Adelaar Itinerary
Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea (AMQ - SOQ) 9N10 days / 9 nights
About Adelaar
- World-class service from a team with over two decades of experience
- An intimate luxury liveaboard with just eight guests on board
- Exciting watersports and inland excursions perfect for non-divers and children
- Dive Indonesia’s top sites in Komodo, Alor and Flores
The beautiful Adelaar liveaboard boasts over a century of rich history, having sailed worldwide before earning her place among Indonesia’s elite liveaboards. With the luxury and comfort of a five star hotel, guests can enjoy every opulence, and with just eight guests on board, Adelaar offers all of this in a truly intimate atmosphere. From the superb dive deck, guests can swim with manta rays in Komodo or dive pristine reefs in Alor. Add in excursions and exhilarating water activities, and guests are assured a world-class liveaboard adventure.
Itinerary details
Length of trip 10 days / 9 nights
Number of dives 27
Experience Open Water - Minimum 60 dives
Insurance Required
Highlights
- Extensive one-way itinerary venturing from Ambon to Raja Ampat
- Discover the vibrant reefs and dramatic underwater landscapes of Misool
- Hatta is dedicated solely to seeing schooling hammerhead sharks
- Dives at Nudi Rock, Tank Rock, Whale Rock, and Gorgonian Passage.
- Explore the Banda Sea's swim-throughs and deep walls
Day 1: Ambon
After boarding Adelaar in Ambon, you will enjoy your first day on board whilst cruising straight into the heart of the blue Banda Sea.
Day 2: Manukang
Our first stop is Manukang, a volcanic outcrop that, according to Moluccan lore, is known to be haunted. This we cannot judge, but what we do know is that it attracts its fair share of pelagic visitors. Schooling hammerhead sharks swim along the underwater ridges that are covered in huge barrel sponges.
4-day dives
Day 3: Hatta
Hatta, the easternmost island of the Banda archipelago, is named after Indonesia’s first vice-president, who spent time here in exile. The diving off Hatta is dedicated solely to seeing schooling hammerhead sharks. The sight of groups ranging from a handful to literally hundreds of those majestic animals is an unforgettable experience and one of the main reasons diving in the Banda Sea is so special.
4-day dives
Day 4: Watubela
The Watubela archipelago is also regularly visited by schooling hammerhead sharks. However, this is not the only charm of these remote islands located at the border between the Banda and Seram Sea. Spectacular white sandy beaches offer perfect locations for those postcard sunset drinks after a day’s diving surrounded by schooling fish.
3-day dives
Day 5: Koon
Do you like diving with a lot of fish? In that case Koon is the place for you. Apart from having too many fish to list, there is also a spectacular land—or rather surface—activity nearby. Depending on the tide, we can enter a hidden system of marine lakes and canals for a snorkel and swim trek unlike any other! Typically, at the end of the trail you will be greeted by enthusiastic local village children.
3-day dives
Day 6: Fiabacet, Wayil, Pele
Another day exploring the stunning reefs of Misool, with dives at Nudi Rock, Tank Rock, Whale Rock, and Gorgonian Passage.
There will be opportunities to revisit Boo Windows, Magic Mountain, and Four Kings for more incredible marine encounters.
Adventure: Wayil is home to one of Raja Ampat’s most iconic viewpoints: Love Lake. From the top of the hill, admire this natural wonder—a heart-shaped lagoon with deep blue water at its center. Ideally, we will hike early in the morning before the dives, when everyone is fresh. Please note, however, that access is tide-dependent, as the reefs can become too shallow.
3-day dives
Day 7: Misool - Balbulol
Exploring the Balbulol Lagoon, known for its dramatic limestone formations. Dives at sites such as Two Tree Island, Plateau, No Contest, and Love Potion, featuring impressive drop-offs, schooling fish, and stunning coral formations.
A scenic boat tour of the Balbulol Lagoon, showcasing its unique karst formations and turquoise waters.
3-day dives, 1-night dives
Day 8: Misool – Wagmab
It is difficult not to be too overwhelmed by the kaleidoscope of colors created by the dense soft and black coral growth around Wagmab to notice the equally colourful critters hiding within, such as nudibranchs, frogfish, boxer crabs, blue ringed octopi, and others. They are also amongst the best sites to find Raja’s endemic walking shark on night dives. There are several lagoon and cavern systems waiting to be explored by speedboat, and snorkellers can immerse themselves in marine lakes inhabited by stingless jellyfish.
