Explore The Wonders Of Indonesia
Triton Bay & Banda Sea Exploration 14 Nights
From Triton Bay to the Spice Islands Across the Banda Sea
Few expeditions in Indonesia can match the diversity of a voyage from Kaimana to Ambon.
Beginning in the remote waters of West Papua, this journey combines the extraordinary biodiversity of Triton Bay, the isolated seamounts and wilderness of Momon, and the dramatic blue-water diving of the Banda Sea, before reaching the legendary Spice Islands of Run, Ai and Banda Neira, and finally continuing north towards Nusalaut and Ambon.
It is a voyage between two completely different underwater worlds.
Around Kaimana and Triton Bay, nutrient-rich waters support spectacular soft-coral gardens, dense black-coral forests, giant sea fans and an astonishing concentration of marine life. Whale sharks gather around traditional fishing platforms, wobbegong sharks rest beneath coral ledges, pygmy seahorses hide among gorgonians, and the endemic walking shark emerges after dark.
As Seven Seas moves west, the character of the expedition gradually changes.
The protected bays and limestone islands of Papua give way to open ocean, isolated reefs and volcanic islands rising from some of the deepest waters in Indonesia. Here, visibility often improves dramatically, hard corals dominate the reefs and the possibility of encounters with sharks, tuna, trevallies, schooling barracuda and other pelagic species increases.
At the heart of this journey lie the Banda Islands, once the world’s only source of nutmeg and among the most historically important islands in Southeast Asia.
Above water, centuries of history remain visible in old forts, colonial buildings and nutmeg plantations.
Below water, vertical walls, volcanic slopes and coral-covered pinnacles disappear into the deep blue of the Banda Sea.
This is not simply a journey between Kaimana and Ambon.
It is a crossing through some of the wildest, most remote and most diverse waters in the Indonesian archipelago.
Diving from Triton Bay to the Banda Sea
Our expedition begins in Kaimana, gateway to Triton Bay and one of the least visited major diving regions in Indonesia.
For the first several days, Seven Seas explores the reefs surrounding Namatota, Aiduma and Triton Bay, where extraordinary coral growth and dense fish populations thrive in nutrient-rich water.
Soft corals dominate much of the underwater landscape, with brilliant orange, pink and purple colonies covering rocky ridges and bommies. Huge black-coral bushes, gorgonian fans and sponges provide habitat for everything from pygmy seahorses and ghost pipefish to reef sharks, turtles and wobbegongs.
We then travel towards Momon, where an isolated seamount rises from deep surrounding water. Strong oceanic currents support healthy coral growth and attract schooling fish, large trevallies, Napoleon wrasse and, with luck, oceanic manta rays.
Nearby, a spectacular waterfall tumbles directly from the Papuan rainforest into the sea, offering one of the most memorable topside experiences of the voyage.
From Momon we turn west.
Ahead lies the vast Banda Sea.
As the journey progresses, the reefs become increasingly oceanic. Walls plunge into deep blue water, current sweeps across submerged ridges and isolated volcanic islands become stepping stones across one of Indonesia’s great marine wildernesses.
Eventually we reach the legendary Banda Islands.
Here we explore reefs around Hatta, Ai, Run and Banda Neira, combining spectacular diving with the remarkable history of the Spice Islands.
Our final days take us north towards Nusalaut, where beautiful hard-coral reefs and dense schools of fish provide a spectacular final chapter before Seven Seas reaches Ambon.
Come join us on an extraordinary journey from the untouched reefs of West Papua to the historic Spice Islands, crossing the wild waters of the Banda Sea from Kaimana to Ambon.
Come join us on this rare voyage, exploring wild frontiers, Forgotten Islands, and timeless beauty from Maumere to the remote seas of Saumlaki.
Tentative Itinerary
The itinerary may be adjusted at the discretion of the captain and cruise director based on weather conditions, which can sometimes be unpredictable, as well as the group’s overall experience. The goal is to offer the best possible diving and snorkeling sites according to the group’s interests and skill levels.
