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Cruises
Biodiversity Cruise

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Discover the worlds most exotic shores

From volcanic island chain in the Banda sea to the vast dry grasslands of Flores to the vibrant coral reefs of the legendary Raja Ampat, this cruise is all about unique discoveries. Seeing both the reef and topside view change from flat grasslands to towering limestone island formations is one of the many treats this cruise has to offer. Known to be home of the rarest species on earth that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet, this mysterious archipelago is a truly moving experience for every passionate diver. Be it vibrant coral reefs, colorful seahorses and imposing mammals such as whales and dolphins, this epic trip guarantees diversity above and below water.

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.

Get ready to explore

Get an impression of where your bucket list might take you

© copyright by Hergen Spalink & Kerri Bingham, gotmuck
© copyright by Hergen Spalink & Kerri Bingham, gotmuck
© copyright by Hergen Spalink & Kerri Bingham, gotmuck
© copyright by Hergen Spalink & Kerri Bingham, gotmuck
© copyright by Hergen Spalink & Kerri Bingham, gotmuck
© copyright by Hergen Spalink & Kerri Bingham, gotmuck
© copyright by Hergen Spalink & Kerri Bingham, gotmuck
© copyright by Hergen Spalink & Kerri Bingham, gotmuck
© copyright by Hergen Spalink & Kerri Bingham, gotmuck
© copyright by Hergen Spalink & Kerri Bingham, gotmuck

Click on the marks to see frequently visited stop overs

  • Maumere & Alor
  • Seroea & Manuk
  • Banda Neira
  • Koon
  • Misool
  • Dampier Straight

Maumere & Alor

The port of Maumere is an amazing and diverse dive area. Discover various pipefish and seahorses, frogfish, scorpion fish, countless colorful nudibranchs, as well as barracuda and batfish. The Pindito crew calls this dive site “blue water muck diving”!
For lovers of lush vegetation Alor cliffs and slopes offer great variety. Mainly pipefish and nudibranchs of all colors move about here. The north coast of Alor has much current and you can expect plenty of big fish. The west coast of Wetar offers beautiful places with drop-offs, colorful reefs and many fish. From the top of the reef until well into the depths is a seemingly endless growth in all shapes, colors and sizes to be admired. Since very few divers visit this area it is very untouched and attracts mainly schools of large fish.

Seroea & Manuk

Seroea, another volcano rising from the Banda Sea is situated far into open sea. Darwin might have run his research on evolution here as well. Despite lower biodiversity on land, the walls below the sea are amazing. The night dive surprises many with shrimp and crabs. Especially the shy Saron shrimp can be observed frequently. Sharks, mackerels, tunas and barracudas are seen in the blue.

A highlight is the Snake Island Gunung Api. Here in 2008, the second part of the movie “Edi’s paradise” was filmed. During night dives it is especially exciting to watch the snakes. Called the snake island simply because in one dive you can encounter hundreds of banded sea kraits.

Banda Neira

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.

Koon

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.

Misool

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.

Dampier Straight

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.

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Our next cruises

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