About This Trip
- A luxury liveaboard trip for snorkelers and scuba divers aboard the boutique Fenides, with an exceptional "off-the-grid" itinerary that includes both the Banda Sea and Raja Ampat.
- The route and activities are custom designed by our marine conservation partner Planet Deep and highlight Indonesia's remarkable marine biodiversity.
- Our trip begins with the pristine coral reefs of the Lease Islands Marine Protected Area, one of the newest MPAs in Indonesia. We have the chance to see the majestic pygmy blue whales (max. length 24 meters), as these waters are a newly discovered mating and calving ground during these months.
- We visit the remote Koon islands, a vibrant, dazzling coral reef system. Koon is also one of the most important fish spawning aggregation site in the Banda Sea, used by over 30 species of coral reef fishes, and protected under a community conservation agreement that our visit will support.
- We will spend several days exploring the renowned reefs of southern Raja Ampat and Misool. This is one of the few places in the world where biodiversity is improving—with carnivorous pitcher plants and orchids above the water, and soft coral gardens and sea fans below. The highest coral reef fish diversity was recorded on these reefs (over 320 fish species identified in one single dive).
- Our last section of the expedition will be spent in the spectacular Batanta-Mansuar area, swimming with manta rays, finding hornbills and parrots in the early morning, looking for Bryde’s and Omura’s whales in the Dampier Strait migration corridor, and exploring more world-class reefs such as Cape Kri, one of the “fishiest” locations in all of Raja Ampat.
Indonesia is one of just 17 countries in the world that are "megadiverse," containing a wealth of biodiversity of which a high proportion is endemic - found nowhere else. No less than 75% of the world’s known coral species are found in Indonesia’s clear warm waters, and over half of the world’s coral reef ecosystems are located within the Coral Triangle, as well as the world's largest mangrove forests. These numbers are hard to visualize, but our expeditions will bring this exceptional wilderness into sharp focus, with an immersive and active experience, creating long-lasting memories.
This luxury liveaboard trip was aptly named the "megadiversity expedition" because our itinerary was designed to allow participants to experience this immense variety incredible array of reef species and variety of coral habitats while snorkeling or scuba diving some of the best sites in the Coral Triangle. In addition, we are bound to have exceptional sightings of oceanic whales (blue, Bryde’s, Omura’s), during our conservation impact “whale patrols” when moving between locations. Above the surface, we will include ons, and several excursions to explore some of the region’s fascinating land features: from karst-erosion island labyrinths to lush coastal jungles (and early morning bird watching), all based on our comfortable speedboats.
Our itinerary takes you on an exciting journey from the Spice Islands of the Banda Sea to Raja Ampat, a remote region considered by many to be one of the world's best places for snorkeling and scuba diving. You'll enjoy world class service aboard the Fenides, a privately-owned luxury liveaboard ship with just 5 cabins (10 guests maximum) that was purpose-built for exploring these waters and is available only for select and small charter groups.
Wildlife Highlights
Our expedition takes place at the heart of the Coral Triangle Region, the most biodiverse marine region on Earth. There are more than 2,000 species of reef fish in the Coral Triangle, with 1,320 species reported in Raja Ampat alone. Our focus is to explore this subsurface Garden of Eden. We will spend ample time below the surface, with your choice to scuba dive or snorkel (our ship's facilities and crew can readily accommodate both). We'll explore expansive reefs filled with hard and soft corals where we'll find many fish species large and small. Highlights include angelfish, butterfly fish, many species of clownfish, schooling bumphead parrotfish, manta rays, and sharks ranging from walking sharks to wobbegongs and hammerheads. Macro lovers will delight in looking for reef “critters’ such as cleaning shrimp, pygmy seahorses and an incredible diversity of nudibranchs (small sea slugs with exquisite color patterns) hidden among the reef.
Sea turtles, giant clams, cuttlefish, octopus, eels, and other reef icons can readily be found. While in transit between locations, we will conduct surveys (“whale patrols”) through local habitats and migratory corridors for cetaceans. We will use this time to collect information on endangered marine mammals in data-poor regions. Bryde’s and Omura’s whales, blue whales, pilot whales, Risso’s, Fraser’s and rough-toothed dolphins, as well as many other dolphin species are among the 16 cetacean species recorded in this region (and counting).
