in search of more hammerheads. big fish can be seen here as well, napoleons, schools of black snappers, bump heads, etc.
Nusa Laut: Nusa Laut is the most easterly of the Lease group and about 80 km from Ambon, so, in reality, it’s probably only possible to dive into the sites there from life aboard. The diving around Nusa Laut was pioneered by Eddie Frommenweiler and the late Larry Smith, who between them opened up much of the diving in Eastern Indonesia. The reef is as it was hundreds of years ago. The locals have protected it and now it is an outstanding diving site, many people's favorite dive. With a bit of luck In the shallow bay of Paperu, it is possible to spot a dugong in the seagrass. On Nusa Laut, there are a few old forts and colonial buildings.
Ambon is the capital of Maluku Province, and its main town, Kota Ambon, is the largest and most developed in the region. In the 17th century, when the spice trade was at its peak and the Dutch monopoly on cloves was at its strongest, they made Kota Ambon their base in the Moluccas because of its superb natural harbor, and the town was known as the “Queen of the East.” While it is still possible to find the odd legacy of those days, most of the Dutch colonial-era buildings were destroyed during the WWII battle for Ambon between the Allied forces and the Japanese.
Day 12:
Final day of diving - our trip ends at Ambon.
Day 13:
Check out after breakfast or lunch, depending on your return flight time. We say goodbye to our guests and wish them farewell. The MARI crew will organize the transfer to the Airport and assist at check-in for onward flights.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Dive sites you’ll see
Ambon, Banda Sea & Alor Expedition (12 nights) (Ambon Island-Maumere)
12 nights nights, ±36 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 30 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel Surcharge > 11N (subject to change): 250EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Part & Port Fees >11N (subject to change): 200EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 12N: 84EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 12N: 84EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 12N: 60EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 12N: 120EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 12N: 192EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 12N (no computer): 252EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 12N: 192EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Dive reefs with exceptional biodiversity in the heart of the Coral Triangle
Swim with hundreds of sea snakes of the very remote Manuk Island
Dive the world-class muck diving sites of Ambon
Explore the Banda Sea's swim-throughs and deep walls
Day 1 - Ambon Bay, embarkation (1 check dive)
Guests are welcomed aboard KLM Mari at Ambon harbour. After a full safety briefing and cabin orientation, we open the expedition in the black sand slopes of Ambon Bay — one of Asia's finest muck diving destinations, and a vivid counterpoint to the pelagic and reef diving that lies ahead.
Laha — Check dive. Black sand slopes and rubble fields teeming with macro subjects. Ambon scorpionfish, frogfish in multiple species, ghost pipefish, thorny seahorses and nudibranchs are common sightings. The endemic psychedelic frogfish — first described to science from this location — is the site's most celebrated resident.
Mari departs overnight toward Nusa Laut.
Days 2 - Nusa Laut (3 dives + night dive)
Nusa Laut is a small island east of Ambon whose diving stands as one of the most compelling arguments for community-led marine conservation in Indonesia. Decades of strict local protection have produced reef health and fish biomass that grow visibly year on year. In season, the island's current-swept walls offer early hammerhead encounters.
Akon — A wall and slope dive on Nusa Laut's southern shore. Schools of jacks move in sweeping formations above excellent hard coral coverage, with reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections.
Ameth — A current-swept reef on Nusa Laut's southeastern coast and one of the Banda Sea's most reliable early-season hammerhead sites. Solitary and small groups of scalloped hammerheads cruise the outer wall edge, with turtles, Napoleon wrasse and dense schooling fish filling the shallower sections.
Nusa Laut East Wall — A less-visited aspect of the island facing the open Seram Sea, where the wall drops steeply into blue water. Tuna, eagle rays and lone hammerheads pass through on the current.
Ameth — Night dive. Octopus, crustaceans and nocturnal reef fish emerge across the coral rubble after dark.
Mari departs overnight toward Suanggi.
Day 3 - Suanggi (3 dives + night dive)
Suanggi is a small, uninhabited rocky outcrop rising from the open Banda Sea, its sheer walls plunging into the abyss. During the September to November season, schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks are the defining encounter. A full day in the water.
Suanggi North Wall — Drift along the wall with one eye on the reef and the other trained on the blue water beyond. Large schools of blackfin barracuda form shimmering vortexes while giant trevallies and dogtooth tuna patrol the edges. Schooling hammerheads cruise past in the deeper water during favorable conditions, with squadrons of mobula rays on productive days.
Suanggi South Point — The southern tip of the island where two current streams converge, creating a focal point for pelagic life. Barracuda, jacks and tuna gather at the convergence while the wall below offers excellent coral growth and hammerhead sightings from a different angle.
Suanggi Plateau — A submerged plateau on the island's sheltered side. Coral bommies, large gorgonian fans and an abundance of reef fish in calmer water — an ideal third dive after the adrenaline of the exposed walls.
Suanggi North Wall — Night dive. The wall takes on a different character after dark, with nocturnal reef creatures emerging across the current-swept reef.
Mari departs overnight toward the Banda Islands.
Day 4 - Banda Islands (3 dives + land excursion)
The Banda Islands are among the most historically charged places in Indonesia. Once the world's only source of nutmeg, these tiny volcanic islands were fought over by European colonial powers for two centuries. Today they have returned to their quiet volcanic beauty — and the diving is extraordinary.
Gunung Api Wall — The submerged flanks of the active Banda Api volcano descend in a dramatic wall of black volcanic rock draped in multicoloured hard and soft corals. The stark contrast between the lava seabed and the reef growth above it is unlike anything else on the route. Sea snakes are a constant presence, weaving through the coral at every depth, utterly indifferent to divers.
Pulau Keraka — A sheltered wall and reef circling a small lighthouse islet at the northern entrance to the Banda Neira strait. Excellent coral coverage with reef fish throughout, and a good option for a calmer third dive after the exposed walls of Gunung Api.
Mandarin Point — A structured dusk dive above the volcanic rubble of the Banda Neira pier, timed for the mandarinfish mating ritual — one of the most celebrated dusk dives in eastern Indonesia.
Land excursion: Guests come ashore at Banda Neira. Fort Belgica, a well-preserved 17th-century Dutch fortress perched above the harbour, offers sweeping views of the volcano and the archipelago. The tour continues through colonial-era streets to the maritime museum and through working nutmeg plantations still cultivated using techniques unchanged in centuries.
Mari departs overnight toward Manuk Island.
Day 5 - Manuk Island (3 dives)
A solitary active volcano in the deep open ocean. Sulphurous smoke drifts from the peak as guests descend. Manuk is known throughout Indonesia as the Island of Sea Snakes — dozens of banded sea kraits and olive sea snakes inhabit the reef at every depth, utterly indifferent to divers. Thousands of seabirds nest and soar above the waterline. Hammerhead sharks remain possible on every dive.
Manuk Ridge — A volcanic ridge with dramatic topography, steep drop-offs and thriving coral gardens, and a high concentration of sea snakes woven through the reef structure. Grey reef sharks patrol the deeper sections while trevallies and tuna cruise the blue beyond.
Palm Point — A good location for hammerhead and mobula ray sightings in addition to the sea snake encounters found throughout Manuk's reef system.
Day 6 - Serua (3 dives)
Serua is a remote volcanic island rising sharply from the deep Banda Sea and one of the most emblematic hammerhead destinations in Indonesia. Nutrient-rich upwelling currents that sweep its walls attract schooling scalloped hammerheads in numbers that can rival anything in the region during peak season.
Jackpot — Serua's most celebrated site and one of the Banda Sea's most consistent hammerhead aggregation points. Strong, nutrient-rich currents sweep the reef. Hammerheads, silvertips and mobula rays concentrate here during favorable conditions.
Serua Wall — A vertical drop-off swept by strong current, with immense gorgonian sea fans, black coral formations and barrel sponges lining the upper sections. Schools of bigeye trevallies and dogtooth tuna patrol the wall's exposed face while hammerheads cruise the deeper water beyond the reef edge.
Kekah's Corner — A sloping wall of corals with occasional barrel sponges off the tiny adjacent island of Kekah. A steady nutrient-rich current turns most dives into a pleasant drift, with hammerheads possible in the blue water beyond.
Mari departs overnight toward Damar.
Day 7 - Damar — Nus Leur — Terbang (3 dives)
The approach to the Forgotten Islands proper. Damar is a volcanic island with a hard coral garden prized for afternoon and night diving, while the smaller islands of Nus Leur and Terbang Utara and Terbang Selatan to its south offer some of the most dramatic wall diving in the outer arc.
Nus Leur — A small atoll with a steep sloping reef. Napoleon wrasse cruise the deeper sections while a beautiful shallow coral garden makes for a memorable safety stop and end-of-dive drift.
Terbang Utara (North Terbang) — A dramatic wall with large overhangs dripping with soft corals. Deep water on all sides attracts pelagic species including dogtooth tuna, schooling barracuda and trevally, with oceanic whitetip sharks patrolling the blue on productive dives.
Terbang Selatan (South Terbang) — Equally dramatic seascapes with slightly milder currents than the northern island. Rugged underwater terrain with sheer drop-offs and vibrant coral slopes, frequented by eagle rays, surgeonfish and bumphead parrotfish.
Day 8 - Romang (3 dives)
Romang is a small volcanic island located to the east of Wetar, surrounded by several smaller islands and unspoiled coral reefs. Remote, with excellent visibility and diverse marine life, it is one of the least-dived destinations on the entire Forgotten Islands route.
Nyata — One of the most pristine reefs on the route, with very healthy hard coral formations in the shallows and incredible fish action attracted to the dive site. Steep reef to wall transitions with Napoleon wrasse, schooling jacks and barracuda throughout.
Day 9 - Wetar & Reong (3 to 4 dives)
Not many people can say they have dived Wetar Island. Swift drift dives between Wetar and the small limestone island of Reong pass walls of extraordinary color and density. The contrast between Wetar's volcanic terrain and Reong's limestone structure offers two distinct diving environments in a single day.
Tanjung Nunukae — Wetar's star dive site. A large ridge where shallows form a plateau that narrows as it deepens, dropping off abruptly into a wall swathed in gigantic sea fans, cup corals and impressive sponges. Mobula and manta rays have both been encountered here. Currents are generally moderate to strong.
Reong North — A current-swept channel wall between Wetar and Reong where mantas and mobula rays circle cleaning stations. Eagle rays and bumphead parrotfish are common along the ridge pinnacles.
Reong Wall — The limestone island's outer wall: reef sharks, barracuda and trevallies patrol consistently, with impressive wall and overhang structure throughout.
Day 10 - Alor (3 to 4 dives)
Alor is a favourite destination for returning divers, offering a range of habitats in a single day — dramatic walls, healthy pinnacles, world-class muck diving and some of the highest anemone density recorded anywhere in Indonesia. Water temperatures can drop significantly in the Alor/Pantar Strait due to cold upwellings.
Boardroom — A majestic wall on the northern side of Pura Island dropping to 50m (164ft), with caves filled with glassfish and schooling jacks and snappers hanging at the entrances.
Clown Valley — Also known as Apuri or Anemone Valley. An extraordinary concentration of anemones sheltering countless anemonefish — considered to have the highest density of anemones in the world.
Babylon — A rich reef wall dropping to 28m (92ft), bustling with numerous species of reef fish and colorful corals. Sandy ledges with schooling fish and soft corals throughout.
Day 11 - Alor continued (3 to 4 dives)
A second day in the Alor archipelago, exploring further aspects of the Pantar Strait and its surrounding reefs. The Pantar Strait is a thoroughfare for large pelagics including dolphins, whales and Mola Mola, and the diving here rewards those who look equally at reef structure and open water.
Day 12 - Lembata / Kawula (2 morning dives)
Two final morning dives in the Lembata or Kawula area before the overnight crossing to Maumere.
Equipment is rinsed and stowed after the second dive, respecting recommended no-fly intervals before departure. Mari departs overnight toward Maumere.
Day 13 - Disembarkation Maumere
Following breakfast, guests disembark in Maumere at the conclusion of one of Indonesia's most ambitious expedition crossings — from the legendary critter diving of Ambon Bay through the pelagic drama of the Banda Sea inner arc, down the volcanic spine of the Forgotten Islands, and into the rich reef diversity of Alor and the Flores Sea.
Please prepare to leave the boat between approximately 06:00 and 12:00, depending on your onward travel schedule. Transfers to Frans Seda Airport (MOF) or your hotel can be arranged on request.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Guests are welcomed aboard KLM Mari at Ambon harbour. After a full safety briefing and cabin orientation, we open the expedition in the black sand slopes of Ambon Bay — one of Asia's finest muck diving destinations, and a vivid counterpoint to the pelagic and reef diving that lies ahead.
Laha — Check dive. Black sand slopes and rubble fields teeming with macro subjects. Ambon scorpionfish, frogfish in multiple species, ghost pipefish, thorny seahorses and nudibranchs are common sightings. The endemic psychedelic frogfish — first described to science from this location — is the site's most celebrated resident.
Mari departs overnight toward Nusa Laut.
Days 2 - Nusa Laut (3 dives + night dive)
Nusa Laut is a small island east of Ambon whose diving stands as one of the most compelling arguments for community-led marine conservation in Indonesia. Decades of strict local protection have produced reef health and fish biomass that grow visibly year on year. In season, the island's current-swept walls offer early hammerhead encounters.
Akon — A wall and slope dive on Nusa Laut's southern shore. Schools of jacks move in sweeping formations above excellent hard coral coverage, with reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections.
Ameth — A current-swept reef on Nusa Laut's southeastern coast and one of the Banda Sea's most reliable early-season hammerhead sites. Solitary and small groups of scalloped hammerheads cruise the outer wall edge, with turtles, Napoleon wrasse and dense schooling fish filling the shallower sections.
Nusa Laut East Wall — A less-visited aspect of the island facing the open Seram Sea, where the wall drops steeply into blue water. Tuna, eagle rays and lone hammerheads pass through on the current.
Ameth — Night dive. Octopus, crustaceans and nocturnal reef fish emerge across the coral rubble after dark.
Mari departs overnight toward Suanggi.
Day 3 - Suanggi (3 dives + night dive)
Suanggi is a small, uninhabited rocky outcrop rising from the open Banda Sea, its sheer walls plunging into the abyss. During the September to November season, schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks are the defining encounter. A full day in the water.
Suanggi North Wall — Drift along the wall with one eye on the reef and the other trained on the blue water beyond. Large schools of blackfin barracuda form shimmering vortexes while giant trevallies and dogtooth tuna patrol the edges. Schooling hammerheads cruise past in the deeper water during favorable conditions, with squadrons of mobula rays on productive days.
Suanggi South Point — The southern tip of the island where two current streams converge, creating a focal point for pelagic life. Barracuda, jacks and tuna gather at the convergence while the wall below offers excellent coral growth and hammerhead sightings from a different angle.
Suanggi Plateau — A submerged plateau on the island's sheltered side. Coral bommies, large gorgonian fans and an abundance of reef fish in calmer water — an ideal third dive after the adrenaline of the exposed walls.
Suanggi North Wall — Night dive. The wall takes on a different character after dark, with nocturnal reef creatures emerging across the current-swept reef.
Mari departs overnight toward the Banda Islands.
Day 4 - Banda Islands (3 dives + land excursion)
The Banda Islands are among the most historically charged places in Indonesia. Once the world's only source of nutmeg, these tiny volcanic islands were fought over by European colonial powers for two centuries. Today they have returned to their quiet volcanic beauty — and the diving is extraordinary.
Gunung Api Wall — The submerged flanks of the active Banda Api volcano descend in a dramatic wall of black volcanic rock draped in multicoloured hard and soft corals. The stark contrast between the lava seabed and the reef growth above it is unlike anything else on the route. Sea snakes are a constant presence, weaving through the coral at every depth, utterly indifferent to divers.
Pulau Keraka — A sheltered wall and reef circling a small lighthouse islet at the northern entrance to the Banda Neira strait. Excellent coral coverage with reef fish throughout, and a good option for a calmer third dive after the exposed walls of Gunung Api.
Mandarin Point — A structured dusk dive above the volcanic rubble of the Banda Neira pier, timed for the mandarinfish mating ritual — one of the most celebrated dusk dives in eastern Indonesia.
Land excursion: Guests come ashore at Banda Neira. Fort Belgica, a well-preserved 17th-century Dutch fortress perched above the harbour, offers sweeping views of the volcano and the archipelago. The tour continues through colonial-era streets to the maritime museum and through working nutmeg plantations still cultivated using techniques unchanged in centuries.
Mari departs overnight toward Manuk Island.
Day 5 - Manuk Island (3 dives)
A solitary active volcano in the deep open ocean. Sulphurous smoke drifts from the peak as guests descend. Manuk is known throughout Indonesia as the Island of Sea Snakes — dozens of banded sea kraits and olive sea snakes inhabit the reef at every depth, utterly indifferent to divers. Thousands of seabirds nest and soar above the waterline. Hammerhead sharks remain possible on every dive.
Manuk Ridge — A volcanic ridge with dramatic topography, steep drop-offs and thriving coral gardens, and a high concentration of sea snakes woven through the reef structure. Grey reef sharks patrol the deeper sections while trevallies and tuna cruise the blue beyond.
Palm Point — A good location for hammerhead and mobula ray sightings in addition to the sea snake encounters found throughout Manuk's reef system.
Day 6 - Serua (3 dives)
Serua is a remote volcanic island rising sharply from the deep Banda Sea and one of the most emblematic hammerhead destinations in Indonesia. Nutrient-rich upwelling currents that sweep its walls attract schooling scalloped hammerheads in numbers that can rival anything in the region during peak season.
Jackpot — Serua's most celebrated site and one of the Banda Sea's most consistent hammerhead aggregation points. Strong, nutrient-rich currents sweep the reef. Hammerheads, silvertips and mobula rays concentrate here during favorable conditions.
Serua Wall — A vertical drop-off swept by strong current, with immense gorgonian sea fans, black coral formations and barrel sponges lining the upper sections. Schools of bigeye trevallies and dogtooth tuna patrol the wall's exposed face while hammerheads cruise the deeper water beyond the reef edge.
Kekah's Corner — A sloping wall of corals with occasional barrel sponges off the tiny adjacent island of Kekah. A steady nutrient-rich current turns most dives into a pleasant drift, with hammerheads possible in the blue water beyond.
