![Banda Island, Maluku](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.venturatravel.org%2Funsafe%2F1300x%2Fsmart%2Fheader_media%2Ff5f550f0-82ae-4e8f-b778-371874162139-banda-besar-photo-by-mark-richards-cc-by-sa-3.0-httpcreativecommons.orglicensesby-sa3.0-via-wikimedia-commons.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Banda Islands in Maluku
Discover vibrant marine life and historical underwater treasures in the heart of the Spice Islands
What you need to know about Banda Islands
The Banda Islands, known as the Spice Islands, are a hidden gem in the heart of the Banda Sea. These remote islands are a diver's paradise, offering stunning underwater landscapes and a rich history dating back to the colonial spice trade. With crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life, the Banda Islands provide an unforgettable diving experience.
The Banda Islands are famed for their pristine coral reefs, which are home to a diverse array of marine species. Divers can explore vibrant coral gardens, steep drop-offs, and historical shipwrecks teeming with life. The marine biodiversity here is remarkable, with frequent sightings of large pelagics, including hammerhead sharks, as well as numerous macro critters.
For those interested in history, the Banda Islands offer more than just diving. Explore Fort Belgica and Fort Nassau, remnants of the islands’ colonial past, or visit the nutmeg plantations that once made these islands so valuable. Whether you’re diving into the deep blue or exploring the rich cultural heritage, the Banda Islands promise an unforgettable adventure.
Interesting facts about Banda Islands Island
Getting there: The best way to explore the Banda Islands is by liveaboard, providing easy access to its top dive sites. Alternatively, you can fly to Pattimura Airport (AMQ) in Ambon and take a local flight or ferry to the Banda Islands.
Best time to visit Banda Islands: The prime diving season is from September to December and March to April, with water temperatures ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F). These periods offer the best visibility and marine life encounters.
Diving Conditions: Expect water depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters, with mild to moderate currents. The excellent visibility and diverse dive sites cater to divers of all experience levels.
Our liveaboard trips: Our liveaboard vessels offer trips ranging from 7 to 10 days, often including stops at other Maluku Islands and Raja Ampat. These trips provide a comprehensive diving experience in some of Indonesia's most remote waters.
A little-known fact: The Banda Islands were once the world’s only source of nutmeg, making them highly sought after during the Age of Exploration. Today, you can still visit the historic nutmeg plantations and see the trees that made these islands famous.
Pictures of Banda Islands
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![Banda Island, Maluku](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.venturatravel.org%2Funsafe%2F700x%2Fsmart%2Fheader_media%2F212151e1-7e3a-4af0-b316-94c8b54be719-banda-besar-david-stanley-from-nanaimo-canada-cc-by-2.0-httpscreativecommons.orglicensesby2.0-via-wikimedia-commons.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![Kora-Kora, Maluku, Indonesia](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.venturatravel.org%2Funsafe%2F700x%2Fsmart%2Fheader_media%2F73095460-0669-4ab0-83cd-ad8e4d09355b-spice-islands---kora-kora--11.jpg&w=3840&q=75)