Notes on Trip Costs
A luxurious and spacious master cabin with a full beam width, reading settee or optional 3rd bed for a young person is available for an additional fee. Trip prices do not include international airfare, marine park fees (i.e. Raja Ampat, Alor, Komodo) or in-country airfare from to/from Sorong. Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions.
Conservation Impact
Founded in 1969, Oceanic Society is America’s oldest 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to ocean conservation. As pioneers of “eco travel,” our expeditions have been designed to directly support our mission. They not only positively impact our travelers, but also the people, places, and wildlife we go to see.
A part of your trip fees for this expedition will support our non-profit partner Planet Deep, who specialise in oceanic cetaceans and Marine Protected Areas in the Coral Triangle. Planet Deep has been working with local and national stakeholders for many years to better manage “oceanic hotspots’ such as calving and mating grounds for whales, migratory marine corridors, seamounts, and canyons.
At times on this expedition, while on “whale patrol”, Planet Deep also uses the cetacean sightings data collected on these expeditions to help protect critical habitats in this local area. Over time, these outcomes are integrated with global initiatives such the IUCN’s Important Marine Mammal Areas. We will also collect data on marine debris to document its prevalence and overlap with cetacean habitats. In addition to your support for this important work done in local waters, Oceanic Society's earnings from all our expeditions are invested back into our global research and conservation programs.
Dates & Prices
Oct 26 - Nov 6, 2024 (one cabin left)
Book this TripItinerary
Kindly note: The following itinerary is subject to change based on tides, weather, and other external factors during our voyage. Flexibility is the key to an unique and truly amazing experience in this remote seascape.
Participants will need to arrive into Jakarta or Bali at least a day prior to Day 1 in order to make it to Ambon in time for the ship's departure. While airfares are not included in the trip cost, Oceanic Society will make in-country flight arrangements and provide guidance for international flight arrangements.
*2024 Voyage will be from Ambon to Sorong
Day 1: Ambon, Embark
Arrive to Ambon by air from Jakarta or Bali and board the Fenides. Aboard the ship, meet the team, undergo a safety briefing and orientation, and take a tour of your home for the next ten days as you settle in. The ship will embark for Nusa Laut, with opportunities to sight the majestic blue whale and other marine life while on our conservation impact “whale patrol” along the way.
Day 2: Nusa Laut (Spice Islands)
Wake up in Nusa Laut, where we'll spend our first full day. Nusa Laut is home to a magnificent hard coral garden which gently slopes towards a stunning drop-off wall. This sheltered area makes for excellent snorkelling and diving and will become part of the newly established Lease Islands Marine Protected Area. This new MPA was successfully designated less than two years ago, and features pristine coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves that support abundant marine life, oceanic dolphins and even the endangered dugong.
Day 3: West Ceram, Teluk Taluti (Spice Islands)
Today we will anchor in Taluti Bay for an exciting day of discovery diving and snorkeling in this little explored area. Situated between the Ceram Sea to the north and the Banda Sea to the south, Ceram Island is mountainous and covered with tropical forest. Depending on conditions we may alter course towards Suanggi, near the Banda Neira island group. Ceram and Banda are was historically known as part of the ‘Spice Islands" with native trees of valued nutmeg, cloves, mace and black pepper. There are spectacular shallow reef sites that give way to steep drop-offs into the deep blue. At sunset we will lift anchor and cruise overnight to Koon.
Day 4: Koon (Spice Islands)
Our full day today will be spent at Koon Island, situated along the northern edge of the Banda Sea, and is fully protected under a large 2,500-hectare Marine Conservation Agreement with local stakeholders (which benefit directly from our visit under this MCA). Koon is one of the most important Fish Spawning Aggregation sites in the region, with more than 30 coral fish species using this area to spawn on different moon phases. Hence offers great diving and snorkeling with delicate coral reef and incredible fish variety and abundance. Depending on local conditions, we can explore a steep wall in the north and a gentle slope in the south., these habitats converge along action packed reef that juts into the Banda Sea, and is teeming with marine life including tuna, trevally and sharks. At sunset, we'll cruise from Koon toward southern Raja Ampat.