Mari departs overnight toward Damar.
Day 7 - Damar — Nus Leur — Terbang (3 dives)
The approach to the Forgotten Islands proper. Damar is a volcanic island with a hard coral garden prized for afternoon and night diving, while the smaller islands of Nus Leur and Terbang Utara and Terbang Selatan to its south offer some of the most dramatic wall diving in the outer arc.
Nus Leur — A small atoll with a steep sloping reef. Napoleon wrasse cruise the deeper sections while a beautiful shallow coral garden makes for a memorable safety stop and end-of-dive drift.
Terbang Utara (North Terbang) — A dramatic wall with large overhangs dripping with soft corals. Deep water on all sides attracts pelagic species including dogtooth tuna, schooling barracuda and trevally, with oceanic whitetip sharks patrolling the blue on productive dives.
Terbang Selatan (South Terbang) — Equally dramatic seascapes with slightly milder currents than the northern island. Rugged underwater terrain with sheer drop-offs and vibrant coral slopes, frequented by eagle rays, surgeonfish and bumphead parrotfish.
Day 8 - Romang (3 dives)
Romang is a small volcanic island located to the east of Wetar, surrounded by several smaller islands and unspoiled coral reefs. Remote, with excellent visibility and diverse marine life, it is one of the least-dived destinations on the entire Forgotten Islands route.
Nyata — One of the most pristine reefs on the route, with very healthy hard coral formations in the shallows and incredible fish action attracted to the dive site. Steep reef to wall transitions with Napoleon wrasse, schooling jacks and barracuda throughout.
Day 9 - Wetar & Reong (3 to 4 dives)
Not many people can say they have dived Wetar Island. Swift drift dives between Wetar and the small limestone island of Reong pass walls of extraordinary color and density. The contrast between Wetar's volcanic terrain and Reong's limestone structure offers two distinct diving environments in a single day.
Tanjung Nunukae — Wetar's star dive site. A large ridge where shallows form a plateau that narrows as it deepens, dropping off abruptly into a wall swathed in gigantic sea fans, cup corals and impressive sponges. Mobula and manta rays have both been encountered here. Currents are generally moderate to strong.
Reong North — A current-swept channel wall between Wetar and Reong where mantas and mobula rays circle cleaning stations. Eagle rays and bumphead parrotfish are common along the ridge pinnacles.
Reong Wall — The limestone island's outer wall: reef sharks, barracuda and trevallies patrol consistently, with impressive wall and overhang structure throughout.
Day 10 - Alor (3 to 4 dives)
Alor is a favourite destination for returning divers, offering a range of habitats in a single day — dramatic walls, healthy pinnacles, world-class muck diving and some of the highest anemone density recorded anywhere in Indonesia. Water temperatures can drop significantly in the Alor/Pantar Strait due to cold upwellings.
Boardroom — A majestic wall on the northern side of Pura Island dropping to 50m (164ft), with caves filled with glassfish and schooling jacks and snappers hanging at the entrances.
Clown Valley — Also known as Apuri or Anemone Valley. An extraordinary concentration of anemones sheltering countless anemonefish — considered to have the highest density of anemones in the world.
Babylon — A rich reef wall dropping to 28m (92ft), bustling with numerous species of reef fish and colorful corals. Sandy ledges with schooling fish and soft corals throughout.
Day 11 - Alor continued (3 to 4 dives)
A second day in the Alor archipelago, exploring further aspects of the Pantar Strait and its surrounding reefs. The Pantar Strait is a thoroughfare for large pelagics including dolphins, whales and Mola Mola, and the diving here rewards those who look equally at reef structure and open water.
Day 12 - Lembata / Kawula (2 morning dives)
Two final morning dives in the Lembata or Kawula area before the overnight crossing to Maumere.
Equipment is rinsed and stowed after the second dive, respecting recommended no-fly intervals before departure. Mari departs overnight toward Maumere.
Day 13 - Disembarkation Maumere
Following breakfast, guests disembark in Maumere at the conclusion of one of Indonesia's most ambitious expedition crossings — from the legendary critter diving of Ambon Bay through the pelagic drama of the Banda Sea inner arc, down the volcanic spine of the Forgotten Islands, and into the rich reef diversity of Alor and the Flores Sea.
Please prepare to leave the boat between approximately 06:00 and 12:00, depending on your onward travel schedule. Transfers to Frans Seda Airport (MOF) or your hotel can be arranged on request.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Best of Komodo & Whale Sharks (9 nights) (Labuan Bajo-Sumbawa Island)
9 nights nights, ±28 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 60 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel Surcharge (subject to change): 150EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Park & Port Fees (subject to change): 140EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Whale Shark Excursion (Teluk Saleh): 40EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 9N: 63EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 9N: 63EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 9N: 18EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 9N: 45EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 9N: 18EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 9N: 90EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 9N: 144EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 9N (no computer): 189EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 9N: 144EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Green and hawksbill turtles rest on coral bommies while frogfish, seahorses and nudibranchs
Grey reef sharks, tuna, giant trevallies and barracuda schools
Channel drift, dramatic panoramas
Hard coral terraces, branching coral formations
Day 1:
Guests are welcomed aboard in the morning in Labuan Bajo. Following safety briefing and cabin orientation, MARI departs toward Central Komodo.
Check Dive - A shallow, controlled dive to verify equipment and buoyancy before the expedition begins in earnest.
Day 2:
4 dives
Batu Bolong - Coral-covered pinnacle rising from deep water. Anthias clouds, napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks and giant trevallies dominate the slopes.
Tatawa Besar - Elegant drift dive over pristine coral gardens.
Tatawa Kecil - Vibrant reef with colorful soft corals and schooling fish; ideal for extended bottom time.
Siaba Besar - Sheltered and unhurried. Green and hawksbill turtles rest on coral bommies while frogfish, seahorses and nudibranchs reward patient macro searching across the sandy bottom.
Day 3:
3 to 4 dives
High-voltage diving.
Castle Rock - Grey reef sharks, tuna, giant trevallies and barracuda schools in numbers thick enough to block the light.
Crystal Rock - Submerged pinnacle rising from depth with exceptional visibility. Grey reef sharks, napoleon wrasse and dense fish schools congregate around the structure.
The Cauldron (Shotgun) - Exhilarating channel drift; occasional manta sightings.
Gili Lawa Laut - Current-fed pinnacle with strong fish density; reef sharks and schooling pelagics in the blue.
Day 4:
2 dives + Komodo dragon trek + Pink Beach + Padar Island hike.
A day that moves from ancient predators to dramatic panoramas, with diving in between.
Morning: Komodo Dragon Trek - ranger-guided walk across dry savannah terrain in search of Varanus komodoensis, the world's largest lizard.
Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) - Hard coral slopes with reef sharks and anthias clouds. Opportunity for beach visit between dives.
Makassar Reef (Manta Point) - Sandy feeding lanes where mantas glide above divers on incoming tides.
Evening: Padar Island hike at sunset. One of Indonesia's most photographed panoramas - three crescent bays in different shades of sand, ringed by dry volcanic ridgelines. A short, steep climb that earns its reward.
Day 5:
3 dives
Remote and wind-swept, Banta lies between Sangeang and Komodo and benefits from strong tidal exchange without always requiring extreme exposure. Its reefs are healthy, vibrant, and often visited by pelagics when conditions align.
GPS Point - A gently sloping reef transitioning into deeper contour. Grey reef sharks patrol the outer edge, turtles cruise over hard coral terraces, and large schools of fusiliers and snappers gather mid-water.
Star Wars - Named for its dramatic topography, this site features ridges, gullies and bommies rising from depth. Current lines attract giant trevallies and occasional eagle rays.
Tondok Rasa (East Banta Reef) - A more protected coral slope. Dense anthias clouds hover over branching coral formations, while sweetlips and reef fish schools move across the reef face.
Day 6:
3 day dives
An active volcano dominates the skyline.
Bubble Reef - Volcanic vents release shimmering streams of bubbles across black sand slopes. Nudibranchs, frogfish, mimic octopus.
Hot Rocks - Soft corals and anthias contrasting against dark substrate.
Bonto - Rare macro life including rhinopias and blue-ring octopus.
Day 7:
2 day dives + 1 night dive + crater lake
A dormant volcanic island with a hypersaline crater lake at its centre and a flying fox colony that lifts from the forest canopy at dusk in a single wave -- one of the quieter dramatic moments on any Indonesian liveaboard crossing.
West Wall - Dense soft-coral wall with chromis clouds, reef fish schools and occasional reef mantas on the southern face.
South Reef - Hard coral gardens at a reliable manta cleaning station.
Topside: short hike to the crater rim overlooking the hypersaline lake.
Night Dive - Satonda's reef transforms after dark. Clown frogfish, arrow crabs and banded boxer shrimp populate the bottom in conditions ideal for macro photographers.
Day 8:
2 whale shark sessions
Early morning arrival in Teluk Saleh.
Working closely with local fishermen, we search for the resident whale sharks that gather beneath traditional bagan platforms.
Encounters alternate between snorkeling and diving depending on positioning and depth.
A defining highlight of the expedition.
Afternoon navigation toward Moyo Island.
Day 9:
2 morning dives + waterfall visit
Angel Reef - Healthy coral slopes with turtles and reef sharks.
Tanjung Pasir - Coral bommies and macro life.
Between dives, guests visit Mata Jitu Waterfall, accessible by tender and short jungle walk.
Equipment is rinsed and stowed following the second dive, respecting recommended no-fly intervals. Overnight navigation toward Badas.
Day 10:
Disembarkation after breakfast at Badas harbour.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Guests are welcomed aboard in the morning in Labuan Bajo. Following safety briefing and cabin orientation, MARI departs toward Central Komodo.
Check Dive - A shallow, controlled dive to verify equipment and buoyancy before the expedition begins in earnest.
Day 2:
4 dives
Batu Bolong - Coral-covered pinnacle rising from deep water. Anthias clouds, napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks and giant trevallies dominate the slopes.
Tatawa Besar - Elegant drift dive over pristine coral gardens.
Tatawa Kecil - Vibrant reef with colorful soft corals and schooling fish; ideal for extended bottom time.
Siaba Besar - Sheltered and unhurried. Green and hawksbill turtles rest on coral bommies while frogfish, seahorses and nudibranchs reward patient macro searching across the sandy bottom.
Day 3:
3 to 4 dives
High-voltage diving.
Castle Rock - Grey reef sharks, tuna, giant trevallies and barracuda schools in numbers thick enough to block the light.
Crystal Rock - Submerged pinnacle rising from depth with exceptional visibility. Grey reef sharks, napoleon wrasse and dense fish schools congregate around the structure.
The Cauldron (Shotgun) - Exhilarating channel drift; occasional manta sightings.
Gili Lawa Laut - Current-fed pinnacle with strong fish density; reef sharks and schooling pelagics in the blue.
Day 4:
2 dives + Komodo dragon trek + Pink Beach + Padar Island hike.
A day that moves from ancient predators to dramatic panoramas, with diving in between.
Morning: Komodo Dragon Trek - ranger-guided walk across dry savannah terrain in search of Varanus komodoensis, the world's largest lizard.
Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) - Hard coral slopes with reef sharks and anthias clouds. Opportunity for beach visit between dives.
Makassar Reef (Manta Point) - Sandy feeding lanes where mantas glide above divers on incoming tides.
Evening: Padar Island hike at sunset. One of Indonesia's most photographed panoramas - three crescent bays in different shades of sand, ringed by dry volcanic ridgelines. A short, steep climb that earns its reward.
Day 5:
3 dives
Remote and wind-swept, Banta lies between Sangeang and Komodo and benefits from strong tidal exchange without always requiring extreme exposure. Its reefs are healthy, vibrant, and often visited by pelagics when conditions align.
GPS Point - A gently sloping reef transitioning into deeper contour. Grey reef sharks patrol the outer edge, turtles cruise over hard coral terraces, and large schools of fusiliers and snappers gather mid-water.
Star Wars - Named for its dramatic topography, this site features ridges, gullies and bommies rising from depth. Current lines attract giant trevallies and occasional eagle rays.
Tondok Rasa (East Banta Reef) - A more protected coral slope. Dense anthias clouds hover over branching coral formations, while sweetlips and reef fish schools move across the reef face.
Day 6:
3 day dives
An active volcano dominates the skyline.
Bubble Reef - Volcanic vents release shimmering streams of bubbles across black sand slopes. Nudibranchs, frogfish, mimic octopus.
Hot Rocks - Soft corals and anthias contrasting against dark substrate.
Bonto - Rare macro life including rhinopias and blue-ring octopus.
Day 7:
2 day dives + 1 night dive + crater lake
A dormant volcanic island with a hypersaline crater lake at its centre and a flying fox colony that lifts from the forest canopy at dusk in a single wave -- one of the quieter dramatic moments on any Indonesian liveaboard crossing.
West Wall - Dense soft-coral wall with chromis clouds, reef fish schools and occasional reef mantas on the southern face.
South Reef - Hard coral gardens at a reliable manta cleaning station.
Topside: short hike to the crater rim overlooking the hypersaline lake.
Night Dive - Satonda's reef transforms after dark. Clown frogfish, arrow crabs and banded boxer shrimp populate the bottom in conditions ideal for macro photographers.
Day 8:
2 whale shark sessions
Early morning arrival in Teluk Saleh.
Working closely with local fishermen, we search for the resident whale sharks that gather beneath traditional bagan platforms.
Encounters alternate between snorkeling and diving depending on positioning and depth.
A defining highlight of the expedition.
Afternoon navigation toward Moyo Island.
Day 9:
2 morning dives + waterfall visit
Angel Reef - Healthy coral slopes with turtles and reef sharks.
Tanjung Pasir - Coral bommies and macro life.
Between dives, guests visit Mata Jitu Waterfall, accessible by tender and short jungle walk.
Equipment is rinsed and stowed following the second dive, respecting recommended no-fly intervals. Overnight navigation toward Badas.
Day 10:
Disembarkation after breakfast at Badas harbour.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Triton Bay (9 nights) (Kaimana-Kaimana)
9 nights nights, ±28 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 30 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel Surcharge (subject to change): 150EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Park & Port Fees (subject to change): 140EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 9N: 63EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 9N: 63EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 9N: 18EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 9N: 45EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 9N: 18EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 9N: 18EUR per dive, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 9N: 90EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 9N: 144EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 9N (no computer): 189EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 9N: 144EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Swim with whale shark as they feed at local fishing platforms
Search for macro on the walls of Aiduma and Dramai
Leaf scorpionfish, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and juvenile sweetlips hide among the corals
Steep pinnacles rise from deep water, wrapped in soft corals, sponges, and whip corals
Day 1:
Arrival in Kaimana
The crew will transfer the guests from the airport to the ship. After a nice welcome briefing by our cruise director, cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before embarking. Guests can familiarize themselves with the vessel, set up equipment, and get comfortable.
Day 2:
Adi Island: Gentle Slopes & Macro Treasures (3 dives)
The first diving day begins at Adi Island, a relaxed environment ideal for building comfort with a check dive, after which the real diving begins with sites offering a mix of topographies ranging from submerged pinnacles to long coral slopes, scattered bommies, and sandy patches that create a calm underwater landscape filled with macro life. Leaf scorpionfish, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and juvenile sweetlips hide among the corals, while turtles and schools of fusiliers drift through the shallows. It’s a wonderful introduction to the region and a photographer’s delight.
Days 3-8:
Aiduma/Dramai and Triton Bay (3 or 4 dives per day)
Aiduma showcases Triton Bay’s signature beauty: bommies wrapped in pastel soft corals, forests of black coral, and sea fans large enough to frame entire schools of fish. The topography is gentle and flowing, with rounded rock formations and sheltered bays glowing with color. Clouds of anthias swirl above the reefs, sweetlips hover in formation, and wobbegong sharks sometimes rest beneath ledges. Macro enthusiasts can hunt for pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, and tiny crustaceans. It’s a warm, immersive start to the Triton Bay chapter.
Diving in Triton Bay Bommies, Bays & Biodiversity.
The central Triton Bay area offers a rich mix of bommies, ridges, and calm bays. Sites like Little Komodo and David’s Rock pulse with life—fusiliers, surgeonfish, and snapper swirl around soft coral-covered structures, creating a sense of constant motion. The water often carries a soft plankton haze that gives everything a glowing, atmospheric quality. In the quieter bays, divers slow down to explore macro habitats filled with shrimp gobies, juvenile fish, and unusual critters tucked into rubble and soft corals. This day blends big-picture beauty with intimate detail.
Diving in Dramai: Pinnacles, Current Energy & Schooling Fish.
Dramai shifts the mood toward dramatic underwater scenery. Steep pinnacles rise from deep water, wrapped in soft corals, sponges, and whip corals that thrive in the steady flow. These nutrient-rich currents attract life in motion: trevallies hunting fusiliers, barracuda cruising in loose spirals, and dense schools of fish moving like a single organism. The topography is bold and sculptural ridges, channels, and boulder formations that create natural amphitheatres for fish action. Between the high-energy dives, sheltered sites offer calmer macro-opportunities.
Day 9:
Whale Sharks at the Bagans (2 dives)
At first light, the vessel approaches the traditional fishing platforms known as bagans, where whale sharks gather beneath the nets to feed on small fish. The water is typically calm and shallow, allowing long, relaxed encounters with these gentle giants. Their slow, graceful movements and curiosity create unforgettable moments -sometimes multiple sharks circling the bagan at once. After the main sessions, the surrounding reefs offer easy, shallow dives filled with soft corals and reef fish. It’s a magical, big animal highlight to close the diving portion of the trip.
Day 10:
Return to Kaimana & Departure
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Arrival in Kaimana
The crew will transfer the guests from the airport to the ship. After a nice welcome briefing by our cruise director, cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before embarking. Guests can familiarize themselves with the vessel, set up equipment, and get comfortable.
Day 2:
Adi Island: Gentle Slopes & Macro Treasures (3 dives)
The first diving day begins at Adi Island, a relaxed environment ideal for building comfort with a check dive, after which the real diving begins with sites offering a mix of topographies ranging from submerged pinnacles to long coral slopes, scattered bommies, and sandy patches that create a calm underwater landscape filled with macro life. Leaf scorpionfish, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and juvenile sweetlips hide among the corals, while turtles and schools of fusiliers drift through the shallows. It’s a wonderful introduction to the region and a photographer’s delight.
