Banda Sea, with its spice islands, played an important role in history during the 15th to 17th century. For centuries the indigenous people traded with nutmeg and thus came into focus of the Europeans, because this special seasoning was found only on these islands.
The islands were first colonized by the Portuguese before the Dutch took over the colony in fierce fighting. Meanwhile, the islands are again visited by sailors, fishermen and divers, especially due to the extraordinary amount of fish. Many remains of the colonies are still visible, so this area is especially exciting to visit
The Banda Sea will treat divers to an explosion of marine life on the pristine reefs, as well as steep drop-offs, huge schools of fish, a plethora of pelagic species, sea mounts and critters galore. Expect to see schools of jacks and tuna, turtles, Napolean wrasse, grouper, various species of rays, sharks, whales and dolphin.
Enjoy an unique dive at Gunung Api volcano where sea snakes abound, and incredible pelagic encounters at the Lucipara atolls, where five seamounts rise up over a mile from the ocean floor, and which are also home to green turtle nesting sites.
Sample Banda Sea 10 Night Itinerary (33 Dives)
This trip combines the best dive sites of Banda Sea, and South Raja Ampat (Misool). The great highlights are the amazing macro sites in Ambon Bay, large pelagics in Banda Islands, manta cleaning stations near Mansuar and the huge schools of fish near Farondi. The Dampier Straight separates the Birdhead Peninsula from Waigeo and Mansuar. The name comes from the Dutch colonial times. It refers to the shape of the peninsula on the map, but it is also a paradise for many rare bird species.
Here the Pacific Ocean meets the Halmahera Sea, with an explosion of marine life. With regular strong currents, big fish feel especially comfortable. Manta rays, reef sharks, different schools of mackerel, tuna and barracuda are seen again and again.
Diving in the endless maze of the islands of Misool is very special. It is paradise for macro enthusiasts, but encounters with larger fish such as manta rays happens. Misool is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world with fish, corals, sponges, soft corals, shrimps, crabs and countless nudibranchs and other invertebrates. Huge schools of sardines are a definite highlight. Soft corals and sea fans (diameter of 3-4 meters) in all sizes and colors dominate the underwater landscape.