Day 5-6: Misool (Raja Ampat)
Today we will explore Misool, one of only a handful of places in the world where biodiversity is improving rather than declining. Under the stewardship of the pioneering Misool Resort foundation, a staggering 300,000 acre (1,220 sq km) of marine reserve is protected in this area. On average, the biomass in the area has increased by 250% in just 6 years, and on some key sites the recovery has surpassed 600%. There are 25 times more sharks inside the Misool Marine Reserve than directly outside of it, and oceanic manta sightings have increased 25-fold. Access is limited within the park and we will collaborate with our fellow conservationists at the Misool Resort to ensure some of the ‘Best of Misool’ snorkeling and diving during our visit here. There are numerous other fantastic sites in this area for us to explore as well.Cruise overnight to Wayil.
Day 7: Wayil (Raja Ampat)
We'll spend our full day today in spectacular Wayil (Raja Ampat). Depending on tide and weather conditions, the first dive/snorkel will be in the passage of Wayil batan: Neptune’s Sea Fan, where you will see meters-wide huge gorgonian fans covering this wall, nicely lit by the morning sun. For the rest of the day, we'll have three different sites to choose from for other dives/snorkels. In the afternoon we will go “Jalan Jalan” (Bahasa Indonesia for “roaming around”) on a James Bond-style speedboat excursion, traversing through crystal turquoise waters between limestone pinnacles with lush green peaks. We’ll slow down to also take in the mangroves, orchids, and some of the other incredible biodiversity in amongst the greenery. Cruise north overnight.
Day 8-9: SW Batanta & Pulau Dayang (Raja Ampat)
Today we'll enjoy a cruise along the lush rainforest on the wild coast of West Batanta, as well as diving and snorkeling at the West Batanta manta cleaning station, a phenomenal experience with up to 10+ mantas circling in shallow and sheltered waters. The Batanta – Mansuar area is full of amazing reefs such as “Larry’s Dream,” named after the late legendary dive guide and pioneer of Indonesia diving, Larry Smith. In addition, the area is the western entrance of the Dampier Strait migration corridor. Thus, many oceanic cetaceans including Bryde’s and Omura’s whales, pilot whales and occasionally groups of sperm whales can be sighted nearby the islands and reefs.
Day 10: Kri
Today will be spent exploring Mansuar, Kri and the surrounding area. The biodiversity and sheer abundance of marine life in this area is truly incredible. Before Raja Ampat became THE place to dive in the world, the famous Dr. Gerry Allen (world renowned ichthyologist and co-author of Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific as well as dozens of other books) counted 327 fish species on a single dive at Cape Kri. In a more recent survey, 374 distinct species were counted in just 90 minutes. Dr. Allen is quoted as saying that Cape Kri is one of his favorite places to dive. It certainly is one of our all-time favorites and worthy of “doubling-up” on to experience the changes with the tides. After lunch, we will get back on our conservation impact “whale patrol” as we head south to Batanta. Bryde’s whales, Omura’s whale as well as a myriad of oceanic dolphins have residential populations in the waters of the Dampier Strait. Seabirds are also present in abundance throughout this area. Late afternoon, we will enter a spectacular jungle anchorage at Pulau Wuzwarez in North East Batanta, often with hornbills flying overhead right after sunset.
Day 11: Batanta
Our day starts in the very early morning with an optional early bird watching. Out on the speedboats, with breakfast provided, we will explore the lush coastal jungle for numerous parrots, cockatoos, azure kingfishers and more. This is a jungle-by- speedboat experience it’s one not to miss. On our return, enjoy second breakfast, lift anchor, and get back on whale patrol as we cruise towards Sorong with the opportunity to see a wide range of cetaceans and pelagic species on our way. Our final dive and snorkel of the trip will be at one of the stunning coral reef sites near Batanta. We will then continue onwards through Dampier Strait, whale patrolling into Sorong. We will survey through a regional stronghold of Bryde’s and Omura’s whales that our Planet Deep team put on the “conservation map”. While at sea, the friendly crew will wash, dry, and prepare your equipment for travel. Once we arrive in Sorong at our overnight anchorage, we will prepare for the farewell Captain's Dinner.
Day 12: Disembark, Sorong
Today, after a hearty breakfast, we'll say goodbye to the ship and crew as we disembark this morning and transfer to the Sorong airport for flights onward Jakarta or Bali.
Ship
Fenides Liveaboard
Fenides Liveaboard is a 41-meter phinisi style schooner and luxury liveaboard of exquisite design and style. She is purpose-build to explore the most exotic and remote islands of the Indonesian archipelago with a maximum of 10 guests only. This small g…
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
