Wonders of the Banda Sea: A Travelogue

Where Is Banda Sea Located?

Banda Sea is one of the four seas that surround the Maluku Islands in east Indonesia. Islands bordering the Banda Sea include; Sulawesi to the west, Buru, Ambon, and Seram to the north, the Aru Islands, Tanimbar Islands, and Kai Islands to the east, and the Barat Daya Islands and Timor to the south.

The Banda Islands are right in the middle of the Banda Sea with Banda Neira being the largest and most populated of the seven islands. 

A Banda Sea liveaboard is the best way to truly experience this untouched corner of Indonesia, as you’ll need to traverse the vast expanse of ocean to get to Banda Sea and its many remote and pristine dive sites.

Scuba Diving in Banda Sea

Banda Sea is home to over 300 species of hard coral and 500 species of fish. It is the epicenter of marine biodiversity, thanks to its prime location in the heart of the Coral Triangle. 

In fact, a large portion of the Banda Sea is part of the Banda Sea Marine Park, which was established in 1977 and comprises 2500 hectares.

This means, divers can expect incredibly rich coral reefs, vibrant gardens of sea fans, steep walls, and huge barrel sponges alongside an extraordinary volume of tropical fishes, macro creatures, deep sea pelagics, and even one-of-a-kind marine animals that are unique to the Banda Sea.

The Best Time to Dive in Banda Sea

Banda Sea is great all year around but exceptionally so during the dry season which typically runs from April to November when visibility can reach up to 40 meters and the waters are crystal clear and calm.

Are there sharks in the Banda Sea? Yes! Divers can come face-to-face with hammerhead sharks, silvertip sharks, grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, and even nurse sharks. 

Other sea creatures you may encounter include large pods of dolphins, various whale species, and even orcas. Get ready to swim amongst giant schools of dogtooth tuna, mobula rays, fusiliers, and redtooth triggerfish.

The Banda Sea is also home to the largest Napoleon wrasse population, and macro fans will find that Banda Neira is great for muck diving and underwater photography, with chances to spot the elusive ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, mandarinfish, scorpionfish, and more.

Marine Creatures Of The Banda Sea

According to UNESCO, the Banda Islands' marine environment is an outstanding and thriving example of a coral reef environment that creates a unique habitat for marine biota to live, with over 397 species of coral, 683 species of fish, and abundant turtles, making it the Amazon of the sea.

When diving the Banda Sea with Uncharted Cruises aboard our beautiful phinisi the Thalassa, you’ll have ample opportunities to discover and explore many of the exciting dive sites and its plethora of weird, wonderful, and magnificent sea creatures that reside under the waves. Here are our top favorites:

Diving Gili Manuk: Often referred to as the "Island of Snakes," you will be treated to a rare spectacle of sea snakes gracefully dancing amidst a backdrop of vibrant marine life and flourishing coral gardens.

Whales in Wetar Strait: Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic whales that frequent these waters. Witness these gentle giants breaching or cruising alongside the boat.

Hammerheads of Nil Desperandum: Plunge into a submerged atoll where you can have close encounters with large congregations of scalloped hammerhead sharks.

Reef Sharks In Karang Hatta: Glide with reef sharks swimming gracefully among the currents and watch beautiful schools of colorful fish darting about the thriving reef.

Sea Fans & Gorgonians In Batu Kapal: Take in the mesmerizing beauty of giant sea fans and gorgonians alongside snappers, moray eels, gobies, butterflyfish, triggerfish, and anemonefish.

Swim With Dolphins In Pombo Boi: An amazing location to watch these gentle creatures swimming and playing in the water.

Things To Do in Banda Neira

In addition to diving and snorkeling with a Banda Sea liveaboard, a trip to Banda Sea means a trip into the past. If you’re wondering what is Banda famous for? It has a fascinating history as the epicenter of the spice trade. 

In Banda Neira, there are numerous historic landmarks to explore, natural attractions, and an opportunity to participate in or witness the local way of life.

While in Banda Neira, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the 17th-century Fort Belgica, with its star-shaped design, thick stone walls and sturdy towers. 

Another historically significant site to explore would be Fort Nassau. While nature has reclaimed much of the fort, it’s still a great place to visit. Don’t forget to stroll through Banda Neira Old Town and pop into the local shops for souvenirs and crafts.