September is prime time in Indonesia: calm seas, superb visibility, and marquee wildlife in both Komodo and the Banda Sea. We still have limited cabins on two signature Adelaar routes:
- Bali → Maumere (Beyond Komodo & Whale Sharks): 13–23 September 2025
- Maumere → Ambon (Alor & the Banda Sea): 26 September – 6 October 2025
Bali → Maumere, 10 Nights — Beyond Komodo & Whale Sharks (13–23 Sept)
Why this route?
A seamless arc from Bali into Komodo with a timed stop for Teluk Saleh whale sharks, followed by South, Central, and North Komodo and a graceful finish along Flores. Expect mantas, reef sharks, torpedo rays, dragons on Rinca, and vivid drift-diving in Gili Lawa and Tatawa, with a soft‑coral finale at Palue.
Likely highlights & species
- Teluk Saleh (Sumbawa): Whale shark aggregation timed to the lunar cycle (new moon best); calm, protected waters.
- Sangeang (black sand): Critters, nudibranchs; volcanic gas seeps.
- Banta (white sand & hard corals): Turtles, sea snakes, reef sharks; occasional eagle & manta rays.
- South Komodo — Manta Alley: All‑day manta action; night dive for torpedo rays.
- Rinca (dragon walk) + Central Komodo: Current‑fed reefs, schooling fish, big‑fish action.
- Gili Lawa (signature seamounts & drifts): Sunset hike panorama.
- Tatawa: Color‑saturated coral gardens in steady flow.
- Palue (Flores): Soft‑coral walls, gorgonians, pygmy seahorses potential.
Quick day‑by‑day flavour (condensed)
Bali embark • Moyo seamounts • Teluk Saleh (whale sharks) • Sangeang (critter dives) • Banta reefs • South Komodo (Manta Alley) • Rinca + Central Komodo • Gili Lawa North • Tatawa • Palue • Maumere disembark.
Extra context from our Komodo guide
Expect high‑energy drifts in “current city” central sites; Manta Alley is a cool, nutrient‑rich pocket ideal for mantas; Gili Lawa and Tatawa are among the park’s signature dives.
Maumere → Ambon, 10 Nights — Alor & the Banda Sea (26 Sept – 6 Oct)
Why this route
Uncrowded seamounts and steep walls from Adonara, Pantar, Pura into the heart of the Banda Sea, then Ambon for world‑class muck. Seasonally, this window aligns with the Banda Sea’s calm inter‑monsoon — prime time for schooling hammerheads.
Likely highlights & species
- Adonara: Hard & soft‑coral seamounts; blacktip/grey reef sharks; juvenile silvertips.
- Pantar: Early hammerhead run; soft‑coral wall; afternoon/night for rhinopias.
- Pura: Endless anemone fields; thresher sharks, mola mola; critters incl. clown frogfish, Pontoh’s pygmy seahorse, halimeda ghost pipefish.
- Wetar/Reong: Fish‑rich slopes; grey reef & bamboo sharks; GTs, big‑eye jacks, runners, tuna; zebra anemones with leopard shrimp.
- Gunung Api: Unique sea‑snake mecca with dense pelagic life.
- Lucipara (Maisel & Penyu): Pelagic crossroads — silky, thresher & hammerhead potential; vast, pristine reefs, huge fans & barrel sponges.
- South Ambon → Laha: Two topside dives then night‑muck; ornate ghost pipefish, rhinopias, ribbon eels; psychedelic frogfish (with luck).
Quick day‑by‑day flavour (condensed)
Maumere embark • Adonara • Pantar • Pura • Wetar/Reong • Gunung Api • Lucipara (Maisel & Penyu) • South Ambon • Laha • Ambon disembark.
Extra context from our Banda Sea guide
Inter‑monsoon windows (mid‑Sep–Nov) bring calmer seas and clearer skies — ideal for remote crossings and increased hammerhead chances. Adelaar Cruises
Who these trips suit
Experienced divers who value space & service
Eight guests, concierge diving, and unrushed schedules — ideal for photographers and seasoned travelers seeking peak‑season encounters without the crowds.
Booking windows
- Bali → Maumere: 13–23 September 2025
- Maumere → Ambon: 26 September – 6 October 2025
Very limited cabins remaining.
Practical Notes (brief)
Conditions & style
Expect warm water, strong but manageable currents in Komodo’s central sites; Banda Sea crossings are blue‑water and remote. (See our Komodo overview for current‑drift character; Banda Sea page for more details).
Reserve Your Cabin
These are among our most requested voyages each year. Contact us to secure your preferred cabin on either departure.