Have you been looking to take a diving vacation to Indonesia’s remotest areas -- the Banda Sea and Raja Ampat? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the choices? Should you choose land-based or liveaboard? What are the best times of year to visit Raja Ampat? How can you ensure the easiest trip? What if you have a non-diving travel companion? We can answer all those questions for you at Reef & Rainforest.

Raja Ampat, with the highest fish count in the world, should be on every Indo Pacific diver’s bucket list. Traveling to Raja Ampat can have its challenges, but traveling by liveaboard can get you there with no hassle at all. Liveaboards head north through the Banda Sea in October and November and return to the south in April. The trips across the Banda Sea are limited as they are transition trips, so plan ahead!

As you steam north to Ambon, a critter-rich location you will stop at “Sea Snake Island” where hundreds of snakes come out to greet and swim with divers. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love stopping over on the island of Banda Neira. Once the center of the Dutch and Portuguese Spice Trade dating back to the early 1600’s, the island is now a virtually inaccessible outpost. For the die-hard diver, the Mandarinfish mating under the ferry pier is a must-see. As you continue north you will dive the waters of Misool, a protected marine area thriving with healthy reefs.

There are over 50 liveaboards in Indonesia with most of them doing all the different itineraries. Our favorite boats know the area well and have been operating dive cruises to this remote area for over 10 years. Dive Damai I and Dive Damai II offer comfort with limited passenger numbers and single occupancy cabins. These vessels are also very photographer-friendly with large camera rooms. The Arenui is a work of art in itself with its wooden detailing and decorative touches. Aboard, you will experience a fully-equipped dive boat with the comforts of a luxury boutique hotel. Dewi Nusantara offers as close to a five star diving experience as you can get in the far corners of Indonesia. This liveaboard has so much space everywhere you go from bow to stern.

From mimic octopuses to mantas, Raja Ampat has it all. Many liveaboards offer Banda Sea crossing itineraries as well as Raja Ampat North and South itineraries. There is something for everyone, so pick a time of year and give Reef & Rainforest a call at 1-800-794-9767 to discuss the best trip for you! Reef & Rainforest / [email protected]