The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse

[stphnmartin]

Back in late September VJW, myself and a couple other PNW divers headed to Indonesia for a 12 night liveaboard trip through the Banda Sea. The 9 total flights went off without a hitch and only some minor pain with baggage overages on the domestic Indonesian flights. It is, however, always a great relief to finally get onboard the boat with 12 days of diving ahead!

This was the first time on the MSY Seahorse. Our stateroom was awesome and spacious right next to the camera room. They had warnings not to charge things in our rooms due to the Conception tragedy. Dive days varied from 3 to 4 a day and a night dive. One night dive was cancelled due to rough waves which made it a dangerous challenge to board the speed boats in the dark.

The main attraction of the Banda Sea is schooling hammerheads and we were lucky enough to encounter them on several dives. Just one time did they get reasonably close. However, the best experience for me was encountering schooling humphead parrotfish for the first time. It's really cool to see them approach as slender, vertical while lines at a distance before they turn an reveal their large, broad sides.

I found the boat, crew and food to be really great and would definitely go back. After 13 days onboard, and before returning home, we spent 3 days in Ambon. The home of the psychedelic frogfish. I'll report on that portion separately.

Anyway, here is the video I produced from the adventure. Comments and critiques are welcomed.


youtu.be/sXiOZ72Rwm4

[Tom Nic]

Stunning work, as always!

We have an amazing pool of talent here in the PNW, and on NWDC in particular.

Truly world class!

[Gdog]

Absolutely agree with you Tom, this video is crazy good. Very very well done Stephen!

[Jan K]

By now, when Stephen post something from his trip, you know you are in for a special treat. The Banda Sea does not disappoint. Superb work, above and underwater. Thanks a lot !

[stphnmartin]

Appreciate it Tom, Gdog and Jan!

[dlh]

Love the hammerhead action! Thanks for sharing your adventures and awesome cinematography!

[ScubaJess]

Super cool!!! Fantastic job as always! I cannot wait for the Ambon one next and we are in need of some more of your awesome cold water videos soon!

[oldsalt]

Stephen: Magnificent. Sailing and diving are two activities I cherish, but have given up. I appreciate your effort and creative genius. I'm sure the Seahorse was more luxurious than any of the boats I dived from.
-Curt

[stphnmartin]

Many thank DLH, SJ and Oldsalt!

[Vjw]

Your most epic video yet!!! Love the drone footage of gorgeous sites above the water and how you weave it together with the astonishing creatures and coral landscapes below! Really like the close-up of the turtle, and the schooling hammerhead finale rocks!! So thankful and happy to join you on the adventure!

[Nwbrewer]

Awesome Video!

[stphnmartin]

Thanks VJW and Nwbrewer!