20% off Blue Manta’s 9-day Banda Sea liveaboard, October 2026
20% off Blue Manta’s Ambon return, 3 to 11 October 2026. 9 days, 8 nights, up to 22 dives, Ambon to Ambon, with 22 guests at most on board.
Available cabins and price
- Deluxe ensuite cabin, main deck, double or twin: only 2 spots left – USD 3,920 / EUR 3,440 per person, instead of USD 4,900 / EUR 4,295
The diving
Three dives a day, because the dives run deep and the islands are far apart. The trip opens with muck diving in Ambon Bay, then crosses overnight to the Banda Islands for two days of walls, hard coral and dense fish life, with a stop ashore on one of the Spice Islands. Four days follow among the volcanic islands and seamounts of the Ring of Fire: sea snakes, big schools of fish, reef sharks, tuna and the search for scalloped hammerheads.
October is one of the best months for hammerheads in the Banda Sea. They school deep and move, so they are a good chance on this trip, not a promise. Our Banda Sea liveaboard guide covers the seasons and the other routes.
Conditions
Mid-September to early December is the second Banda season. The water sits at 26 to 28°C, and upwellings can drop it to 25°C at this time of year. Visibility is usually 20 to 30 metres. The operator asks for intermediate to advanced divers. Blue Manta only rents 3 mm shorties, so bring your own wetsuit if you feel the cold.
Day by day
- Day 1. Pickup from Pattimura Airport or your Ambon hotel from 10:00, ten minutes to the boat at Laha Bay. Arrive before midday and there is time for check dives in Ambon Bay before Blue Manta sails at 14:00 for the overnight crossing. If your flight lands after 13:00, fly in the day before. 0 to 2 dives.
- Days 2 and 3. The Banda Islands: clear water, strong coral cover and a lot of fish, with a chance of hammerheads, plus a visit ashore to one of the Spice Islands. 3 dives a day.
- Days 4 to 7. The Ring of Fire, the volcanic islands and seamounts of the Banda Sea: sea snakes, big schools of fish, reef sharks, tuna and other pelagics, and the search for hammerheads. 3 dives a day.
- Day 8. Hukurila Cave and Molana, with the last dive ending by noon. Then the sail back to Ambon for a last night on board, time to wash and dry your gear, and the 18-hour gap before flying. 2 dives.
- Day 9. Check-out between 05:00 and 10:00 after a light breakfast, then the transfer to your hotel or Pattimura Airport.
Blue Manta’s own sample itinerary. Sites and the order they are dived in change with weather, current and the group, and the cruise leader decides on the day. A bonus night dive is sometimes added.
What is included
- Transfers between Pattimura Airport or a local Ambon hotel and the boat, on the first and last day
- All nights on board
- All meals, Western and Indonesian, snacks, coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Towels, toiletries and cabin service
- 12-litre tanks, weights and belt
- Six dive guides: one instructor and five divemasters
- Up to 22 dives
Not included
- Marine park and harbour fees, USD 250 per person, paid with the balance
- Fuel surcharge, USD 300 per person, paid with the balance
- Single occupancy on request, USD 980 more (20% of the original price), subject to availability
- Flights and hotels
- Dive and travel insurance, mandatory
- Nitrox, USD 20 per diving day or USD 7 per fill
- Equipment rental, USD 50 per diving day for a full set if paid in advance, otherwise priced per item
- Alcohol, satellite Wi-Fi, massage and laundry
About Blue Manta
View full boat page →An experience of a lifetime awaits you onboard the magnificent Blue Manta liveaboard. The Blue Manta liveaboard fully equipped to take you on a fascinating diving adventure in the magical waters of Indonesia. Its stable, spacious, and safe.
The Blue Manta is one of the largest purpose-built BKI CLASS dive vessels in the region, 45m (148 ft) by 9m (29 ft), steel hulled, taking up to 22 guests. The 14 en-suite cabins average 20sqm (200sf) each. There is an open alfresco dining area outside and an air-conditioned dining room inside.
The Blue Manta liveaboard well-equipped with safety facilities and cruises at 9 knots, with maximum comfort and safety in mind. Additionally, its steel hull makes it an ideal vessel for long-haul cruises and blue water crossing trips.
Stability
The steel hull is built for heavy sea conditions and is steadier than a wooden boat. At 9m wide and 550 tons, she holds her line in swell.
Reliability
Built for seaworthiness, the Blue Manta operates on twin engines and is an ultimate dive vessel for long-haul cruises and blue water crossing trips. She is dependable for comfort, convenience, and a stress-free dive holiday.
Exclusivity
Blue Manta will take up to 22 guests. There’re 14 beautiful furnished en-suite cabins. Each room average 20sqm (200sf) in size comprising of single cabins and twin/double cabins.
- 6 cabins on the upper deck with window
- 4 cabins on the main deck with window
- 4 cabins on below deck with a port hole
Photographers Dream Boat
The Blue Manta equipped with camera-friendly facilities and designed for the most avid underwater photographers. Individual Rinse Tanks, Wide Outdoor Worktable, Indoor Dry Camera Room, Blow-dry Stations, Small dive groups (4 photographers: 1 guide)
Wi-Fi at Sea
The Wi-Fi connected via Satellite and with a 24/7 Wi-Fi connection, you can connect with your family and friends anytime, anywhere.
Enquire About This Deal
Any question, special request or custom itinerary, we reply within 24hrs.
