Banda Sea Diving
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Banda Sea Sunset, Indonesia |
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Local Boat on Azure Sea |
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Schooling Fish in Clear
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©Denise Nielsen
Tackett & Larry Tackett |
The Banda Sea stretches from Alor to the coast of West Papua.
A string of islands in the south Maluku archipelago forms the southern
border of the sea. Like Nusa Tenggara, these islands are part of
the seismically active 'Ring of Fire.' The Banda Islands, formerly
known as the Spice Islands, are in the central Banda Sea.
Diving in the remote Banda Sea is possible only by liveaboard.
The route to and from West Papua is convenient for sailing and
diving along the way. Stopovers at Wetar Island, the Damar, Banda
and Lucipara Islands, and Koon Island off the coast of Seram, guarantee
a pristine diving experience. This little-visited area has some
of the world's richest reefs bursting with unspoiled corals and
pelagic fishes.
The weather in this part of Indonesia is on a different cycle
from the rest of the country. The best time to dive here is March-April
and October-November when the water is calm and warm, 27º-30ºC
(84-90ºF), and the visibility is 30-40m (100-130ft). The southeast
monsoon (May-September) is wet, windy, and the water temperature
drops to 25ºC (80ºF) due to strong upwellings in the
area. Plankton blooms at this time reduce visibility to 15m (50ft).
From December to February the wind is not as strong but it is strong
enough to make boat travel uncomfortable.
Dive Sites
Banda Islands
Beautiful corals, big tuna and overhangs with big sponges and
sea fans are the highlight. Walls, pinnacles and steep slopes,
sometimes with strong currents, characterize the diving here. Rays
and turtles are common visitors here. There is good macro life
in the area.
Lucipara Islands
This area has good walls, schooling fishes, a few sharks and lots
of soft corals. Mola-molas have been spotted here too.
Koon Island
Also called 'Too Many Fish,' this site is amazing because of all
the fishes that hang out at the reef corner in the current.
By Denise Nielsen Tackett & Larry Tackett |
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