DAY 1 – KAIMANA - NAMATOTA ISLAND
Flight to Kaimana from Sorong. Transfer to the Seven Seas, setting up gear meanwhile we are steaming out and afterwards we’ll do a general briefing, after some refreshments and lunch and we’ll do our check out dive. We gear up for our first dive at At the southern flank of Namatote Island,
Namatote Wall drops into a deep cobalt stage where color and texture never let up, its vertical face draped in soft corals, giant sea fans, and thickets of black coral that turn the dive into a slow, hypnotic glide along ledges and fissures; even on milky days the relief seems to glow, inviting you to hover close and let the reef reveal itself one balcony at a time, a rare blend of grand wall drama and intimate detail where fan forests buzz with life, black-coral bushes shelter tiny residents, and every overhang hints at a surprise as gentle pulses of current ignite the colors and pull schools of anthias and fusiliers from the blue, while keen eyes find nudibranchs, watchful gobies, cryptic shrimp, and the occasional pipefish or leaf scorpionfish tucked among branches, with hawkfish and groupers patrolling the ledges and, if you’re lucky, a turtle drifting past to silhouette the wall before it fades into the open sea.
After the dive we will go to a beach for some refreshments and snacks.
Day 2 - PULAU AIDUMA - TRITON BAY AREA
The day begins under soft morning light, the sea a perfect mirror reflecting the jungle-clad hills of Triton Bay. The air is still cool as the crew gears up, three dives ahead, each promising a different face of this underwater paradise.
True to its name, Aquarium feels like diving into a natural fish tank. Gentle currents, and an explosion of color wherever you look. This site showcases Triton Bay’s coral diversity at its best, with fields of soft corals, hard coral bommies, and sponges shaped like sculptures. Anthias, butterflyfish, and angelfish dance through the light, while turtles glide serenely above the reef. Ideal for both beginners and photographers, Aquarium is a calm, immersive dive that reveals the gentler, more poetic side of this marine paradise.
Andy’s Point greets us with moving water and a touch of adrenaline. The current sweeps along steep coral-covered ridges, carrying clouds of fusiliers, barracudas, and trevallies. Massive black coral bushes sway in the flow, and every crevice hides life — wobbegongs resting motionless, pygmy seahorses clinging to gorgonians, nudibranchs glowing like jewels. This is Triton Bay at its wildest: raw, unpredictable, and absolutely thrilling. Each drift reveals a new surprise, each pause a tiny world waiting to be discovered.
As the afternoon sun softens, we descend on White Rock, a gleaming limestone pinnacle rising from the sea. Below the surface, the reef glows in the fading light, a masterpiece of coral and color. Flasher wrasses dance in bursts of neon, while ghost pipefish hover delicately between sea fans. Pelagic visitors sometimes glide past, mobulas, tunas, or sleek reef sharks, reminders that even in stillness, the ocean is never truly quiet. It’s a serene, almost poetic finale to a day of contrasts, from calm to current, from frenzy to peace.
Day 3 - PULAU AIDUMA - TRITON BAY AREA
Dawn breaks softly over Triton Bay, painting the water in hues of silver and gold. The sea is calm, the air charged with quiet anticipation — today’s dives promise both power and grace, a journey through the living pulse of the currents.
We begin the day at Pintu Arus, a site that lives up to its name, the “Gate of Currents.” Here, two water masses collide, stirring up a rich blend of nutrients that fuels an explosion of life. The current carries us through a corridor of color: soft corals and sea fans swaying like underwater gardens, tiny crustaceans tucked among branches, reef fish flashing past in every direction. Trevallies and jacks cut through the blue in sharp, synchronized bursts. It’s an exhilarating drift, the kind that makes you surrender to the rhythm of the ocean.
A short ride from Pintu Arus brings us to Little Komodo, one of Triton Bay’s most iconic sites. Named after its wild namesake in Komodo, it captures the same untamed spirit, a place where everything moves, glows, and breathes in unison. Descending into the blue, you’re greeted by a riot of color: orange and purple soft corals, swirling anthias and fusiliers, sweetlips hovering motionless above the reef. Along the edges, trevallies and mackerel hunt in formation, while wobbegong sharks rest camouflaged on the sandy bottom. When the current runs just right, the dive becomes pure poetry, a flowing ride through a storm of life and color that defines Triton Bay’s raw beauty.
