Oct 19 – Oct 31, 2027

Day 1 – SAUMLAKI, EMBARKATION (1 check dive)

Guests are welcomed aboard KLM Mari in Saumlaki following a transfer from the airport or hotel. After a full safety briefing and cabin orientation, equipment is set up and a check dive conducted nearby — a relaxed shallow dive to verify gear and buoyancy before the expedition begins in earnest. Mari departs overnight, heading north into the southern Banda Sea.

Day 2 – DAWERA (3 to 4 dives)

Dawera offers dramatic underwater topography with steep walls covered in soft corals and healthy reef systems. Highlights may include: Dense schools of fusiliers and snappers Reef sharks cruising the slopes Excellent macro life hidden among sponges and coral rubble Impressive coral coverage and visibility

Day 3 – PULAU DAI (3 to 4 dives)

Dai-Dawera is a secluded and little-visited destination in the Banda Sea, offering a rare blend of pristine natural beauty and untouched marine biodiversity. Pulau Dai specifically is known for calmer conditions than the exposed Dawera reefs — a strong day for underwater photography and reef exploration. Divers may encounter: Turtles resting beneath coral overhangs Barracuda and schooling jacks Swim-throughs and underwater caverns Dense reef fish populations Conditions here are often calmer, making for a relaxed and scenic dive day.

Day 4: NIL DESPERANDUM & DUSBOROUGH (3 to 4 dives)

Two submerged atolls rising from very deep open ocean — the Banda Sea's most reliable hammerhead shark territory. Nil Desperandum — a submerged atoll rising from deep water — is where operators consistently find hammerhead aggregations, with the deep basin surrounding these features dropping to over 4,000 metres and the upwelling currents generated around islands and seamounts concentrating prey and creating the conditions that draw aggregating sharks. Dive sites: Nil Desperandum — Massive barrel sponges and expanses of hard corals make this reef very impressive, with steep walls dropping into the blue water below the atoll rim. Hammerhead sharks are the primary target, with pelagic species including dogtooth tuna and mobula rays also present when conditions are right. Dusborough — Close to the island of Nila, this seamount is surrounded by very deep water, creating a chance to see large pelagics. Both sites offer an incredible mix of beautiful sloping reefs, deep walls, and prolific reef life alongside the possibility of hammerheads. Mari departs overnight toward Serua Island.

Day 5 – SERUA ISLAND (3 to 4 dives)

The island of Serua or Seroa - is home to the Volcano Serua. The diving around this volcanic island rising from the deep Banda Sea far in the open ocean is filled with adrenaline as we are on the search for Hammerhead Sharks. Shallow reef tops give way to sloping reefs and walls that plunge into the deep. At Pulau Kekah, abundant corals, giant sponges, and schooling fish such as Trevally, Surgeonfish, and fusiliers fill the water around the island. But always keep your eye out in the blue water for schooling Hammerhead sharks. Sea snakes can also be seen on most dives. The currents here can be strong and exciting. We will have 3-4 dives this day. If time and conditions permit, we will return to Serua for a night dive. Overnight we continue North to Manuk Island.

Day 6 – MANUK ISLAND (3 to 4 dives)

Pulau Manuk is another volcanic island where we dive while the sulphurous smoke is swirling around the peak. The occasional smell of sulfur and sight of smoke rising from this active volcano give you a sense that you are in the land of the lost. Keep your fingers crossed for Hammerhead sharks. Manuk is also known as "The Island of Sea Snakes" and/or "The Island of the Birds." Thousands of seabirds inhabit the island, from frigate birds to boobies; it’s a spectacle you will enjoy. Underwater sea snakes are present by the dozens: black and white banded snakes, but also green ones, completely oblivious of the divers.

Day 7 – KEPULAUAN TIGA SAUDARA (3 to 4 dives)

This uninhabited island chain is prized for its pristine dive sites rich in biodiversity. Divers can explore colorful coral reefs teeming with life, including surgeonfish, angelfish, and various types of coral. Pelagic species like tunas and even occasional dolphin pods may be seen in the blue water around these islands. Night diving can unveil a completely different cast of creatures, such as sleeping parrotfish and dancing bioluminescent organisms.

Day 8 – PULAU KUR (3 to 4 dives)

Known for its untouched dive sites, Pulau Kur offers spectacular coral gardens and underwater topographies with caves and swim-throughs. Expect to encounter abundant fish life, including schools of grunts and snappers, and the chance of seeing larger species like manta rays soaring through the water during their feeding. Macro enthusiasts will love exploring nooks and crannies for rare nudibranchs and shrimps.

Day 9 - WIRMAF — PULAU BUI (3 to 4 dives)

These islands provide fantastic diving opportunities, with diverse habitats ranging from coral gardens to deeper wall dives. The rich biodiversity offers encounters with schooling fish and pelagic species. The vertical walls are adorned with colorful sponges and barrel corals, creating a stunning backdrop for underwater photography. Known for its nutrient-rich waters, Kirkaf is a hotspot for seeing larger pelagic species and has fantastic drift diving opportunities, where divers can enjoy the thrill of being carried through schools of fish and vibrant coral structures.

Day 10 - URAN / KIRKAF (3 dives)

Nutrient-rich waters close to the West Papua coast. Dense schools of jacks, barracuda and trevallies form moving walls of silver, with reef sharks patrolling the edges and the occasional tuna hunting through the mass. The nutrient-rich waters that feed this system also sustain exceptional coral cover. Mari departs overnight toward Triton Bay.

Day 11 - TRITON BAY — WHALE SHARK BAGANS (3 dives)

Early morning arrival in Triton Bay. Working closely with local fishermen, we search for the resident whale sharks that gather beneath traditional bagan platforms. Encounters alternate between snorkeling and diving depending on positioning and depth. A defining highlight of the expedition. Afternoon navigation toward Aiduma Island.

Day 12 - AIDUMA — TRITON BAY (2 morning dives)

Known for its breathtaking underwater landscapes, Aiduma offers diverse dive sites that appeal to all divers. Here, you can encounter everything from stunning coral reefs to rugged rock formations. Marine highlights include the potential for encounters with larger pelagic species, schooling fish, and a variety of critters hiding among the coral, including mantis shrimp and ghost pipefish. Equipment is rinsed and stowed after the second dive, respecting recommended no-fly intervals before departure. Mari departs overnight toward Kaimana.

Day 13 – DISEMBARKATION KAIMANA

Following breakfast, guests disembark in Kaimana at the conclusion of one of Indonesia's great expedition crossings — from the volcanic islands and hammerhead country of the Banda Sea, through the remote transition reefs of the central archipelago, and into the whale sharks and endemic biodiversity of Triton Bay. Please prepare to leave the boat between approximately 06:00 and 12:00, depending on your onward travel schedule. Transfers to Kaimana Utarom Airport or your hotel can be arranged on request.

Please note that the above itinerary is provided as a sample outline only. It is intended to illustrate the type of experience and dive sites typically explored during this expedition. Actual routing, dive selection, and daily activities may vary from cruise to cruise. The Captain and Cruise Director will adapt the itinerary at their discretion in response to weather and sea conditions, tides and currents, regulatory requirements, national park directives, local community considerations, and — above all — to ensure the safety, comfort, and optimal experience of our guests.