Tanimbar Islands to Ambon Diving & Eco Expedition 2028
Adventures in the middle of the Banda Sea, Maluku, Indonesia
October 11 - 25, 2028
Join us on a rare journey into the heart of the Banda Sea — one of the most remote and least-explored regions of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle.
From the remote Forgotten Islands to the legendary Spice Islands, this specially curated expedition takes you far beyond the usual diving routes. Here, crystal-clear waters reveal pristine coral gardens, dramatic deep walls, unexplored seamounts, and an extraordinary diversity of marine life.
Expect encounters with both the small and the spectacular — from pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, octopus and dragon shrimp to schooling barracuda, jacks and fusiliers. With luck, the open blue may deliver encounters with hammerhead sharks, mantas, mobula rays, whale sharks, thresher sharks, eagle rays and large schools of pelagic fish.
The underwater landscape is equally impressive. Towering walls drop into deep blue water, covered in immense sea fans and giant barrel sponges, while shallow reefs explode with healthy hard corals and clouds of colorful anthias. This is diving at its most wild, remote and uncompromised.
But the adventure doesn't end beneath the surface.
Between dives, we’ll visit remote villages, secluded beaches and isolated islands, experiencing the unique coastal cultures and traditions of communities that have remained largely untouched by mass tourism. It’s an opportunity to experience not only the extraordinary underwater world of the Banda Sea, but also the people, landscapes and way of life that make this region so special.
And throughout the expedition, you’ll experience it all aboard Arenui, one of the world’s finest liveaboards, supported by Ocean Safari’s 35 years of professional diving expertise.
Remote reefs. Rare encounters. Untouched islands. One unforgettable expedition into the heart of the Banda Sea.
Expedition Itinerary:
Oct 11 (Wed): Depart LAX in the late evening to Jakarta, Indonesia.
Oct 12 (Thr): Cross the International Date Line.
Oct 13 (Fri): Arrive in Jakarta, Indonesia in the early afternoon, check into the hotel and relax for the rest of day. Back to domestic terminal at 10pm. Fly to Saumlaki via Ambon.
Oct 14 (Sat): Arrive in Saumlaki in the morning. check into hotel ! Eco tour around this frontier settlement, enjoy the rest of the night.
Oct 15 (Sun): Board the world-renowned, First-class liveaboard, Arenui, which will be our home for the next 10 days. Set sail from the heart of the Forgotten Islands through the Banda Sea to Ambon.
Oct 16~23 (Mon~Mon): Adventure as underwater explorers through the Forgotten Islands, Kai Islands, and Triton Bay, relax in five-star accommodation, feast on world class meals, and enjoy paradise aboard the best liveaboard in the world.
Nov 24 (Tue): Disembark in Ambon (Capital of Maluku). Farewell to the Arenui and her crew in the morning. Depart from Ambon to Jakarta . Arrive in Jakarta early afternoon. Check into hotel. Late afternoon China town custom Cultural tour with Gourmet dinner and live music at a classic Dutch colonial premier restaurant.
Nov 25 (Wed): Depart Jakarta in the afternoon, fly back to Los Angeles. Arrive at LAX the same day in the evening. Home, sweet home!
Expedition Includes:
Exclusions:
Costs: (based on Double Occupancy)
- Deluxe cabin: $6988 (12 spots)
- Master suite: $7488 (4 spots)
Payment:
|
PAYMENT SCHEDULE |
AMOUNT |
PAYMENT DUE DATE |
|
1st Deposit |
$1600 |
Upon Reservation |
|
2nd Deposit |
$2000 |
Sept 15, 2027 |
|
3rd Deposit |
$2000 |
Mar 15, 2028 |
|
Final Payment |
Balance Remaining |
July 1, 2028 |
For credit card payment please add 4%
Dive & Travel Insurance:
Dive Insurance is required to participate on this trip. Please use our links to purchase dive insurance from DAN
Travel Insurance is optional. However, over the years, we have seen how valuable and beneficial travel insurance can be. These policies will help cover expenses when your trip is interrupted due to events such as weather, mechanical breakdowns, missed flights/connections, or when someone else has a dive/medical emergency that prevents you from diving.
Before Sept 15, 2027, 1st deposit forfeited, no refund on first deposit.
After July 1, 2028, no refund (unless replacement can be found, then 1st deposit forfeited).