As the sun lowers toward the horizon, we return to Pintu Arus to dive it from the other side. for a final dive. The light has softened, and the reef feels transformed. Shadows stretch across the coral, and schools of fish move in lazy synchrony, as if winding down for the day. The current, still present but gentler now, carries us in a calm, meditative drift, a perfect ending to a day defined by motion and light.
Back on the boat, golden reflections ripple across the bay. The crew is quiet, content, watching the last rays disappear behind the headlands. Three dives, one ocean, and a day that captures the untamed heartbeat of Triton Bay.
Day 4 - PINTU ARUS - TRITON BAY AREA
A new day begins as the vessel returns to the Triton Bay area. Today’s dives will take place around Aiduma Island, one of the region’s best-known diving zones. The island’s coastline features a mix of steep rocky walls, coral slopes, and sheltered bays that host an exceptional variety of marine life.
Three daytime dives are planned around the island, each highlighting a different aspect of Aiduma’s underwater landscape, from vibrant coral gardens and macro-rich reefs to dramatic rock formations. The day will end with a night dive near the resort, offering a chance to search for one of Triton Bay’s most remarkable endemic species.
Bo’s Rainbow is one of Triton Bay’s most colorful and photogenic reefs. The site features a shallow profile, with depths averaging around 12–18 meters, making it suitable for both macro and wide-angle photography. Large coral bommies are covered in black coral bushes and soft coral gardens that attract a wide variety of reef life. Divers may encounter pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, pipefish, and hawk groupers among the corals. The site also includes a small shallow swim-through that cuts through part of the island, adding variety to the dive. With mild conditions and rich coral growth, Bo’s Rainbow showcases the healthy, vibrant reef ecosystems typical of Triton Bay.
Named after the Indonesian term for “Falling Rock,” Batu Jatuh is characterized by large boulders that slope into deeper water, forming a terrain of canyons, ledges, and crevices. The rocks are densely covered with soft corals, sponges, and sea fans, creating a colorful and textured environment. Marine life commonly observed includes schools of snapper, moray eels, octopuses, and a variety of reef fish species. On clear days, sunlight filters through the formations, illuminating the coral walls and giving the site excellent photographic appeal. Batu Jatuh offers both scenic topography and rich marine biodiversity, suitable for slow exploration and observation.
Tangga is a versatile dive site combining sea fans, sandy areas, and scattered coral bommies. The variety of habitats supports an abundance of small marine life, making it a preferred site for macro enthusiasts. Typical sightings include pygmy seahorse, ornate ghost pipefish, and numerous species of nudibranchs. The site generally features gentle currents and good visibility, allowing for relaxed, detailed diving. With its mix of coral structures and open patches, Tanga provides an excellent opportunity to observe Triton Bay’s characteristic diversity in a compact, easily navigable setting.
The day concludes with a night dive in front of the resort at Aiduma Bay, a shallow area of sand and coral rubble ideal for observing nocturnal marine life. This site is known as a potential location to encounter the Triton Bay Walking Shark (Hemiscyllium sp.), an endemic species found only in this region. During the dive, divers may also observe crustaceans, cephalopods, benthic fish, and a range of invertebrates that become active after dark. The calm conditions and moderate depth make this an accessible and rewarding site for night exploration.
Day 5 - PULAU DRAMAI & PULAU AIDUMA - TRITON BAY AREA
A new day begins as we continue exploring the outer islands of Triton Bay, an area known for its rich coral ecosystems and dramatic underwater scenery. Today’s dives focus on the region’s western side, visiting Dramai, Batu Jeruk, and Christmas Rock, three sites that highlight the diversity of habitats and marine life found in this part of the bay.
