Wellenreng Itinerary
Banda Sea (SXK - AMQ)11 days / 10 nights
About Wellenreng
- Intimate and adventurous trips with a maximum of six guests onboard
- Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling gear for use when the boat is anchored
- Teak interiors with traditional design, and plenty of room to relax
- Voyages in some of Indonesia’s most remote areas, known for marine their marine wildlife and uncrowded dive sites
Cruising Indonesia’s most stunning locations since 2011, Wellenreng liveaboard is run by one of the country’s best-established operators when it comes to small group expeditions and intimate adventures. This traditional sailing phinisi offers a wide variety of itineraries and cruises packed with unique experiences - above and below the waterline. Divers of all skill and comfort levels can make the most of their time, enjoying top-notch facilities and as much hands-on guiding and assistance as they prefer. And, Wellenreng’s low-key yet luxurious atmosphere with just six guests onboard is unique among multi-day safaris, creating the ideal environment to make truly cherished memories.
Itinerary details
Length of trip 11 days / 10 nights
Number of dives 29
Experience Advanced Open Water - Minimum 30 dives
Insurance Required
Highlights
- One-way itinerary incorporating the very best of the Banda Sea
- Dive reefs with exceptional biodiversity in the heart of the Coral Triangle
- Swim with hundreds of sea snakes of the very remote Manuk Island
- Explore the Banda Sea's swim-throughs and deep walls
- Encounter hammerheads at current-swept sites such as Nil Desperandum
- Dive the world-class muck diving sites of Ambon
- Enjoy Ambon’s world-class muck diving and spot the psychedelic frogfish
- Night dives included in the itinerary
Day 1 – Saumlaki Embarkation
We meet you at the airport or your hotel and transfer you to the harbour. Once onboard, you settle into your cabin, set up your dive gear and join the welcome briefing. After everyone arrives, we begin our journey toward the Banda Sea. The rest of the day is for relaxing, unpacking cameras and getting comfortable with the boat and crew. No dives on the first day.
Day 2 – Dai Islands (3 dives)
Your first diving day around Dai Island reveals the pristine beauty of the Banda Sea. Dramatic walls, untouched coral reefs and crystal-clear waters create breathtaking wide-angle scenes, complemented by schooling pelagics and vibrant reef life. Expect exhilarating dives with excellent visibility, striking reefscapes and rewarding encounters both big and small.
Your first diving day around Dai Island reveals the pristine beauty of the Banda Sea. Dramatic walls, untouched coral reefs and crystal-clear waters create breathtaking wide-angle scenes, complemented by schooling pelagics and vibrant reef life. Expect exhilarating dives with excellent visibility, striking reefscapes and rewarding encounters both big and small.
Example dive sites: Red Manuk, Dai wall.
Day 3 – Nil Desperandum (3 dives)
On the third day of the cruise, diving at Nil Desperandum takes you into one of the Banda Sea’s most remote and legendary areas. Steep walls, pristine coral growth and deep blue drop-offs create impressive wide-angle scenery, while large schools of fish patrol the reefs. With luck, encounters with hammerhead sharks add an unforgettable highlight to these clear, exhilarating dives.
Example dive sites: ND North wall, The Corner.
Day 4 – Serua (3 dives)
On day four of the cruise, diving at Serua takes you to a remote volcanic island in the heart of the Banda Sea. Steep slopes and walls, healthy coral growth and dramatic underwater landscapes attract dense schools of reef fish and pelagics. With some luck, another encounter with hammerhead sharks may crown these spectacular dives.
Example dive sites: Serua wall, Sesi Meti.
Day 5 – Manuk (4 dives)
On day five of the cruise, diving at Manuk offers a truly unique experience around this active volcanic island. Black sand slopes, bubbling fumaroles and nutrient-rich waters attract large schools of fish, hunting predators and an abundance of marine life. Expect dynamic dives with fantastic soft corals, dramatic scenery and a wild, unforgettable atmosphere.
Example dive sites: Infinity, Bubble Reef, Coconut Ridge.
Day 6 – Hatta Islands (4 dives)
On day six of the cruise, diving at Hatta Island showcases the classic beauty of the Banda Sea. Vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear water and lively fish populations create superb wide-angle dives. Rich reef life and schooling fish dominate the scene, and with some luck, hammerhead sharks may once again make a memorable appearance.
Example dive sites: Tanjung Buton, Karang Hatta, Hole in the wall.
Day 7 – Banda Islands (4 dives)
On day seven of the cruise, diving around the Banda Islands combines outstanding underwater exploration with a touch of history. Colorful reefs, clear water and abundant marine life offer beautiful dives, before going ashore to visit Fort Belgica, a remarkable heritage site overlooking Banda Neira and reflecting the region’s rich colonial past.
Example dive sites: Pohon Miring, Batu Kapal Pinnacle, BK ridge.
Day 8 – Ai & Run Islands (4 dives)
On day eight of the cruise, diving at Ai and Run Islands continues the adventure in the Banda Sea. Pristine reefs, dramatic underwater landscapes and vibrant fish life define the dives, with the possibility of another encounter with hammerhead sharks adding an exciting highlight to the day.
Example dive sites: Ai Wall, Drop Off, Nailaka slope.
Day 9 – Suanggi (3 dives)
On the following day, diving at Suanggi offers a true open-ocean experience at this remote volcanic seamount. Dramatic underwater terrain, rich coral growth and dense fish life set the scene for powerful wide-angle dives. This is often the last chance for a hammerhead shark encounter, adding anticipation and excitement to these wild Banda Sea dives.
Example dive sites: Jakpot, Suanggi south, Suanggi north wall.
Day 10 – Nusa Laut (1 or 2 dives)
On the final day of the cruise, diving at Nusa Laut concludes the journey on a high note. Pristine coral reefs, exceptional visibility and abundant reef life deliver beautiful, colorful dives, offering a fitting and memorable end to this Banda Sea expedition.
Example dive sites: Ameth drop-off, Pulau Pombo.
Day 11 – Ambon : Disembarkation
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful Wellenreng and her crew. We’ll arrange your transfer to the airport or your hotel.
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.
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
Saumlaki
Mathilda Batlayeri Airport: SXK
Return
09:00am
Ambon
Pattimura International Airport: AMQ
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/wellenreng/itn-2601080348511-banda-sea-sxk-amq-