Here is my trip report for Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea with Pindito. In the end, one of the earliest and furthest northern cyclones to ever develop in the Arafura Sea (channelling strong winds from the northwest) didn’t detract from our trip’s enjoyment. By implementing the ‘flexible itinerary’ rule, we were able to stay ahead of unseasonal winds. This made for another memorable trip into this extraordinary part of the world.
Read the full trip report here
Amazing whale and dolphins
Looking back over the journey we’re reminded of just how much we saw and did. Certainly this is one of the best I’d ever done for cetaceans. The incredible views of rare and enigmatic Pygmy Sperm Whale will probably never be matched again in my lifetime. Also, to see both Omura’s Whales ands Bryde’s Whales is unusual. I don’t think we’ve had either on a Banda trip before.
Misool and love lagoon
Misool delivered wonderful experiences as always. Hoards of Bumphead Parrotfish were seen by everyone. Also, perhaps one of the fishiest snorkel/dives ever at the famous Whale Rock site. Our time in Raja Ampat was topped off with drinks on the beach. We were serenaded by Raka’s amazing singing while being circled by Black-tipped Reef Sharks. And we climbed to ‘love lagoon’ past flowering Pitcher Plants for a scenic sunset view over the archipelago.
The Spice Islands and Banda Neira
Then it was off to Banda Neira and the Spice Islands. One evening we were sailing into the sun as it set over the islands’ active volcano, Gunung Api. The next morning we were snorkelling and diving over the extensive and dense coral gardens at ‘lava flow’, grown since the eruption in 1989. That afternoon we were sipping cinnamon tea in a nutmeg plantation, hosted by the lovely Bakri and learning about the island’s history. What a privilege to visit such a spectacular and remote place that had such an impact on any European’s lives.
Rare wildlife encounters
Then there was the evening watching thousands of Red-footed Boobies descend on their breeding islands. The bow-riding Fraser’s Dolphins (very unusual) and two Abbott’s Boobies (a rarity in this part of the world). The confiding Hawksbill Turtles, stunning reef plateaus and of course, the wonderful company and hospitality of the Pindito crew made for the most enjoyable time.
Even the final days, as disrupted as they seemed (we reached Ambon a day early), delivered special sightings like Giant Frogfish … a rare find at the best of times but seen by both snorkelers and divers! Ambon is one of the most famous dive sites in the world and everyone quickly racked up views of animals like Robust Ghost Pipefish, Ribbon Eels, various exquisite nudibranchs and a massive variety of moray eels.
All in all a wonderful trip. As always made possible by a combination of stunning nature, a bit of good fortune, some careful planning and the good spirits of all our lovely guests.
Find out more about our trips here: https://wildiaries-travel.com/
