Banda Sea and Halmahera
Steep drop offs, impressive hard coral and some fast currents make this area absolutely breathtaking. Schools of jacks are a familiar sight, as are large tuna, many turtles, Napoleon wrasse, groupers, rays, sharks and large lobsters. Great visibility is a blessing here, and there are also some special critter sites.
The Banda Sea is surrounded by islands from the large islands of Buru, Halmahera, Ambon and Seram in the north towards Gorom, Kei and Aru in the east, the islands of Tanimbar, Wetar and Reong, and a series of smaller islands such as Babar and Moa, touching East Timor in the south. Ambon Bay is host to some of Indonesia's best critter diving. The nearby island of Halmahera is still largely unexplored and has recently produced some stunning sites.
"The crew makes it look so easy, but work so hard. This is a happy ship and it shows. So many smiles, so much attention to detail, such care for the guests! The boat is lyrical and beautiful but also thoroughly modern and comfortable. Oh yeah - the diving - stunning!"
Andreas Merkl and Donna Perrot
Gunung Api: an isolated volcanic peak rising from the heart of the Banda Sea. Surrounded by crystal clear waters this uninhabited island is home to thousands of nesting seabirds. Exuding sulphur both above and below the landmark, the water is also home to extraordinary numbers of banded kraits (sea snakes), which have become a special attraction for divers. It's not unusual to have swarms of these non-aggressive sea snakes around you while diving on Gunung Api.Andreas Merkl and Donna Perrot
Lucipara: these 5 tiny atolls in the middle of the Banda Sea are the tops of undersea mountains rising up over a mile from the ocean floor. The uninhabited beaches are ideal green turtle nesting sites, while the reef's breathtaking drop off to ocean waters is ideal for diving and snorkeling. A highlight here is night diving with the rare Photoblepheron bandanensis or more commonly known as the "flash light fish".
Climate information
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Dry season: Rainy season: Air temperature: Water temperature: Best time to dive: Other interesting info: |
May - November December - April (high rainfall Jan/Feb) 27 - 32C 27 - 30C October - December & March - April Most of the climate is determined by monsoon winds. Northern area is more predictable than the south. Refreshing breezes onboard throughout most of the season. |
Activities
- Wall diving with great visibility
- Excellent and colourful hard coral
- Very healthy fish life
- Spectacular island backdrops with many volcanoes
- Beautiful uninhabited beaches for sunset strolls
- Fishing around the islands in deeper waters has been spectacular, especially for tuna
- Most guests come to enjoy the combination of superb diving and intriguing history
How to get there
Flights: From Bali or Jakarta to Ambon (stopover in Makassar), or from Manado to Ambon. Seven Seas also regularly has cruises starting either in Maumere, Flores or Sorong Papua, which include the Banda Sea as part of the itinerary. Contact us for more information on this.