Named after one of Triton Bay’s outer island, Dramai offers a mix of shallow coral gardens and steep slopes covered in soft corals. The site is often the first dive of the day, with excellent morning light illuminating the reef. Orange and pink soft corals dominate the upper sections, while deeper areas feature gorgonians and sponges that attract a wide range of reef fish. Common sightings include fusiliers, sweetlips, wobbegongs, honeycomb more eels, and during periods of stronger current, blue fin and giant trevallies may pass through the area. The combination of vibrant coral cover and pelagic activity makes Dramai a representative dive site for Triton Bay’s outer reef systems — colorful, healthy, and full of movement.
Meaning “Orange Rock” in Indonesian, Batu Jeruk is named for its bright orange and gold soft corals that dominate the landscape. The site features large coral formations and bommies surrounded by sandy patches and scattered sea fans. Typical marine life includes glassfish, trevallies, and barracudas in the open water, while closer to the reef, divers may find shrimp, pipefish, and ornate ghost pipefish hidden among the coral. The vivid coral colors are especially striking in sunlight, giving Batu Jeruk a warm, glowing appearance that makes it one of the most visually distinctive reefs in the area.
Christmas Rock is a colorful and lively reef system characterized by large coral bommies and dense schools of reef fish. Sweetlips, surgeonfish, and yellow snapper are commonly found here, often gathered around the coral heads in large numbers. The steady current brings nutrient-rich water that supports the reef’s health and color. Divers may also encounter rays resting on the sand, and a wide variety of nudibranchs. With its strong coral growth, high fish density, and bright natural light, Christmas Rock captures the abundance and vibrancy that define diving in Triton Bay.
These three sites — Dramai, Batu Jeruk, and Christmas Rock — offer an excellent overview of the outer reef environments of Triton Bay. From steep coral slopes and pelagic visitors to dense reef fish populations and colorful soft corals, each dive showcases a different facet of this remote and biologically rich region
Day 6 - TELUK BITSYARI - KAIMAMA AREA
We’ll spend the morning diving and snorkeling beneath the bagans, traditional Indonesian wooden fishing platformsanchored offshore. Bagans lower large nets at night to catch baitfish (anchovies and sardines). At first light, the crew hauls the nets and rinses fish scraps over the water, this creates a natural feeding station that often attracts whale sharks, the “gentle giants” of Triton Bay.
We approach quietly by tender and enter the water in small groups to keep the scene calm. You’ll float beside the platform and let the sharks come to you, no chasing, no touching, always giving way. Visibility can be milky from plankton (that’s why the sharks are here!), but the close, unhurried encounters are unforgettable. Photographers should bring wide-angle setups; snorkelers enjoy eye-level moments as the sharks glide up from the blue.
After a full morning with these gentle giants, we’ll return to Namatota for a final dive in the area, an easy, scenic immersion along coral-draped slopes and boulder gardens
Day 7 - MOMON SEAMOUNT - ARAFURA SEA
After a night crossing, we arrive to Momon seamount where we will do two dives Located in the Arafura Sea, Momon Seamount is an isolated underwater mountain known for its healthy coral formations, consistent currents, and high marine biodiversity. The top of the seamount rises to about 8–10 meters, creating a broad plateau surrounded by deeper slopes that descend into open water.
The site is recognized as a cleaning station for oceanic manta rays, which are frequently observed gliding over the plateau. In addition to mantas, divers may encounter Bigeye Trevally, Batfish, Napoleon Wrasse, and Giant Trevally. The coral growth includes large hard coral structures, sponges, and sea fans that thrive in the nutrient-rich flow.
Currents can vary from mild to strong depending on the tide, bringing excellent water movement and visibility but sometimes requiring good drift-diving experience. The combination of pelagic activity and coral health makes Momon Seamount one of the most notable dive sites in the region.
Near the dive site lies a Waterfall, a rare natural feature where freshwater from the jungle flows directly into the sea. The waterfall is accessible by tender and offers an opportunity for a short swim or freshwater rinse after diving. The contrast between the cool fresh water and the warm saltwater creates a unique and refreshing experience, often enjoyed as part of a liveaboard itinerary.
