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
The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
- stphnmartin
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The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
View dive videos on my youtube channel. GH5, Nauticam housing, Big Blue 9000s, Sola 500, 1200, Scuba Lamp Snoot, Mavic 2 Pro, Osmo, Final Cut Pro X
Re: The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
Stunning work, as always!
We have an amazing pool of talent here in the PNW, and on NWDC in particular.
Truly world class!
We have an amazing pool of talent here in the PNW, and on NWDC in particular.
Truly world class!
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"Anyone who thinks this place is over moderated is bat-crazy anarchist." -Ben, Airsix
"Warning: No dive masters are going to be there, Just a bunch of old fat guys taking pictures of fish." -Bassman
"Anyone who thinks this place is over moderated is bat-crazy anarchist." -Ben, Airsix
"Warning: No dive masters are going to be there, Just a bunch of old fat guys taking pictures of fish." -Bassman
Re: The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
Absolutely agree with you Tom, this video is crazy good. Very very well done Stephen!
Re: The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
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 !
http://JanKocian.smugmug.com
I take photos because I like it, not because I'm good at it. by Unknown
I take photos because I like it, not because I'm good at it. by Unknown
- stphnmartin
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Re: The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
Appreciate it Tom, Gdog and Jan!
View dive videos on my youtube channel. GH5, Nauticam housing, Big Blue 9000s, Sola 500, 1200, Scuba Lamp Snoot, Mavic 2 Pro, Osmo, Final Cut Pro X
Re: The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
Love the hammerhead action! Thanks for sharing your adventures and awesome cinematography!
Dave
Re: The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
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!
Live Long And Prosper!!!
Stay Warm underwater with the Weezle Extreme Plus undergarment! Please let me know if you would like to order one or have any questions.
Stay Warm underwater with the Weezle Extreme Plus undergarment! Please let me know if you would like to order one or have any questions.
Re: The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
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
-Curt
Happy to be alive.
- stphnmartin
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Re: The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
Many thank DLH, SJ and Oldsalt!
View dive videos on my youtube channel. GH5, Nauticam housing, Big Blue 9000s, Sola 500, 1200, Scuba Lamp Snoot, Mavic 2 Pro, Osmo, Final Cut Pro X
Re: The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
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!
Re: The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
Awesome Video!
"Screw "annual" service,... I get them serviced when they break." - CaptnJack (paraphrased)
"you do realize you're supposed to mix the with water and drink it, not snort the powder directly from the packet, right? " - Spatman
"you do realize you're supposed to mix the with water and drink it, not snort the powder directly from the packet, right? " - Spatman
- stphnmartin
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Re: The Banda Sea aboard the MSY Seahorse
Thanks VJW and Nwbrewer!
View dive videos on my youtube channel. GH5, Nauticam housing, Big Blue 9000s, Sola 500, 1200, Scuba Lamp Snoot, Mavic 2 Pro, Osmo, Final Cut Pro X