Planning an Ambon diving cruise is an exciting journey into one of Indonesia’s most remote and biodiverse regions. Located at the gateway to the Banda Sea, Ambon offers access to legendary dive sites, rare marine life, and unforgettable underwater experiences best explored by liveaboard.
This guide covers everything international travelers need to know—from flights and local transport to dive highlights and cruise package details.
Flight Information – Getting to Ambon from Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK
Reaching Ambon (AMQ), the gateway to the Banda Sea, is part of the adventure when planning an Ambon diving cruise. There are currently no direct international flights to Ambon, which means all travelers must transit through one of Indonesia’s main domestic hubs.
Most international guests arrive in Indonesia via Jakarta (CGK), the country’s largest international airport, offering the widest choice of long-haul connections from Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK. From Jakarta, several daily domestic flights connect directly to Ambon.
An alternative route is via Makassar (UPG), which can be particularly convenient for travelers coming from Singapore (SIN) or Kuala Lumpur (KUL), as both cities offer direct international flights to Makassar. From there, a short domestic flight brings you to Ambon.
Well-known Indonesian airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, and Lion Air operate regular flights on the Jakarta–Ambon and Makassar–Ambon routes, ensuring flexible scheduling options.
In terms of travel time:
- Europe & UK: approximately 18–22 hours including connections
- Australia: around 10–14 hours
- US & Canada: typically 22–26 hours
For the best fares and smoother connections, booking international flights well in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak Banda Sea diving seasons.
Transportation Upon Arrival in Ambon
Upon arrival at Ambon Pattimura International Airport, guests are welcomed into a relaxed island atmosphere, far from mass tourism. The airport is small and easy to navigate, making arrivals straightforward even after a long journey.
Ground transportation options include private transfers and local taxis, both readily available at the airport. For guests joining an Ambon diving cruise package, pre-arranged airport or hotel pick-ups can be organized to ensure a seamless transition from arrival to relaxation.
Depending on your itinerary, meeting points for the diving cruise departure may be arranged at your hotel, at the airport, or at a designated harbor or docking area. Our team provides clear instructions ahead of time so that every step of your journey feels effortless.
Usually, our team picks guests up directly at the airport. For those arriving earlier, hotel pick-ups can also be arranged. We recommend The Natsepa Hotel & Resort, known for its good quality and convenient proximity to Tulehu Bay, where Jakare is moored.
Best Diving Spots in Ambon (Banda Sea)
The Banda Sea is legendary among experienced divers, and Ambon sits at the heart of this remote and pristine region. An Ambon diving itinerary offers access to some of Indonesia’s most extraordinary underwater landscapes.
Highlights include Manuk Island, famous for its volcanic slopes, strong currents, and impressive pelagic encounters, often attracting large schools of fish and sharks. Suanggi is known for its dramatic topography and rich coral coverage, while Nusa Laut offers vibrant reefs, crystal-clear waters, and exceptional marine biodiversity.
Further south, Banda Neira combines historical charm above water with spectacular diving below the surface. Steep walls, healthy hard corals, and encounters with large pelagic species make Banda Neira diving a true bucket-list experience.
Many of these locations—and other remote sites across the region—are covered in more detail in our dedicated guides to the Banda Sea and South Moluccas, as well as our curated overview of key diving spots:
- https://jakare-liveaboard.com/destination/banda-sea-south-moluccas/
- https://jakare-liveaboard.com/diving-spots/
- https://jakare-liveaboard.com/a-taste-of-the-banda-sea-cruise-2/
Several of these sites are also renowned for macro photography, revealing rare critters and fascinating small marine life hidden among the reefs.
What Creatures Will You See in Ambon?
One of the biggest draws of an Ambon diving cruise is the extraordinary diversity of marine life. Divers may encounter impressive pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and—during certain seasons—whale sharks.
Reefs and shallow areas are home to green and hawksbill turtles, large schools of fish, and iconic species like bumphead parrotfish. At the same time, Ambon is a paradise for macro enthusiasts.
From tiny nudibranchs and frogfish to ghost pipefish and flamboyant cuttlefish, the underwater world here offers exceptional opportunities for photographers seeking both wide-angle drama and detailed macro compositions.
Night Diving in Ambon
Night diving in Ambon and the Banda Sea is not only possible but highly recommended for its unique and memorable experiences. One highlight is witnessing the mating ritual of mandarin fish at sunset in Ambon Bay.
After dark, reefs come alive with fascinating macro life, including ghost pipefish, harlequin shrimp, octopuses, and sleeping reef fish. Bioluminescent organisms add an extra layer of wonder, turning each movement into a sparkle of light.
On liveaboard itineraries exploring the wider region, night dives may also include encounters with sea snakes and the anticipation of pelagic sightings during twilight hours. All night dives are carefully planned with safety as a priority, making them suitable for both confident beginners and experienced divers on a Banda Sea dive trip.
Ambon Diving / Cruise Package Overview
Our Ambon diving cruise package is designed for travelers seeking a balance of adventure, comfort, and authentic exploration. Trips typically range from several days to extended itineraries, depending on the route and season, and are operated aboard a well-equipped liveaboard with comfortable cabins and spacious common areas.
Itinerary highlights include remote dive sites in the Banda Sea, island excursions, and time to relax between dives. Packages generally include full-board meals, experienced dive guides, diving activities, and selected excursions.
Seasonal offers, group rates, or special promotions may be available depending on the time of year.
For pricing, availability, and booking details, please visit:
Our team will be happy to assist you in planning your Ambon diving adventure.
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