12 night trips | October
The Banda Sea cruise is for those with the spirit of adventure as we set sail to rarely dived sites, islands and atolls. There are several ways to cross the Banda Sea and this depends mostly on the weather and depths of the thermoclines for the hammerhead sharks. Crossing is generally done in March/April and September/October when the prevailing winds are changing between the seasons. Seldom-dived sites, active volcanoes, hammerheads and pelagic action, plus a visit to the mythic Banda Islands (original Spice Islands), make this a once in a lifetime cruise.
In Alor, there is plenty of opportunity to find those rare critters like frogfish, mimic octopus, fire sea urchin and even rare rhinopias in the hundreds of bays and coves in the island chain. Dolphins and whales are often encountered as this area is also part of the migration routes between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. If you don't mind the water being a bit 'frisky' from time to time, this itinerary is beautiful and often quite extraordinary.
Please note: In parts of Alor Strait water temperature can drop dramatically to around 20 degrees Celsius. It is highly recommended to bring a 5mm wetsuit and/or hooded vest. There are 600-700 nautical miles to cover during this 12-night cruise. We are mostly diving three dives a day and then travelling at night. This cruise is not advised for people who get very sea sick or who are unable to sleep whilst the boat is under way. For those with a bit of adventurous seadog in you, you are definitely looking at the right itinerary.
This cruise may, depending on the route chosen, include the following highlights (these are not limited to each route):
Alor Region: Boardroom, Babylon, Cave Point, Clown valley and Wall of Pura plus, famous muck diving in Kalabahi Bay
Wetar Area: Tanjung Nanukae, Nunukae Wall, Reong North and Reong Wall
Gunung Api: Snake Ridge, Snake Pit and Sulfur Ridge
Tebang Area: Nusleur Wall, Tebang North and Tebang South
Nil Desperandum: Hammerhead dives depending on conditions for sites
Manuk Island: Dives depending on conditions for sites
Banda Islands: Pohon Miring, Batu Kapal, Batu Kapal Pinnacle, Banda Neira Jetty and Lava Flow
Secret Spots: We know some excellent spots for shark action that we prefer not to publish but happy to share with you!
Banda Land Visits: On this cruise we visit Banda Neira to see the nutmeg plantation, historic forts and small Maritime Museum. An excursion of half a day, plus two good nights' sleep on anchor before and after. Trust us, we all need it by then.