M/Y Blue Pearl Itinerary
Banda Sea - Forgotten Islands

9 days / 8 nights

About M/Y Blue Pearl

Brand-new 48m liveaboard in Indonesia launched in 2026
Just 20 guests in a Master Suite and nine sea-view cabins
Up to four dives a day on selected itineraries, including night dives
Dedicated camera facilities make life easier for underwater photographers

Blue Pearl is a brand-new 48m liveaboard designed and build for exploring some of Indonesia’s most exciting dive destinations. With just 20 guests in ten sea-view cabins, the vessel feels spacious without losing the sociable atmosphere that makes liveaboard trips so enjoyable. Between dives, guests can stretch out on large outdoor decks, relax in the whirlpool, visit the spa room or settle in with a drink at one of the bars. Three tenders support the diving, while itineraries range from Raja Ampat and Komodo to the Banda Sea, Alor and longer crossings between remote islands. It’s a particularly appealing choice for divers who enjoy adventurous itineraries onboard a modern liveaboard, but still appreciate luxury and plenty of room to relax.

Learn more about M/Y Blue Pearl

Itinerary details

Length of trip 9 days / 8 nights

Number of dives 24

Experience Advanced Open Water - Minimum 50 dives

Insurance Required

Highlights

Visit traditional villages in the Sermata and Babar Island groups
Dive at the foot of a (very) active volcano in Manuk Island
Experience reef ecosystems with spectacular coral health
Encounters with pelagics, including sharks, tuna, mackerel, and majestic rays

Day 1: Arrival in Ambon & Check Dive
Afternoon: Board the vessel in Ambon. After a comprehensive safety and expedition briefing, we set sail towards the southeast.

Late Afternoon (1 Dive): A check dive at a sheltered site to ensure all gear is functioning perfectly and to acclimatise to the water.

Evening: Welcome dinner as we begin our journey into the remote archipelago.

Day 2: The Gateway - Suanggi or Manuk

Full Day (3-4 Dives): We dive at either the submerged volcano of Suanggi, searching for hammerhead sharks, or the active slopes of Manuk Island with its geothermal vents and sea snakes. This serves as our dramatic introduction to the power of the Banda Sea.

Evening: Overnight cruise deeper into the Forgotten Islands chain.

Day 3: Sermata Archipelago - First Contact
Full Day (4 Dives): Arrive in the Sermata Islands. Dive pristine and uncharted walls and reefs, where the coral growth is breathtaking and shark sightings are common due to the lack of fishing pressure.

Afternoon: Cultural Visit. Go ashore to a traditional village in the Sermata group, where you can experience the authentic, welcoming culture of these remote communities.

Day 4: The Heart of the Forgotten Islands - Dawera & Dawelor

Full Day (4 Dives): Explore the islands of Dawera and Dawelor. This area is known for its complex reef systems, dramatic coral formations, and crystal-clear waters. Be prepared for thrilling drift dives and breathtaking visibility.

Day 5: Babar Archipelago - Remote Atolls & Culture

Morning (2 Dives): Dive the stunning reefs surrounding the Babar Islands, a large volcanic archipelago fringed by beautiful atolls.

Afternoon: Land Excursion. Visit a village on Babar Island, known for its unique traditional architecture and strong cultural identity.

Late Afternoon (1 Dive): An evening dive to explore the nocturnal marine life.

Day 6: The Southern Frontier - Marsela & Wetan

Full Day (3-4 Dives): Continue south to the Marsela and Wetan island groups. These are some of the most remote islands on our route, promising truly exploratory dives on reefs that may never have been dived before.

Day 7: The Tanimbar Approach - Fordate & Larat

Full Day (3-4 Dives): Begin exploring the northern reaches of the Tanimbar Islands. Dive sites here are influenced by different currents and showcase a unique blend of Banda Sea and Arafura Sea marine life.

Evening: Enjoy the final sunset at sea in this remote paradise.

Day 8: Tanimbar Islands

Morning (2 Dives): Conduct your final dives in the Tanimbar Islands, a final farewell to the incredible underwater wilderness of the Forgotten Islands.

Beach BBQ: We land on a secluded beach for a classic barbecue celebration, a perfect way to reflect on the week's adventures.

Evening: Bill's settlement with the cruise director after dinner

Day 9: Disembarkation in Saumlaki after breakfast

Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast on board.

After Breakfast: Disembark at Saumlaki Harbour. Transfer to Saumlaki Airport (SXK) for your flight, marking the end of an unforgettable journey to the edge of the map.

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.