Dive Site: Terbang Islands

Dive site facts: Terbang Islands

Current

Variable, mild to strong

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

25–28°C

Entry

Liveaboard tender

Level

OWD, AOWD for current-swept sites

Dive type

Coral gardens, wall diving

Night dive

Possible (liveaboard)

Region / port

Southern Banda Sea, Forgotten Islands

Coordinates

6.6833° S, 128.1667° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents around the Terbang Islands can be variable, ranging from mild to strong depending on the lunar cycle and specific dive site. Stronger currents are typically encountered in passages between islands and around seamounts, where nutrient-rich upwellings attract significant marine life. These dynamic conditions contribute to exciting drift dives and increase the likelihood of encountering larger pelagic species. Divers should be prepared for potential current fluctuations, making a basic understanding of drift diving beneficial for exploring these waters. However, the expansive nature of the Banda Sea ensures that sheltered areas are also available, catering to various experience levels. Visibility is generally outstanding, often between 20 to 30 meters, enhancing safety and enjoyment even in more active currents.

Marine life & sighting chances

Reef sharks

March-April, September-November · common

Hammerhead sharks

March-April, September-November · occasional

Mobula rays

March-April, September-November · occasional

Turtles

common

Tuna

occasional

Barracudas

occasional

Sea snakes

occasional

Large groupers

common

Dense schools of fish

common

Soft corals

March-April, September-November · common

Hard corals

common

Giant sea fans

common

Sponges

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Terbang Islands typically involves descents onto vibrant shallow coral gardens that gradually transition into impressive steep drop-off walls. Entry is usually via liveaboard tender, often as a negative entry to quickly get below any surface chop. The dive profile commonly follows the contour of the wall, allowing divers to explore crevices and overhangs while keeping an eye on the blue for pelagic encounters. Due to variable currents, many dives may be drift dives, allowing the current to carry divers along the reef. Depth progression varies based on the site; shallow areas are perfect for observing reef life and coral health, while deeper sections of the walls can be explored for larger species. Turnaround points are usually determined by gas consumption or specific site features. The safety stop is typically conducted in the calmer, shallower sections of the reef or in the open water as dictated by the dive guide, before ascending back to the liveaboard tender for pick-up.

Underwater photography

The Terbang Islands offer exceptional underwater photography opportunities, primarily due to outstanding visibility and rich coral diversity. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide rectilinear lens is ideal to capture the expansive shallow coral gardens and dramatic deep walls. The pristine hard and soft corals, along with schooling reef fish, make for compelling wide-angle subjects. For pelagic encounters, a versatile zoom lens can be beneficial. Macro photographers should bring their preferred setups to explore crevices for smaller inhabitants, though the site is more noted for its wide-angle potential. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing delicate corals and to maintain stable positions for shots in potentially variable currents. Strobes are essential for bringing out the true colors of the corals and marine life, especially on deeper sections of the walls. Given the site's remote nature, subject etiquette is crucial; avoid touching or chasing marine life.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Nuslear

  Known for its proximity and similar characteristics to Terbang Islands.

• Dai

  Part of the 'Forgotten Islands' and known for beautiful reefs and schooling jackfish.

• Babar

  Another island in the 'Forgotten Islands' chain, offering beautiful reefs.

• Nyata

  An island further along the itinerary in the Southern Banda Sea.

• Reong

  An island often explored in conjunction with Nyata towards the end of liveaboard trips.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Terbang Islands is exclusively via liveaboard, typically as part of a longer itinerary through the Banda Sea and Forgotten Islands. Trips often start from Ambon or Sorong, with departure points also including Saumlaki or Kupang for some routes. International flights usually land in Jakarta or Bali, requiring a domestic connection to these liveaboard departure ports. Liveaboard trips to this remote region typically last 10 to 14 days, providing ample time to explore various sites. Park and port fees, along with fuel surcharges, are mandatory and usually paid in advance, often totaling around $700-1000 USD per trip. Due to the area's remoteness, liveaboards are the only practical way to experience these pristine dive sites, with routes carefully planned to maximize diving opportunities while navigating between distant islands.

Safety & environment

Diving in the Terbang Islands, while rewarding, requires careful safety considerations due to its remote location. The nearest recompression chamber is likely located in Ambon, but evacuation can be a multi-day process involving small aircraft and significant logistical challenges. Divers are strongly advised to carry comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for emergency medical evacuation, as it is a critical requirement for any trip to this region. Site-specific hazards include variable currents, which necessitate good buoyancy control and experience with drift diving. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, especially regarding entry and exit procedures, and stay close to your group. Given the pristine nature of the reefs, strict adherence to a 'look but don't touch' policy is essential to preserve the delicate marine ecosystem. Medical kits and emergency communication equipment are standard on liveaboards, but self-reliance and preparedness are key.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Terbang Islands FAQ

Liveaboards diving Terbang Islands

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

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32 m

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests38 m

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

Gaia Love

Alor

20 guests

Emperor Raja Laut

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

12 guests31 m

Malaillo

Indonesia

14 guests46 m

Damai II

Komodo, Indonesia

14 guests

DUNE Aurora

Indonesia

18 guests

Calico Jack

Indonesia

10 guests30 m

Coralia

Indonesia

16 guests48 m

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m