Tanjung Sial
Ambon
In the early 16th century, the Maluku islands, also known as the Moluccas, played an important role in international trade. Spices produced in the Moluccas were sent all over the world, their value to the Europeans comparable to that of gold. The Portuguese and the Dutch colonialized the islands and made Ambon the governmental center.
Ambon’s surrounding sea is as ‘hot’ as its spices, with dives on mysterious underwater structures, stunning caves, underwater valleys, and a wreck dive in Ambon Bay. Divers’ favorite sites are Pintu kota, Hurukila Cave, the Aquila wreck, and Laha, however the islands have other treasures such as Namalatu, Pulau tiga, Tanjung sial, Tanjung setan, and many more.
Pintu kota, “The City’s Door”, can be reached by boat, just 10 minutes from Latuhalat beach. Is name derives from the arch formation of one of the coastal cliffs – a truly remarkable structure. There is another, smaller arch at Hurukila Cave. On the other side is Laha, one of the best muck diving sites in Indonesia. In Laha a unique and rare species, the ‘psychedelic’ frogfish, truly engrosses the attention of divers.
The Aquila wreck is an 80-meter-long World War II cargo ship that sank by the beach and is resting at a depth of 30 meters. Check the condition of the site with local dive operators or professionals because the current can be strong and visibility limited. For safety reasons, wreck penetration diving requires special skills and knowledge, and should not be attempted without the appropriate training.
Indulge in Ambon’s seascapes, where the colorful reefs are healthy, inhabited by Rhinopias of many hues. This is the place for close encounters with creatures from a whole variety of frogfish species, to schools of pelagic fish such as giant trevallies, sharks, manta rays, and magnificent Napoleons.
Getting There
Best Season : April – November
Fly to Ambon
Airport :
Airport : Pattimura Airport
Route :
Jakarta – Ambon
Makassar – Ambon
Denpasar – Makassar – Ambon
Boat Transfer :
Boat transfer : PELNI Ships connect Ambon to Ternate, Namlea, Bandaneira, Tual, Dobo and Saumlaki in Maluku.
Dive site name : Tanjung Sial (1)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 25m
Maximum depth : 40m
Visibility : 20m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Mixed
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rock, Sand, Vegeation
Current : Long shore, Down current
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Damselfish, Anthias, Parrot, Trigger, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Turtle, Ray, Snake, Shark
Coral reef : Good
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat, Drift
Highlights : Tuna, Bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse
Caution : Down current
Recommended for : Experienced divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Pulau Tiga Ela (2)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 25m
Maximum depth : 35m
Visibility : 15m
Min temperature : 25c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Mixed
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rock, Vegeation
Current : Long shore, Down current
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Parrot, Trigger, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Turtle, Ray, Snake, Shark
Coral reef : Average
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat
Highlights : Giant trevally Blacktip reef shark, Tuna
Caution : Strong current
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Pulau Tiga Lain (3)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 25m
Maximum depth : 40m
Visibility : 20m
Min temperature : 25c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Mixed
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rock, Vegeation, Rubble
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Turtle, Ray, Snake, Shark
Coral reef : Good
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat
Highlights : Giant potato grouper, Tuna, Blacktip reef shark
Caution : Strong current
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Tanjung Setan (4)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 20m
Maximum depth : 40m
Visibility : 15m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Drop off
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rock, Vegeation, Rubble
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Anthias, Batfish, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Turtle, Ray, Shark
Coral reef : Average
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat, Drift
Highlights : Hammerhead shark
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Aquila Wreck (5)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 15m
Maximum depth : 40m
Visibility : 10m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 28c
Bottom contour : Slope
Bottom composition : Sand, Mud
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Fusilier, Barracuda, Butterfly, Grouper, Puffer, Gobies, Moray eels, Frogfish, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Turtle
Coral reef : Bad
Type of reef : –
Type of diving : Boat, Deep, Wreck
Highlights : –
Caution : Deep Dive, Overhead environment
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Laha (6)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 20m
Maximum depth : 40m
Visibility : 10m
Min temperature : 23c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Slope
Bottom composition : Rock, Sand
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Fusilier, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Batfish, Parrot, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Frogfish, Leaf fish, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shark
Coral reef : Bad
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat, Shore, Muck
Highlights : Rhinopias, Cleaner shrimp, Wonderpus octopus, Blue-ringed octopus, Bamboo shark, Psychedelic frogfish, Whitetip reef shark, Stone fish
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Rhino Point (7)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 10m
Maximum depth : 28m
Visibility : 10m
Min temperature : 23c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Slope
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rock
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Fusilier, Angel, Grouper, Batfish, Parrot, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Frogfish, Leaf fish, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shark, Shell
Coral reef : Bad
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat, Shore
Highlights : Rhinopias, Mimic octopus, Whitetip reef shark
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 1-2
Dive site name : Air Manis (8)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 10m
Maximum depth : 25m