Days 3-8:
Aiduma/Dramai and Triton Bay (3 or 4 dives per day)
Aiduma showcases Triton Bay’s signature beauty: bommies wrapped in pastel soft corals, forests of black coral, and sea fans large enough to frame entire schools of fish. The topography is gentle and flowing, with rounded rock formations and sheltered bays glowing with color. Clouds of anthias swirl above the reefs, sweetlips hover in formation, and wobbegong sharks sometimes rest beneath ledges. Macro enthusiasts can hunt for pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, and tiny crustaceans. It’s a warm, immersive start to the Triton Bay chapter.
Diving in Triton Bay Bommies, Bays & Biodiversity.
The central Triton Bay area offers a rich mix of bommies, ridges, and calm bays. Sites like Little Komodo and David’s Rock pulse with life—fusiliers, surgeonfish, and snapper swirl around soft coral-covered structures, creating a sense of constant motion. The water often carries a soft plankton haze that gives everything a glowing, atmospheric quality. In the quieter bays, divers slow down to explore macro habitats filled with shrimp gobies, juvenile fish, and unusual critters tucked into rubble and soft corals. This day blends big-picture beauty with intimate detail.
Diving in Dramai: Pinnacles, Current Energy & Schooling Fish.
Dramai shifts the mood toward dramatic underwater scenery. Steep pinnacles rise from deep water, wrapped in soft corals, sponges, and whip corals that thrive in the steady flow. These nutrient-rich currents attract life in motion: trevallies hunting fusiliers, barracuda cruising in loose spirals, and dense schools of fish moving like a single organism. The topography is bold and sculptural ridges, channels, and boulder formations that create natural amphitheatres for fish action. Between the high-energy dives, sheltered sites offer calmer macro-opportunities.
Day 9:
Whale Sharks at the Bagans (2 dives)
At first light, the vessel approaches the traditional fishing platforms known as bagans, where whale sharks gather beneath the nets to feed on small fish. The water is typically calm and shallow, allowing long, relaxed encounters with these gentle giants. Their slow, graceful movements and curiosity create unforgettable moments -sometimes multiple sharks circling the bagan at once. After the main sessions, the surrounding reefs offer easy, shallow dives filled with soft corals and reef fish. It’s a magical, big animal highlight to close the diving portion of the trip.
Day 10:
Return to Kaimana & Departure
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Dive sites you’ll see
Komodo Full Park (8 nights) (Labuan Bajo-Labuan Bajo)
8 nights nights, ±18 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 60 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel Surcharge (subject to change): 150EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 7N: 49EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 7N: 49EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 7N: 14EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 7N: 35EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 7N: 14EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 7N: 14EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 7N: 70EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 7N: 112EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 7N (no computer): 147EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 7N: 112EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Dive the well-known macro-haven, Cannibal Rock
Strong currents with manta rays, sharks, and more
Ranger-guided hike to find komodo dragons on Komodo Island
Explore the gorgeously overgrown steep walls of Horseshoe Bay
Day 1:
The crew will transfer the guests from the airport to the ship. After a nice welcome briefing by our cruise director, cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before embarking. Guests can familiarize themselves with the vessel, set up equipment, and get comfortable.
Days 2-6:
We offer 3-4 dives daily, including a night dive if possible.
Day 7:
The final day of diving with 1-2 scheduled dives—sail back to the harbour.
Day 8:
Disembark the vessel in Labuan Bajo.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
The crew will transfer the guests from the airport to the ship. After a nice welcome briefing by our cruise director, cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before embarking. Guests can familiarize themselves with the vessel, set up equipment, and get comfortable.
Days 2-6:
We offer 3-4 dives daily, including a night dive if possible.
Day 7:
The final day of diving with 1-2 scheduled dives—sail back to the harbour.
Day 8:
Disembark the vessel in Labuan Bajo.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Triton Bay, Misool & Raja Ampat (12 nights) (Kaimana-Port of Sorong)
12 nights nights, ±34 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 30 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Local diving fee (subject to change): 50.00EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Fuel Surcharge > 11N (subject to change): 250EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Part & Port Fees >11N (subject to change): 200EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 12N: 84EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 12N: 84EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 12N: 60EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 12N: 120EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 12N: 192EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 12N (no computer): 252EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 12N: 192EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Explore the swim-throughs and caves of Goa Farondi
Encounter both reef and oceanic manta rays at renowned Raja Ampat dive sites
Discover the dramatic underwater landscapes and stunning reefs of Misool
Swim with the whale sharks of Triton Bay
Day 1:
Your flight will arrive in Kaimana. Kaimana Regency is a regency in the south of West Papua province in Indonesia. We organize the transport from the airport or your hotel to our vessel "MARI." The best time of arrival is the day before the trip or on the day of the trip early in the morning.
The Boat will depart between 12 pm and 2 pm. After a check-up dive near Kaimana, we sail east to Triton Bay. The next morning we enter the fantastic underwater world here.
Day 2-10:
If possible, we offer 3-4 dives daily. When crossing, only 1-2 dives a day can be scheduled. We reserve the right to change the itinerary or specific agreed services if force majeure or unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances require us to do so.
Some of the destinations on our journey:
Kaimana Regency is known for its legendary sunsets; there is even a popular song about it. There are simply so many places where you can enjoy sunsets in this part of Papua. The most popular place to enjoy the golden hours is definitely at the beach, which is a lot in Kaimana.
During the sunset, you can see the sky changing its colors multiple times. At some points, you probably could see any color you can think of because the sky is literally bursting with colors, from one spectrum to another. Not even Bali has this kind of sunset; that is why many people who have witnessed a sunset in Kaimana tend to come back to enjoy more.
Triton Bay sits at the center of the famed Coral Triangle, which has the claim to fame of being the home of more species of fish and coral than any other spot on earth.
When it comes to aquatic life, you can expect to find species that are common across the rest of Indonesia and more. Some of the highlights, however, include the bobbing pygmy seahorses as well as elegant whale sharks. It is also possible to spot dolphins and marlin here, as well as walking sharks, which can be difficult to find in other waters around Indonesia.
Misool, formerly spelled Mysol (Dutch: Misoöl), is one of the four major islands in the Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua. The inhabitants speak the Biga and Matbat languages, as well as Indonesian. The reason the reefs in the southeast of Misool are so incredibly rich is their relative location to the deep waters of the Ceram Trough and the upwelling of nutrients created as the Indonesian Throughflow makes its way south to the Banda Sea. Southeast Misool is the largest and southernmost marine protected area (MPA) in the Raja Ampat MPA.
In Tomolol, you'll be amazed by the caves in the area, where you can see paintings of huge human palms and animals, which were painted by ancient cave dwellers.
Day 11:
Sorong is a coastal city in the eastern Indonesian province of West Papua. Its only land borders are with Sorong Regency. It is the gateway to Indonesia's Raja Ampat Islands, species-rich Coral reef islands in an area considered the heart of the world's coral reef biodiversity. It also is the logistics hub for Indonesia's thriving eastern oil and gas frontier. Sorong has experienced exponential growth since 2010.
Day 12:
Check out after breakfast or lunchtime it depends on your flight time. We say good-bye to our guests and wish them farewell. Our crew will organize the transfer to the airport and assist at check-in for onward flights.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Your flight will arrive in Kaimana. Kaimana Regency is a regency in the south of West Papua province in Indonesia. We organize the transport from the airport or your hotel to our vessel "MARI." The best time of arrival is the day before the trip or on the day of the trip early in the morning.
The Boat will depart between 12 pm and 2 pm. After a check-up dive near Kaimana, we sail east to Triton Bay. The next morning we enter the fantastic underwater world here.
Day 2-10:
If possible, we offer 3-4 dives daily. When crossing, only 1-2 dives a day can be scheduled. We reserve the right to change the itinerary or specific agreed services if force majeure or unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances require us to do so.
Some of the destinations on our journey:
Kaimana Regency is known for its legendary sunsets; there is even a popular song about it. There are simply so many places where you can enjoy sunsets in this part of Papua. The most popular place to enjoy the golden hours is definitely at the beach, which is a lot in Kaimana.
During the sunset, you can see the sky changing its colors multiple times. At some points, you probably could see any color you can think of because the sky is literally bursting with colors, from one spectrum to another. Not even Bali has this kind of sunset; that is why many people who have witnessed a sunset in Kaimana tend to come back to enjoy more.
Triton Bay sits at the center of the famed Coral Triangle, which has the claim to fame of being the home of more species of fish and coral than any other spot on earth.
When it comes to aquatic life, you can expect to find species that are common across the rest of Indonesia and more. Some of the highlights, however, include the bobbing pygmy seahorses as well as elegant whale sharks. It is also possible to spot dolphins and marlin here, as well as walking sharks, which can be difficult to find in other waters around Indonesia.
Misool, formerly spelled Mysol (Dutch: Misoöl), is one of the four major islands in the Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua. The inhabitants speak the Biga and Matbat languages, as well as Indonesian. The reason the reefs in the southeast of Misool are so incredibly rich is their relative location to the deep waters of the Ceram Trough and the upwelling of nutrients created as the Indonesian Throughflow makes its way south to the Banda Sea. Southeast Misool is the largest and southernmost marine protected area (MPA) in the Raja Ampat MPA.
In Tomolol, you'll be amazed by the caves in the area, where you can see paintings of huge human palms and animals, which were painted by ancient cave dwellers.
Day 11:
Sorong is a coastal city in the eastern Indonesian province of West Papua. Its only land borders are with Sorong Regency. It is the gateway to Indonesia's Raja Ampat Islands, species-rich Coral reef islands in an area considered the heart of the world's coral reef biodiversity. It also is the logistics hub for Indonesia's thriving eastern oil and gas frontier. Sorong has experienced exponential growth since 2010.
Day 12:
Check out after breakfast or lunchtime it depends on your flight time. We say good-bye to our guests and wish them farewell. Our crew will organize the transfer to the airport and assist at check-in for onward flights.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Triton Bay, The Ring of Fire & The Forgotten Islands (12 nights) (Saumlaki-Kaimana)
12 nights nights, ±36 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 30 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin. Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Local diving fee (subject to change): 90.00EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Fuel Surcharge > 11N (subject to change): 250EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Part & Port Fees >11N (subject to change): 200EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 12N: 84EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 12N: 84EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 12N: 60EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 12N: 120EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 12N: 192EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 12N (no computer): 252EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 12N: 192EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Swim with whale sharks as they feed at the fishing platforms of Triton Bay
Descend amongst hundreds of sea snakes at Pulau Manuk
Witness schooling hammerhead sharks at Serua Island
Schooling hammerheads off the steep slopes of Nil Desperandum atoll
Day 1: Kaimana - Aiduma
After a short transfer in the morning to the harbour from Kaimana Utarom Airport or your hotel, you will be welcomed onboard the KLM Mari liveaboard. A boat and tour briefing will follow, then you will set up your scuba gear and check in to your cabin. Lunch, dinner and snacks such as fruit, candy bars or ice cream will be served as Mari cruises out to a check-up dive near Kaimana, and we sail towards our first destination - Aiduma Island.
Day 2: Triton Bay - Aiduma
Known for its breathtaking underwater landscapes, Aiduma offers diverse dive sites that appeal to all divers. Here, you can encounter everything from stunning coral reefs to rugged rock formations. Marine highlights include the potential for encounters with larger pelagic species, schooling fish, and a variety of critters hiding among the coral, including mantis shrimp and ghost pipefish.
Day 3: Triton Bay - Whale Shark Bagans
This area is famous for its encounters with whale sharks, often seen feeding near the bagans (traditional fishing platforms). Divers can snorkel or dive with these gentle giants, experiencing one of the most sought-after encounters in the diving world. The water is also rich in biodiversity, with corals hosting myriad reef fish and macro life.
Day 4/5: Wirmaf - Pulau Bui/Uran/Kirkaf
These islands provide fantastic diving opportunities, with diverse habitats ranging from coral gardens to deeper wall dives. The rich biodiversity offers encounters with schooling fish and pelagic species. The vertical walls are adorned with colorful sponges and barrel corals, creating a stunning backdrop for underwater photography. Known for its nutrient-rich waters, Kirkaf is a hotspot for seeing larger pelagic species and has fantastic drift diving opportunities, where divers can enjoy the thrill of being carried through schools of fish and vibrant coral structures.
Day 6: Pulau Kur
Known for its untouched dive sites, Pulau Kur offers spectacular coral gardens and underwater topographies with caves and swim-throughs. Expect to encounter abundant fish life, including schools of grunts and snappers, and the chance of seeing larger species like manta rays soaring through the water during their feeding. Macro enthusiasts will love exploring nooks and crannies for rare nudibranchs and shrimps.
Day 7: Kepulauan Tiga Saudara
This uninhabited island chain is prized for its pristine dive sites rich in biodiversity. Divers can explore colorful coral reefs teeming with life, including surgeonfish, angelfish, and various types of coral. Pelagic species like tunas and even occasional dolphin pods may be seen in the blue water around these islands. Night diving can unveil a completely different cast of creatures, such as sleeping parrotfish and dancing bioluminescent organisms.
Day 8: Manuk
Pulau Manuk is another volcanic island where we dive while the sulphurous smoke is swirling around the peak. The occasional smell of sulfur and sight of smoke rising from this active volcano give you a sense that you are in the land of the lost. Keep your fingers crossed for Hammerhead sharks. Manuk is also known as "The Island of Sea Snakes" and/or "The Island of the Birds." Thousands of seabirds inhabit the island, from frigate birds to boobies; it’s a spectacle you will enjoy. Underwater sea snakes are present by the dozens: black and white banded snakes, but also green ones, completely oblivious of the divers.
Day 9: Serua
The island of Serua or Seroa - is home to the Volcano Serua. The diving around this volcanic island rising from the deep Banda Sea far in the open ocean is filled with adrenaline as we are on the search for Hammerhead Sharks. Shallow reef tops give way to sloping reefs and walls that plunge into the deep. At Pulau Kekah, abundant corals, giant sponges, and schooling fish such as Trevally, Surgeonfish, and fusiliers fill the water around the island. But always keep your eye out in the blue water for schooling Hammerhead sharks. Sea snakes can also be seen on most dives. The currents here can be strong and exciting. We will have 3-4 dives this day. If time and conditions permit, we will return to Serua for a night dive. Overnight we continue North to Manuk Island.
Day 10: Karang Nildesperandum
This site is characterized by its unique topography, featuring hard coral ridges and mini walls that attract diverse marine life. It is an extensive submerged reef with a relatively shallow reef top and walls that drop into the depths. There are impressive schools of fish, predatory action, and the chance to further encounter Hammerhead sharks. Visibility is normally very good, and the reef is healthy with large sponges and beautiful coral. If the weather and sea conditions allow, there is an option to dive at Dusborgh reef. At the end of an action-filled dive day, we turn further north and sail towards Pulau Nila during the night.
Day 11: Pulau Dai
Famous for its crystal-clear waters and thriving coral gardens, Pulau Dai is home to healthy reef systems hosting clownfish, anemones, and butterflyfish. Divers can explore underwater tunnels and caverns, often frequented by larger pelagic species like barracuda and jacks, with the possibility of spotting sea turtles resting on the seafloor.
Day 12: Dawera
Known for its vibrant coral reefs, towering underwater seamounts, and diverse marine species, Dawera offers sightings of schools of fusiliers, snapper, and occasional reef sharks. The dive sites feature steep walls adorned with soft corals and an impressive variety of macro life, including nudibranchs and small crustaceans.
Day 13: Saumlaki
Prepare to leave the boat between 5-11 am, after a continental breakfast (or possibly lunch, depending on your post-cruise schedule). Say good-bye to your fellow guests and wish the boat crew farewell, before a complimentary transfer will take you to either Kaimana Int. Airport or your hotel.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
After a short transfer in the morning to the harbour from Kaimana Utarom Airport or your hotel, you will be welcomed onboard the KLM Mari liveaboard. A boat and tour briefing will follow, then you will set up your scuba gear and check in to your cabin. Lunch, dinner and snacks such as fruit, candy bars or ice cream will be served as Mari cruises out to a check-up dive near Kaimana, and we sail towards our first destination - Aiduma Island.
Day 2: Triton Bay - Aiduma
Known for its breathtaking underwater landscapes, Aiduma offers diverse dive sites that appeal to all divers. Here, you can encounter everything from stunning coral reefs to rugged rock formations. Marine highlights include the potential for encounters with larger pelagic species, schooling fish, and a variety of critters hiding among the coral, including mantis shrimp and ghost pipefish.
Day 3: Triton Bay - Whale Shark Bagans
This area is famous for its encounters with whale sharks, often seen feeding near the bagans (traditional fishing platforms). Divers can snorkel or dive with these gentle giants, experiencing one of the most sought-after encounters in the diving world. The water is also rich in biodiversity, with corals hosting myriad reef fish and macro life.
Day 4/5: Wirmaf - Pulau Bui/Uran/Kirkaf
These islands provide fantastic diving opportunities, with diverse habitats ranging from coral gardens to deeper wall dives. The rich biodiversity offers encounters with schooling fish and pelagic species. The vertical walls are adorned with colorful sponges and barrel corals, creating a stunning backdrop for underwater photography. Known for its nutrient-rich waters, Kirkaf is a hotspot for seeing larger pelagic species and has fantastic drift diving opportunities, where divers can enjoy the thrill of being carried through schools of fish and vibrant coral structures.
Day 6: Pulau Kur
Known for its untouched dive sites, Pulau Kur offers spectacular coral gardens and underwater topographies with caves and swim-throughs. Expect to encounter abundant fish life, including schools of grunts and snappers, and the chance of seeing larger species like manta rays soaring through the water during their feeding. Macro enthusiasts will love exploring nooks and crannies for rare nudibranchs and shrimps.
Day 7: Kepulauan Tiga Saudara
This uninhabited island chain is prized for its pristine dive sites rich in biodiversity. Divers can explore colorful coral reefs teeming with life, including surgeonfish, angelfish, and various types of coral. Pelagic species like tunas and even occasional dolphin pods may be seen in the blue water around these islands. Night diving can unveil a completely different cast of creatures, such as sleeping parrotfish and dancing bioluminescent organisms.
