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Banda Sea 2027

Forgotten Islands Liveaboard Expedition
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Overview

Quick Facts

Dates: 20th - 28th October 2027

Duration: 8 nights/9 Days

Fly in: Saumlaki (SXK)

Fly out: Ambon (AMQ)

Type of trip: Women's Only Liveaboard Expedition

Group size: 20

Dive Experience: Min 50 dives, AOWD or equivalent

We’re taking adventure to a whole new level aboard the brand new Blue Pearl, a stunning, ultra luxury liveaboard designed for divers who want both epic experiences AND beautiful comfort. This isn’t just another trip, it’s an untouched escape to one of the most remote and wild corners of the planet!

Join us as we explore the Forgotten Islands of the Banda Sea, where dramatic coral walls, dramatic volcanic seamounts and pelagic highways meet. We'll have the chance of witnessing schooling scalloped hammerheads, breathtaking encounters with blue whales passing through their migration route and some of the worlds most pristine coral reefs. All while cruising aboard the gorgeous new Blue Pearl, your home for the most unforgettable dive expedition of your life.

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minimum Dive Requirements

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The Banda Sea Forgotten Islands Expedition is best suited to experienced, confident divers due to its remote location and exposed seamount diving. Divers should have a minimum of 50 logged dives and feel comfortable in blue water and and moderate to strong currents, which are common around the region’s volcanic pinnacles and offshore reefs.

A PADI Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) and Nitrox certification is required, with a minimum of 50 logged dives. Conditions can vary and sites are often far offshore, so strong buoyancy control, situational awareness and comfort in open ocean environments are essential. In return, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most pristine reefs and thrilling marine life encounters Indonesia has to offer!

Water temperatures typically range between 26–29°C (79–84°F), with visibility often exceeding 20–30 metres (65–100+ ft).

our floating home

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The brand new Blue Pearl is one of Indonesia’s most exciting luxury liveaboards, purpose built for divers who want both high-end comfort and true expedition adventure. Designed with sleek, modern finishes and spacious communal areas, she offers the perfect balance of style and functionality, created by divers, for divers.

All cabins feature air conditioning and private ensuite bathrooms with hot water, ensuring comfort after long days exploring remote reefs. Onboard amenities include a spacious dive deck, dedicated camera centre, spa and gym area. Between dives, relax in the beautifully designed lounge and dining areas or soak up the endless Banda Sea views from the sun deck and whirlpool.

Please note that this is a brand new vessel and we don't yet have photos of cabins and inside areas.

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Day 1

20th October 2027
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Arrival in Indonesia

Exact time TBC: Board the Blue Pearl in Saumlaki in the afternoon. After a comprehensive safety and expedition briefing, we set sail towards the northwest.

Late Afternoon: A check dive at a sheltered site to ensure all gear is suitable and functioning perfectly.

Evening: Welcome dinner as we begin our journey into the remote wilderness.

PLEASE WAIT FOR US TO CONFIRM ALL ARRIVAL INFO WITH BLUE PEARL BEFORE MAKING ANY TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS - THIS IS A BRAND NEW BOAT AND EXACT DETAILS ARE STILL TBC

Day 2 - 8

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Let's go diving!

The diving day has a typical schedule as follows:

● 06:00 Wake up call

● 06:30 - 07:00 Light breakfast followed by a briefing and Dive 1

● 08:30 Full breakfast, relaxation period

● 10:30 Briefing and Dive 2

● 12:30 Lunch, relaxation period

● 14:30 Briefing and Dive 3

● 16:00 Snack, relaxation period

● 19:00 Dinner

(If we offer a sunset or night dive, the schedule will be slightly amended.)

The exact route that we will take through the Forgotten Islands will be confirmed nearer the time, the islands may include:

  • Tanimbar Islands

  • Larat

  • Fordate

  • Marsela

  • Wetan

  • Babar Islands

  • Babar Island

  • Dawera

  • Dawelor

  • Sermata Islands

  • Suanggi

  • Manuk

  • Banda Islands

Day 9

28th October 2027
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Disembark & Goodbyes!

Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast on board as the vessel docks in Ambon.

After Breakfast: Disembark at Ambon. Transfer to Ambon Airport (AMQ) for your flight home, marking the end of an unforgettable journey from the edge of the map!

Included

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8 nights/9 days full board accommodation

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3 meals a day and snacks for every full day onboard

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Unlimited drinking water, tea and instant coffee

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4 guided dives a day (except the last diving day), 2-3 night dives

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12 litre cylinder with air fills. Reef Hooks, SMB and GPS upon request

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Nitrox on all dives

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Two-way transfers strictly between the airports/ports and Blue Pearl

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An array of activities such as cocktail party, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking etc

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Laundry and unlimited wifi available onboard

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A wonderful GTS Host during the trip and for pre-trip support

Not Included

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International and domestic flights

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Visa's - please check the visa requirements from your country

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Marine Park and Port Fee's - exact amount confirmed nearer the time, estimate amount $250 USD to be paid onboard

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Alcohol and soft drinks available to buy onboard

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Equipment and 15 litre tanks available to rent onboard

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Tips are not compulsory in Indonesia, but we recommend $300-$500 USD to be distributed between all crew

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Spa treatments can be booked and paid for onboard

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Dive and Travel Insurance are both compulsory

is this trip right for you?

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New to Girls that Scuba trips? Find out more about our trips and the respect and openness we ask for on these experiences as well as any requirements. Read our full Girls that Scuba Trips Community Norms and FAQs here. 

This 9 day expedition is designed for experienced divers who want a dive-focused itinerary in a remote, world class destination. With up to four dives per day, we’ll be exploring offshore seamounts, walls and reefs in open ocean conditions. Divers must be comfortable with blue water entries, deeper dive profiles, moderate to strong currents at times and multiple consecutive diving days. Strong buoyancy control, good air consumption and confidence in varied conditions are essential.

This is a diving trip first and foremost, combined with the signature Girls That Scuba community atmosphere and the comfort of a luxury liveaboard. Expect full dive days, detailed briefings and a schedule built around maximising time underwater, balanced with relaxed evenings, shared meals and connection onboard the beautiful Blue Pearl.

Accommodation is in shared cabins with one other female roommate. Girls That Scuba group trips are known for being supportive, fun, and welcoming, whether you arrive solo or with a buddy. If you’d like a better feel for the vibe, we encourage you to read our reviews to hear directly from women who’ve joined us before.