AMBON TO SORONG
Diving in the Banda Arc offers some of the most unique diving adventures to be
found in Indonesia. Once sought by Columbus and Marco Polo, the Banda Islands
were the original Spice Islands and the most coveted destination on earth,
particularly by the Dutch and Portuguese, who colonized the islands and exported
the indigenous nutmeg and cloves. History tells of a violent past under colonial rule.
Now, the seas around these tropical paradise islands are coveted for their
spectacular diving and snorkeling on some of the world’s richest reefs, unspoiled
corals, and large pelagic fish.
Steep drop offs, impressive hard coral and some fast currents make this area
absolutely breathtaking. Schools of jacks are a familiar sight, as are large tuna, many
turtles, Napoleon wrasse, groupers, rays, sharks, sea snakes and large lobsters. There
are also special critter sites for the macro enthusiast including the chance to dive with
unusual critters around Ambon Bay. Along the crossing, it is possible to revel in the
spectacle of thousands of thousands of sea birds, including the comical yet
attractive frigate birds and boobies.
Enjoy a land excursion that covers the historical Banda Neira and surrounding islands.
Visit the local museum filled with historical artwork and many antiquities from the
Portuguese and Dutch era. Learn about the land trade of the island of Run and
Manhattan between the Dutch and the British. 150 steps or so up the hilltop lays the
oldest fort from the Dutch. Next, head to the nutmeg and spice farm. There, you will
be able to enjoy traditional snacks accompanied by homemade nutmeg jam and
Tate’s famous cinnamon tea. On the walk back to the pier, stop by the Old Dutch
governor’s mansion “House of VOC”. The mansion was recently renovated and newly
converted to a hotel, however the original 6 old master gold tiles remain on the floor.
Raja Ampat is located within the Indonesian archipelago off the northwest tip of
Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua (Irian Jaya). Comprising hundreds of junglecovered
islands, the area is known for its beaches and coral reefs rich with marine life.
Diving south Raja Ampat will take your breath away with the marine life thriving from
the sea floor to the surface and the colorful reef teeming with activity. There are sites
that are so pristine and packed with growth, that a photographer is hard-pressed to
find a spot to place a steadying finger. Exotic sea life and macro critters will
overwhelm any marco photography enthusiast. The only problem with diving here is
that you’ll be so spoiled by the near-perfect conditions that you may never want to
leave or dive anywhere else again!

SAMPLE ITINERARY AMBON TO SORONG 12d/11n

DAY 1 – LAHA (AMBON)
Arrive at Ambon, where you will be met by our Cruise Director and transferred by car
to passenger embarkation port. 5 minutes tender boat ride from passenger
embarkation port to the GAIA LOVE. Once onboard, a general briefing covering
vessel orientation, safety and emergency procedures will be conducted by our
Cruise Director. Check dive scheduled for late afternoon.

DAY 2 – AMBON BAY
Enjoy the fabulous macro dives at Ambon Bay. We offer 3-day dives and a night dive.
Overnight crossing.

DAY 3 – NUSA LAUT
We offer 3-day dives and a night dive around Nusa Laut. We amazed by the marine
life that the area has to offer. Overnight crossing.

DAY 4 – OUTER BANDA ISLANDS
We offer 3-day dives and a late evening dive around the Islands of Run, Ai and
Suanggi. Short cruise to overnight anchorage point.

DAY 5 – BANDA ISLANDS
We offer 2-day dives and a Mandarin Fish dive. We will conduct a land excursion
covering the historical Banda Neira. Overnight crossing.

DAY 6 – KOON
We offer 3-day dives around southeast Seram Island. Long crossing to South Raja
Ampat.

DAY 7 - SOUTH EAST MISOOL
Enjoy 3-day dives and 1 night dive around Balbullol, Sagof & Daram. Amongst the
highlighted dive sites around the area are No Contest, 2 tree island, Andiamo. Short
travel to overnight anchorage area.

DAY 8 - SOUTH MISOOL
Enjoy 3-day dives and 1 night dive around Pele. Amongst the highlighted dive sites
around the area are Kaleidoscope and Pele’s Playground.

DAY 9 – SOUTH MISOOL
Enjoy 3-day dives and 1 night dive around Wayil and Nobul. Amongst the highlighted
dive sites around the area are 4 Kings, Wedding Cake and Neptune’s Fan Sea.

DAY 10 – SOUTH MISOOL
Enjoy 3-day dives and 1 night dive around Warakaraket, Boo, Fiabacet and Yelliet.
Amongst the highlighted dive sites around the area are Karang Bayangan (no
promises), Boo Windows and Nudi Rock.

DAY 11 - SOUTH MISOOL
We offer 2 last dives of the trip around South Misool. Long crossing to Sorong.
After your last dive, our dive team will wash all of your gear and set it out to dry.
Vessel will anchor at Sorong Harbor till disembarkation.

DAY 12 – SORONG
Our Cruise Director will assist you with all of your departure needs in accordance to
your departure flight time. Our crew will assist you with your luggage and you will be
escorted to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE that our itinerary may be adjusted / modified due to factors beyond our control including
unfavorable weather, sea conditions, delay in port clearance, fights etc. The Cruise Directors and Vessel
Master will adjust the itinerary accordingly in the best interest of safety of our guest and crew onboard.