Day 8: Manuk
Pulau Manuk is another volcanic island where we dive while the sulphurous smoke is swirling around the peak. The occasional smell of sulfur and sight of smoke rising from this active volcano give you a sense that you are in the land of the lost. Keep your fingers crossed for Hammerhead sharks. Manuk is also known as "The Island of Sea Snakes" and/or "The Island of the Birds." Thousands of seabirds inhabit the island, from frigate birds to boobies; it’s a spectacle you will enjoy. Underwater sea snakes are present by the dozens: black and white banded snakes, but also green ones, completely oblivious of the divers.
Day 9: Serua
The island of Serua or Seroa - is home to the Volcano Serua. The diving around this volcanic island rising from the deep Banda Sea far in the open ocean is filled with adrenaline as we are on the search for Hammerhead Sharks. Shallow reef tops give way to sloping reefs and walls that plunge into the deep. At Pulau Kekah, abundant corals, giant sponges, and schooling fish such as Trevally, Surgeonfish, and fusiliers fill the water around the island. But always keep your eye out in the blue water for schooling Hammerhead sharks. Sea snakes can also be seen on most dives. The currents here can be strong and exciting. We will have 3-4 dives this day. If time and conditions permit, we will return to Serua for a night dive. Overnight we continue North to Manuk Island.
Day 10: Karang Nildesperandum
This site is characterized by its unique topography, featuring hard coral ridges and mini walls that attract diverse marine life. It is an extensive submerged reef with a relatively shallow reef top and walls that drop into the depths. There are impressive schools of fish, predatory action, and the chance to further encounter Hammerhead sharks. Visibility is normally very good, and the reef is healthy with large sponges and beautiful coral. If the weather and sea conditions allow, there is an option to dive at Dusborgh reef. At the end of an action-filled dive day, we turn further north and sail towards Pulau Nila during the night.
Day 11: Pulau Dai
Famous for its crystal-clear waters and thriving coral gardens, Pulau Dai is home to healthy reef systems hosting clownfish, anemones, and butterflyfish. Divers can explore underwater tunnels and caverns, often frequented by larger pelagic species like barracuda and jacks, with the possibility of spotting sea turtles resting on the seafloor.
Day 12: Dawera
Known for its vibrant coral reefs, towering underwater seamounts, and diverse marine species, Dawera offers sightings of schools of fusiliers, snapper, and occasional reef sharks. The dive sites feature steep walls adorned with soft corals and an impressive variety of macro life, including nudibranchs and small crustaceans.
Day 13: Saumlaki
Prepare to leave the boat between 5-11 am, after a continental breakfast (or possibly lunch, depending on your post-cruise schedule). Say good-bye to your fellow guests and wish the boat crew farewell, before a complimentary transfer will take you to either Kaimana Int. Airport or your hotel.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Dive sites you’ll see
Raja Ampat - Best of Central & Dampier Strait (7 nights) (Port of Sorong-Port of Sorong)
7 nights nights, ±25 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 30 dives, AOWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel Surcharge (subject to change): 150EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Park & Port Fees (subject to change): 140EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 7N: 49EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 7N: 49EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 7N: 14EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 7N: 35EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 7N: 14EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 7N: 14EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 7N: 70EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 7N: 112EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 7N (no computer): 147EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 7N: 112EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Pygmy seahorse and rare macro life
Reef manta rays and oceanic manta rays at famous cleaning stations and feeding sites
Wobbegong sharks, reef sharks, turtles, tunas, giant trevallies, and other pelagic species
Dive some of Raja Ampat’s most iconic sites
Day 1: Embarkation and Cruise to Central Raja Ampat - Mioskon Area
After a short morning transfer from Sorong Airport or your hotel to the harbour, you will be welcomed aboard the KLM Mari liveaboard. Following a boat and cruise briefing, you will settle into your cabin and set up your dive equipment while Mari begins her cruise toward Central Raja Ampat.
A relaxed check dive around Pulau Matan allows guests to fine-tune their equipment before the adventure truly begins.
Freshly prepared meals, snacks, tropical fruits, ice cream, and a fusion of Asian, international, and Indonesian cuisine are served daily in the spacious outdoor dining area offering panoramic 270-degree ocean views.
Central Raja Ampat - Mioskon Area (3 dives + night dive)
An exciting introduction to Raja Ampat featuring colorful reefs, schooling fish, current-swept pinnacles, and rich nocturnal marine life.
Dive highlights include:
Reef sharks and giant trevallies
Dense schools of fusiliers and snapper
Exceptional macro life including pygmy seahorses
Excellent night diving conditions
Dive Sites:
Mioskon
Blue Magic
Lao Lao Seamount
Mioskon (night dive)
Day 2: Penemu Region (3 dives + night dive)
One of Raja Ampat’s most spectacular regions above and below the surface. Penemu combines dramatic limestone scenery with some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Coral Triangle.
Melissa’s Garden is internationally celebrated for its dense coral coverage and extraordinary biodiversity.
Dive highlights include:
Expansive hard coral gardens
Barracuda, sweetlips, and reef sharks
Gentle drift dives through fish-filled channels
Outstanding underwater photography opportunities
Dive Sites:
Keruo Channel
Melissa’s Garden
My Reef
Galaxy (night dive)
Day 3: Gam and Wayag Area (3 dives + night dive)
A beautiful mix of coral slopes, dramatic reef structures, and fish-rich currents around Gam Island and the southern Wayag region.
Dive highlights include:
Vibrant soft coral reefs
Wobbegong sharks and turtles
Excellent macro opportunities
Scenic reef ridges and bommies
Dive Sites:
Way Pretty Shallow
Mayhem
Citrus Ridge
Gam Ridge (night dive)
Day 4: Manta Encounters and Aerborek (3 dives + night dive)
One of the signature days of the itinerary, combining unforgettable manta ray encounters with a visit to the traditional Papuan village of Arborek.
Manta Ridge and Manta Sandy are among Raja Ampat’s best-known manta cleaning stations, where reef mantas are frequently observed gliding gracefully above the reef.
Dive highlights include:
Reef manta ray encounters
Shallow coral gardens
Traditional village visit
Exceptional jetty night diving
Dive Sites:
Manta Ridge
Arborek Island (Village Visit)
Manta Sandy
Sawandarek (night dive)
Day 5: Dampier Strait Reefs (3 dives + night dive)
Dampier Strait is famous for nutrient-rich currents that attract extraordinary marine life and some of the highest fish biomass in the world.
Dive highlights include:
Massive schools of fusiliers and snapper
Reef sharks and turtles
Colorful soft coral-covered reefs
Critter-rich night diving
Dive Sites:
Yenbuba Island
Chicken Reef
Friwin Bonda
Friwin Bonda (night dive)
Day 6: Classic Dampier Strait Sites (3 dives + night dive)
A thrilling day of current-swept dives, pelagic encounters, and iconic Raja Ampat underwater landscapes.
Mike’s Point, originally damaged during World War II, has evolved into a spectacular reef teeming with marine life.
Dive highlights include:
Barracuda and giant trevallies
Tuna and hunting predators
Dense schooling fish
Vibrant coral formations
Dive Sites:
Otodima
Mike’s Point
Blue Magic
Saonek Bonde (night dive)
Day 7: Iconic Raja Ampat Finale (2 dives)
A memorable final dive day at two of Raja Ampat’s most legendary sites.
Cape Kri famously holds the world record for the highest number of reef fish species recorded on a single dive, while Sardine Reef offers dramatic fish action and breathtaking coral scenery.
Dive highlights include:
Massive fish schools
Reef sharks and giant trevallies
Spectacular coral formations
Exceptional biodiversity
Dive Sites:
Cape Kri
Sardine Reef
Overnight return cruise toward Sorong.
Day 8: Disembarkation Sorong - After Breakfast
After breakfast, guests will disembark in Sorong with unforgettable memories from one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth.
Please prepare to leave the boat between approximately 5:00 AM and 11:00 AM depending on your onward travel schedule. Complimentary transfers will be provided either to Sorong Airport or your hotel.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
After a short morning transfer from Sorong Airport or your hotel to the harbour, you will be welcomed aboard the KLM Mari liveaboard. Following a boat and cruise briefing, you will settle into your cabin and set up your dive equipment while Mari begins her cruise toward Central Raja Ampat.
A relaxed check dive around Pulau Matan allows guests to fine-tune their equipment before the adventure truly begins.
Freshly prepared meals, snacks, tropical fruits, ice cream, and a fusion of Asian, international, and Indonesian cuisine are served daily in the spacious outdoor dining area offering panoramic 270-degree ocean views.
Central Raja Ampat - Mioskon Area (3 dives + night dive)
An exciting introduction to Raja Ampat featuring colorful reefs, schooling fish, current-swept pinnacles, and rich nocturnal marine life.
Dive highlights include:
Reef sharks and giant trevallies
Dense schools of fusiliers and snapper
Exceptional macro life including pygmy seahorses
Excellent night diving conditions
Dive Sites:
Mioskon
Blue Magic
Lao Lao Seamount
Mioskon (night dive)
Day 2: Penemu Region (3 dives + night dive)
One of Raja Ampat’s most spectacular regions above and below the surface. Penemu combines dramatic limestone scenery with some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Coral Triangle.
Melissa’s Garden is internationally celebrated for its dense coral coverage and extraordinary biodiversity.
Dive highlights include:
Expansive hard coral gardens
Barracuda, sweetlips, and reef sharks
Gentle drift dives through fish-filled channels
Outstanding underwater photography opportunities
Dive Sites:
Keruo Channel
Melissa’s Garden
My Reef
Galaxy (night dive)
Day 3: Gam and Wayag Area (3 dives + night dive)
A beautiful mix of coral slopes, dramatic reef structures, and fish-rich currents around Gam Island and the southern Wayag region.
Dive highlights include:
Vibrant soft coral reefs
Wobbegong sharks and turtles
Excellent macro opportunities
Scenic reef ridges and bommies
Dive Sites:
Way Pretty Shallow
Mayhem
Citrus Ridge
Gam Ridge (night dive)
Day 4: Manta Encounters and Aerborek (3 dives + night dive)
One of the signature days of the itinerary, combining unforgettable manta ray encounters with a visit to the traditional Papuan village of Arborek.
Manta Ridge and Manta Sandy are among Raja Ampat’s best-known manta cleaning stations, where reef mantas are frequently observed gliding gracefully above the reef.
Dive highlights include:
Reef manta ray encounters
Shallow coral gardens
Traditional village visit
Exceptional jetty night diving
Dive Sites:
Manta Ridge
Arborek Island (Village Visit)
Manta Sandy
Sawandarek (night dive)
Day 5: Dampier Strait Reefs (3 dives + night dive)
Dampier Strait is famous for nutrient-rich currents that attract extraordinary marine life and some of the highest fish biomass in the world.
Dive highlights include:
Massive schools of fusiliers and snapper
Reef sharks and turtles
Colorful soft coral-covered reefs
Critter-rich night diving
Dive Sites:
Yenbuba Island
Chicken Reef
Friwin Bonda
Friwin Bonda (night dive)
Day 6: Classic Dampier Strait Sites (3 dives + night dive)
A thrilling day of current-swept dives, pelagic encounters, and iconic Raja Ampat underwater landscapes.
Mike’s Point, originally damaged during World War II, has evolved into a spectacular reef teeming with marine life.
Dive highlights include:
Barracuda and giant trevallies
Tuna and hunting predators
Dense schooling fish
Vibrant coral formations
Dive Sites:
Otodima
Mike’s Point
Blue Magic
Saonek Bonde (night dive)
Day 7: Iconic Raja Ampat Finale (2 dives)
A memorable final dive day at two of Raja Ampat’s most legendary sites.
Cape Kri famously holds the world record for the highest number of reef fish species recorded on a single dive, while Sardine Reef offers dramatic fish action and breathtaking coral scenery.
Dive highlights include:
Massive fish schools
Reef sharks and giant trevallies
Spectacular coral formations
Exceptional biodiversity
Dive Sites:
Cape Kri
Sardine Reef
Overnight return cruise toward Sorong.
Day 8: Disembarkation Sorong - After Breakfast
After breakfast, guests will disembark in Sorong with unforgettable memories from one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth.
Please prepare to leave the boat between approximately 5:00 AM and 11:00 AM depending on your onward travel schedule. Complimentary transfers will be provided either to Sorong Airport or your hotel.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Alor, The Forgotten Islands & The Ring of Fire (13 nights) (Maumere-Ambon Island)
13 nights nights, ±39 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 30 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Local diving fee (subject to change): 50.00EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Fuel Surcharge > 11N (subject to change): 250EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Part & Port Fees >11N (subject to change): 200EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 13N: 91EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 13N: 26EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 13N: 26EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 13N: 26EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 13N: 130EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 13N: 208EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 13N (no computer): 273EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 13N: 208EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Dive reefs with exceptional biodiversity in the heart of the Coral Triangle
Swim with hundreds of sea snakes of the very remote Manuk Island
Encounter hammerheads at current-swept sites such as Nil Desperandum
Dive the world-class muck diving sites of Ambon
Day 1 - Maumere, embarkation (1 check dive)
Guests are welcomed aboard KLM Mari in Maumere. After a full safety briefing and cabin orientation, equipment is set up and a check dive conducted in the sheltered waters of the Flores Sea before Mari heads east into the Forgotten Islands.
Mari departs overnight toward the Alor/Pantar Strait.
Days 2 - Alor (3 to 4 dives)
Alor is a favourite destination for returning divers, offering a remarkable range of habitats in a single day — dramatic walls, healthy pinnacles, world-class muck diving and some of the highest anemone density recorded anywhere in Indonesia. Water temperatures can drop significantly in the Alor/Pantar Strait due to cold upwellings — a 5mm wetsuit is recommended.
Boardroom — A majestic wall on the northern side of Pura Island dropping to 50m (164ft), with caves filled with glassfish and schooling jacks and snappers hanging at the entrances.
Clown Valley — Also known as Apuri or Anemone Valley. An extraordinary concentration of anemones sheltering countless anemonefish, considered to have the highest density of anemones in the world.
Babylon — A rich reef wall dropping to 28m (92ft), bustling with numerous species of reef fish and colorful corals. Sandy ledges with schooling fish and soft corals throughout.
Day 3 - Alor / Pantar Strait (3 to 4 dives)
A second full day in the Alor archipelago, exploring further aspects of the Pantar Strait and its surrounding reefs. The strait is a thoroughfare for large pelagics including dolphins, whales and occasional Mola Mola, and rewards divers who look equally at reef structure and open water. A cultural visit to a traditional Abui village in the hills above Kalabahi may be arranged at the Cruise Director's discretion.
Mari departs overnight toward Wetar.
Day 4 - Wetar & Reong (3 to 4 dives)
Swift drift dives between Wetar and the small limestone island of Reong pass walls of extraordinary color and density. The contrast between Wetar's volcanic terrain and Reong's limestone structure offers two distinct diving environments in a single day. Saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the brackish lagoon near the village of Nabar on Wetar's northwest coast.
Tanjung Nunukae — Wetar's star dive site. A large ridge where shallows form a plateau that narrows as it deepens, dropping off abruptly into a wall swathed in gigantic sea fans, cup corals and impressive sponges. Mobula and manta rays have both been encountered here. Currents are generally moderate to strong.
Reong North — A current-swept channel wall between Wetar and Reong where mantas and mobula rays circle cleaning stations. Eagle rays and bumphead parrotfish are common along the ridge pinnacles.
Reong Wall — The limestone island's outer wall: reef sharks, barracuda and trevallies patrol consistently, with impressive wall and overhang structure throughout.
Mari departs overnight toward Romang.
Day 5 - Romang (3 to 4 dives)
Romang is a small volcanic island surrounded by several smaller islands and unspoiled coral reefs. Remote, with excellent visibility and diverse marine life, it is one of the least-dived destinations on the entire Forgotten Islands route.
Nyata — One of the most pristine reefs on the route, with very healthy hard coral formations in the shallows and incredible fish action. Steep reef-to-wall transitions with Napoleon wrasse, schooling jacks and barracuda throughout.
Waterfall Ridge — A narrow coral-covered ridge dropping into deeper water adorned with hard and soft corals, whip corals and large sea fans. The dive concludes surfacing beneath a freshwater waterfall that cascades directly into the sea — one of the most unusual dive finales on the route.
Mari departs overnight toward Damar.
Day 6 - Damar — Nus Leur — Terbang (3 dives)
The Damar island group marks the transition into the heart of the Forgotten Islands. Damar itself has a hard coral garden prized for afternoon diving, while the smaller islands of Nus Leur and Terbang to its south offer some of the most dramatic wall diving in the outer arc.
Nus Leur — A small atoll with a steep sloping reef. Napoleon wrasse cruise the deeper sections while a beautiful shallow coral garden makes for a memorable safety stop and end-of-dive drift.
Terbang Utara (North Terbang) — A dramatic wall with large overhangs dripping with soft corals. Deep water on all sides attracts pelagic species including dogtooth tuna, schooling barracuda and trevally, with oceanic whitetip sharks patrolling the blue on productive dives.
Terbang Selatan (South Terbang) — Equally dramatic seascapes with slightly milder currents. Rugged underwater terrain with sheer drop-offs and vibrant coral slopes, frequented by eagle rays, surgeonfish and bumphead parrotfish.
Day 7 - Teun (3 dives)
Pulau Teun is a small active volcano rising from the southern Banda Sea, part of the celebrated TNS triad — Teun, Nila and Serua — all hotspots for schooling hammerhead shark sightings. Above the surface, smoke rises from the crater and a distinct sulphur scent hangs in the air. Below, the geological forces that built this island have shaped one of the most dramatic underwater landscapes on the route.
Teun Wall — Steep walls, ancient lava ridges and cavernous overhangs, all adorned with vibrant hard and soft corals in exceptional condition. Dogtooth tuna patrol the reef edges, Napoleon wrasse cruise the ridges, bumphead parrotfish work the shallower sections and reef sharks — blacktip, whitetip and grey — are regular presences throughout.
Teun Pinnacle — A submerged pinnacle at around 25m where hammerheads patrol. Drift along numerous spurs and ridges watching for mobula and eagle rays in the blue water. Visibility is typically outstanding at 20–40m.
A visit to Mesa, the small traditional village on the island, may be arranged at the Cruise Director's discretion.
