Ambon-Banda-Triton Bay

Manta crossing 11 Days / 10 Nights

Starting with muck diving in Ambon, and then tracing the Northern Banda Sea, tracing the perimeter of islands. Let our experienced crew show you these remote and almost untouched locations with wonderful reefs and stunning drop-offs. Marine life here is in abundance from macro critters, sea snakes and schooling fish to the ‘big fish’ favorites such as manta rays, reef sharks and even the chance to encounter scalloped Hammerheads.  

Triton Bay really does feel like you are entering a time capsule from the past. Triton Bay's black coral forests are awesome in scale as are the marine life and never fail to impress, while above the water the landscape is also fascinating with lush green forests, stunning sunsets & sunrises, and a real sense that you are exploring a true wilderness. Not many Liveaboards visit this region and the sense of true exploration & privilege to visit this region is undeniable.  Local fishing begans often attracts whale sharks & dolphins too.

Sample Itinerary 

Note:  All schedules are subjected to changes according to weather, sea, diving, & local conditions.

Day 1. (0-2 dives) 2pm. Our staff will meet you upon your arrival to Pattimura Airport, Ambon or local hotel and transfer you to your waiting Manta vessel.  Arrivals before midday are best so we can make check dive(s) in Ambon Bay before we get underway by 2pm for overnight sail. 

Day 2-3. (3 dives x2 days) Diving around Banda Islands with excellent visibility, fantastic coral coverage and tremendous numbers of fish along with potential Hammerhead sightings, plus a visit to one of the Spice Islands.

Day 4-6. (3 dives x3 days) Ring of Fire: diving around Volcanic Islands and stunning seamounts in search of hammerheads, encountering many sea snakes, huge schools of fish, reef sharks, tunas, & other pelagic superstars.  Sail overnight to Kurkap.

Day 7. (3 dives) Kurkap Island: Beautiful clear reef & wall dives with an amazing abundance & array of aquatic life.  

Day 8-9. (3-4 dives x2 days) Triton Bay area: Little Komodo, Macro Wall, 3 Rocks, Larry’s Heaven, Faukate Manta, Walker’s reef, night dives with ‘walking’ shark.  Including an exploration down the South-East coastline.

Day 10. (0-2 dives)More dives around Triton Bay area or chance to snorkel with whale sharks where there are fishing platforms called Bagans, off a small village, Namatota Island.  Sail to Kaimana, West Papua.  Plenty of time to wash & dry equipment, have lunch, and rest & relaxation.

Day 11. (0 dives) 5am-12pm. Check out after light breakfast & farewells, and transfer to airport.  Departure from Port of Kaimana to local hotel or transfer to Kamana Airport (transfer 30-45 mins).

Diving days: 10 days (28 dives) 

Note: 3 dives are scheduled per diving day in Banda Sea*.  This is due to deeper dives and long distances covered between islands.  Where possible a bonus night dive may be scheduled at the discretion of the Cruise Leader. *Except trip departure day & trip return day.

Embarkation / Disembarkation

  • Ambon (AMQ), / Kaimana (KNG), West Papua

How to get to Ambon (AMQ)

  • We will be there to transfer you to your Manta vessel (transfer time 10 mins)
  • Lion Air daily flights from Bali via Makassar or Manado, Garuda Indonesia or Sriwijaya Air from Jakarta via Makassar, and Batik Air direct to Ambon (flight time around 3 hours). 
  • Note:  This trip is scheduled to start 2pm, trip departure day.  If your domestic flight arrives to Ambon after 13:00 then we request you arrive the day before NOT on trip departure day?
  • Note:  If staying in Ambon please review our ‘Ambon Hotels’ section in the Banda Sea Fact Sheet for included pickup from local hotel to Laha Bay.  If NOT local then OWN way from hotel.

How to get from Kaimana (KNG), West Papua.

  • Currently Lion Wings Air are the only operator offering flights from Kaimana to Sorong.
  • Back to Jakarta: Take the morning flight from Kaimana to Sorong (check schedules before booking).  You may take your onward flight back to Jakarta to meet your international connection.
  • For more flight options and details, please see our Triton Bay Fact Sheet.

