Explore Ambon
In Eastern Indonesia lies Ambon, an island in Maluku once famous for its role in the spice trade. Ambon today, has become world-renowned for having some of the best muck diving on the planet. Rival to the silty black-sand sites at Lembeh, the discovery of the psychedelic frogfish, found only in Ambon Bay, has set the two locations apart. Aside from the psychedelic frogfish, the rare Ambon scorpionfish and Halimeda ghost pipefish are also known to the area if you are keen-eyed enough to spot them!
Search for weird and wacky creatures from the north coast in Ambon Bay or take a break from critter hunting and head to the south coast to explore caves and reefs. Ambon diving is great for novice divers, where calm conditions mean easy dives, while aspiring underwater photographers can enroll in macro photography dive courses.
Scuba diving in Ambon is possible from a few dive resorts and dive centres yet, most visitors decide to delve into the waters via liveaboards. This way, divers can enjoy diving the Ambon region along with the incredible Banda Islands, where current-swept sites, cetaceans, and an astounding abundance of fish await.
Top Ambon Dive Sites
1. Laha
Laha, located in Ambon Bay, is renowned for its rich macro marine life. Divers can encounter frogfish, shrimpfish, and mandarin fish. The site is suitable for scuba diving at an easy adventure level. Special features include a sandy slope and a jetty with diverse marine life.
2. Rhino City
Notable for the rare weedy rhinopia, Rhino City offers a fascinating dive on a sandy slope. Divers often see anemones with shrimp and porcelain crabs. Suitable for advanced scuba divers, this site features unique creatures like black razor shrimp. No freediving is recommended here.
3. Silale
Located in southern Ambon Bay, Silale is ideal for observing nudibranchs, various frogfish, and the elusive ghost pipefish. This dive site caters to both scuba and freediving at an easy level. The area's rubble slope makes it perfect for macro photography.
4. SS Duke of Sparta
This wreck dive features the sunken cargo ship, SS Duke of Sparta. Advanced scuba divers can explore the cargo compartments and swim-throughs. Found in deep waters, the wreck is now home to thriving corals, offering a technical diving experience.
5. Pintu Kota
Pintu Kota, or 'Gate of the City,' boasts underwater arches with excellent visibility. Scuba divers can enjoy exploring the vibrant reef fish. The site is suitable for both scuba and freediving at an intermediate level, with its unique underwater formations making it a must-visit.