Day 8 - KOON ISLAND
After navigating west across the eastern Banda Sea, we arrive at Koon Island, off the southeastern tip of Seram.
Koon is home to one of the most famous dives in this part of Indonesia: Too Many Fish.
The name says almost everything.
A powerful tidal current sweeps across a coral-covered slope and concentrates enormous schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish, snappers and batfish around the point. Giant trevallies and dogtooth tuna patrol the schools, while reef sharks may appear from deeper water.
The reef begins with beautiful shallow coral gardens before dropping away into a steep wall towards the deep waters surrounding Seram.
Timing is essential here. Current can be strong, so our dives will be planned carefully around the tides to experience Koon under the best possible conditions.
After our dives, Seven Seas continues south-west towards the Banda Islands.
Day 9 - PULAU HATTA - KARANG HATTA
The volcanic islands of Banda begin to appear on the horizon.
Today we explore the waters around Hatta Island and, conditions permitting, the more exposed offshore reefs of Karang Hatta.
Here the Banda Sea reveals its true oceanic character.
Walls plunge rapidly into deep blue water and enormous sea fans extend from the reef face.
Schools of fusiliers gather along the drop-off while dogtooth tuna, giant trevallies, Napoleon wrasse and reef sharks patrol the deeper sections.
The offshore reefs can also provide encounters with larger pelagic species.
During favorable seasonal conditions, the Banda Sea is one of the Indonesian regions where schooling hammerheads may be encountered, although such sightings are always unpredictable and can never be guaranteed.
This is big-water diving: deep blue ocean, strong currents and the constant possibility that something large may emerge from the distance.
Day 10 & 11 - BANDA NEIRA
We dedicate two full days to exploring the heart of the legendary Banda Islands, combining some of the best diving in the archipelago with time ashore in historic Banda Neira.
Over these two days, Seven Seas will explore a selection of the most iconic dive sites in the area, choosing the best options according to currents, tides and sea conditions.
Potential dives include:
Lava Flow – Gunung Api
One of Banda’s most famous dives. Following the 1988 eruption of Gunung Api, lava entered the sea and created new volcanic substrate that was rapidly recolonised by coral. Today, large areas are covered in spectacular hard-coral growth, creating one of the most remarkable reef landscapes in the region.
Batu Kapal
A dramatic offshore pinnacle system surrounded by deep water. Strong currents can attract large schools of fusiliers, barracuda and jacks, together with giant trevallies, tuna, Napoleon wrasse and reef sharks.
Pohon Miring
Known for its wall, large sea fans and distinctive swim-through, Pohon Miring offers beautiful wide-angle scenery together with excellent biodiversity.
Pulau Pisang
A beautiful site with healthy coral formations, walls and excellent fish life, offering another classic example of Banda Sea diving.
Banda Besar
The reefs around Banda Besar offer walls and slopes covered in coral, large barrel sponges and sea fans, with a mix of macro life and larger reef species.
Banda Neira Jetty and sheltered sites
For photographers and macro enthusiasts, some of the protected areas around Banda Neira can offer very different diving, including smaller critters and, depending on timing and conditions, the possibility of dusk dives.
Across these two days, the exact programme will remain flexible. Rather than following a fixed sequence, the Captain and Cruise Director will select the best dives available at the time, allowing us to make the most of conditions in one of the most exciting diving areas of the Banda Sea.
During our second day in Banda, we will also go ashore for a guided visit of Banda Neira, including Fort Belgica, the local Rumah Budaya museum, and a traditional nutmeg plantation, where guests can learn about the production of nutmeg and mace, taste local spice products and purchase locally made nutmeg products.
It is a great opportunity to understand why these tiny islands once stood at the centre of the global spice trade.
After our second day in Banda, Seven Seas begins navigating north towards Nusalaut.
Day 12 - PULAU SUANGGI
Today we spend a full day exploring Suanggi, a tiny isolated island rising from the deep waters north of the Banda Islands.