Dive Site Information (Ambon-Banda)

  • Water Temp:  26-28 degrees Celsius, however deep water upwelling’s & thermoclines especially in Sept-Nov can mean temps as low as 25C.
  • Air Temp: 22-31 degrees Celsius
  • Visibility: 15-30 meters
  • Current: Medium to strong
  • Level: Intermediate to Advanced,
  • Best Time to Dive: October to April (less rain & much less wind; perfect for diving)

Dive Site Information (Triton Bay area)

  • Water Temp: 27-30 degrees Celsius
  • Air Temp: 28-35 degrees Celsius
  • Visibility: 10-30 meters
  • Current: Medium to strong
  • Level: Intermediate to Advanced,
  • Best Time to Dive: November to April (less rain & much less wind: perfect for diving)

What's included?

  • Round trip transfer local Hotel/Airport - Boat
  • All nights' accommodation on Boat
  • All meals (Western & Indonesian) snacks, hot beverages, coffee, tea, Milo, soft drinks
  • Towels, toiletries, & cabin services
  • FOC replacement if equipment breakdown
  • Warm towel & drink after every dive
  • Regular air tanks, weights, belt, 6 dive guides (1x instructor, 5x dive masters)

What's excluded?

  • All flights & hotels stay
  • Marine Park & Harbour fee  
  • Dive & Travel insurance
  • Fuel surcharge (if applicable). Please see our Booking Information page 'Fuel surcharge' section for more details and fees per person.
  • Massage services
  • Laundry services
  • Nespresso coffee, alcohol; beer & wine
  • Satellite Wi-Fi
  • Diving gear:  Dive computer, torch, large tank, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, mask.
  • Nitrox Enriched Air fills
  • Note: Nitrox & diving Gear Items priced per diving day and are subject to availability.
  • Note: Exposure suits, 3mm shorty wetsuits available ONLY.  

Trip Schedule

  • Departure: 2pm, 1st day - Laha Bay, Ambon.   Or earlier if everyone arrives before and if all trip preparations are completed.  Free pickup upon arrival from Pattimura Airport, Ambon or local hotel* (10am) to your Manta vessel on trip departure day (transfer time 10 mins).
  • Return: 5am, last day, Kaimana, West Papua. After a light breakfast and fond farewells, we take you to local hotel or Utarom Airport, Kaimama, in time for check-in & flight (30-45 mins). Note: Latest check-out midday, trip return day.
  • Last dive ends: 12pm (midday), penultimate day. Plenty of time for R&R as we sail back to Kaimana, where we spend last night on board. This allows for your minimum 18 hours’ surface interval/ No Fly Time (as recommended by PADI) before flying next day.

Additional Trip Information

Travel Documents

  • Please see our Travel & Visa Information page to help prepare and plan in advance for your travels and entry into Indonesia, as detailed by the Government of Indonesia.
  • Guest Info. We MUST receive guest’s details well in advance in the trip.  Note: Late receipt of passport details may very likely lead to delayed departure & significant changes to the itinerary.
  • Visa On Arrival (VOA), single entry is now available for many countries and Visa Exemption Arrangement (VEP) for some ASEAN countries for stay up to 30 days. VOA cost: IDR 500,000 (approx. EUR 32 / USD 35). Payment can be done by: Visa, Mastercard or Debit Card or Cash Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). You may also apply for an eVOA prior to your travel, making it super easy. Note: Please check here for eligibity. If you are from one of countries not on the VOA or VEA lists, or if you simply wish to get a visa in advance, you MUST apply for an eVisa (B211A) online PRIOR to arrival before entering all other airports.
  • Passport. Please ensure your passport is in good order, has enough pages, is valid for at least 6 months, and that you are able to enter Indonesia. Check with your local Embassy of Indonesia if unsure.
  • Departure Tax. Indonesia Passenger Service Charge (IPSC) has changed to be included in your flight ticket price. Please check though as previously it was 200,000IDRp to leave Indonesia, & up to 100,000IDRp for domestic flights. Carry small bills, Indonesia Rupiah preferred, as often no change given.

