Expedition Biru | Banda Sea
Following Expedition Biru’s runs in Raja Ampat, Triton Bay and Misool, the next chapter takes you east into one of Indonesia’s least-explored regions. The Banda Sea: ancient volcanic islands rising from a 7,000-metre-deep basin, spice-trade ports that once reshaped global power, and reefs that still pulse with pelagic life.
Over seven days aboard the EcoXplorer phinisi, you’ll dive remote seamounts where schooling hammerheads sweep past, drop into channels visited by tuna, trevallies and the occasional marlin, and surface to volcanic islands populated by thousands of sea snakes. Pygmy blue whales are known to migrate through these waters; with luck, the bow wave is theirs.
Above the surface, this is also one of the most historically loaded stretches of ocean in the world. The Banda Islands were once the planet’s only source of nutmeg, a spice so valuable it triggered colonial wars and reshaped trade routes. The forts, plantations and quiet stone harbours of Banda Neira are walkable; the story is best told by Pak Siwaldi, a local historian who joins guests on land.
This isn’t a fixed itinerary chasing a checklist. Each day is shaped by seasons, currents, and local knowledge built over years of running expeditions in eastern Indonesia. Onboard lectures on shark conservation and reef ecology, photography mentoring sessions, and evenings spent tracing the spice trade make every surface interval an extension of the dive.
Read our blog post: The Fascinating Story of Banda Neira: From the Glory of Spices and Colonial Grip to Stunning Natural Wonders
Your Expedition Leaders, Iris & Wendy
This expedition is hosted by Wendy Mitchell and Iris Uijttewaal, the founders of Expedition Biru. Between them they bring over a decade of experience living and working in Raja Ampat and the wider eastern Indonesian archipelago, leading conservation-focused dive programs, and capturing the region’s stories through photography, design and science communication.
Their deep ties with local communities and years spent exploring Indonesia’s remotest reefs mean you’re not just joining a liveaboard, you’re joining insiders who reveal hidden dive sites, share regional history, and help you see each encounter through the lens of conservation. Expect expert guidance underwater, engaging evening workshops, and an atmosphere that feels more like a passionate community than a tour.
“My six years spent on Arborek, a tiny island in the heart of the archipelago, are testament to my love for this region. Everything here feels vividly alive; the coral reefs, the rich culture, even the skies painting stunning sunsets and sunrises. It’s unbeatable.”
Iris Uijttewaal
“Cruise directing a liveaboard in this region taught me more than just its dive sites, it gave me a language, friendships, and a deep love for this place. Sharing it with others comes naturally, and I hope it inspires people to protect what’s beneath the surface.”
Wendy Mitchell
Expedition Biru: Empowering Local Women in Eastern Indonesia
Often described as one of the last strongholds of thriving coral reefs, Raja Ampat and the wider Banda Sea remain extraordinary. They aren’t immune to change: warming seas are visible in coral stress, shifting fish populations, and fewer large pelagics. In response, every Expedition Biru voyage directly funds opportunities for young local women to enter the dive industry and marine conservation sector.
The program provides PADI dive certifications and structured dive internships, equipping participants with internationally recognised qualifications, practical experience, and ongoing mentorship. Expedition Biru collaborates exclusively with women-owned dive operators, and all training is delivered by female instructors, creating role models while ensuring financial support flows back into women in the industry.
Over the past year, Persila and Pinjalin, two young women from Arborek, have completed their PADI Open Water certifications and are about to begin their Advanced Open Water training. Watching their confidence grow underwater has been one of the program’s proudest milestones. They’re already inspiring others on the island to follow in their footsteps. Each booking on this expedition increases the program’s capacity to train more women, equip them with dive gear, and continue long-term mentorship once the course is complete.
The Phinisi: EcoXplorer Liveaboard
The EcoXplorer is a traditionally built phinisi liveaboard, thoughtfully refitted into a comfortable expedition vessel. It accommodates up to 12 guests across 5 cabins (one Sea View with queen + bunk, Deluxe cabins with mixed queen / bunk configurations, and cozier Standard bunk cabins), all with private en-suite bathrooms, hot water, and air-conditioning.
Social areas include an indoor multifunctional salon for dining and briefings, plus a generous outdoor deck with panoramic views for relaxing between dives or unwinding at sunset. Fresh meals are prepared daily by the onboard chef. The vessel is supported by two tenders for dive operations and shore excursions, and features a dedicated dive deck with ample gear space, a camera-friendly setup, and Starlink internet at sea.
EcoXplorer also directly supports the EcoNusa Foundation’s social initiatives, including access to healthcare and education for remote and underserved communities in eastern Indonesia. Read the full liveaboard profile.
Diving the Banda Sea
Schooling hammerheads cruise the deep water around Manuk, an active volcano whose crater is alive with sea snakes. The wall sites and macro belt around Banda Neira balance the pelagic action with rhinopias, cuttlefish, and seahorses, and the Forgotten Islands further south deliver remote reefs with almost no boat traffic. Conditions favour advanced divers: currents can be strong, water sits at 27-30°C, visibility runs 15-40m. September–October is the peak window for hammerhead aggregations at Manuk.
Inclusions
- Approximately 18 dives
- All meals, unlimited water, coffee and tea
- Airport transfers
- Starlink internet
- History tour on Banda Neira with local historian Pak Siwaldi
- Visit to a nutmeg plantation
- Visit to Fort Belgica
- Shark conservation lecture
- Banda Islands history lecture
- Underwater photography mentoring
- Shared folder of underwater and topside trip photos
Exclusions
- International flights
- National park and conservation fees
- Dive gear rental
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Tips for the crew
- Travel and dive insurance
- Visa fees