3-day dives, 1-night dives
Day 9: Daram (Misool)
We’ll spend the morning diving in the remote and vibrant Daram area, home to iconic sites such as Warna Berwarna, Andiamo, and Candy Store. These stunning reefs are known for their colorful soft corals, dramatic underwater landscapes, and clouds of fusiliers dancing in the blue.
After completing two dives, Adelaar will begin her return voyage to Sorong—a 14-hour crossing through the heart of Raja Ampat.
Day 10: Sorong & Farewell
Early morning arrival in Sorong. After breakfast, our crew assists with airport transfers or hotel drop-off
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.
After boarding Adelaar in Ambon, you will enjoy your first day on board whilst cruising straight into the heart of the blue Banda Sea.
Day 2: Manukang
Our first stop is Manukang, a volcanic outcrop that, according to Moluccan lore, is known to be haunted. This we cannot judge, but what we do know is that it attracts its fair share of pelagic visitors. Schooling hammerhead sharks swim along the underwater ridges that are covered in huge barrel sponges.
4-day dives
Day 3: Hatta
Hatta, the easternmost island of the Banda archipelago, is named after Indonesia’s first vice-president, who spent time here in exile. The diving off Hatta is dedicated solely to seeing schooling hammerhead sharks. The sight of groups ranging from a handful to literally hundreds of those majestic animals is an unforgettable experience and one of the main reasons diving in the Banda Sea is so special.
4-day dives
Day 4: Watubela
The Watubela archipelago is also regularly visited by schooling hammerhead sharks. However, this is not the only charm of these remote islands located at the border between the Banda and Seram Sea. Spectacular white sandy beaches offer perfect locations for those postcard sunset drinks after a day’s diving surrounded by schooling fish.
3-day dives
Day 5: Koon
Do you like diving with a lot of fish? In that case Koon is the place for you. Apart from having too many fish to list, there is also a spectacular land—or rather surface—activity nearby. Depending on the tide, we can enter a hidden system of marine lakes and canals for a snorkel and swim trek unlike any other! Typically, at the end of the trail you will be greeted by enthusiastic local village children.
3-day dives
Day 6: Fiabacet, Wayil, Pele
Another day exploring the stunning reefs of Misool, with dives at Nudi Rock, Tank Rock, Whale Rock, and Gorgonian Passage.
There will be opportunities to revisit Boo Windows, Magic Mountain, and Four Kings for more incredible marine encounters.
Adventure: Wayil is home to one of Raja Ampat’s most iconic viewpoints: Love Lake. From the top of the hill, admire this natural wonder—a heart-shaped lagoon with deep blue water at its center. Ideally, we will hike early in the morning before the dives, when everyone is fresh. Please note, however, that access is tide-dependent, as the reefs can become too shallow.
3-day dives
Day 7: Misool - Balbulol
Exploring the Balbulol Lagoon, known for its dramatic limestone formations. Dives at sites such as Two Tree Island, Plateau, No Contest, and Love Potion, featuring impressive drop-offs, schooling fish, and stunning coral formations.
A scenic boat tour of the Balbulol Lagoon, showcasing its unique karst formations and turquoise waters.
3-day dives, 1-night dives
Day 8: Misool – Wagmab
It is difficult not to be too overwhelmed by the kaleidoscope of colors created by the dense soft and black coral growth around Wagmab to notice the equally colourful critters hiding within, such as nudibranchs, frogfish, boxer crabs, blue ringed octopi, and others. They are also amongst the best sites to find Raja’s endemic walking shark on night dives. There are several lagoon and cavern systems waiting to be explored by speedboat, and snorkellers can immerse themselves in marine lakes inhabited by stingless jellyfish.
3-day dives, 1-night dives
Day 9: Daram (Misool)
We’ll spend the morning diving in the remote and vibrant Daram area, home to iconic sites such as Warna Berwarna, Andiamo, and Candy Store. These stunning reefs are known for their colorful soft corals, dramatic underwater landscapes, and clouds of fusiliers dancing in the blue.
After completing two dives, Adelaar will begin her return voyage to Sorong—a 14-hour crossing through the heart of Raja Ampat.
Day 10: Sorong & Farewell
Early morning arrival in Sorong. After breakfast, our crew assists with airport transfers or hotel drop-off
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.
Transfer details
Departure
12:00pm
Ambon
Pattimura International Airport: AMQ
Return
12:00pm
Sorong
Sorong Airport: SOQ
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/adelaar/itn-2609240546061-raja-ampat-and-the-banda-sea-amq-soq-9n