Dive Site: Reong

About Reong

Reong is a limestone island situated off Wetar's northwest coast, forming part of Indonesia's remote Forgotten Islands in the southeastern Moluccas. This isolated region, stretching over a 1,000 km chain from Timor to West Papua, is exclusively accessible by liveaboard, ensuring its pristine condition and minimal human impact. Reong is renowned for its impressive walls and vibrant reefs, which are adorned with abundant soft corals and sea fans. The dive sites around Reong, such as Reong Corner, Reong Slope, Reong Wall, and Reong Point, feature deep walls and diverse marine ecosystems. The area is known for attracting a variety of pelagic species, offering exhilarating encounters for divers. Its unique landscape and remote location contribute to its reputation as a significant diving destination within the Banda Sea. Marine life at Reong includes numerous reef sharks, barracuda, and trevallies, which are commonly sighted along its dramatic underwater topography. The health of the reefs and the presence of larger species highlight the rich biodiversity sustained by the nutrient-rich waters characteristic of the 'Ring of Fire' volcanic chain. Visibility in this area is generally excellent, enhancing the experience of exploring its intricate coral gardens and deep marine environments. Diving at Reong is typically integrated into extended liveaboard itineraries exploring the Banda Sea and Forgotten Islands. Divers can expect dynamic conditions, including varying currents that contribute to the abundance of marine life. The experience is characterized by exploring untouched reefs and encountering a wide array of species in a tranquil, remote setting, offering an authentic adventure for those seeking unspoiled underwater landscapes.

Dive site facts: Reong

Current

Variable, from mild to strong

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

25–28 °C (77–82.4 °F)

Entry

Tender / Negative entry

Level

Intermediate to Advanced (current experience beneficial)

Dive type

Wall, coral slope, pelagic encounters

Region / port

Banda Sea / Forgotten Islands, Indonesia

Coordinates

7.1000° S, 127.3500° E

Conditions & Currents

The Banda Sea and Forgotten Islands, including Reong, are known for their variable currents, which can range from mild to strong, creating dynamic and thrilling diving conditions. Current strength largely depends on the lunar cycle and specific site topography, with stronger currents often found in passages between islands and around seamounts. These currents play a crucial role in bringing nutrient-rich waters from the depths, attracting a wide array of marine species, especially large pelagics. Divers should have a basic understanding of diving in currents; however, due to the Banda Sea's large area, sites are available for various experience levels, with some sheltered areas suitable for less experienced divers. Visibility is generally excellent, often reaching 20-30 meters and sometimes up to 40 meters, which is beneficial for managing drift dives and spotting marine life in dynamic

Marine life & sighting chances

Reef sharks

common

Barracuda

common

Trevallies

common

Soft corals

common

Sea fans

common

Groupers

occasional

Turtles

occasional

Mobula rays

occasional

Hammerhead sharks

March-April, September-November · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Reong typically involves exploring its impressive walls and sloping reefs, with sites like Reong Corner, Reong Slope, Reong Wall, and Reong Point forming the core experience. Dives often begin with a negative entry from a tender to quickly descend into the blue, particularly when currents are present. Divers follow the natural contours of the wall, observing the abundant soft corals and sea fans that adorn the steep drop-offs. The route will be guided by the dive master, often covering a specific section of the wall or slope. Keep an eye out into the blue for pelagic species like barracuda, trevallies, and various reef sharks, which are common here. The turn point and safety stop are usually conducted mid-water or along the reef's shallower section, depending on current conditions and marine life observations. Due to potential currents, attention to gas consumption and no-decompression limits is crucial.

Underwater photography

Reong offers fantastic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, thanks to its varied topography and diverse marine life. For wide-angle shots, consider a fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens to capture the dramatic deep walls, expansive soft coral gardens, and schools of barracuda or trevallies. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and sponges, especially in deeper sections or during overcast conditions. When focusing on macro subjects, such as smaller reef fish or crustaceans nestled within the corals, a macro lens will be essential. Buoyancy control is paramount, particularly along the walls and in areas with current, to avoid disturbing delicate corals and to maintain stable shots. Exercise patience and respect for marine life, ensuring minimal intrusion into natural behaviors.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Nyata

  Features vibrant hard-coral formations and abundant fish activity.

• Nil Desperandum Atoll

  Known for deep drop-offs and schooling sharks, including hammerheads.

• Dusborough

  An underwater atoll with walls adorned with massive sponges and sea fans.

• Serua

  Famous for frequent sightings of schooling hammerhead sharks at 'Magic Corners'.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Reong in the Forgotten Islands of the Banda Sea is exclusively via liveaboard. Typical itineraries often start or end in major hubs like Ambon (AMQ), Maumere (MOF), or Sorong (SOQ), requiring domestic flights to reach these departure points. Trips exploring the Banda Sea and Forgotten Islands usually span 10-16 nights due to the remote nature of the region. Reong is commonly visited as part of longer routes that include other remote islands like Nyata, Nil Desperandum, and Serua, offering a comprehensive exploration of the area's diverse dive sites. Permits and national park fees are typically included in liveaboard packages, but divers should confirm this with their operator. The remote nature ensures uncrowded dive sites, but also means limited infrastructure, necessitating self-sufficient liveaboard operations.

Safety & environment

Diving at Reong requires careful attention to safety protocols due to its remote location and potential for strong currents. While the nearest recompression chamber is typically located in Ambon, evacuation in case of a serious diving emergency can be lengthy and complex, often requiring sea and air transfers. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies and emergency evacuation, is therefore essential. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control to navigate walls and avoid contact with delicate corals. Given the variable currents, divers should have experience with drift diving and always follow their dive guide's instructions regarding entry techniques and dive plans. Maintaining adequate surface interval and hydration is always important, especially when undertaking multiple dives daily over an extended liveaboard trip.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Reong FAQ

Liveaboards diving Reong

These liveaboards may visit Reong 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