Dive Site: Tanjung Button

About Tanjung Button

Tanjung Button is an exceptional dive site located in the Banda Sea, specifically within the Banda Islands archipelago of Indonesia. This region is renowned for its significant role in the historical spice trade and is a key part of the Coral Triangle, boasting some of the planet's highest marine biodiversity. What makes Tanjung Button particularly unique is its direct connection to the 1988 volcanic eruption, where lava flows reshaped the underwater landscape, fostering an incredibly dynamic and rapidly regenerating coral ecosystem. Beneath the surface, divers encounter a vibrant, massive coral reef that has flourished on these ancient lava flows. This site is celebrated for its spectacular and colorful coral growth, providing a rich habitat for diverse marine life. While specific depth bands for Tanjung Button are not detailed, the general area around Banda Neira offers diving typically between 5 and 30 meters, accommodating various skill levels. The site is known for its macrobiota, suggesting a wealth of smaller, intricate marine creatures, though larger pelagic species are also a possibility in the Banda Sea. The best time to experience this site aligns with the prime Banda Sea diving season, when conditions are most favorable for marine encounters and visibility. Diving here offers a blend of historical geological impact and thriving contemporary marine life. Given the remote nature of the Banda Sea, this site is typically accessed via liveaboard, forming part of a broader itinerary exploring the unique underwater ecosystems of the region. While explicit current details for Tanjung Button are not provided, other sites in the area can experience strong currents, suggesting a need for awareness and appropriate planning.

Dive site facts: Tanjung Button

Current

Variable, potentially strong

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

25–28°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate to advanced

Dive type

Reef, drift, big animals

Region / port

Banda Sea, Indonesia

Coordinates

-4.6756° S, 129.9922° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Tanjung Button, typical of wall dives in the Banda Sea, can be highly variable, ranging from gentle to potentially strong. Their intensity is largely influenced by lunar cycles and the specific location within the site. While the site features sloping reefs rather than a vertical wall, divers should be prepared for robust currents that are known to attract significant marine life, especially around seamounts and passages between islands. These conditions can create exciting drift dives, making a solid understanding of current diving techniques highly beneficial. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, and water temperatures remain comfortable between 25 to 28 degrees Celsius, allowing for extended dive times.

Marine life & sighting chances

Hammerhead shark

September-November · occasional

Mobula ray

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Tuna

occasional

Humphead wrasse

occasional

Jack

occasional

Reef fish

common

Turtle

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Crustacean

occasional

Sea snake

occasional

Sea fan

common

Sea sponge

common

Fusilier

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A dive at Tanjung Button typically begins with a boat entry, allowing divers to descend directly onto the healthy sloping reefs. The dive profile involves exploring these vibrant slopes, which are abundant with fusiliers and various reef fish. Divers will glide along the reef, observing the coral structures and keeping an eye out for pelagic species attracted by the currents. The route generally follows the contours of the reef, allowing for a gradual depth progression. Due to potentially strong currents, this often becomes a drift dive, with the boat picking up divers at the end. The turn point is determined by gas consumption or a pre-set time limit. Safety stops are performed in shallower sections of the reef or in the blue, depending on current conditions and the presence of sheltered areas, ensuring a safe ascent after exploring this dynamic site.

Underwater photography

Tanjung Button presents excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially to capture the immense schools of fusiliers and the expansive sloping reefs. A fisheye or wide-angle lens (e.g., 8-15mm or 10-24mm) is ideal for encompassing the vibrant coral landscapes and the sheer volume of fish. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, particularly in the deep blue backdrop. Maintain impeccable buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate corals that carpet the slopes. When photographing pelagic species, be patient and allow them to approach naturally. Given the potential for strong currents, photographers should be mindful of stability and camera control, but the excellent visibility often results in crisp, clear images.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Hatta Island Wall

  Hatta Island Wall is a premier dive site in the Banda Sea, renowned for its dramatic underwater topography and rich biodiversity.

• Hole in the Wall

  Known for a natural archway and steep wall diving with potential for hammerheads and tuna.

• Batu Kapal

  Features deep plateau and pinnacles with groupers, barracuda, and jacks.

• Koon

  A great wall dive site with gentle currents and abundant fish life.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Tanjung Button, like most remote Banda Sea dive sites, is predominantly via liveaboard. International flights typically arrive in Jakarta or Bali, followed by domestic connections to hubs like Ambon (AMQ) for transfers to liveaboards. Liveaboard itineraries in the Banda Sea often range from 12 to 16 nights, frequently combining this region with other destinations such as Alor, the Forgotten Islands, or Raja Ampat. While national park fees and fuel surcharges are usually additional, the liveaboard handles all logistical aspects from pickup to dive operations, simplifying travel to this isolated area. Given the remoteness, meticulous planning with your liveaboard operator is essential for a seamless trip.

Safety & environment

Diving in remote Banda Sea locations like Tanjung Button necessitates thorough safety planning. The nearest hyperbaric chambers are typically in Ambon or Bali, meaning emergency evacuation can be lengthy and complex. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies and emergency evacuation, is mandatory. Divers should be experienced in drift diving and possess excellent buoyancy control due to the variable and potentially strong currents. Always adhere strictly to dive guide instructions, especially concerning entry and exit procedures. Given the potential depths of sloping reefs, continuously monitor air consumption and no-decompression limits. On multi-day liveaboard trips, maintaining adequate hydration and rest is crucial for safe diving.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Tanjung Button FAQ

Liveaboards diving Tanjung Button

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

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$355/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

$441/day

DUNE Aurora

Indonesia

18 guests

$344/day

Calico Jack

Indonesia

10 guests30 m

$398/day

Coralia

Indonesia

16 guests48 m

$563/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$350/day