Dive Sites in Banda Sea
57 dive sites54 liveaboard-only sites

Dive Sites in Banda Sea

Diving in Banda Sea means big pelagics in blue water and dramatic drop-offs — from Manuk to Banda Neira. Every dive site in Banda Sea with depth, current, certification level and best season, plus the liveaboard itineraries that actually dive them.

Diving in Banda Sea

The Banda Sea is one of the world's great liveaboard destinations, with 57 mapped dive sites covering reefs, walls, drifts, channels and wrecks.

Every site below shows depth range, certification level, current, access and the best season, so you can judge at a glance whether it fits your experience. Start with the full site list, then explore dive sites by type, the nearest decompression chambers and the marine life you can expect in Banda Sea.

All 57 dive sites in Banda Sea

All 57 dive sites in Banda Sea

Depth range, certification level, dive type, access and current at a glance.

Open any site for its full profile, best season and the liveaboards that dive it in Banda Sea.

57 dive sites

© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Gunung Api Lava Flow is a truly unique dive site found in the Banda Sea, specifically located around the volcanic island of Gunung Api.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
3–25 m
Theme
Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

The Banda Sea is one of Indonesia's most remote and rewarding dive destinations, often referred to as the "Forgotten Islands." This region, part of the legendary Spice Islands…

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Strong
Access
Shore / dayboat
Depth
10–45 m
Theme
Wall
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Batu Kapal

Indonesia

Batu Kapal, meaning "Stone Ship," is a captivating dive site nestled within the historic Banda Islands, a region renowned for its pristine marine environment and rich spice trade history.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
8–35 m
Theme
Pinnacle / Wall
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Run Island Wall, off the barely 3km-sized island of Run in the Banda Sea, presents a quintessential Banda Sea diving experience.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
5–40 m
Theme
Wall

Dive sites by type

Wrecks, walls, drifts, caves and pinnacles in this area.
Reef diving45 dive sites
Reef diving
Wall diving18 dive sites
Wall diving
Drift diving11 dive sites
Drift diving
Seamount diving5 dive sites
Seamount diving
Pinnacle diving2 dive sites
Pinnacle diving
Channel diving1 dive sites
Channel diving
Muck diving1 dive sites
Muck diving

Decompression chambers in Banda Sea

Verified hyperbaric facilities that cover the diving areas of in Banda Sea. Always confirm availability locally before a trip and dive with valid insurance.

LocationFacilityRelevant for
Ambon, MalukuRumkital dr. F.X. Suhardjo (Lantamal IX Naval Hospital), hyperbaric chamberBanda Sea liveaboards, Ambon Bay muck diving

Marine life you can see in Banda Sea

The species most often logged on the Banda Sea's dive sites.
43 dive sites
Barracuda
15 dive sites
Mobula Ray
9 dive sites
Banded Sea Snake
9 dive sites
Frogfish
8 dive sites
Butterflyfish
8 dive sites
Fusilier
7 dive sites
Dogtooth Tuna
7 dive sites
Eagle Ray
4 dive sites
Giant Trevally
3 dive sites
Blacktip Reef Shark
3 dive sites
Coral
3 dive sites
Ghost Pipefish

Liveaboards diving in Banda Sea

Liveaboard diving in Banda Sea means more dive sites per trip: these vessels run real, bookable departures with cabins for solo divers, buddy teams and small groups. Compare boat size, cabin layout, dive deck and nitrox, then check the cheapest price per day before you book. Every the Banda Sea dive safari below is confirmed with live availability and current operator pricing.

Wellenreng liveaboard diving in Banda Sea – view trips, cabins and prices

Wellenreng

Indonesia

$427
Mari liveaboard diving in Banda Sea – view trips, cabins and prices

Mari

Indonesia

$328
Pindito liveaboard diving in Banda Sea – view trips, cabins and prices

Pindito

Indonesia

$533

Conditions & practicalities

Diving in Banda Sea: seasons, conditions and logistics

57 dive sites in Banda Sea — here is what the season data says about the best months, water temperature, visibility and currents, plus how divers usually get there and which fees to budget for.

Best months
Sep–Nov
Water temperature
26–29 °C
Visibility
12–30 m
Currents
No data yet
Getting there
Most divers fly into the nearest international airport and continue by transfer or domestic flight to the departure port; liveaboards usually leave the evening before day one.
Permits & fees
Marine park fees, port taxes and nitrox are rarely included in the trip price — budget a few hundred dollars extra and check the visa rules before booking.

FAQ

Diving in Banda Sea FAQ

When is the best time to dive in Banda Sea?
Diving conditions in Banda Sea change throughout the year. Check our month-by-month best-time-to-dive guides to plan around peak visibility, weather and marine life encounters.
Do I need a liveaboard to dive in Banda Sea?
A liveaboard gives you access to remote dive sites in Banda Sea that day boats cannot reach, plus 3–5 dives per day in maximum comfort. For the best dives in Banda Sea, a liveaboard is the recommended choice.
What certification do I need to dive in Banda Sea?
Most Banda Sea liveaboards require Open Water as a minimum, with Advanced Open Water and 30+ logged dives recommended for currents and deeper sites. Some expert routes require Tech or 100+ dives.
How much does a Banda Sea liveaboard cost?
Liveaboard prices in Banda Sea typically range from €1,500 to €6,000+ per week depending on vessel category, route length and season. Browse the boats below for live pricing.
Do I need a visa for Banda Sea?
Visa requirements vary by your nationality. Always check the latest entry rules with the destination's official government source before booking flights.
Is diving in Banda Sea safe for beginners?
Many Banda Sea sites are beginner-friendly, but some routes feature strong currents or deep walls suited only to experienced divers. Check each vessel's recommended experience level.
Plan your trip

Ready to dive in Banda Sea?

Explore the the Banda Sea destination guide or search liveaboards that visit these sites.