Dive Site: Forgotten Wreck

About Forgotten Wreck

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 (Maluku), offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and some of the Indo-Pacific's most pristine marine ecosystems. Stretching approximately 600 miles east to west and 300 miles north to south, the Banda Sea lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle, boasting the highest marine biodiversity on the planet. Its remoteness ensures untouched reefs, crystal-clear visibility, and flourishing marine life, with no mass tourism. Diving here reveals a world of untouched coral walls, massive barrel sponges, and a high chance of encountering schooling pelagics. Many sites feature steep drop-offs adorned with impressive hard corals, huge sponges of all kinds, and pastel black coral bushes. The intense fish life includes tuna, Spanish mackerel, giant trevallies, and barracudas. A major highlight is the annual migration of schooling hammerhead sharks, especially around the southern islands. Other dive sites boast incredible critter life, particularly in Ambon Bay, and beautiful fringing reefs. The islands of Serua and Manuk are notable for their large populations of sea snakes. The nutrient-rich upwellings from Indonesia’s deepest ocean trench, plunging over 7,000 meters, feed this explosion of marine life. While currents are generally moderate on most dive sites in the Banda Sea, some locations can experience consistent currents. Dive operators monitor conditions closely and conduct current checks before each dive to ensure safety and optimal diving experiences. The region is best explored via liveaboard, as land-based diving is very limited. This destination is ideal for experienced divers seeking an adventure beyond the usual routes, offering a combination of raw, powerful underwater environments and rich cultural history.

Dive site facts: Forgotten Wreck

Depth

5–30 m+

Current

Mild to strong

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

25–28 °C

Entry

Liveaboard / Tender

Level

All levels, current experience beneficial

Dive type

Wall, drift, pelagic, reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Banda Sea, Maluku Province

Coordinates

-7.0167, 131.35

Conditions & Currents

The Forgotten Wreck, situated in the Banda Sea, experiences variable currents that can range from gentle to very strong, largely influenced by the lunar cycle and specific topographical features. Currents are typically more pronounced in channels between islands and around seamounts, which act as conduits for nutrient-rich upwellings that attract abundant marine life. These dynamic conditions often lead to exhilarating drift dives, where divers are carried along by the flow, offering unique perspectives of the reef system. Surface entry with negative buoyancy might be necessary in stronger currents to quickly reach the shelter of the reef. Divers should be proficient in current diving techniques, including maintaining streamlining and conserving air. Visibility remains excellent, often 20-30 meters, even with significant current, though strong currents can sometimes stir up sediment near

Marine life & sighting chances

Hammerhead sharks

September-November · occasional

Mobula rays

occasional

Barracudas

common

Tuna

occasional

Reef fish (various species)

common

Sea turtles

common

Nudibranchs

common

Crustaceans

common

Sea snakes

occasional

Manta rays

occasional

Dolphins

occasional

Whales (various types)

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The Forgotten Wreck typically begins with a descent directly over the main wreck structure, which can extend to depths beyond 30 meters. Entry is usually via tender, often with a negative entry depending on current strength. Divers will initially explore the deeper sections, observing larger pelagics that frequent the open water around the wreck. The dive then proceeds as a gentle drift along the surrounding reef slope and walls, ascending gradually. The dive guide will lead the group, utilizing the current to cover significant distances and reveal various coral gardens and macro hideouts. Mid-dive, at around 15-20 meters, you will encounter diverse reef fish and smaller critters amongst the vibrant hard and soft corals. The turn point is determined by air consumption and current direction, typically signaled by the guide. The safety stop is conducted as part of the drift, often in the shallower parts of the reef (5-7 meters), ensuring a relaxed ascent before surfacing where the liveaboard or tender will be waiting for pickup.

Underwater photography

The exceptional visibility and diverse marine life at Forgotten Wreck make it an ideal location for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle shots of schooling pelagics and vibrant coral landscapes. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the expansive reef structures and dynamic scenes with hammerheads or mobula rays. For macro enthusiasts, there are plenty of small critters, nudibranchs, and crustaceans, requiring a macro lens and good buoyancy control to avoid disturbing fragile habitats. Utilize external strobes to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, especially in deeper sections or on overcast days. Patience is key, especially when approaching pelagics, and maintaining a respectful distance is paramount to not stress the animals. Due to potential currents, stable camera handling and efficient finning techniques are important to secure your shots without compromising safety or reef integrity.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Hatta Island Wall

  Known for sloping reefs, large schools of fusiliers, and pelagic sightings including eagle rays and barracudas.

• Gunung Api Lava Flow

  Famous for encounters with sea snakes and unique underwater topography formed by volcanic activity.

• Nil Desperandum

  A seamount renowned for attracting large schools of hammerhead sharks.

• Banda Neira Jetty

  Offers excellent macro diving opportunities for various small critters and unique species.

Getting there & logistics

Diving the Forgotten Wreck in the Banda Sea is exclusively done via liveaboard due to its remote location. The most common entry airport for Banda Sea itineraries is Ambon (AMQ), though some trips may depart from or conclude in Saumlaki (SXK). International flights usually land in Jakarta (CGK) or Bali (DPS), followed by domestic connections to these regional airports. Liveaboard trips typically range from 7 to 14 nights, covering a broad arc of the Forgotten Islands and Banda Sea. There are no fixed daily fees for diving at this specific site, as costs are integrated into the liveaboard package. Itineraries are carefully planned to maximize diving opportunities and minimize travel times between sites, often combining the Forgotten Wreck with other highlights like the sea snakes of Gunung Api or the hammerhead aggregations of Nil Desperandum. This ensures a comprehensive exploration of the region's diverse marine environments.

Safety & environment

Diving at the Forgotten Wreck, like all remote Banda Sea sites, requires careful safety planning. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in Ambon, which can be several days' travel by boat, emphasizing the importance of conservative dive practices and adequate dive insurance that covers emergency evacuation. Satellite communication is standard on liveaboards for urgent situations. Divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques, including maintaining proper buoyancy and managing air consumption in dynamic currents. Always carry an audible signaling device (whistle or air horn) and a visual signaling device (SMB/DSMB) for surface awareness and to aid boat pickup after surfacing. Due to the presence of larger pelagics, maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding erratic movements is advised. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, stick with your buddy, and report any equipment issues immediately to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in this pristine but isolated environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Forgotten Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Forgotten Wreck

These liveaboards may visit Forgotten Wreck on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$426/day

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$327/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$354/day

Gaia Love

Alor

20 guests

$554/day

Emperor Raja Laut

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

12 guests31 m

$413/day

Malaillo

Indonesia

14 guests45.57 m

$348/day

Damai II

Komodo, Indonesia

14 guests

$459/day

DUNE Aurora

Indonesia

18 guests

$344/day

Calico Jack

Indonesia

10 guests30 m

$398/day

Coralia

Indonesia

16 guests48 m

$577/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$298/day