M/Y Blue Pearl Itinerary
Banda Sea - 8N

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

One-way itinerary diving along age-old spice trade routes
Discover exceptional biodiversity in the heart of the Coral Triangle
Swim with hundreds of sea snakes of the very remote Manuk Island
Discover Suanggi, an uninhabited island surrounded by coral reefs

Day 1: Arrival in Ambon & Check Dive in Laha

Afternoon: Board the vessel in Ambon Bay. Settle in with a welcome drink and attend the essential safety and itinerary briefing.

Late Afternoon: Begin your adventure with a check dive at Laha Bay, Ambon's world-famous muck diving site. This is your introduction to the region's incredible biodiversity, with a high chance of spotting the legendary Ambon scorpionfish, rhinopias, and a host of other rare macro life.

Evening: Welcome dinner as we prepare for our open-water crossing.

Day 2: Suanggi - The Hammerhead Shark Search
Full Day (3 Dives): We spend the day at the submerged volcano of Suanggi. This is one of Indonesia's most famous sites for encountering schooling hammerhead sharks. The deep, blue-water walls and strong currents create the perfect pelagic conditions. Be prepared for adrenaline-filled dives where eagle rays, dogtooth tuna, and (with luck) large shark congregations are the reward.

Evening: Recover from the day's excitement as we navigate towards Manuk Island.

Day 3: Manuk Island - The Volcano & Hot Springs
Full Day (3-4 Dives): Dive another active volcanic island. Manuk's walls are covered in a stunning array of colorful soft corals and sea fans, attracting immense fish life. The unique draw here is the chance to dive in natural hot springs on the seafloor, where bubbles and warmer water create a unique environment. Keep an eye out for sea snakes, which are abundant in the area.

Late Afternoon: A chance to land on the island for a short hike or to soak in a natural hot spring pool on land.

Day 4: Pulau Hatta's Pristine Paradise

Full Day (4 Dives): Discover the remote atoll of Pulau Hatta (formerly known as Rosengain). Immerse yourself in what feels like an untouched aquarium. The reefs here are spectacularly healthy, with crystal-clear visibility, dazzling white sand slopes, and dramatic drop-offs. Expect pristine hard corals, vast schools of fusiliers and snappers, and numerous reef sharks patrolling the blue.

Day 5: Banda Islands - History & Coral Cathedrals
Morning (2 Dives): Dive at the exceptional sites around Banda Neira. Explore Batu Kapal (The Ship Rock), a pinnacle that acts as a magnet for pelagic fish, and the stunning walls draped in giant gorgonian sea fans.

Afternoon: Go ashore for a cultural and historical tour. Trek up to the iconic Fort Belgica for a panoramic view of the islands, and learn about the Spice Wars that once made this tiny archipelago the centre of the world. Visit a local nutmeg plantation to understand the history firsthand.

Late Afternoon (1 Dive): A final afternoon dive in the Banda Islands, perhaps at a site like Lava Flow.

Day 6: Ai & Run Islands - Untouched Beauty
Full Day (3 Dives): Explore the less-visited islands of Ai and Run. These sites offer a sense of true discovery, with incredibly vibrant soft corals, deep walls, and a fantastic diversity of marine life, from tiny nudibranchs to passing tuna and sharks. The feeling of remoteness and raw nature is palpable.

Day 7: Suanggi - The Hammerhead Grand Finale

Full Day (3 Dives): We return to Suanggi for a second round of exhilarating shark action. With a full day of diving at this legendary site, your understanding of its currents and pelagic patterns will be deepened, significantly increasing your odds of that ultimate, life-changing encounter with a massive school of hammerheads. This is the grand pelagic finale of your expedition.

Day 8: Nusa Laut - A Gentle Farewell
Morning (2 Dives): Conclude your diving adventure with two relaxed dives at the beautiful reefs of Nusa Laut. Known for its clear, calm waters and stunning coral gardens, this is a perfect place for a farewell dive, reflecting on the week's incredible experiences among colourful anthias and anemone gardens.

Beach/Top-deck BBQ (can be adjusted due to the weather condition): 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: Return to Ambon & Check Out
Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 AM at Ambon harbour. Transfer to Pattimura Airport (AMQ) for your flight home.

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