Scuba diving in Ambon, Indonesia:
Ambon is a lesser-known diving destination in Indonesia, but it's worth visiting for its unique underwater scenery and abundant marine life. The island is located in the Maluku Islands and offers diverse diving experiences, including muck diving, reef diving, and wall diving.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Experienced Divers:
- Pintu Kota: Known for its strong currents, Pintu Kota is a challenging site that attracts experienced divers. The dive site has a deep wall covered with sponges and coral, and is home to schools of fish, sharks, and eagle rays.
- Laha: This dive site is famous for its critter diving, with sightings of rare species such as rhinopias, mimic octopuses, and frogfish. It's also known for the "Twilight Zone," a section of the dive where the reef drops off into the deep.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Beginners:
- Air Manis: A shallow dive site with gentle currents, Air Manis is perfect for beginners. It's home to many small creatures, such as nudibranchs, pipefish, and seahorses, as well as colorful corals.
- Pante Parigi: Another shallow dive site, Pante Parigi is a great spot for beginners to experience wall diving. It's home to a variety of fish, including barracuda, parrotfish, and triggerfish.
Marine Life:
Ambon has a diverse range of marine life, with opportunities to spot rare species such as rhinopias, frogfish, and mimic octopuses. The area is also known for its macro life, including nudibranchs, seahorses, and pipefish. Larger creatures, such as sharks and eagle rays, can also be seen at certain dive sites.
Dive Conditions:
The best time to dive in Ambon is from October to April, when the weather is dry and the visibility is at its best. Water temperatures range from 26-30°C (79-86°F), and currents can vary from calm to strong depending on the dive site.
Cost:
The cost of diving in Ambon varies depending on the dive center and the number of dives booked. Prices typically range from $30-50 per dive, with discounts available for multiple dives. Equipment rental is also available at an additional cost.
