Pindito: Banda Sea, 11 nights

Roam the vast expanse of the Banda Sea, where the Dutch once took over the Portuguese colony in a bloody fight. Many remains of the colonies are still left to be discovered. Uncover the mysteries of the intriguing world of marine life and get ready for views like you have never seen before. The Banda Sea is in the heart of Indonesia, while still maintaining that off the beaten path feel, best explored by liveaboard.

The diving here is very diverse and spectacular. As these volcanic islands rise up to the surface surrounded by deep-sea water, the chances for sightings of large pelagics are good. That’s what makes this area so thrilling; you never know what’s around the corner.

Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.

Right at the shores of the village Ahmed, a vibrant reef-scape of miraculous coral gardens and an abundance of fish wait for you in Nusa Laut. Schools of surgeon fish, big eye jacks, and a crazy quilt of reef fish that go with barracudas guarantee a heart-stopping show and a divers dream come true. If you’re lucky you can even see otherworldly hammerhead sharks. Prepare to be amazed when you embark on a quest to spot critters. Frogfish, scorpion fish, pipefish and many other exotic creatures hidden in the white sand.

Banda Neira is the main island of the “Banda Islands”, which are part of the Maluku archipelago. The “Banda Islands” consists of 10 small volcanic islands. Visit the old fortress of the Dutchman on Banda Neira, or climb a volcano can all be part of our program. Over 20 years ago lava flowed into the sea and formed a hard coral garden in this “short time”.

The reefs here excel through their unique underwater fauna in all colors and shapes. Large schools pass by and the macro world is ever present. With a little luck at dusk dives, the mating ritual of the mandarin fish can be observed. The coral gardens in the lava units with their 5-meter-wide plate corals are just a small sample of what you can see here.

A famous dive site which the Pindito lovingly calls “S**t place”. Everything a diver could wish for can be seen in this canal, which flows towards the Banda Sea. It guarantees a unique school of fish spectacle; Giant groupers, large Schools Barracudas, snapper, surgeon fish, sweet lips in the midst of beautiful coral. Many photographers are overwhelmed at this place, because you often do not know where to look first and. The sometimes violent currents cannot guarantee the best visibility, but it is a big chance to see large fish such as manta rays, sharks and even mobulas.

Diving in the endless maze of the islands of Misool is a very special treat for any diving career. It is paradise for macro enthusiasts, but encounters with larger fish such as manta rays are often possible. Misool is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world with fish, corals, sponges, soft corals, shrimps, crabs and countless nudibranchs and other invertebrates. Huge shoals of sardines are a definite highlight. Soft corals and sea fans (diameter of 3-4 meters) in all sizes and colors dominate the underwater landscape.

One of Pindito’s special places is called “Vrenelies Gärtli”. It is a legendary dive site that has it all, because of its very diverse landscape. Overhangs, huge caverns with swim throughs, lush steep walls with all kinds of corals are found here.

There is also plenty to do on land. With a unique speedboat ride you will explore the beautiful scenery. Crystal clear, turquoise water awaits you as well as a variety of exotic tropical plants such as orchids and even carnivorous plants.

The Dampier Straight separates the “Birdshead” Peninsula from Waigeo and Mansuar. The name comes from Dutch colonial times. It refers to the shape of the peninsula on the map, but it is also a paradise for many rare bird species.

Here the Pacific Ocean meets the Halmahera Sea, with an explosion of marine life as consequence. With regular strong currents, big fish feel especially comfortable. Manta rays, reef sharks, different schools of mackerel, tuna and barracuda are seen again and again.

Even dolphins and whales (Bryde’s whales, pilot whales) keep spending time in the Dampier straight. Since May 2011, we offer a special Whale-Macro tour that combines the macro-diving with whale and dolphin watching. This tour is accompanied by a marine expert in whale and dolphin behavior.