Did a back to back trip aboard the Samambaia in September/October 2025:  Maumere to Ambon and then Ambon to Ambon.  In-between the 2 legs, was a  3 day land based stay on the Spice Islands in Ambon diving with Spice Islands Divers – strictly muck and macro diving! https://www.spiceislanddivers.com/diving    

The Samambaia is one of the newer luxury liveaboard dive boats Director Daniel del Ordi ran a great trip. https://www.samambaia-liveaboard.com  The entire crew was amazing – from the dive guides, boat drivers, chefs, and engineers.  Aboard were Backscatter’s Berkley White & Adobe Lightroom expert Erin Quigley to lend a hand to assist with photo techniques, technical support, and post-production workflow in Adobe Lightroom.

For a really unique experience, Manuk Island is famous for diving with sea snakes.  Yes sea snakes!  Do not be afraid – the snakes are simply curious and seem oblivious to divers. Ambon Bay is a mecca for muck diving and macro critters.