M/Y Blue Pearl Itinerary
Forgotten Islands - Banda Sea

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 Saumlaki & Tanimbar Check Dive
Afternoon: Board the vessel in Ambon. After a comprehensive safety and expedition briefing, we set sail towards the northwest.

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

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

Day 2: The Tanimbar Approach – Larat & Fordate

Full Day (3-4 Dives): Explore the northern reaches of the Tanimbar Islands. These sites showcase a unique blend of marine life from both the Banda and Arafura Seas, influenced by diverse currents.

Evening: Settle in as we cruise toward the more isolated southern island groups.

Day 3: The Southern Frontier – Marsela & Wetan

Full Day (3-4 Dives): Arrive at the Marsela and Wetan groups. These are among the most remote islands on the route, offering truly exploratory diving on pristine reefs that rarely see human visitors.

Day 4: Babar Archipelago – Atolls & Culture
Morning (2 Dives): Dive the stunning reefs surrounding the Babar Islands, a large volcanic archipelago fringed by vibrant atolls.

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

Late Afternoon (1 Dive): An evening dive to observe the transition of marine life as nocturnal hunters emerge.

Day 5: The Heart of the Forgotten Islands – Dawera & Dawelor

Full Day (4 Dives): Discover the islands of Dawera and Dawelor. This area is celebrated for its complex reef systems, dramatic coral formations, and incredible visibility. Prepare for exhilarating drift dives.

Day 6: Sermata Archipelago – Walls & Villages

Full Day (3-4 Dives): Dive into the uncharted walls of the Sermata Islands. Due to the lack of fishing pressure, the coral growth is breathtaking, and shark sightings are a frequent highlight.

Afternoon (Cultural Visit): Go ashore to a traditional village in the Sermata group to experience the authentic and welcoming culture of these remote islanders.

Day 7: Deeper into the Banda Sea – Suanggi or Manuk

Full Day (3-4 Dives): We reach the dramatic "Gateway" sites. We dive either into the submerged volcano of Suanggi in search of hammerhead sharks or the active slopes of Manuk Island, famous for its geothermal vents and resident sea snakes.

Evening: Enjoy the final sunset at sea as we make our final transit toward the Ambon Bay.

Day 8: Ambon’s Hidden Gems & Grand Finale

Morning (2 Dives): Conduct your final dives near the entrance of Ambon Bay, a final farewell to the incredible underwater biodiversity of the region.

Beach BBQ: Land on a secluded beach for a classic barbecue celebration to reflect on the week’s expedition.

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

Day 9: Disembarkation in Ambon

Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast on board as the vessel docks.

After Breakfast: Disembark at Ambon. Transfer to Ambon Airport (AMQ) for your flight home, marking the end of an unforgettable journey from 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.