The Banda Sea is one of those surrounding the Maluku Islands and part of the coral triangle. Almost a newcomer on the scene in Indonesian dive liveaboard itineraries and still considered relatively exploratory, the stories that arise from these dive trips are the stuff of legend.
Only navigable and diveable during the change of the monsoon, tales of endless visibility, breathtaking reefs, schooling pelagics (especially Hammerhead sharks), orcas and whales abound. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime dive trip, and cruise itineraries to the area usually book out very quickly.
The sea is home to a vast array of marine life, including colourful coral gardens, schools of fish, and rare species such as pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and hammerhead sharks.
The Banda marine area features underwater mountains, volcanic seamounts, and deep canyons, creating a diverse and exciting underwater landscape.
The region was a central trading hub during the spice trade. Famed for nutmeg and cinnamon, as well as the confrontation and spilt blood for monopolization over the area.
The Banda Sea is in a remote part of Indonesia, providing a sense of adventure and exploration for divers seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path diving experience.
Diving in the Banda Sea offers a truly wild, distinctive and unforgettable experience for divers looking to explore some of the world’s most diverse and fascinating underwater ecosystems while getting up close and personal with a lot of fish. Get in touch with us, and we can help you navigate your way to the Spice Isles.
The Banda Sea is one of four surrounding the Maluku Islands, and can only be adequately dived by liveaboard. Liveaboard trips usually embark in Sorong or Ambon, and then sail through the Banda Sea.
Your entry point will likely be Jakarta or Bali, then transfer to Sorong or Ambon.
A good level of experience is required to dive the Banda Sea. Although currents are not necessarily that strong, it is a remote area, there will be diving in the blue, and a certain depth will be required to see all there is on offer.
Previously diving here was relatively expensive, with liveaboard trips being exploratory, high end and long. Now there is a growing number of options in every price bracket. Contact us for more information on the different liveaboards and prices.
Diving is incredible in the Banda Sea and for a good reason. The most famous and well-known thing to experience in the Banda Sea is the schooling hammerheads, but these are not the only things to look out for. Expect amazing visibility schooling pelagics, abundant corals, and world-class macro.
There are two main seasons to dive here. These are on the changing of the monsoons when the seas in the area are calm. This is from February to April and September to November.
The best and perhaps only way presently to scuba dive the Banda Sea is by liveaboard. In the past, there have been small dive shops in the area and certainly a dive resort presence in Ambon. But the only way to ultimately experience the diving here is by dive liveaboard.
The schooling hammerheads are the stars of the show here, but you should also encounter a variety of reef sharks.
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