Its exposed location is precisely what makes the diving here so exciting. Suanggi sits surrounded by deep ocean, and its reef slopes and drop-offs act as a gathering point for large schools of fish and passing pelagic species.
We plan three dives around the island, selecting the best sections of reef according to current, wind and sea conditions.
The underwater landscape consists of healthy coral-covered slopes, walls and deeper ridges dropping away into the blue. Large schools of fusiliers, snappers and surgeonfish can gather along the reef, while giant and bluefin trevallies, dogtooth tuna, Napoleon wrasse and reef sharks patrol the outer edges.
Suanggi is particularly famous for encounters with scalloped hammerhead sharks. The sharks are usually found away from the reef along deeper drop-offs and ridges, so our dives will be carefully timed and planned according to current and sea conditions to maximise our chances of encountering them. As always with wild pelagic animals, sightings can never be guaranteed.
Because the island is completely exposed to the Banda Sea, conditions can change quickly. If swell or currents make one side of Suanggi unsuitable, the Cruise Director will select the most protected or productive section of reef available for each dive.
Suanggi is also remarkable above water.
The small island supports an important seabird colony, and the sky around it can be filled with frigatebirds, red-footed boobies and brown boobies, particularly around dawn and late afternoon. Scientific observations have documented Suanggi as an important roosting and breeding site for seabirds in the Banda Sea.
Watching hundreds of seabirds circling above this tiny isolated rock while preparing to dive into the deep Banda Sea makes Suanggi one of the most atmospheric stops of the expedition.
Day 13 - NUSALAUT
Today we spend a full day diving around Nusalaut, one of the most pristine and less visited islands in the northern Banda Sea.
The reefs here are known for exceptionally healthy hard-coral gardens, dramatic walls and an impressive density of fish life. Depending on currents and sea conditions, we will explore several of the best sites around the island, including Nusa Laut Corner and Hila.
At Nusa Laut Corner, current sweeps along the reef and concentrates large schools of fusiliers, snappers and surgeonfish. Trevallies patrol the drop-off, while reef sharks and other pelagic visitors may appear from the blue. The combination of walls, coral gardens and schooling fish makes this one of the signature dives of the area.
Around Hila, beautiful coral slopes and reef formations offer a slightly different character, with excellent hard-coral coverage, colourful reef fish, turtles and the possibility of larger species cruising along the reef edge. Hila and Nusa Laut Corner are commonly combined by liveaboards spending a full diving day around the island.
A third dive will be selected according to the conditions on the day, allowing the Cruise Director to choose the best available reef, wall or drift dive around Nusalaut.
With its pristine reefs, clear water and large schools of fish, Nusalaut provides a spectacular final day of wide-angle reef diving before we continue overnight towards Ambon.
Day 14 - AMBON - MACRO DIVING
Our final diving day takes place in Ambon Bay, one of Indonesia’s best-known destinations for macro and muck diving.
After almost two weeks of walls, coral gardens, pelagic encounters and blue-water diving, we finish the expedition with two very different dives focused on some of the smallest and most unusual marine life in the region.
Our first dive will be in the Laha area, one of the classic muck-diving zones of Ambon Bay. Its dark volcanic sand, rubble and scattered debris provide habitat for an extraordinary variety of critters, including frogfish, seahorses, ghost pipefish, octopus, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, shrimp and other unusual macro subjects.
Our second and final dive of the expedition will be at Twilight Zone, perhaps the most iconic macro site in Ambon Bay. This black-sand slope is famous among underwater photographers for its exceptional diversity of strange and cryptic marine life, with possible encounters including Rhinopias, frogfish, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipefish and a wide variety of nudibranchs and crustaceans.
These two final dives provide a perfect contrast to the rest of the expedition and a chance to discover why Ambon has become one of Indonesia’s most celebrated destinations for macro photography.
After the second dive, we return to Seven Seas and prepare for our final evening on board in Ambon.
Day 15 - AMBON
Disembarkation. Fly to Jakarta with a stop over in Sorong and transfer to flights home or resorts.
