Banda is an Archipelago that consist of 13 small island nestled together, its more prominent island are banda besar, gunung api, run, ay, and pisang, also known as sjahrir. In the 16th century , banda was known as the spice islad and became the trading centre for the surrounding island such as Ternate, Tidore, Aru, and West Papua.

The Beauty of the coral here is, in fact , connected to the nearby volcano. A volcanic eruption in 1988 from gunung Api Island , cause unprecedented damage to the underwater enviroment. However, trough the marvellous logic of nature, the minerals in the lava that flowed into the ocean were highly beneficial for the regeneration of the coral, and have resulted in the resurrection of a truly exquisite reef.

While the pristine water of banda may be blessed with an abundance of colorful corals that blanket the seabed, and seascapes that are the dream of every diver and underwater photographer.

How to get there :
Jakarta – Ambon
Makassar – Ambon
Denpasar – Makassar – Ambon
And
Continue by boat ferry from ambon to banda neira is operating twice a week

Dive site name : Tanjung Utara Pulau Suanggi (1)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 20m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Steep slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rubble

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Flatworm, Turtle, Ray, Snake, Shark

Coral reef : Good

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Whitetip reef shark

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : Tanjung Selatan Pulau Suangggi (2)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 20m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Steep slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rubble

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Flatworm, Turtle, Ray, Shark

Coral reef : Good

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Whitetip reef shark

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : TJ. Noret P. Run (3)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 18m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Steep slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch,  Flatworm, Turtle, Ray, Shark

Coral reef : Good

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Napoleon wrasse, Nembrotha sp. Nudibranch, Eagle ray, Denise Pygmy seahorse

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : Depan Kampung P. Run (4)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 18m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Drop off

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rubble

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Flatworm, Turtle, Ray, Shark

Coral reef : Good

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Giant moray eel, Cleaner shrimp, Several overhangs and big sea fans

Caution : Possible strong current

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : TJ. Pulau Nailaka (5)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 18m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 21m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Drop off

Bottom composition : Coral reef

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Flatworm, Turtle, Ray, Shark

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Harlequin shrimp, Blacktip reef shark, Big barrel spones

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : TJ. Lokon P. Run (6)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 18m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 29c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rubble

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Trevallies, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Flatworm, Turtle, Ray

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Green turtle

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Area : Banda

Average depth : 18m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab,Nudibranch,  Flatworm, Turtle, Ray

Coral reef :Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Porcelain crab

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : Lava Flow 1 Old Lava Flow (9)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 18m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 24m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rubble

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Flatworm, Turtle, Ray

Coral reef :Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Lava substrste covered with extremely healthy corals, Porcelain crab

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : Lava Flow 2 New Lava Flow (10)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 14m

Maximum depth : 25m

Visibility : 23m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, , Shrimp, Crab, Flatworm, Turtle

Coral reef : Good

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Lava substrate covered with extremely healthy corals, Porcelain crab

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : Light House Reef Pulau Kraka (11)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 18m

Maximum depth : 25m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rubble

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Snapper,  Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Snake, Turtle, Ray, Shark

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : –

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : Pasir Putih Light House P. Neira (12)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 16m

Maximum depth : 24m

Visibility : 18m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rubble

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Snapper,  Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Flatworm, Turtle, Ray

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Giant moray Eel, Cleaner shrimp

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : Mandarin City Jetty Reef (13)

 

Dive site name : Selamo Village P. Banda Besar (17)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 18m

Maximum depth : 20m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rubble

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips,Butterfly,Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Ray, Turtle

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Giant moray eel, Winged dragonet, Cleaner shrimp, Many flatworms, Good for night dives

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : TJ. Kanari P. Hatta Utara (19)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 18m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Drop off

Bottom composition : Coral reef

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Shrimp, Crab, Flatworm, Ray, Turtle, Snake, Shark

Coral reef : Good

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Blue Hole, Overhang, Soft coral crab, Green turtle, Napoleon wrasse

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : TJ. Salamasa Barat P. Hatta (20)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 18m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 29c

Bottom contour : Steep slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Shrimp, Crab, Flatworm, Ray, Turtle

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Green turtle, Eagle ray

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : TJ. Button Tanjung Selatan P. Hatta (21)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 18m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 21m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Steep slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Flatworm, Shark, Turtle

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Giant trevally, Cleaner shrimp, Blacktip reef shark, Whitetip reef shark, Napoleon wrasse; Many overhangs

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers

 

Dive site name : Takat Hatta (22)

Area : Banda

Average depth : 18m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 22m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef,Rubble

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Batfish, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Flatworm, Ray, Turtle

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Submerged

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Schooling bumphead parrotfish (occasionally)

Caution : –

Recommended for : All divers