Visibility of up to 50 m, 300 species of hard corals, intact and healthy coral communities, steep walls, Gorgonian gardens, huge barrel sponges, outstanding reef fish diversity, mug diving in one of Indonesia’s clearest harbors... are just a few terms to characterize your dive experience in Banda.
 

Due to its remote location and the surrounding deep sea, the waters around Banda are extremely clear. Visibilities of 30 m are common and on some days you can experience 50 m +. The condition and health of the coral reefs is breath-taking – what makes the most important rule in scuba diving quite difficult to follow. Most of the sites are wall dives characterized by huge sea fans, barrel sponges and orange soft corals. According to a survey that was conducted in November 2012, the Bandas are home of the largest Napoleon wrasse population in Indonesia known to date and you can see them on almost every dive. On a closer look you will find hairy squat lobsters, whip coral shrimps, pigmy seahorses, leaf scorpion fish, ghostpipe fish and much more. Frequent turtle encounters can be expected at all islands. Currents are moderate on most dive sites, allowing also beginners to have a relaxed and enjoyable dive. At some islands there are caves waiting to be explored and the islands of Hatta and Ai are awaiting you with an extraordinary diversity and cover of hard and soft corals. In the right season, there is a very good chance to encounter hammerhead sharks.

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SEASONS

 

The diving season at the Banda Islands lasts from August until May. August and September bring up cold water, so visibilities are a little lower (10-15 m) but it is also the best time for pelagics (Mobulas, Mantas, Hammerheads, Marlins and more). Water temperatures range from 26 to 28°C.

October and November are the transition season with better visibility, warmer water (28-29°C) and still a good amount of encounters with pelagics. November is also the best time for watching whales (Sperm whales, Blue whales, Short fin pilot whales and more).

In December water temperatures are usually the highest (sometimes above 30°C) and visibilities magnificent (40 m +). There is still a chance to see occasional hammerheads or large rays and reef sharks.

Usually starting from around mid December and throughout January and February, winds can become stronger, cooling down the water temperatures to a coral-friendly 29-30°C. During windy days we have to navigate the diving to sheltered places (that are by no means of less quality). Visibilities remain fantastic and the winds can bring a welcomed chill during otherwise hot and sunny days. It can rain but rainfalls are usually restricted to a couple of hours.

In March we then enter the next transition season and March and April bring the best visibilities (50m +) with calm conditions, water temperatures around 30°C and lots of sunshine. Wide-angle photographers love this time for diving Banda. While the clear water brings less large fish and pelagics sightings, it is now the time to focus on beautiful and healthy coral landscapes and macro.

May is the beginning of the southeast monsoon and water temperatures start to cool down a bit (28-29°C). Wind, waves and pelagic sightings begin to increase.

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To get a better idea about diving Banda, have a look at our dive site descriptions and pictures. In total, we can offer access to more than 40 dive sites around Banda that can be reached within 1 hour by our dive boats.