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:

- Two nights hotel accommodation with breakfast and airport transfer in Jakarta
- Half-day cultural tour with fine dining and music in old Batavia area, Jakarta
- One night hotel accommodation with breakfast and airport transfer in Saumlaki
- Half-day cultural tour in Saumlaki
- 10 days full on-board accommodation in double/twin cabin on the world’s best dive liveaboard ~ Arenui
- All meals and soft drinks on-board
- 30+ dives in the world's most coveted dive sites with 4 to 1 divers to DM ratio
- Tanks and weights
- Islands and villages land excursion
- All ground transfers between ports and airport/hotel
- Welcome massage
- Government taxes
- Escort by Ocean Safari professional dive leader/photographer with unparalleled service
 

Exclusions:

- International and domestic flights
- Few meals during transit
- On-board telecommunications
- On-board alcoholic beverages
- Nitrox
- Administration/port clearance fee $150
- National Parks Entrance and Diving Fee $180 (may increase without prior notice)
- Fuel surcharge $150 (may increase depending on fuel prices)
- Laundry service
- Massages other than welcome massage
- Travel and dive insurance (see additional information below)
- Crew gratuities

 

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.  

Cancellation Policy:
Before Sept 15, 2027, 1st deposit forfeited, no refund on first deposit.
After Sept 15, 2027, 1st and 2nd deposit forfeited (unless replacement can be found, then 1st deposit forfeited).
After Mar 15, 2028, 1st, 2nd and 3rd deposit forfeited (unless replacement can be found, then 1st deposit forfeited).
After July 1, 2028, no refund (unless replacement can be found, then 1st deposit forfeited).

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