Banda Sea Liveaboard

What is Banda Sea famous for?

When planning to do Banda Sea diving, by far the highlight is the Hammerhead Shark migration. The diving season in Banda Sea is not very long but it is special. Imagine yourself being underwater at approximately 25 meters deep (82 feet) and diving right next to a huge wall of 100 Hammerhead Sharks.

Another thing for Banda Sea liveaboard is the whale watching. Of course, a difficult task but once it happens, it is a memorable experience.

The coral reefs in Banda Sea are simply stunning, largely untouched by large tourism because of the remote location. Thresher Sharks, and different types of rays are often seen here but sharks and whales are by far the highlight.

What Can Be Seen Underwater in the Banda Sea

Underwater in the Banda Sea, you can see a wide variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, schools of fish, sharks, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and other interesting sea creatures. The coral reefs are particularly stunning, with many different types of corals and other invertebrates to observe. The Banda Sea is also home to many different species of fish, and it's common to see large schools of them swimming around.

For those interested in bigger marine life, there are chances to see sharks, dolphins, and even manta rays. And of course, there are always sea turtles to be spotted as well. Overall, the Banda Sea is a rich and diverse ecosystem that offers plenty to explore and discover for anyone interested in marine life.

Traveling to the Banda Sea

The Banda Sea is a sea located in the eastern part of Indonesia, between the Molucca Sea to the west and the Seram Sea to the east. It is surrounded by the islands of the Maluku province of Indonesia, including Ambon, Banda Islands, and Kai Islands.

The Banda Sea is known for its rich marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, whale sharks, and hammerhead sharks, as well as its historic spice trade and colonial past.

Travel Documentation

Ensure that you have a valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration. Additionally, check visa requirements for your nationality, as many countries are eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival in Indonesia, which can be extended for an additional 30 days.

With the new COVID requirements, ideally you should also ensure that you meet the vaccination necessities asked by Indonesia.

Health and Safety Precautions

Before embarking on your liveaboard adventure, it is essential to have a valid diving certification and dive insurance. It is also recommended to complete a medical check-up to ensure you are fit for diving.

By far the most important factor is to have a dive certification minimum Advanced Open Water Diver with at least 50 logged dives. Diving insurance is paramount and you should not ignore it.

While the Banda Sea is generally safe, it is always wise to follow standard dive safety procedures, such as diving within your limits, adhering to your liveaboard operator's guidelines, and carrying appropriate safety equipment like a surface marker buoy (SMB) and a dive computer.