Day 8 - Nil Desperandum (3 dives)
Named after a ship stranded on the reef centuries ago — "never despair" — Nil Desperandum is a submerged atoll rising from deep water in the open Banda Sea, surrounded by a basin dropping to over 4,000 metres (13,100 ft). The upwelling currents generated around the atoll rim concentrate prey and create the conditions that draw aggregating sharks. One of the most remote and extraordinary dive locations in all of Indonesia.
Nil Desperandum Atoll — A big atoll with very deep drop-offs and walls covered in massive barrel sponges and expanses of hard corals. Schooling hammerhead, silky and grey reef sharks have all been spotted in the deep here. Dogtooth tuna and mobula rays patrol the upper sections. Keep a constant eye on the blue water throughout every dive.
Dusborough — A companion seamount close to the island of Nila, surrounded by very deep water with a sloping reef, deep walls and prolific reef life — with the possibility of hammerheads on every descent.
Day 9 - Serua (3 dives)
A remote volcanic island rising sharply from the deep Banda Sea and one of the most emblematic hammerhead destinations in Indonesia. Nutrient-rich upwelling currents attract schooling scalloped hammerheads in numbers that can rival anything in the region during peak season.
Jackpot — Serua's most celebrated site and one of the Banda Sea's most consistent hammerhead aggregation points. Strong, nutrient-rich currents sweep the reef. Hammerheads, silvertips and mobula rays concentrate here during favorable conditions.
Serua Wall — A vertical drop-off swept by strong current, with immense gorgonian sea fans, black coral formations and barrel sponges lining the upper sections. Schools of bigeye trevallies and dogtooth tuna patrol the wall's exposed face while hammerheads cruise the deeper water beyond the reef edge.
Kekah's Corner — A sloping wall of corals with occasional barrel sponges off the tiny adjacent island of Kekah. A steady current turns most dives into a pleasant drift, with hammerheads possible in the blue water beyond.
Mari departs overnight toward Manuk Island.
Day 10 - Manuk Island (3 dives)
A solitary active volcano in the deep open ocean. Sulphurous smoke drifts from the peak as guests descend. Manuk is known throughout Indonesia as the Island of Sea Snakes — dozens of banded sea kraits and olive sea snakes inhabit the reef at every depth, utterly indifferent to divers. Thousands of seabirds nest and soar above the waterline. Hammerhead sharks remain possible on every dive.
Manuk Ridge — A volcanic ridge with dramatic topography, steep drop-offs and thriving coral gardens, with a high concentration of sea snakes woven through the reef structure. Grey reef sharks patrol the deeper sections while trevallies and tuna cruise the blue beyond.
Palm Point — A reliable location for hammerhead and mobula ray sightings in addition to the sea snake encounters found throughout Manuk's reef system.
Mari departs overnight toward the Banda Islands.
Day 11 - Banda Neira (2 dives + land excursion)
The Banda Islands are among the most historically charged places in Indonesia. Once the world's only source of nutmeg, these tiny volcanic islands were fought over by European colonial powers for two centuries. Today they have returned to their quiet volcanic beauty — and the diving is extraordinary.
Land excursion: Guests come ashore at Banda Neira. Fort Belgica, a well-preserved 17th-century Dutch fortress perched above the harbour, offers sweeping views of the volcano and the archipelago. The tour continues through colonial-era streets to the maritime museum and through working nutmeg plantations still cultivated using techniques unchanged in centuries.
Mari departs overnight toward Suanggi.
Day 12 - Suanggi (3 dives)
Suanggi is a small, uninhabited rocky outcrop rising from the open Banda Sea, its sheer walls plunging into the abyss. During the October to November season, schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks are the defining encounter. A full day in the water.
Suanggi North Wall — Drift along the wall with one eye on the reef and the other trained on the blue water beyond. Large schools of blackfin barracuda form shimmering vortexes while giant trevallies and dogtooth tuna patrol the edges. Schooling hammerheads cruise past in the deeper water during favorable conditions, with squadrons of mobula rays on productive days.
Suanggi South Point — The southern tip of the island where two current streams converge, creating a focal point for pelagic life. Barracuda, jacks and tuna gather at the convergence while the wall below offers excellent coral growth and hammerhead sightings from a different angle.
Suanggi Plateau — A submerged plateau on the island's sheltered side. Coral bommies, large gorgonian fans and an abundance of reef fish in calmer water — an ideal third dive after the adrenaline of the exposed walls.
Mari departs overnight toward Nusa Laut.
Day 13 - Nusa Laut (3 dives)
Nusa Laut is a small island east of Ambon whose diving stands as one of the most compelling arguments for community-led marine conservation in Indonesia. Decades of strict local protection have produced reef health and fish biomass that grow visibly year on year. In season, the island's current-swept walls offer some of the Banda Sea's most reliable hammerhead encounters.
Akon — A wall and slope dive on Nusa Laut's southern shore. Schools of jacks move in sweeping formations above excellent hard coral coverage, with reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections.
Ameth — A current-swept reef on Nusa Laut's southeastern coast and one of the Banda Sea's most reliable early-season hammerhead sites. Solitary and small groups of scalloped hammerheads cruise the outer wall edge, with turtles, Napoleon wrasse and dense schooling fish filling the shallower sections.
Nusa Laut East Wall — A less-visited aspect of the island facing the open Seram Sea, where the wall drops steeply into blue water. Tuna, eagle rays and lone hammerheads pass through on the current.
Mari departs overnight toward Ambon.
Day 14 - Ambon bay, disembarkation (1 to 2 dives)
A fitting end to the expedition — returning to Ambon Bay and its world-famous black sand slopes, a vivid reminder that Indonesia's underwater world offers something extraordinary at every scale, from schooling hammerheads in the open Banda Sea to a psychedelic frogfish on a rubble patch 5 minutes from the dock.
Laha or Rhino City — One or two final dives in the muck at the Cruise Director's discretion, respecting recommended no-fly intervals before departure.
Following the final dive, guests disembark at Ambon harbour at the conclusion of one of Indonesia's most complete expedition crossings — from the rich reef diversity of Alor and the Flores Sea, through the volcanic hammerhead arcs of the Forgotten Islands and the Banda Sea, to the legendary critter diving of Ambon Bay.
Please prepare to leave the boat between approximately 06:00 and 12:00, depending on your onward travel schedule. Transfers to Pattimura Airport (AMQ) or your hotel can be arranged on request.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Guests are welcomed aboard KLM Mari in Maumere. After a full safety briefing and cabin orientation, equipment is set up and a check dive conducted in the sheltered waters of the Flores Sea before Mari heads east into the Forgotten Islands.
Mari departs overnight toward the Alor/Pantar Strait.
Days 2 - Alor (3 to 4 dives)
Alor is a favourite destination for returning divers, offering a remarkable range of habitats in a single day — dramatic walls, healthy pinnacles, world-class muck diving and some of the highest anemone density recorded anywhere in Indonesia. Water temperatures can drop significantly in the Alor/Pantar Strait due to cold upwellings — a 5mm wetsuit is recommended.
Boardroom — A majestic wall on the northern side of Pura Island dropping to 50m (164ft), with caves filled with glassfish and schooling jacks and snappers hanging at the entrances.
Clown Valley — Also known as Apuri or Anemone Valley. An extraordinary concentration of anemones sheltering countless anemonefish, considered to have the highest density of anemones in the world.
Babylon — A rich reef wall dropping to 28m (92ft), bustling with numerous species of reef fish and colorful corals. Sandy ledges with schooling fish and soft corals throughout.
Day 3 - Alor / Pantar Strait (3 to 4 dives)
A second full day in the Alor archipelago, exploring further aspects of the Pantar Strait and its surrounding reefs. The strait is a thoroughfare for large pelagics including dolphins, whales and occasional Mola Mola, and rewards divers who look equally at reef structure and open water. A cultural visit to a traditional Abui village in the hills above Kalabahi may be arranged at the Cruise Director's discretion.
Mari departs overnight toward Wetar.
Day 4 - Wetar & Reong (3 to 4 dives)
Swift drift dives between Wetar and the small limestone island of Reong pass walls of extraordinary color and density. The contrast between Wetar's volcanic terrain and Reong's limestone structure offers two distinct diving environments in a single day. Saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the brackish lagoon near the village of Nabar on Wetar's northwest coast.
Tanjung Nunukae — Wetar's star dive site. A large ridge where shallows form a plateau that narrows as it deepens, dropping off abruptly into a wall swathed in gigantic sea fans, cup corals and impressive sponges. Mobula and manta rays have both been encountered here. Currents are generally moderate to strong.
Reong North — A current-swept channel wall between Wetar and Reong where mantas and mobula rays circle cleaning stations. Eagle rays and bumphead parrotfish are common along the ridge pinnacles.
Reong Wall — The limestone island's outer wall: reef sharks, barracuda and trevallies patrol consistently, with impressive wall and overhang structure throughout.
Mari departs overnight toward Romang.
Day 5 - Romang (3 to 4 dives)
Romang is a small volcanic island surrounded by several smaller islands and unspoiled coral reefs. Remote, with excellent visibility and diverse marine life, it is one of the least-dived destinations on the entire Forgotten Islands route.
Nyata — One of the most pristine reefs on the route, with very healthy hard coral formations in the shallows and incredible fish action. Steep reef-to-wall transitions with Napoleon wrasse, schooling jacks and barracuda throughout.
Waterfall Ridge — A narrow coral-covered ridge dropping into deeper water adorned with hard and soft corals, whip corals and large sea fans. The dive concludes surfacing beneath a freshwater waterfall that cascades directly into the sea — one of the most unusual dive finales on the route.
Mari departs overnight toward Damar.
Day 6 - Damar — Nus Leur — Terbang (3 dives)
The Damar island group marks the transition into the heart of the Forgotten Islands. Damar itself has a hard coral garden prized for afternoon diving, while the smaller islands of Nus Leur and Terbang to its south offer some of the most dramatic wall diving in the outer arc.
Nus Leur — A small atoll with a steep sloping reef. Napoleon wrasse cruise the deeper sections while a beautiful shallow coral garden makes for a memorable safety stop and end-of-dive drift.
Terbang Utara (North Terbang) — A dramatic wall with large overhangs dripping with soft corals. Deep water on all sides attracts pelagic species including dogtooth tuna, schooling barracuda and trevally, with oceanic whitetip sharks patrolling the blue on productive dives.
Terbang Selatan (South Terbang) — Equally dramatic seascapes with slightly milder currents. Rugged underwater terrain with sheer drop-offs and vibrant coral slopes, frequented by eagle rays, surgeonfish and bumphead parrotfish.
Day 7 - Teun (3 dives)
Pulau Teun is a small active volcano rising from the southern Banda Sea, part of the celebrated TNS triad — Teun, Nila and Serua — all hotspots for schooling hammerhead shark sightings. Above the surface, smoke rises from the crater and a distinct sulphur scent hangs in the air. Below, the geological forces that built this island have shaped one of the most dramatic underwater landscapes on the route.
Teun Wall — Steep walls, ancient lava ridges and cavernous overhangs, all adorned with vibrant hard and soft corals in exceptional condition. Dogtooth tuna patrol the reef edges, Napoleon wrasse cruise the ridges, bumphead parrotfish work the shallower sections and reef sharks — blacktip, whitetip and grey — are regular presences throughout.
Teun Pinnacle — A submerged pinnacle at around 25m where hammerheads patrol. Drift along numerous spurs and ridges watching for mobula and eagle rays in the blue water. Visibility is typically outstanding at 20–40m.
A visit to Mesa, the small traditional village on the island, may be arranged at the Cruise Director's discretion.
Day 8 - Nil Desperandum (3 dives)
Named after a ship stranded on the reef centuries ago — "never despair" — Nil Desperandum is a submerged atoll rising from deep water in the open Banda Sea, surrounded by a basin dropping to over 4,000 metres (13,100 ft). The upwelling currents generated around the atoll rim concentrate prey and create the conditions that draw aggregating sharks. One of the most remote and extraordinary dive locations in all of Indonesia.
Nil Desperandum Atoll — A big atoll with very deep drop-offs and walls covered in massive barrel sponges and expanses of hard corals. Schooling hammerhead, silky and grey reef sharks have all been spotted in the deep here. Dogtooth tuna and mobula rays patrol the upper sections. Keep a constant eye on the blue water throughout every dive.
Dusborough — A companion seamount close to the island of Nila, surrounded by very deep water with a sloping reef, deep walls and prolific reef life — with the possibility of hammerheads on every descent.
Day 9 - Serua (3 dives)
A remote volcanic island rising sharply from the deep Banda Sea and one of the most emblematic hammerhead destinations in Indonesia. Nutrient-rich upwelling currents attract schooling scalloped hammerheads in numbers that can rival anything in the region during peak season.
Jackpot — Serua's most celebrated site and one of the Banda Sea's most consistent hammerhead aggregation points. Strong, nutrient-rich currents sweep the reef. Hammerheads, silvertips and mobula rays concentrate here during favorable conditions.
Serua Wall — A vertical drop-off swept by strong current, with immense gorgonian sea fans, black coral formations and barrel sponges lining the upper sections. Schools of bigeye trevallies and dogtooth tuna patrol the wall's exposed face while hammerheads cruise the deeper water beyond the reef edge.
Kekah's Corner — A sloping wall of corals with occasional barrel sponges off the tiny adjacent island of Kekah. A steady current turns most dives into a pleasant drift, with hammerheads possible in the blue water beyond.
Mari departs overnight toward Manuk Island.
Day 10 - Manuk Island (3 dives)
A solitary active volcano in the deep open ocean. Sulphurous smoke drifts from the peak as guests descend. Manuk is known throughout Indonesia as the Island of Sea Snakes — dozens of banded sea kraits and olive sea snakes inhabit the reef at every depth, utterly indifferent to divers. Thousands of seabirds nest and soar above the waterline. Hammerhead sharks remain possible on every dive.
Manuk Ridge — A volcanic ridge with dramatic topography, steep drop-offs and thriving coral gardens, with a high concentration of sea snakes woven through the reef structure. Grey reef sharks patrol the deeper sections while trevallies and tuna cruise the blue beyond.
Palm Point — A reliable location for hammerhead and mobula ray sightings in addition to the sea snake encounters found throughout Manuk's reef system.
Mari departs overnight toward the Banda Islands.
Day 11 - Banda Neira (2 dives + land excursion)
The Banda Islands are among the most historically charged places in Indonesia. Once the world's only source of nutmeg, these tiny volcanic islands were fought over by European colonial powers for two centuries. Today they have returned to their quiet volcanic beauty — and the diving is extraordinary.
Land excursion: Guests come ashore at Banda Neira. Fort Belgica, a well-preserved 17th-century Dutch fortress perched above the harbour, offers sweeping views of the volcano and the archipelago. The tour continues through colonial-era streets to the maritime museum and through working nutmeg plantations still cultivated using techniques unchanged in centuries.
Mari departs overnight toward Suanggi.
Day 12 - Suanggi (3 dives)
Suanggi is a small, uninhabited rocky outcrop rising from the open Banda Sea, its sheer walls plunging into the abyss. During the October to November season, schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks are the defining encounter. A full day in the water.
Suanggi North Wall — Drift along the wall with one eye on the reef and the other trained on the blue water beyond. Large schools of blackfin barracuda form shimmering vortexes while giant trevallies and dogtooth tuna patrol the edges. Schooling hammerheads cruise past in the deeper water during favorable conditions, with squadrons of mobula rays on productive days.
Suanggi South Point — The southern tip of the island where two current streams converge, creating a focal point for pelagic life. Barracuda, jacks and tuna gather at the convergence while the wall below offers excellent coral growth and hammerhead sightings from a different angle.
Suanggi Plateau — A submerged plateau on the island's sheltered side. Coral bommies, large gorgonian fans and an abundance of reef fish in calmer water — an ideal third dive after the adrenaline of the exposed walls.
Mari departs overnight toward Nusa Laut.
Day 13 - Nusa Laut (3 dives)
Nusa Laut is a small island east of Ambon whose diving stands as one of the most compelling arguments for community-led marine conservation in Indonesia. Decades of strict local protection have produced reef health and fish biomass that grow visibly year on year. In season, the island's current-swept walls offer some of the Banda Sea's most reliable hammerhead encounters.
Akon — A wall and slope dive on Nusa Laut's southern shore. Schools of jacks move in sweeping formations above excellent hard coral coverage, with reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections.
Ameth — A current-swept reef on Nusa Laut's southeastern coast and one of the Banda Sea's most reliable early-season hammerhead sites. Solitary and small groups of scalloped hammerheads cruise the outer wall edge, with turtles, Napoleon wrasse and dense schooling fish filling the shallower sections.
Nusa Laut East Wall — A less-visited aspect of the island facing the open Seram Sea, where the wall drops steeply into blue water. Tuna, eagle rays and lone hammerheads pass through on the current.
Mari departs overnight toward Ambon.
Day 14 - Ambon bay, disembarkation (1 to 2 dives)
A fitting end to the expedition — returning to Ambon Bay and its world-famous black sand slopes, a vivid reminder that Indonesia's underwater world offers something extraordinary at every scale, from schooling hammerheads in the open Banda Sea to a psychedelic frogfish on a rubble patch 5 minutes from the dock.
Laha or Rhino City — One or two final dives in the muck at the Cruise Director's discretion, respecting recommended no-fly intervals before departure.
Following the final dive, guests disembark at Ambon harbour at the conclusion of one of Indonesia's most complete expedition crossings — from the rich reef diversity of Alor and the Flores Sea, through the volcanic hammerhead arcs of the Forgotten Islands and the Banda Sea, to the legendary critter diving of Ambon Bay.
Please prepare to leave the boat between approximately 06:00 and 12:00, depending on your onward travel schedule. Transfers to Pattimura Airport (AMQ) or your hotel can be arranged on request.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Best of Komodo, Flores & Whale Sharks (11 nights) (Sumbawa Island-Maumere)
11 nights nights, ±33 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 60 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel Surcharge (subject to change): 150EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Park & Port Fees (subject to change): 140EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Whale Shark Excursion (Teluk Saleh): 40EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 11N: 77EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 11N: 55EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 11N: 110EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 11N: 176EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 11N (no computer): 231EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 11N: 176EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Steep underwater walls draped in gorgonians and soft corals create dramatic vertical landscapes
Pygmy seahorses and rare nudibranch species may reveal themselves
Exhilarating channel drift; occasional manta sightings
Grey reef sharks, tuna, giant trevallies and barracuda schools
Day 1:
Guests are welcomed aboard late morning at Badas harbour, the gateway to Sumbawa Besar. Following safety briefing and cabin orientation, MARI departs toward Sumbawa's northern reefs.
