Emperor Raja Laut Itinerary

Alor and Banda Sea (MOF - AMQ) 12N

13 days / 12 nights

About Emperor Raja Laut

  • Well-equipped dive deck, two tenders and free nitrox to provide hassle-free diving
  • Luxury, comfort and modern facilities combined with traditional charm
  • Land excursions, kayaking and thrilling water sports on offer
  • Dive Indonesia’s best destinations including Raja Ampat, Komodo, Banda, Flores and Alor

Onboard the world-class Emperor Raja Laut you’ll experience sheer walls, deep waters, underwater volcanoes and teeming coral reefs in search of large pelagics, sharks, mantas and more. Back onboard, you’ll relax in gorgeous indoor spaces and breezy outdoor decks after an incredible day of diving and land excursions. And, with a huge dive deck, two tenders and free nitrox on offer, Emperor Raja Laut is the perfect choice for exploring Raja Ampat and Komodo with total ease and comfort.

Learn more about Emperor Raja Laut

Itinerary details

13 days / 12 nights
Up to 32
Advanced Open Water - Minimum 50 dives
Required

Highlights

  • One-way itinerary roaming from Alor through the Banda Sea
  • Dive reefs with exceptional biodiversity in the heart of the Coral Triangle
  • Swim with hundreds of sea snakes of the very remote Manuk Island
  • Explore the Banda Sea's swim-throughs and deep walls
  • Encounter hammerheads at current-swept sites such as Nil Desperandum 
  • Dive the world-class muck diving sites of Ambon
  • Enjoy Ambon’s world-class muck diving and spot the psychedelic frogfish
  • Land visit to the 17th century Fort Belgica on Banga Neira
  • Chance of hammerheads, thresher sharks, and even mola mola in Alor

Day 1: Maumere
Arrive at Maumere to a warm welcome and set sail.

Day 2: Kelimutu Volcano Lake Excursion
Coloured lakes within the three calderas of a long dormant volcano are on impressive display at the Kelimutu volcano, an otherworldly series of geologic cauldrons. The twisting road to the summit winds through incredible forests and mountain streams.

Day 3: North Lembata
Snorkel the extensive reef complex of Bacatan or dive at the western end for its spectacular deep dropoff. Trek or bike along a country lane between two villages in Lewoto. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board before departing North Lembata for an overnight
crossing to Alor.

Day 4: Pantar & Alor
Arrive at Alor, home to many picturesque fishing villages and surrounded by clear water and vibrant coral reefs which are a must- visit for divers and snorkelers alike. Centuries-old tradition comes to life in the traditional dance performances by the friendly Abui Tribe. Sail overnight to Wetar.

Day 5: Wetar (Forgotten Islands)
There is plenty to do and see along this rarely visited rugged coastline of Wetar, which features impressive wall dives to meet sharks, schools of pelagic fishes, majestic manta and mobular rays. Other activities includes fishing and trekking. On this largest island of the Forgotten Islands, experience local life with traditions unchanged for decades.

Day 6: Romang, Nyata, Telang (Forgotten Islands)
Dive around Nyata island in search of hammerhead sharks and rays. Romang and Nyata are not part of a National Park, therefore it is possible to fish here, both on the water and under the surface. Cruise south towards Telang for snorkelling and kayaking adventures. Spot rare silver-tip sharks here.

Day 7: Damar
The ship arrives in Damar by day break. Trek the active volcanoes of Damar or kayak on a lagoon at Terbang Seletan when tides are favourable. Swim or snorkel next to the dazzling white sandy shore fringed by a shallow coral reef at Nusleur.

Day 8: Dawera & Daweloor
Diving around both islands are great and fairly easy, featuring gentle currents, spectacular walls and flat reefs. Bike through islands and elevated settlements on Daweloor. Spend a leisurely evening on the islands’ white sand beaches bordered by beautiful coral reefs.

Day 9: Serua Island
A playground for snorkelers and divers alike, Serua Island showcases an impressive array of reefs, walls and incredible soft coral spots. Schools of fish thrive around her and there is always the chance of spotting hammerhead sharks.

Day 10: Pulau Manuk
Savour a sunrise breakfast on board against the backdrop of the 300-metre tall cliffs of Pulau Manuk, a volcanic island rising 3 kilometres from the seabed. This is a haven for fish-hunting birds, as well as sea snakes and reef sharks flocking to enjoy the area’s underwater thermal springs. After sundown, cruise northwards to Pulau Run, a historic island traded by the British for Manhattan in 1667.

Day 11: Banda Islands & Banda Neira
Approach the Banda Islands as the sun rises, greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes when the boat enters the harbour. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Belgica on Banda Neira, which was the most hotly contested island in the world in the 16th and 17th centuries. Learn about the colourful story of the Old World spice trade.

Day 12: Pulau Run
Arrive at Pulau Run, the westernmost of the Banda Islands, at sunrise. Swim, fish, snorkel and dive in the crystal-clear waters, or go on village tours, trekking and birding. Attempt to search for the ruins of an old British fort before arriving at a pristine beach where a cocktail party awaits.

Day 13: Ambon
Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark after breakfast for your outbound flight.

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.

Transfer details

Departure

11:00am

Maumere

Maumere Airport: MOF

Return

12:00pm

Ambon

Pattimura International Airport: AMQ

Choose your trip