Visibility : 10m
Min temperature : 23c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Slope
Bottom composition : Sand, Rock
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, CAngel, Grouper, Batfish, Parrot, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Frogfish, Leaf fish, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shark, Shell
Coral reef : Bad
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat, Shore
Highlights : Ghost pipefish, Stonefish
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 1-2
Dive site name : Nudi Point (9)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 15m
Maximum depth : 20m
Visibility : 10m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Mixed
Bottom composition : Sand, Rock, Coral reef
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Frogfish, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark
Coral reef : Average
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat, Drift
Highlights : Various nudibranchs
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 1-2
Dive site name : Depan Tupa (10)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 15m
Maximum depth : 30m
Visibility : 15m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Drop off, Mixed
Bottom composition : Sand, Rock, Rubble, Vegetation
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Porcupine, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake
Coral reef : Average
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat, Drift
Highlights : –
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 1-2
Dive site name : Namalatu (11)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 20m
Maximum depth : 25m
Visibility : 20m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Slope
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Porcupine, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle
Coral reef : Average
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat
Highlights : Good for night dives
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Pintu Kota (12)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 20m
Maximum depth : 35m
Visibility : 15m
Min temperature : 25c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Steep Slope
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Trigger, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle
Coral reef : Good
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat, Drift
Highlights : Manta ray, Tuna, Napoleon wrasse, Bumphead parrotfish, Underwater arch
Caution : Strong current
Recommended for : Experienced divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Mahia Cape (13)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 20m
Maximum depth : 40m
Visibility : 15m
Min temperature : 25c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Steep Slope, Drop off
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Trigger, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle
Coral reef : Average
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat, Drift
Highlights : Tuna, Manta ray (occasionally), Hammerhead shark (occasionally)
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Kilang Cape (14)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 25m
Maximum depth : 35m
Visibility : 20m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Mixed
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Parrot, Trigger, Puffer, Porcupine, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake
Coral reef : Average
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat, Drift
Highlights : –
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Hukurila Cave (15)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 20m
Maximum depth : 32m
Visibility : 15m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Mixed
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake
Coral reef : Good
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat, Drift
Highlights : Pygmy seahorse, Underwater cavern
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Hukurila Cape (16)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 20m
Maximum depth : 30m
Visibility : 15m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Drop off, Slope
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake
Coral reef : Good
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat, Drift
Highlights : Underwater cavern
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Lehari Cape (17)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 25m
Maximum depth : 35m
Visibility : 20m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Mixed
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake
Coral reef : Average
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat
Highlights : Hammerhead shark (occasionally), Cavern at 30m
Caution : Possible down current
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Lehari (18)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 25m
Maximum depth : 40m
Visibility : 20m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Mixed
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake
Coral reef : Average
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat
Highlights : Schooling bumphead parrotfish
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Batu Kapal (19)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 25m
Maximum depth : 32m
Visibility : 20m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Mixed
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake
Coral reef : Average
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat
Highlights : –
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Batu Lompa (20)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 20m
Maximum depth : 25m
Visibility : 15m
Min temperature : 24c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Mixed
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Trigger, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Leaf fish, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake
Coral reef : Average
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat
Highlights : Underwater volcano, Whitetip reef shark
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3
Dive site name : Maulana (21)
Area : Ambon
Average depth : 20m
Maximum depth : 40m
Visibility : 20m
Min temperature : 25c
Max temperature : 30c
Bottom contour : Mixed
Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation
Current : Long shore
Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Porcupine, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake
Coral reef : God
Type of reef : Fringing
Type of diving : Boat
Highlights : Whitetip reef shark, Tuna, Giant trevaly
Caution : –
Recommended for : All divers
Dive Site Classification : 2-3