12D Banda Sea via Raja Ampat and Misool Expedition Cruise, Nov 2026

12 days

Please note, trip price starts at USD6900 (-10% for non-divers), plus extras. Australian dollar prices are estimated based on USD0.65 = AUD1.00. Actual trip price will be adjusted for exchange rate at the time of final payment. Alternatively, we can accept USD payments on enquiry.

Blue Whales & the best of the Coral Triangle and Banda Sea

This particular trip begins in Raja Ampat and crosses the Seram Sea via Misool. The island of Misool is world famous as the fourth in the 'four kings' that make up Raja Ampat. It's a place of reef, caves, rock art and ancient history.

Our journey takes us through some of the best locations in this region, as we pass between two epic destinations.

The Banda Sea is a place of myths and legends, pirates and sea monsters. It was the centre of a bloody spice trade for thousands of years. Oceanic processes drive climate worldwide, with sweeping currents emanating from depths that challenge the height of Everest. From the bottom of the Weber Deep to the summit of Mount Binaiya, the highest peak on the island of Seram, is an elevation of over 10,000m.

On each trip we will visit the ‘forgotten’ Spice Islands to learn about the colonial history we share with them and explore some spectacular snorkel-dive locations nearby.  It was the centre of the spice trade for thousands of years. Archaeologists may have found recent evidence of villages from long before Dutch rule, where Bahasa Tana (language of the Earth) may have been spoken. It is a sacred language only sung in rituals. Sadly this ancient culture was all but lost at the hands of the Dutch East India company.

About the trip

On this expedition cruise we will live aboard the luxurious Pindito with one of the region's most experienced crews. You will see and experience marine life like you’ve never done before. Winds are traditionally low during this, the doldrum season. Also, it’s at the peak of Blue Whale activity, before they begin their migration south to Australia.

About

  • Transfers from/to airport or hotel to/from the MV Pindito
  • Accommodation in a double or twin bed cabin with en-suite shower bath, toilet and individual air-conditioning
  • Full board including all drinks on board (excluding wine)
  • Daily 2-3 snorkels/dives. If diving, NITROX is included, as well as all air fills and weights.
  • Expert guides.
  • All offered land excursions
  • Full service VIP travel support from start to end (limited to flights that we book on your behalf).

  • Park and other local fees (estimated at USD200)
  • Airport taxes for domestic flights and departure fees (payable at the airport - currently ~USD 35)
  • Tips for the crew (discretionary but normally recommended at per guest/day USD 20.00)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Insurance for divers (mandatory for all cruises)
  • Harbour fees (USD80)*
  • Fuel surcharge (USD200)*
  • Any items of a personal nature e.g. souvenirs.

*Note, we prefer to collect the fuel surcharge and harbour fees upfront (these are added for you to select on checkout when you pay your deposit). Remaining extras can be paid on board at the end of the trip. For budgeting purposes, the total cost of all extras usually comes to about AUD1,000 or USD680.

Flying around Indonesia is quite simple. We often arrive and depart from places you won’t have heard of but they are usually well-serviced airports nevertheless. We have a local travel agent we use for domestic flights so they can reschedule any changes for us, in the local language. Foreign travel agents often struggle with booking and are rather helpless when things go wrong. For international flights it’s usually a case of arriving in either Bali or Jakarta but that depends on connections at the time. We are able to advise on all of this and make bookings, if you need. Before our trips everything will be planned for you, so you simply have to turn up with nothing much to think about, other than enjoying your holiday with us.

About The Host

Itinerary

Location

Things to keep in mind

Reservation Request Terms

Please note, this is a $0.00 deposit reservation.

After you submit this Reservation Request we will send you a complete copy of our standard travel Terms and Conditions to review and acknowledge that you have received and understood these terms. We will also send you an invoice for 20% of the tour price, which will become a non-refundable deposit. Once that is paid, your trip will be confirmed.

**Until you have heard from us and your trip is confirmed, please do not book any flights or make any other related travel arrangements.**