Check Dive - A shallow, controlled dive to verify equipment and buoyancy before the expedition begins in earnest.
Day 2:
2 morning dives + waterfall visit + 1 afternoon dive
Angel Reef - Healthy coral slopes with turtles and reef sharks.
Tanjung Pasir - Coral bommies and macro life.
Between dives, guests visit Mata Jitu Waterfall, accessible by tender and short jungle walk.
Stone Wall - A vertical coral wall on the eastern face of Moyo dropping to over 60m (197ft), draped in soft corals and sea fans with reliable reef shark sightings. Dived as a slow drift along the wall before overnight navigation toward Teluk Saleh.
Day 3:
2 whale shark sessions
Early morning arrival in Teluk Saleh.
Working closely with local fishermen, we search for the resident whale sharks that gather beneath traditional bagan platforms.
Encounters alternate between snorkeling and diving depending on positioning and depth.
A defining highlight of the expedition.
Afternoon navigation toward Satonda Island.
Day 4:
2 day dives + 1 night dive + crater lake
A dormant volcanic island with a hypersaline crater lake at its centre and a flying fox colony that lifts from the forest canopy at dusk in a single wave -- one of the quieter dramatic moments on any Indonesian liveaboard crossing.
West Wall - Dense soft-coral wall with chromis clouds, reef fish schools and occasional reef mantas on the southern face.
South Reef - Hard coral gardens at a reliable manta cleaning station.
Topside: short hike to the crater rim overlooking the hypersaline lake.
Night dive - Satonda's reef transforms after dark. Clown frogfish, arrow crabs and banded boxer shrimp populate the bottom in conditions ideal for macro photographers.
Day 5:
3 day dives
An active volcano dominates the skyline.
Bubble Reef - Volcanic vents release shimmering streams of bubbles across black sand slopes. Nudibranchs, frogfish, mimic octopus.
Hot Rocks - Soft corals and anthias contrasting against dark substrate.
Bonto - Rare macro life including rhinopias and blue-ring octopus.
Day 6:
3 dives
Remote and wind-swept, Banta lies between Sangeang and Komodo and benefits from strong tidal exchange without always requiring extreme exposure. Its reefs are healthy, vibrant, and often visited by pelagics when conditions align.
GPS Point - A gently sloping reef transitioning into deeper contour. Grey reef sharks patrol the outer edge, turtles cruise over hard coral terraces, and large schools of fusiliers and snappers gather mid-water.
Star Wars - Named for its dramatic topography, this site features ridges, gullies and bommies rising from depth. Current lines attract giant trevallies and occasional eagle rays.
Tondok Rasa (East Banta Reef) - A more protected coral slope. Dense anthias clouds hover over branching coral formations, while sweetlips and reef fish schools move across the reef face.
Day 7:
2 to 3 dives + Komodo dragon trek + beach visit
An introduction to Komodo National Park, with two of its most iconic above-water experiences.
Morning: Komodo Dragon Trek - ranger-guided walk across dry savannah terrain in search of Varanus komodoensis, the world's largest lizard.
Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) - Hard coral slopes with reef sharks and anthias clouds. Opportunity for beach visit between dives.
Makassar Reef (Manta Point) - Sandy feeding lanes where mantas glide above divers on incoming tides.
Siaba Kecil (Mandarin Point) - Calm reef; structured dusk dive for mandarin fish courtship behavior.
Day 8:
4 dives
High-voltage diving.
Castle Rock - Grey reef sharks, tuna, giant trevallies and barracuda schools in numbers thick enough to block the light.
Crystal Rock - Submerged pinnacle rising from depth with exceptional visibility. Grey reef sharks, napoleon wrasse and dense fish schools congregate around the structure.
The Cauldron (Shotgun) - Exhilarating channel drift; occasional manta sightings.
Gili Lawa Laut - Current-fed pinnacle with strong fish density; reef sharks and schooling pelagics in the blue.
Day 9:
2 to 3 dives + Padar Island hike
Returning through Central Komodo.
Batu Bolong - Coral-covered pinnacle rising from deep water. Anthias clouds, napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks and giant trevallies dominate the slopes.
Tatawa Besar - Elegant drift dive over pristine coral gardens.
Tatawa Kecil - Vibrant reef with colorful soft corals and schooling fish; ideal for extended bottom time.
Padar Island hike at sunrise or sunset, at the Cruise Director's discretion. One of Indonesia's most photographed panoramas -- three crescent bays in different shades of sand, ringed by dry volcanic ridgelines. A short, steep climb that earns its reward.
Day 10:
3 dives
The reefs surrounding Tatawa are continuously fed by nutrient-rich currents, resulting in intense coral coloration and thriving marine life.
These final dives within Komodo National Park offer elegant drift profiles across slopes covered in soft corals and teeming with fish - a fitting farewell to the national park before the voyage turns east toward Flores.
Day 11:
2 morning dives
North of Flores lies the volcanic island of Palue.
Steep underwater walls draped in gorgonians and soft corals create dramatic vertical landscapes. With patience and keen observation, pygmy seahorses and rare nudibranch species may reveal themselves.
Equipment is rinsed and stowed following the second dive, respecting recommended no-fly intervals. Overnight navigation toward Maumere.
Day 12:
Disembarkation after breakfast in Maumere.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Guests are welcomed aboard late morning at Badas harbour, the gateway to Sumbawa Besar. Following safety briefing and cabin orientation, MARI departs toward Sumbawa's northern reefs.
Check Dive - A shallow, controlled dive to verify equipment and buoyancy before the expedition begins in earnest.
Day 2:
2 morning dives + waterfall visit + 1 afternoon dive
Angel Reef - Healthy coral slopes with turtles and reef sharks.
Tanjung Pasir - Coral bommies and macro life.
Between dives, guests visit Mata Jitu Waterfall, accessible by tender and short jungle walk.
Stone Wall - A vertical coral wall on the eastern face of Moyo dropping to over 60m (197ft), draped in soft corals and sea fans with reliable reef shark sightings. Dived as a slow drift along the wall before overnight navigation toward Teluk Saleh.
Day 3:
2 whale shark sessions
Early morning arrival in Teluk Saleh.
Working closely with local fishermen, we search for the resident whale sharks that gather beneath traditional bagan platforms.
Encounters alternate between snorkeling and diving depending on positioning and depth.
A defining highlight of the expedition.
Afternoon navigation toward Satonda Island.
Day 4:
2 day dives + 1 night dive + crater lake
A dormant volcanic island with a hypersaline crater lake at its centre and a flying fox colony that lifts from the forest canopy at dusk in a single wave -- one of the quieter dramatic moments on any Indonesian liveaboard crossing.
West Wall - Dense soft-coral wall with chromis clouds, reef fish schools and occasional reef mantas on the southern face.
South Reef - Hard coral gardens at a reliable manta cleaning station.
Topside: short hike to the crater rim overlooking the hypersaline lake.
Night dive - Satonda's reef transforms after dark. Clown frogfish, arrow crabs and banded boxer shrimp populate the bottom in conditions ideal for macro photographers.
Day 5:
3 day dives
An active volcano dominates the skyline.
Bubble Reef - Volcanic vents release shimmering streams of bubbles across black sand slopes. Nudibranchs, frogfish, mimic octopus.
Hot Rocks - Soft corals and anthias contrasting against dark substrate.
Bonto - Rare macro life including rhinopias and blue-ring octopus.
Day 6:
3 dives
Remote and wind-swept, Banta lies between Sangeang and Komodo and benefits from strong tidal exchange without always requiring extreme exposure. Its reefs are healthy, vibrant, and often visited by pelagics when conditions align.
GPS Point - A gently sloping reef transitioning into deeper contour. Grey reef sharks patrol the outer edge, turtles cruise over hard coral terraces, and large schools of fusiliers and snappers gather mid-water.
Star Wars - Named for its dramatic topography, this site features ridges, gullies and bommies rising from depth. Current lines attract giant trevallies and occasional eagle rays.
Tondok Rasa (East Banta Reef) - A more protected coral slope. Dense anthias clouds hover over branching coral formations, while sweetlips and reef fish schools move across the reef face.
Day 7:
2 to 3 dives + Komodo dragon trek + beach visit
An introduction to Komodo National Park, with two of its most iconic above-water experiences.
Morning: Komodo Dragon Trek - ranger-guided walk across dry savannah terrain in search of Varanus komodoensis, the world's largest lizard.
Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) - Hard coral slopes with reef sharks and anthias clouds. Opportunity for beach visit between dives.
Makassar Reef (Manta Point) - Sandy feeding lanes where mantas glide above divers on incoming tides.
Siaba Kecil (Mandarin Point) - Calm reef; structured dusk dive for mandarin fish courtship behavior.
Day 8:
4 dives
High-voltage diving.
Castle Rock - Grey reef sharks, tuna, giant trevallies and barracuda schools in numbers thick enough to block the light.
Crystal Rock - Submerged pinnacle rising from depth with exceptional visibility. Grey reef sharks, napoleon wrasse and dense fish schools congregate around the structure.
The Cauldron (Shotgun) - Exhilarating channel drift; occasional manta sightings.
Gili Lawa Laut - Current-fed pinnacle with strong fish density; reef sharks and schooling pelagics in the blue.
Day 9:
2 to 3 dives + Padar Island hike
Returning through Central Komodo.
Batu Bolong - Coral-covered pinnacle rising from deep water. Anthias clouds, napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks and giant trevallies dominate the slopes.
Tatawa Besar - Elegant drift dive over pristine coral gardens.
Tatawa Kecil - Vibrant reef with colorful soft corals and schooling fish; ideal for extended bottom time.
Padar Island hike at sunrise or sunset, at the Cruise Director's discretion. One of Indonesia's most photographed panoramas -- three crescent bays in different shades of sand, ringed by dry volcanic ridgelines. A short, steep climb that earns its reward.
Day 10:
3 dives
The reefs surrounding Tatawa are continuously fed by nutrient-rich currents, resulting in intense coral coloration and thriving marine life.
These final dives within Komodo National Park offer elegant drift profiles across slopes covered in soft corals and teeming with fish - a fitting farewell to the national park before the voyage turns east toward Flores.
Day 11:
2 morning dives
North of Flores lies the volcanic island of Palue.
Steep underwater walls draped in gorgonians and soft corals create dramatic vertical landscapes. With patience and keen observation, pygmy seahorses and rare nudibranch species may reveal themselves.
Equipment is rinsed and stowed following the second dive, respecting recommended no-fly intervals. Overnight navigation toward Maumere.
Day 12:
Disembarkation after breakfast in Maumere.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Best of Komodo & Whale Sharks (11 nights) (Sumbawa Island-Labuan Bajo)
11 nights nights, ±28 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 60 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel Surcharge (subject to change): 150EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Park & Port Fees (subject to change): 140EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Whale Shark Excursion (Teluk Saleh): 40EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Regulator 11N: 77EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 11N: 77EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 11N: 55EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 11N: 110EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 11N: 176EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 11N (no computer): 231EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 11N: 176EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Stronger current site with reef sharks and pelagic movement along the reef edge
Grey reef sharks, tuna, giant trevallies and barracuda schools
Channel drift, dramatic panoramas
Hard coral terraces, branching coral formations
Day 1:
2 dives
Guests are welcomed aboard in the morning in Labuan Bajo. Following safety briefing and cabin orientation, MARI departs toward Central Komodo.
Afternoon Dives:
Sebayur Kecil - Gently sloping reef with excellent hard coral coverage. White tip reef sharks, green turtles, sweetlips and schooling fusiliers.
Pengah Kecil - Lively reef slope in moderate current; reef sharks and dense fish schools.
Day 2:
4 dives
Batu Bolong - Coral-covered pinnacle rising from deep water. Anthias clouds, napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks and giant trevallies dominate the slopes.
Tatawa Besar - Elegant drift dive over pristine coral gardens.
Tatawa Kecil - Vibrant reef with colorful soft corals and schooling fish; ideal for extended bottom time.
Siaba Besar - Sheltered and unhurried. Green and hawksbill turtles rest on coral bommies while frogfish, seahorses and nudibranchs reward patient macro searching across the sandy bottom.
Day 3:
3 to 4 dives
High-voltage diving.
Castle Rock -- Grey reef sharks, tuna, giant trevallies and barracuda schools in numbers thick enough to block the light.
Crystal Rock -- Cleaning stations and exceptional visibility.
The Cauldron (Shotgun) -- Exhilarating channel drift; occasional manta sightings.
Gili Lawa Laut -- Current-fed pinnacle with strong fish density; reef sharks and schooling pelagics in the blue.
Day 4:
2 to 3 dives + Komodo dragon trek + beach visit
A return through Central Komodo, with two of its most iconic above-water experiences.
Morning: Komodo Dragon Trek - ranger-guided walk across dry savannah terrain in search of Varanus komodoensis, the world's largest lizard.
Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) - Hard coral slopes with reef sharks and anthias clouds. Opportunity for beach visit between dives.
Makassar Reef (Manta Point) - Sandy feeding lanes where mantas glide above divers on incoming tides.
Siaba Kecil (Mandarin Point) - Calm reef; structured dusk dive for mandarin fish courtship behavior.
Day 5:
3 day dives + 1 night dive
We cruise into cooler, plankton-rich southern waters.
Manta Alley - Reliable manta aggregation site. Oceanic manta rays circle cleaning stations in surge-swept channels.
Cannibal Rock - Legendary macro site. Rhinopias, pygmy seahorses, frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish.
Yellow Wall of Texas - Vertical wall draped in yellow soft corals and sea apples.
Night dive in Horseshoe Bay reveals Spanish dancers, decorator crabs and torpedo rays.
Day 6:
2 to 3 dives + Padar Island hike
Returning north through Central Komodo.
Pengah Besar - Stronger current site with reef sharks and pelagic movement along the reef edge.
Sebayur Kecil - Balanced coral reef dive with turtles, sweetlips and schooling fusiliers.
Pengah Kecil - Lively reef slope with reef sharks and dense schooling fish.
Padar Island hike at sunrise or sunset, at the Cruise Director's discretion. One of Indonesia's most photographed panoramas - three crescent bays in different shades of sand, ringed by dry volcanic ridgelines. A short, steep climb that earns its reward.
Day 7:
3 dives
Remote and wind-swept, Banta lies between Sangeang and Komodo and benefits from strong tidal exchange without always requiring extreme exposure. Its reefs are healthy, vibrant, and often visited by pelagics when conditions align.
GPS Point - A gently sloping reef transitioning into deeper contour. Grey reef sharks patrol the outer edge, turtles cruise over hard coral terraces, and large schools of fusiliers and snappers gather mid-water.
Star Wars - Named for its dramatic topography, this site features ridges, gullies and bommies rising from depth. Current lines attract giant trevallies and occasional eagle rays.
Tondok Rasa (East Banta Reef) - A more protected coral slope. Dense anthias clouds hover over branching coral formations, while sweetlips and reef fish schools move across the reef face.
Day 8:
3 day dives
An active volcano dominates the skyline.
Bubble Reef - Volcanic vents release shimmering streams of bubbles across black sand slopes. Nudibranchs, frogfish, mimic octopus.
Hot Rocks - Soft corals and anthias contrasting against dark substrate.
Bonto - Rare macro life including rhinopias and blue-ring octopus.
Day 9:
2 day dives + 1 night dive + crater lake
A dormant volcanic island with a hypersaline crater lake at its centre and a flying fox colony that lifts from the forest canopy at dusk in a single wave -- one of the quieter dramatic moments on any Indonesian liveaboard crossing.
West Wall - Dense soft-coral wall with chromis clouds, reef fish schools and occasional reef mantas on the southern face.
South Reef - Hard coral gardens at a reliable manta cleaning station.
Topside: short hike to the crater rim overlooking the hypersaline lake.
Night Dive - Satonda's reef transforms after dark. Clown frogfish, arrow crabs and banded boxer shrimp populate the bottom in conditions ideal for macro photographers.
Day 10:
2 whale shark sessions
Early morning arrival in Teluk Saleh.
Working closely with local fishermen, we search for the resident whale sharks that gather beneath traditional bagan platforms.
Encounters alternate between snorkeling and diving depending on preferences.
A defining highlight of the expedition.
Afternoon navigation toward Moyo Island.
Day 11:
2 morning dives + waterfall visit
Angel Reef - Healthy coral slopes with turtles and reef sharks.
Tanjung Pasir - Coral bommies and macro life.
Between dives, guests visit Mata Jitu Waterfall, accessible by tender and short jungle walk.
Equipment is rinsed and stowed following the second dive, respecting recommended no-fly intervals. Overnight navigation toward Badas.
Day 12:
Disembarkation after breakfast at Badas harbour, the gateway to Sumbawa Besar.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
2 dives
Guests are welcomed aboard in the morning in Labuan Bajo. Following safety briefing and cabin orientation, MARI departs toward Central Komodo.
Afternoon Dives:
Sebayur Kecil - Gently sloping reef with excellent hard coral coverage. White tip reef sharks, green turtles, sweetlips and schooling fusiliers.
Pengah Kecil - Lively reef slope in moderate current; reef sharks and dense fish schools.
Day 2:
4 dives
Batu Bolong - Coral-covered pinnacle rising from deep water. Anthias clouds, napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks and giant trevallies dominate the slopes.
Tatawa Besar - Elegant drift dive over pristine coral gardens.
Tatawa Kecil - Vibrant reef with colorful soft corals and schooling fish; ideal for extended bottom time.
Siaba Besar - Sheltered and unhurried. Green and hawksbill turtles rest on coral bommies while frogfish, seahorses and nudibranchs reward patient macro searching across the sandy bottom.
Day 3:
3 to 4 dives
High-voltage diving.
Castle Rock -- Grey reef sharks, tuna, giant trevallies and barracuda schools in numbers thick enough to block the light.
Crystal Rock -- Cleaning stations and exceptional visibility.
The Cauldron (Shotgun) -- Exhilarating channel drift; occasional manta sightings.
