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Ambon Island in Maluku
Dive into the heart of Indonesia’s critter capital
What you need to know about Ambon
Ambon Island, located in the Maluku province of Indonesia, is a hidden gem for divers seeking unique and diverse marine life. Known as the "critter capital" of Indonesia, Ambon offers an underwater paradise filled with an array of macro life, vibrant coral reefs, and intriguing muck diving sites. The island's diverse dive sites provide opportunities to encounter everything from colorful nudibranchs and frogfish to larger pelagics and fascinating shipwrecks.
Diving in Ambon is characterized by excellent visibility and warm waters, making it a great destination for both novice and experienced divers. The muck diving here is particularly renowned, with divers flocking to sites like Laha and the Twilight Zone to discover rare and exotic species. The coral reefs are equally impressive, offering stunning underwater landscapes teeming with life.
For non-divers, Ambon Island offers a variety of activities. Explore the island’s rich history by visiting historical forts, museums, and traditional markets. The scenic beaches and lush, mountainous landscapes provide perfect settings for hiking, bird watching, and simply relaxing by the water. Snorkeling is also an excellent option, allowing non-divers to experience the vibrant marine life close to the shore.
Interesting facts about Ambon Island
Getting there: The best way to reach Ambon Island is by liveaboard, which provides access to the best dive sites. Alternatively, you can fly into Pattimura Airport and take a short drive to your accommodation or the dive operators.
Best time to visit Ambon Island: The ideal time for diving in Ambon is from September to April when water temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) and visibility is optimal.
Diving Conditions: Ambon offers a mix of muck diving, coral reefs, and wrecks. Depths range from 5 to 40 meters (16 to 131 feet) with mild currents, suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Our liveaboard trips: Many liveaboards include Ambon in their itineraries, often combining it with other Maluku highlights like the Banda Islands. Trips typically last 7-10 days, providing a comprehensive diving experience.
A little known fact: Ambon Island is home to the Ambon scorpionfish, a rare and fascinating species that perfectly camouflages itself among the rubble and coral, making it a prized sighting for macro photographers.
Pictures of Ambon
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