Domestic Flights

  • Please book BEFORE confirming your International flights to ensure you make your connection to Ambon & from Kaimana. 
  • Travel agent: If you require assistance with your itinerary: obtaining an e-visa, booking domestic flight tickets, hotels, transfers, and additional land arrangements etc, we can recommend local Indonesian Travel agents, our friends at Come2Indonesia.  Contact the team here tour2@come2indonesia.com.. Note: If booked with credit card please ensure the card is with you upon check-In or have an official Airline form filled in & signed by card holder authorizing the use of.
  • Our ticketing agents are not responsible for any flight delay or cancellation, luggage lost or delay. In any case, please contact our ground staff in Bali for assistance for flight delay issue.
  • Domestic Airlines normally have 20kg allowance, although you may pay for kxtra when booking, if needed (around US$3/kilo). With an additional 7kg carryon.

Health & Insurance

  • Dive Insurance:  Compulsory for this trip.  We also strongly advise you get adequate travel insurance. Please check your travel insurance policy for your diving needs.  If not covered then we recommend DiveAssure for their single trip policy cover.
  • Dive Computer: Compulsory on this trip.  We have rentals onboard if you do not have.
  • Follow Safe Diving Practices at ALL times plus No Deco Diving and No Solo Diving.
  • Travel insurance is compulsory for our trips. Our trips are not inclusive of any form of insurance. White Manta Diving cannot be held responsible for any trip disruption or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, or any flight/ hotel expenses/ medical/ extraction/ delay/ refusal of admittance to the country or your trip, before, during or after. We strongly recommend all guests purchase adequate travel insurance, as such an occurance will affect all guests on trip. Please see our Booking Information page 'Travel Insurance' section for more details and recommended insurers.
  • Malaria Zone: NOTE that in this part of Indonesia we advise you take the proper precautions against malaria.  The following anti-malaria drugs are considered safe with diving; Doxycycline or Malarone.  Mefloquine (Lariam) is NOT recommended with diving.  Good preventative measures include DEET and long armed/legged clothing in evenings. If unsure consult a diving doctor.

Internet/ Mobile

  • Satellite Wi-Fi
  • Mobile signal:  Local Telkomsel is best local card to buy.  Not long after you leave port we have has intermittent/ limited mobile signal until we return.
  • Telkomsel simpati bsim card is the best and cost only 3usd. Plus credit to add on top!!!

Trip Extras payment onboard

  • By credit card comes with 4.5% additional handling fee.
  • By cash we accept US Dollars, Euro, Singaporean Dollars, and Indonesian Rupiah.  Please ensure ALL bills are in good order; NOT worn or torn and unmarked or we are UNABLE to accept.  ATMs available in town.

Trip Extras

  • Marine Park & Harbour fee: US$320 per person (collected in advance of trip).
  • Fuel surcharge fee: US$200 per person (collected in advance of trip).
  • Massage US$35/ hour,  Laundry services (US$10/ basket)
  • Nespresso coffee: US$2, beer US$4, wine US$30-50
  • Satellite Wi-Fi: US$35 per person/ 10Gb card.
  • Nitrox: US$20/ diving day or US$7/ fill.

Equipment rental

Diving gear: Full Set US$50/ diving day (except large tank & torch) ONLY if paid in advance of the trip, else individual rates apply per diving day**

  • BCD US$15
  • Regulator US$15
  • Dive computer US$15
  • Wetsuit US$10
  • Fins US$10
  • Mask US$10
  • Large tank US$15
  • Torch** US$15 per sunset/ night dive.

Diving gear items priced per diving day**. Please provide sizes in advance of the trip, as all gear is subject to availability. If not known then provide your height, weight, shoe size, where applicable.

  • Note: Torch rental** price is per sunset/ night dive.
  • Note: Exposure suits: 3mm shorty wetsuits available ONLY.    
  • Note: Large tank AL100, 100 cu ft (13.2 liters)
  • Note: Gear included: Regular air tank AL80, 80 cu ft (11.1 liters), weights, belt.
  • Note: Additional tank US$15/ day

TRIP BOOKING