Banda Sea: Off The Chart Expedition 2019
In between two of the world’s greatest dive destinations (Raja Ampat & Komodo) lies the Banda Sea. Within this vast sea lie the Banda Islands. And around these islands is a world of marine life, still relatively unknown to the worldwide diving community.
October 30th – November 6th 2019
Until now, most trips to the Banda Islands have been carried out by liveaboards moving between Raja Ampat and Komodo as the seasons change. On their travels, they have a quick stop in the Banda Sea. In the past this meant that trips here were rare, and even rarer to go when conditions are at their best. But as divers slowly begin to realise this area is home to not only some incredible pelagic life (Schooling Hammerheads anyone?), It is also home to incredible macro life like the hairy octopus and Ambon scorpionfish.
The Banda Sea is only accessible for a few short months of the year which makes this area so exciting and unique to dive. From our starting point of Ambon we will travel out to the dramatic volcanic Spice Islands (Banda Islands).
The Banda islands are located 132 kilometers southeast of Ambon. With stunning and dramatic reefs, warm seas and exotic marine life, the Banda’s are a heaven for divers who explore the most remote and unspoiled dive sites in the world.
What is an ‘Off The Chart’ expedition?
All previous ‘Off the Chart’ expeditions have had a few themes in common. Firstly, we always aim to dive the remotest and least explored dive locations. The Banda islands check this off quite easily. However, we also focus on promoting scientific research and conservation efforts by inviting some of the world’s leading scientists to explain how we as divers can contribute.
Dr. Andrea Marshall (MMF) explaining to guests about the parasite sample she removed from a Giant Manta Ray at Black Rock in 2017
Giant Manta Rays in the Banda Sea
For years we have been working with the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) to assist them in studying the movements and behaviours of Giant Manta Rays (Mobula Birostris) in the Andaman Sea. Last year we expanded to Indonesia, with MMF researcher Stepahanie Venables, on a trip to Raja Ampat. After the success of our first trip to Indo, we are once again going to be joined by Steph. Here is what she has to say about Mantas in the Banda Sea…
“Giant manta rays are generally less well understood due to their pelagic lifestyles and seasonal sighting patterns in Indonesia. Sporadic encounters during expeditions in the Banda Sea and public submissions to MantaMatcher.org indicate that these ocean giants can be encountered between September to November around the islands and reefs of the Banda Sea. We don’t yet know whether these are the same mantas that are sighted in Raja Ampat to the North, or in the Savu Sea to the Southwest. With the ability to travel long distances (1000+km), either could be possible. Who knows what mysteries the Off The Charts team will unravel on this trip…”
Stephanie Venables, researcher at the MMF
Steph Venables, Manta Ray Researcher
Steph Venables is a research scientist with the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) and a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia. She will be joining us to the Banda islands where she will be giving us presentations on the latest discoveries and what we can do to help. Find out more about Steph and what she will be doing on the trip by clicking here.
By joining our ‘Off the Chart’ expedition to the Banda Sea, you will not just have the chance at discovering an amazing and unexplored location, you will also get to become a ‘citizen scientist’. If you have any questions about the details of the trip, feel free to email us. Otherwise, take a look at the schedule below.
Banda Sea Expedition Itinerary 2019
Click here for our full Banda Sea Travel Guide.
The schedule has been created to hit the area’s best dive sites at the best time of year. We will be hitting the spots famous for Giant Mantas and Schooling Hammerheads!
30th October
Arrival at Ambon airport and transportation to the pier. Welcome briefing and Lunch. Check dive in Ambon Bay. Overnight cruising to Banda Neira; The spice island.
31st October
Diving around Banda Neira. Suanggi, Batu Kepal, Hatta island. Overnight cruising to Banda sea.
1st November
Diving in Banda Sea. Hammerhead sharks hunting. The specific dive sites depend on weather condition.
2nd November
Diving in the Banda Sea again, and once again Hammerhead shark hunting.
3rd November
Manuk island; the island of sea snake and sea bird. A chance to see Hammerhead sharks as well. Cruising to Banda Neira
4th November
Banda Neira, Pohon Miring, Batu Kapal and visiting the historic site on Neira island
5th November
North of Banda Neira, Suanggi or Ai & Run island. Cruising back to Ambon.
6th November
Wake up to breakfast, check out the hotel and then say your farewells before being transferred back to the Airport or your hotel in Ambon.
Re-routeing during a cruise can always happen if safe sea and/or dive conditions are not met. This is the decision of the Captain and the Dive Expedition Leader. Re-routeing is not considered as a cancellation and is not refunded.
DIVING DAYS: 7
NUMBER OF DIVES: 23
TEMP: 25-30°C
Banda Sea Expedition Vessel
Panunee is a 36m luxury yacht designed by divers offering fantastic liveaboard scuba diving adventures in Indonesia. With only 16 guests taken onboard it is incredibly spacious and has a crew that see to your every need.
MV Panunee in Raja Ampat
Each cabin has individual temperature control and abundant storage areas. There are no bunk beds so no need to fight over who gets the bottom bunk!
The Panunee has a dedicated camera setting room that has individual desks and charging stations for the avid photographer amongst us.
A spacious dive deck and a plentiful deck crew will make the ordeal of putting your wetsuit and equipment on a dream.
The best thing about this vessel however is that there is a Thai chef on board. So along with Indonesian specialities you will be able to get your Thai food fix. There is also a barbecue for the nights celebrating the diving under the stars.
MV Panunee
LENGTH: 36M
WIDTH: 8M
SPEED: 15 Knts
Suite Stateroom
- Max occupancy: 2 people
- Bedding: Double bed
- Ensuite bathroom: Yes
- Aircon: Aircon with control in room
Description:
The Suites are fitted with a queen-size beds, en-suited toilets with hot showers, individual air-conditioners, wardrobes, mirrors, working desks, reading lights, wide storage space and pipe-in music.
Single Cabin
- Max occupancy: 1 people
- Bedding: Single bed
- Ensuite bathroom: No
- Aircon: Aircon with control in room
Description:
Cabins are fitted with one single bed and individual air-conditioners, wardrobes, mirrors, reading Lights, wide storage space, panoramic windows and pipe-in music. There are 2 of these cabins.
Deluxe Twin Cabin, Upper Deck
- Max occupancy: 2 people
- Bedding: Twin (2 Single)
- Ensuite bathroom: No
- Aircon: Aircon with control in room
Description:
Cabins are fitted with twin beds and air-con, wardrobes, mirrors, reading Lights, wide storage space, panoramic windows and pipe-in music.
Deluxe Twin Cabin, Lower Deck
- Max occupancy: 2 people
- Bedding: Twin (2 Single)
- Ensuite bathroom: No
- Aircon: Aircon with control in room
Description:
Cabins are fitted with twin beds and individual air-conditioners, wardrobes, mirrors, reading Lights, wide storage space, picture window and pipe-in music.