Gili Lawa Laut -- Current-fed pinnacle with strong fish density; reef sharks and schooling pelagics in the blue.
Day 4:
2 to 3 dives + Komodo dragon trek + beach visit
A return through Central Komodo, with two of its most iconic above-water experiences.
Morning: Komodo Dragon Trek - ranger-guided walk across dry savannah terrain in search of Varanus komodoensis, the world's largest lizard.
Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) - Hard coral slopes with reef sharks and anthias clouds. Opportunity for beach visit between dives.
Makassar Reef (Manta Point) - Sandy feeding lanes where mantas glide above divers on incoming tides.
Siaba Kecil (Mandarin Point) - Calm reef; structured dusk dive for mandarin fish courtship behavior.
Day 5:
3 day dives + 1 night dive
We cruise into cooler, plankton-rich southern waters.
Manta Alley - Reliable manta aggregation site. Oceanic manta rays circle cleaning stations in surge-swept channels.
Cannibal Rock - Legendary macro site. Rhinopias, pygmy seahorses, frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish.
Yellow Wall of Texas - Vertical wall draped in yellow soft corals and sea apples.
Night dive in Horseshoe Bay reveals Spanish dancers, decorator crabs and torpedo rays.
Day 6:
2 to 3 dives + Padar Island hike
Returning north through Central Komodo.
Pengah Besar - Stronger current site with reef sharks and pelagic movement along the reef edge.
Sebayur Kecil - Balanced coral reef dive with turtles, sweetlips and schooling fusiliers.
Pengah Kecil - Lively reef slope with reef sharks and dense schooling fish.
Padar Island hike at sunrise or sunset, at the Cruise Director's discretion. One of Indonesia's most photographed panoramas - three crescent bays in different shades of sand, ringed by dry volcanic ridgelines. A short, steep climb that earns its reward.
Day 7:
3 dives
Remote and wind-swept, Banta lies between Sangeang and Komodo and benefits from strong tidal exchange without always requiring extreme exposure. Its reefs are healthy, vibrant, and often visited by pelagics when conditions align.
GPS Point - A gently sloping reef transitioning into deeper contour. Grey reef sharks patrol the outer edge, turtles cruise over hard coral terraces, and large schools of fusiliers and snappers gather mid-water.
Star Wars - Named for its dramatic topography, this site features ridges, gullies and bommies rising from depth. Current lines attract giant trevallies and occasional eagle rays.
Tondok Rasa (East Banta Reef) - A more protected coral slope. Dense anthias clouds hover over branching coral formations, while sweetlips and reef fish schools move across the reef face.
Day 8:
3 day dives
An active volcano dominates the skyline.
Bubble Reef - Volcanic vents release shimmering streams of bubbles across black sand slopes. Nudibranchs, frogfish, mimic octopus.
Hot Rocks - Soft corals and anthias contrasting against dark substrate.
Bonto - Rare macro life including rhinopias and blue-ring octopus.
Day 9:
2 day dives + 1 night dive + crater lake
A dormant volcanic island with a hypersaline crater lake at its centre and a flying fox colony that lifts from the forest canopy at dusk in a single wave -- one of the quieter dramatic moments on any Indonesian liveaboard crossing.
West Wall - Dense soft-coral wall with chromis clouds, reef fish schools and occasional reef mantas on the southern face.
South Reef - Hard coral gardens at a reliable manta cleaning station.
Topside: short hike to the crater rim overlooking the hypersaline lake.
Night Dive - Satonda's reef transforms after dark. Clown frogfish, arrow crabs and banded boxer shrimp populate the bottom in conditions ideal for macro photographers.
Day 10:
2 whale shark sessions
Early morning arrival in Teluk Saleh.
Working closely with local fishermen, we search for the resident whale sharks that gather beneath traditional bagan platforms.
Encounters alternate between snorkeling and diving depending on preferences.
A defining highlight of the expedition.
Afternoon navigation toward Moyo Island.
Day 11:
2 morning dives + waterfall visit
Angel Reef - Healthy coral slopes with turtles and reef sharks.
Tanjung Pasir - Coral bommies and macro life.
Between dives, guests visit Mata Jitu Waterfall, accessible by tender and short jungle walk.
Equipment is rinsed and stowed following the second dive, respecting recommended no-fly intervals. Overnight navigation toward Badas.
Day 12:
Disembarkation after breakfast at Badas harbour, the gateway to Sumbawa Besar.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Best of Komodo & Whale Sharks (11 nights) (Labuan Bajo-Sumbawa Island)
11 nights nights, ±28 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 60 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel Surcharge (subject to change): 150EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Park & Port Fees (subject to change): 140EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Whale Shark Excursion (Teluk Saleh): 40EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Regulator 11N: 77EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 11N: 77EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 11N: 55EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 11N: 110EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 11N: 176EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 11N (no computer): 231EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 11N: 176EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Stronger current site with reef sharks and pelagic movement along the reef edge
Grey reef sharks, tuna, giant trevallies and barracuda schools
Channel drift, dramatic panoramas
Hard coral terraces, branching coral formations
Day 1:
2 dives
Guests are welcomed aboard in the morning in Labuan Bajo. Following safety briefing and cabin orientation, MARI departs toward Central Komodo.
Afternoon Dives:
Sebayur Kecil - Gently sloping reef with excellent hard coral coverage. White tip reef sharks, green turtles, sweetlips and schooling fusiliers.
Pengah Kecil - Lively reef slope in moderate current; reef sharks and dense fish schools.
Day 2:
4 dives
Batu Bolong - Coral-covered pinnacle rising from deep water. Anthias clouds, napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks and giant trevallies dominate the slopes.
Tatawa Besar - Elegant drift dive over pristine coral gardens.
Tatawa Kecil - Vibrant reef with colorful soft corals and schooling fish; ideal for extended bottom time.
Siaba Besar - Sheltered and unhurried. Green and hawksbill turtles rest on coral bommies while frogfish, seahorses and nudibranchs reward patient macro searching across the sandy bottom.
Day 3:
3 to 4 dives
High-voltage diving.
Castle Rock -- Grey reef sharks, tuna, giant trevallies and barracuda schools in numbers thick enough to block the light.
Crystal Rock -- Cleaning stations and exceptional visibility.
The Cauldron (Shotgun) -- Exhilarating channel drift; occasional manta sightings.
Gili Lawa Laut -- Current-fed pinnacle with strong fish density; reef sharks and schooling pelagics in the blue.
Day 4:
2 to 3 dives + Komodo dragon trek + beach visit
A return through Central Komodo, with two of its most iconic above-water experiences.
Morning: Komodo Dragon Trek - ranger-guided walk across dry savannah terrain in search of Varanus komodoensis, the world's largest lizard.
Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) - Hard coral slopes with reef sharks and anthias clouds. Opportunity for beach visit between dives.
Makassar Reef (Manta Point) - Sandy feeding lanes where mantas glide above divers on incoming tides.
Siaba Kecil (Mandarin Point) - Calm reef; structured dusk dive for mandarin fish courtship behavior.
Day 5:
3 day dives + 1 night dive
We cruise into cooler, plankton-rich southern waters.
Manta Alley - Reliable manta aggregation site. Oceanic manta rays circle cleaning stations in surge-swept channels.
Cannibal Rock - Legendary macro site. Rhinopias, pygmy seahorses, frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish.
Yellow Wall of Texas - Vertical wall draped in yellow soft corals and sea apples.
Night dive in Horseshoe Bay reveals Spanish dancers, decorator crabs and torpedo rays.
Day 6:
2 to 3 dives + Padar Island hike
Returning north through Central Komodo.
Pengah Besar - Stronger current site with reef sharks and pelagic movement along the reef edge.
Sebayur Kecil - Balanced coral reef dive with turtles, sweetlips and schooling fusiliers.
Pengah Kecil - Lively reef slope with reef sharks and dense schooling fish.
Padar Island hike at sunrise or sunset, at the Cruise Director's discretion. One of Indonesia's most photographed panoramas - three crescent bays in different shades of sand, ringed by dry volcanic ridgelines. A short, steep climb that earns its reward.
Day 7:
3 dives
Remote and wind-swept, Banta lies between Sangeang and Komodo and benefits from strong tidal exchange without always requiring extreme exposure. Its reefs are healthy, vibrant, and often visited by pelagics when conditions align.
GPS Point - A gently sloping reef transitioning into deeper contour. Grey reef sharks patrol the outer edge, turtles cruise over hard coral terraces, and large schools of fusiliers and snappers gather mid-water.
Star Wars - Named for its dramatic topography, this site features ridges, gullies and bommies rising from depth. Current lines attract giant trevallies and occasional eagle rays.
Tondok Rasa (East Banta Reef) - A more protected coral slope. Dense anthias clouds hover over branching coral formations, while sweetlips and reef fish schools move across the reef face.
Day 8:
3 day dives
An active volcano dominates the skyline.
Bubble Reef - Volcanic vents release shimmering streams of bubbles across black sand slopes. Nudibranchs, frogfish, mimic octopus.
Hot Rocks - Soft corals and anthias contrasting against dark substrate.
Bonto - Rare macro life including rhinopias and blue-ring octopus.
Day 9:
2 day dives + 1 night dive + crater lake
A dormant volcanic island with a hypersaline crater lake at its centre and a flying fox colony that lifts from the forest canopy at dusk in a single wave -- one of the quieter dramatic moments on any Indonesian liveaboard crossing.
West Wall - Dense soft-coral wall with chromis clouds, reef fish schools and occasional reef mantas on the southern face.
South Reef - Hard coral gardens at a reliable manta cleaning station.
Topside: short hike to the crater rim overlooking the hypersaline lake.
Night Dive - Satonda's reef transforms after dark. Clown frogfish, arrow crabs and banded boxer shrimp populate the bottom in conditions ideal for macro photographers.
Day 10:
2 whale shark sessions
Early morning arrival in Teluk Saleh.
Working closely with local fishermen, we search for the resident whale sharks that gather beneath traditional bagan platforms.
Encounters alternate between snorkeling and diving depending on preferences.
A defining highlight of the expedition.
Afternoon navigation toward Moyo Island.
Day 11:
2 morning dives + waterfall visit
Angel Reef - Healthy coral slopes with turtles and reef sharks.
Tanjung Pasir - Coral bommies and macro life.
Between dives, guests visit Mata Jitu Waterfall, accessible by tender and short jungle walk.
Equipment is rinsed and stowed following the second dive, respecting recommended no-fly intervals. Overnight navigation toward Badas.
Day 12:
Disembarkation after breakfast at Badas harbour, the gateway to Sumbawa Besar.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
2 dives
Guests are welcomed aboard in the morning in Labuan Bajo. Following safety briefing and cabin orientation, MARI departs toward Central Komodo.
Afternoon Dives:
Sebayur Kecil - Gently sloping reef with excellent hard coral coverage. White tip reef sharks, green turtles, sweetlips and schooling fusiliers.
Pengah Kecil - Lively reef slope in moderate current; reef sharks and dense fish schools.
Day 2:
4 dives
Batu Bolong - Coral-covered pinnacle rising from deep water. Anthias clouds, napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks and giant trevallies dominate the slopes.
Tatawa Besar - Elegant drift dive over pristine coral gardens.
Tatawa Kecil - Vibrant reef with colorful soft corals and schooling fish; ideal for extended bottom time.
Siaba Besar - Sheltered and unhurried. Green and hawksbill turtles rest on coral bommies while frogfish, seahorses and nudibranchs reward patient macro searching across the sandy bottom.
Day 3:
3 to 4 dives
High-voltage diving.
Castle Rock -- Grey reef sharks, tuna, giant trevallies and barracuda schools in numbers thick enough to block the light.
Crystal Rock -- Cleaning stations and exceptional visibility.
The Cauldron (Shotgun) -- Exhilarating channel drift; occasional manta sightings.
Gili Lawa Laut -- Current-fed pinnacle with strong fish density; reef sharks and schooling pelagics in the blue.
Day 4:
2 to 3 dives + Komodo dragon trek + beach visit
A return through Central Komodo, with two of its most iconic above-water experiences.
Morning: Komodo Dragon Trek - ranger-guided walk across dry savannah terrain in search of Varanus komodoensis, the world's largest lizard.
Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) - Hard coral slopes with reef sharks and anthias clouds. Opportunity for beach visit between dives.
Makassar Reef (Manta Point) - Sandy feeding lanes where mantas glide above divers on incoming tides.
Siaba Kecil (Mandarin Point) - Calm reef; structured dusk dive for mandarin fish courtship behavior.
Day 5:
3 day dives + 1 night dive
We cruise into cooler, plankton-rich southern waters.
Manta Alley - Reliable manta aggregation site. Oceanic manta rays circle cleaning stations in surge-swept channels.
Cannibal Rock - Legendary macro site. Rhinopias, pygmy seahorses, frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish.
Yellow Wall of Texas - Vertical wall draped in yellow soft corals and sea apples.
Night dive in Horseshoe Bay reveals Spanish dancers, decorator crabs and torpedo rays.
Day 6:
2 to 3 dives + Padar Island hike
Returning north through Central Komodo.
Pengah Besar - Stronger current site with reef sharks and pelagic movement along the reef edge.
Sebayur Kecil - Balanced coral reef dive with turtles, sweetlips and schooling fusiliers.
Pengah Kecil - Lively reef slope with reef sharks and dense schooling fish.
Padar Island hike at sunrise or sunset, at the Cruise Director's discretion. One of Indonesia's most photographed panoramas - three crescent bays in different shades of sand, ringed by dry volcanic ridgelines. A short, steep climb that earns its reward.
Day 7:
3 dives
Remote and wind-swept, Banta lies between Sangeang and Komodo and benefits from strong tidal exchange without always requiring extreme exposure. Its reefs are healthy, vibrant, and often visited by pelagics when conditions align.
GPS Point - A gently sloping reef transitioning into deeper contour. Grey reef sharks patrol the outer edge, turtles cruise over hard coral terraces, and large schools of fusiliers and snappers gather mid-water.
Star Wars - Named for its dramatic topography, this site features ridges, gullies and bommies rising from depth. Current lines attract giant trevallies and occasional eagle rays.
Tondok Rasa (East Banta Reef) - A more protected coral slope. Dense anthias clouds hover over branching coral formations, while sweetlips and reef fish schools move across the reef face.
Day 8:
3 day dives
An active volcano dominates the skyline.
Bubble Reef - Volcanic vents release shimmering streams of bubbles across black sand slopes. Nudibranchs, frogfish, mimic octopus.
Hot Rocks - Soft corals and anthias contrasting against dark substrate.
Bonto - Rare macro life including rhinopias and blue-ring octopus.
Day 9:
2 day dives + 1 night dive + crater lake
A dormant volcanic island with a hypersaline crater lake at its centre and a flying fox colony that lifts from the forest canopy at dusk in a single wave -- one of the quieter dramatic moments on any Indonesian liveaboard crossing.
West Wall - Dense soft-coral wall with chromis clouds, reef fish schools and occasional reef mantas on the southern face.
South Reef - Hard coral gardens at a reliable manta cleaning station.
Topside: short hike to the crater rim overlooking the hypersaline lake.
Night Dive - Satonda's reef transforms after dark. Clown frogfish, arrow crabs and banded boxer shrimp populate the bottom in conditions ideal for macro photographers.
Day 10:
2 whale shark sessions
Early morning arrival in Teluk Saleh.
Working closely with local fishermen, we search for the resident whale sharks that gather beneath traditional bagan platforms.
Encounters alternate between snorkeling and diving depending on preferences.
A defining highlight of the expedition.
Afternoon navigation toward Moyo Island.
Day 11:
2 morning dives + waterfall visit
Angel Reef - Healthy coral slopes with turtles and reef sharks.
Tanjung Pasir - Coral bommies and macro life.
Between dives, guests visit Mata Jitu Waterfall, accessible by tender and short jungle walk.
Equipment is rinsed and stowed following the second dive, respecting recommended no-fly intervals. Overnight navigation toward Badas.
Day 12:
Disembarkation after breakfast at Badas harbour, the gateway to Sumbawa Besar.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Flores, Komodo, Bali & Whale Sharks (11 nights) (Maumere-Port of Bali)
11 nights nights, ±33 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 60 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel Surcharge (subject to change): 150EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Park & Port Fees (subject to change): 140EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Whale Shark Excursion (Teluk Saleh): 40EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Equipment rental
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 11N: 77EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 11N: 77EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 11N: 55EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 11N: 110EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 11N: 176EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 11N (no computer): 231EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 11N: 176EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
One-way trip incorporating the best of Maumere, Komodo and Bali
Meet the mantas of Komodo National Park
Dive the well-known macro-haven Cannibal Rock
Dive at the foot of an active volcano
Day 1:
The crew will transfer the guests from the airport to the ship. After a nice welcome briefing by our cruise director, cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before embarking. Guests can familiarize themselves with the vessel, set up equipment, and get comfortable.
Days 2-10:
We offer 3-4 dives daily, including a night dive if possible.
Day 11:
The final day of diving with 1-2 scheduled dives - sail back to the harbour.
Day 12:
Disembark the vessel in Bali.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
The crew will transfer the guests from the airport to the ship. After a nice welcome briefing by our cruise director, cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before embarking. Guests can familiarize themselves with the vessel, set up equipment, and get comfortable.
Days 2-10:
We offer 3-4 dives daily, including a night dive if possible.
Day 11:
The final day of diving with 1-2 scheduled dives - sail back to the harbour.
Day 12:
Disembark the vessel in Bali.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Bali, Komodo & Whale Sharks (11 nights) (Port of Bali-Labuan Bajo)
11 nights nights, ±33 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 60 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy cabin
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Fuel Surcharge (subject to change): 150EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Park & Port Fees (subject to change): 140EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Whale Shark Excursion (Teluk Saleh): 40EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 11N: 77EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 11N: 77EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 11N: 55EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 11N: 22EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 11N: 110EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 11N: 176EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 11N (no computer): 231EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 11N: 176EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
One-way trip incorporating the best of Maumere, Komodo and Bali
Meet the mantas of Komodo National Park
Dive the well-known macro-haven Cannibal Rock
Dive at the foot of an active volcano
Day 1:
The crew will transfer the guests from the airport to the ship. After a nice welcome briefing by our cruise director, cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before embarking. Guests can familiarize themselves with the vessel, set up equipment, and get comfortable.
