Banda Sea – Diving the Heart of the Ring of Fire

The Banda Sea, part of Indonesia’s legendary Ring of Fire, offers remote and exhilarating diving along volcanic islands and deep ocean trenches. Known for its dramatic underwater topography, vibrant coral reefs, and seasonal gatherings of schooling hammerhead sharks, it’s a true frontier for experienced divers. Encounters with sea snakes at Manuk, rich marine life at the Banda Islands, and the chance to explore uninhabited reefs make the Banda Sea a rare and unforgettable adventure.

Diving Highlights

• Schooling Hammerhead Sharks (Sept–Nov) around the southern Banda arc, especially at sites like Koon, Nil Desperandum, and Serua

• Sea snakes at Manuk Island — dive alongside hundreds of friendly banded sea kraits

• Dramatic walls and pinnacles teeming with reef fish, gorgonians, sponges, and large pelagics

• Healthy hard and soft coral gardens, including untouched reefs in the Forgotten Islands

• Excellent visibility (20–40m), deep drop-offs, and strong nutrient flows supporting marine life diversity

• Seasonal manta ray sightings and occasional mobula, dogtooth tuna, or even whales

Signature Dive Sites

Suanggi Island is a remote volcanic island known for dramatic walls, strong currents, and spectacular pelagic action. What truly sets Suanggi apart is the seasonal schooling of scalloped hammerhead sharks

Manuk IslandVolcanic island with clouds of sea snakes and steaming underwater vents

Banda NeiraHistorical harbor town with mandarin fish dives and WWII wrecks

Hatta & Ai IslandsGorgeous reefs, steep drop-offs, and vibrant coral slopes

Best Time to Dive

• Primary season: September to November

• Conditions:

  • Water temp: 26–29°C

  • Visibility: 20–40m

  • Mostly drift and wall diving, suitable for intermediate to advanced divers

Access & Liveaboard Info

• Reached via liveaboard routes starting from Ambon, Maumere, or Sorong

• Typical trips run 7–12 nights, covering Banda Sea and often combining with Raja Ampat, Triton Bay, or Forgotten Islands

• Limited resorts; almost exclusively accessed via liveaboards due to remoteness

Why Dive the Banda Sea?

• Rare chance to see schooling hammerhead sharks in clear, deep blue water

• Unspoiled coral reefs far from mass tourism

• Blend of macro, pelagics, history, and geology

• Adventure diving at its best — remote, raw, and rewarding