Days 2-10:
We offer 3-4 dives daily, including a night dive if possible.
Day 11:
The final day of diving with 1-2 scheduled dives—sail back to the harbour.
Day 12:
Disembark the vessel in Labuan Bajo.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
The crew will transfer the guests from the airport to the ship. After a nice welcome briefing by our cruise director, cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before embarking. Guests can familiarize themselves with the vessel, set up equipment, and get comfortable.
Days 2-10:
We offer 3-4 dives daily, including a night dive if possible.
Day 11:
The final day of diving with 1-2 scheduled dives—sail back to the harbour.
Day 12:
Disembark the vessel in Labuan Bajo.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Triton Bay, The Ring of Fire & The Forgotten Islands (12 nights) (Kaimana-Saumlaki)
12 nights nights, ±36 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 30 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy stateroom
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Local diving fee (subject to change): 50.00EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Fuel Surcharge > 11N (subject to change): 250EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Part & Port Fees >11N (subject to change): 200EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 12N: 84EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 12N: 84EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 12N: 60EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 12N: 120EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 12N: 192EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 12N (no computer): 252EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 12N: 192EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Swim with whale sharks as they feed at the fishing platforms of Triton Bay
Descend amongst hundreds of sea snakes at Pulau Manuk
Witness schooling hammerhead sharks at Serua Island
Schooling hammerheads off the steep slopes of Nil Desperandum atoll
Day 1: Kaimana - Aiduma
After a short transfer in the morning to the harbour from Kaimana Utarom Airport or your hotel, you will be welcomed onboard the KLM Mari liveaboard. A boat and tour briefing will follow, then you will set up your scuba gear and check in to your cabin. Lunch, dinner and snacks such as fruit, candy bars or ice cream will be served as Mari cruises out to a check-up dive near Kaimana, and we sail towards our first destination - Aiduma Island.
Day 2: Triton Bay - Aiduma
Known for its breathtaking underwater landscapes, Aiduma offers diverse dive sites that appeal to all divers. Here, you can encounter everything from stunning coral reefs to rugged rock formations. Marine highlights include the potential for encounters with larger pelagic species, schooling fish, and a variety of critters hiding among the coral, including mantis shrimp and ghost pipefish.
Day 3: Triton Bay - Whale Shark Bagans
This area is famous for its encounters with whale sharks, often seen feeding near the bagans (traditional fishing platforms). Divers can snorkel or dive with these gentle giants, experiencing one of the most sought-after encounters in the diving world. The water is also rich in biodiversity, with corals hosting myriad reef fish and macro life.
Day 4/5: Wirmaf - Pulau Bui/Uran/Kirkaf
These islands provide fantastic diving opportunities, with diverse habitats ranging from coral gardens to deeper wall dives. The rich biodiversity offers encounters with schooling fish and pelagic species. The vertical walls are adorned with colorful sponges and barrel corals, creating a stunning backdrop for underwater photography. Known for its nutrient-rich waters, Kirkaf is a hotspot for seeing larger pelagic species and has fantastic drift diving opportunities, where divers can enjoy the thrill of being carried through schools of fish and vibrant coral structures.
Day 6: Pulau Kur
Known for its untouched dive sites, Pulau Kur offers spectacular coral gardens and underwater topographies with caves and swim-throughs. Expect to encounter abundant fish life, including schools of grunts and snappers, and the chance of seeing larger species like manta rays soaring through the water during their feeding. Macro enthusiasts will love exploring nooks and crannies for rare nudibranchs and shrimps.
Day 7: Kepulauan Tiga Saudara
This uninhabited island chain is prized for its pristine dive sites rich in biodiversity. Divers can explore colorful coral reefs teeming with life, including surgeonfish, angelfish, and various types of coral. Pelagic species like tunas and even occasional dolphin pods may be seen in the blue water around these islands. Night diving can unveil a completely different cast of creatures, such as sleeping parrotfish and dancing bioluminescent organisms.
Day 8: Manuk
Pulau Manuk is another volcanic island where we dive while the sulphurous smoke is swirling around the peak. The occasional smell of sulfur and sight of smoke rising from this active volcano give you a sense that you are in the land of the lost. Keep your fingers crossed for Hammerhead sharks. Manuk is also known as "The Island of Sea Snakes" and/or "The Island of the Birds." Thousands of seabirds inhabit the island, from frigate birds to boobies; it’s a spectacle you will enjoy. Underwater sea snakes are present by the dozens: black and white banded snakes, but also green ones, completely oblivious of the divers.
Day 9: Serua
The island of Serua or Seroa - is home to the Volcano Serua. The diving around this volcanic island rising from the deep Banda Sea far in the open ocean is filled with adrenaline as we are on the search for Hammerhead Sharks. Shallow reef tops give way to sloping reefs and walls that plunge into the deep. At Pulau Kekah, abundant corals, giant sponges, and schooling fish such as Trevally, Surgeonfish, and fusiliers fill the water around the island. But always keep your eye out in the blue water for schooling Hammerhead sharks. Sea snakes can also be seen on most dives. The currents here can be strong and exciting. We will have 3-4 dives this day. If time and conditions permit, we will return to Serua for a night dive. Overnight we continue North to Manuk Island.
Day 10: Karang Nildesperandum
This site is characterized by its unique topography, featuring hard coral ridges and mini walls that attract diverse marine life. It is an extensive submerged reef with a relatively shallow reef top and walls that drop into the depths. There are impressive schools of fish, predatory action, and the chance to further encounter Hammerhead sharks. Visibility is normally very good, and the reef is healthy with large sponges and beautiful coral. If the weather and sea conditions allow, there is an option to dive at Dusborgh reef. At the end of an action-filled dive day, we turn further north and sail towards Pulau Nila during the night.
Day 11: Pulau Dai
Famous for its crystal-clear waters and thriving coral gardens, Pulau Dai is home to healthy reef systems hosting clownfish, anemones, and butterflyfish. Divers can explore underwater tunnels and caverns, often frequented by larger pelagic species like barracuda and jacks, with the possibility of spotting sea turtles resting on the seafloor.
Day 12: Dawera
Known for its vibrant coral reefs, towering underwater seamounts, and diverse marine species, Dawera offers sightings of schools of fusiliers, snapper, and occasional reef sharks. The dive sites feature steep walls adorned with soft corals and an impressive variety of macro life, including nudibranchs and small crustaceans.
Day 13: Saumlaki
Prepare to leave the boat between 5-11 am, after a continental breakfast (or possibly lunch, depending on your post-cruise schedule). Say good-bye to your fellow guests and wish the boat crew farewell, before a complimentary transfer will take you to either Kaimana Int. Airport or your hotel.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
After a short transfer in the morning to the harbour from Kaimana Utarom Airport or your hotel, you will be welcomed onboard the KLM Mari liveaboard. A boat and tour briefing will follow, then you will set up your scuba gear and check in to your cabin. Lunch, dinner and snacks such as fruit, candy bars or ice cream will be served as Mari cruises out to a check-up dive near Kaimana, and we sail towards our first destination - Aiduma Island.
Day 2: Triton Bay - Aiduma
Known for its breathtaking underwater landscapes, Aiduma offers diverse dive sites that appeal to all divers. Here, you can encounter everything from stunning coral reefs to rugged rock formations. Marine highlights include the potential for encounters with larger pelagic species, schooling fish, and a variety of critters hiding among the coral, including mantis shrimp and ghost pipefish.
Day 3: Triton Bay - Whale Shark Bagans
This area is famous for its encounters with whale sharks, often seen feeding near the bagans (traditional fishing platforms). Divers can snorkel or dive with these gentle giants, experiencing one of the most sought-after encounters in the diving world. The water is also rich in biodiversity, with corals hosting myriad reef fish and macro life.
Day 4/5: Wirmaf - Pulau Bui/Uran/Kirkaf
These islands provide fantastic diving opportunities, with diverse habitats ranging from coral gardens to deeper wall dives. The rich biodiversity offers encounters with schooling fish and pelagic species. The vertical walls are adorned with colorful sponges and barrel corals, creating a stunning backdrop for underwater photography. Known for its nutrient-rich waters, Kirkaf is a hotspot for seeing larger pelagic species and has fantastic drift diving opportunities, where divers can enjoy the thrill of being carried through schools of fish and vibrant coral structures.
Day 6: Pulau Kur
Known for its untouched dive sites, Pulau Kur offers spectacular coral gardens and underwater topographies with caves and swim-throughs. Expect to encounter abundant fish life, including schools of grunts and snappers, and the chance of seeing larger species like manta rays soaring through the water during their feeding. Macro enthusiasts will love exploring nooks and crannies for rare nudibranchs and shrimps.
Day 7: Kepulauan Tiga Saudara
This uninhabited island chain is prized for its pristine dive sites rich in biodiversity. Divers can explore colorful coral reefs teeming with life, including surgeonfish, angelfish, and various types of coral. Pelagic species like tunas and even occasional dolphin pods may be seen in the blue water around these islands. Night diving can unveil a completely different cast of creatures, such as sleeping parrotfish and dancing bioluminescent organisms.
Day 8: Manuk
Pulau Manuk is another volcanic island where we dive while the sulphurous smoke is swirling around the peak. The occasional smell of sulfur and sight of smoke rising from this active volcano give you a sense that you are in the land of the lost. Keep your fingers crossed for Hammerhead sharks. Manuk is also known as "The Island of Sea Snakes" and/or "The Island of the Birds." Thousands of seabirds inhabit the island, from frigate birds to boobies; it’s a spectacle you will enjoy. Underwater sea snakes are present by the dozens: black and white banded snakes, but also green ones, completely oblivious of the divers.
Day 9: Serua
The island of Serua or Seroa - is home to the Volcano Serua. The diving around this volcanic island rising from the deep Banda Sea far in the open ocean is filled with adrenaline as we are on the search for Hammerhead Sharks. Shallow reef tops give way to sloping reefs and walls that plunge into the deep. At Pulau Kekah, abundant corals, giant sponges, and schooling fish such as Trevally, Surgeonfish, and fusiliers fill the water around the island. But always keep your eye out in the blue water for schooling Hammerhead sharks. Sea snakes can also be seen on most dives. The currents here can be strong and exciting. We will have 3-4 dives this day. If time and conditions permit, we will return to Serua for a night dive. Overnight we continue North to Manuk Island.
Day 10: Karang Nildesperandum
This site is characterized by its unique topography, featuring hard coral ridges and mini walls that attract diverse marine life. It is an extensive submerged reef with a relatively shallow reef top and walls that drop into the depths. There are impressive schools of fish, predatory action, and the chance to further encounter Hammerhead sharks. Visibility is normally very good, and the reef is healthy with large sponges and beautiful coral. If the weather and sea conditions allow, there is an option to dive at Dusborgh reef. At the end of an action-filled dive day, we turn further north and sail towards Pulau Nila during the night.
Day 11: Pulau Dai
Famous for its crystal-clear waters and thriving coral gardens, Pulau Dai is home to healthy reef systems hosting clownfish, anemones, and butterflyfish. Divers can explore underwater tunnels and caverns, often frequented by larger pelagic species like barracuda and jacks, with the possibility of spotting sea turtles resting on the seafloor.
Day 12: Dawera
Known for its vibrant coral reefs, towering underwater seamounts, and diverse marine species, Dawera offers sightings of schools of fusiliers, snapper, and occasional reef sharks. The dive sites feature steep walls adorned with soft corals and an impressive variety of macro life, including nudibranchs and small crustaceans.
Day 13: Saumlaki
Prepare to leave the boat between 5-11 am, after a continental breakfast (or possibly lunch, depending on your post-cruise schedule). Say good-bye to your fellow guests and wish the boat crew farewell, before a complimentary transfer will take you to either Kaimana Int. Airport or your hotel.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Dive sites you’ll see
Banda Sea & Triton Bay (12 nights) (Ambon Island-Kaimana)
12 nights nights, ±36 dives,
Requirements: Minimum 30 dives, OWD or equivalent
Included
- Airport or hotel transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days: on the day of embarkation, guests arriving by flight will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to the vessel. Guests already staying locally will be picked up from their hotel. At the end of the cruise, transfers will be arranged either to the airport or to a hotel, according to onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation in a twin or double occupancy stateroom
- Full-board accommodation aboard a fully crewed vessel
- Services of a PADI instructor and/or certified dive guides
- Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered drinking water, and snacks
- Diving program as outlined in the itinerary (up to 3–4 dives daily)
- 12L / 80 cu ft tank, weights, and weight belt
- Selected land excursions included in the itinerary
- Bathroom amenities including soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Fresh bath towels provided throughout the cruise
- Complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards
- Internet access onboard (when in range of a signal)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Local diving fee (subject to change): 50.00EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Fuel Surcharge > 11N (subject to change): 250EUR per trip, to be paid on board
- Part & Port Fees >11N (subject to change): 200EUR per trip, to be paid on board
Extra cost
- International & domestic flights, visa fees, airport taxes
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
- Dive courses, training, and certifications
- Mandatory diving insurance
- Laundry service and satellite phone usage
- Crew gratuities
- Dive computer: 20EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Regulator 12N: 84EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- BCD 12N: 84EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- DIN adapter 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Wetsuit 3mm 12N: 60EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Fins 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Boots 12N: 24EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Torch: 10EUR per day, to be paid in advance, on board
- Dive computer 12N: 120EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- 15L tank 12N: 192EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Complete dive gear 12N (no computer): 252EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
- Nitrox 12N: 192EUR per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
Program
Visit the pristine coral colonies of Nusa Laut
Swim with the whale sharks of Triton Bay
Night dive is included in the schedule
Explore walls, drop-offs, and coral gardens
Day 1:
After a short transfer in the morning to the harbour of Tulehu from Ambon Airport or your hotel, you will be welcomed onboard the KLM Mari liveaboard. A boat and tour briefing will follow, then you will set up your scuba gear and check in to your cabin. Lunch, dinner, and snacks such as fruit, candy bars, or ice cream will be served as Mari cruises out to a check-up dive near Ambon; we sail towards our first destination - Nusa Laut. On the next morning, we will enter here the fantastic underwater world. With a bit of luck, we can watch dolphin schools having breakfast here.
Day 2-3: Nusa Laut
Dive at Nusa Laut's vibrant reefs and walls. Explore marine life, including pygmy seahorses and schooling fish. Night dive to observe nocturnal creatures. Overnight on the liveaboard.
Day 4-5: Saparua
Dive at Saparua's underwater pinnacles and coral gardens. Look for critters like nudibranchs and ghost pipefish.
Day 6: Pulau Koon
Dive around Pulau Koon's seamounts and slopes. Encounter pelagic species like barracudas and reef sharks. Enjoy stunning underwater topography.
Day 7-8: Banda Sea
Dive at various sites in the Banda Sea. Explore walls, drop-offs, and coral gardens. Look for Schools of Hammerhead Sharks and other large pelagics. Keep an eye out for passing marine life.
Day 9: Manuk (Snake Island)
Dive in the unique volcanic landscape around Manuk. Encounter sea snakes, a variety of fish, and pristine coral. Snorkel and relax in the island's natural hot springs.
Day 10-11: Triton Bay
Triton Bay sits at the center of the famed Coral Triangle, which has the claim to fame of being the home of more species of fish and coral than any other place on earth. Some of the highlights, however, include the bobbing pygmy seahorses as well as elegant whale sharks. It is also possible to spot dolphins and marlins here, as well as walking sharks, which can be difficult to find in other waters around Indonesia.
Day 12: Kaimana Reefs
On the last 2 dives, we will dive the reefs around Adi Island and explore the gorgeous reefs of Kaimana
Day 13:
Prepare to leave the boat between 5-11 am, after a continental breakfast (or possibly lunch, depending on your post-cruise schedule). Say good-bye to your fellow guests and wish the boat crew farewell before a complimentary transfer takes you to either Kaimana Airport or your hotel.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
After a short transfer in the morning to the harbour of Tulehu from Ambon Airport or your hotel, you will be welcomed onboard the KLM Mari liveaboard. A boat and tour briefing will follow, then you will set up your scuba gear and check in to your cabin. Lunch, dinner, and snacks such as fruit, candy bars, or ice cream will be served as Mari cruises out to a check-up dive near Ambon; we sail towards our first destination - Nusa Laut. On the next morning, we will enter here the fantastic underwater world. With a bit of luck, we can watch dolphin schools having breakfast here.
Day 2-3: Nusa Laut
Dive at Nusa Laut's vibrant reefs and walls. Explore marine life, including pygmy seahorses and schooling fish. Night dive to observe nocturnal creatures. Overnight on the liveaboard.
Day 4-5: Saparua
Dive at Saparua's underwater pinnacles and coral gardens. Look for critters like nudibranchs and ghost pipefish.
Day 6: Pulau Koon
Dive around Pulau Koon's seamounts and slopes. Encounter pelagic species like barracudas and reef sharks. Enjoy stunning underwater topography.
Day 7-8: Banda Sea
Dive at various sites in the Banda Sea. Explore walls, drop-offs, and coral gardens. Look for Schools of Hammerhead Sharks and other large pelagics. Keep an eye out for passing marine life.
Day 9: Manuk (Snake Island)
Dive in the unique volcanic landscape around Manuk. Encounter sea snakes, a variety of fish, and pristine coral. Snorkel and relax in the island's natural hot springs.
Day 10-11: Triton Bay
Triton Bay sits at the center of the famed Coral Triangle, which has the claim to fame of being the home of more species of fish and coral than any other place on earth. Some of the highlights, however, include the bobbing pygmy seahorses as well as elegant whale sharks. It is also possible to spot dolphins and marlins here, as well as walking sharks, which can be difficult to find in other waters around Indonesia.
Day 12: Kaimana Reefs
On the last 2 dives, we will dive the reefs around Adi Island and explore the gorgeous reefs of Kaimana
Day 13:
Prepare to leave the boat between 5-11 am, after a continental breakfast (or possibly lunch, depending on your post-cruise schedule). Say good-bye to your fellow guests and wish the boat crew farewell before a complimentary transfer takes you to either Kaimana Airport or your hotel.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons










































































