Banta Island in Komodo National Park

Discover Pristine Reefs and Abundant Marine Life

What you need to know about Banta

Banta Island, located between Komodo and Sumbawa, is a hidden gem for divers seeking untouched beauty and vibrant marine life. As part of the Komodo National Park, Banta Island offers some of the most pristine waters and stunning underwater landscapes in Indonesia. The island's remote location ensures fewer crowds, providing an exclusive diving experience.

Diving at Banta Island, you'll encounter stunning coral reefs, large pelagic species, and vibrant macro life. The dive sites around Banta Island feature diverse topographies, including steep walls, slopes, and underwater pinnacles. Notable dive sites such as GPS Point and Star Wars are renowned for their colorful coral gardens and encounters with manta rays, sharks, and schools of fish.

Above water, Banta Island's rugged landscape and secluded beaches invite exploration and relaxation. Non-divers can enjoy snorkeling, beachcombing, and hiking, making it an ideal destination for a well-rounded adventure. Immerse yourself in one of Indonesia's best-kept secrets.

Interesting facts about Banta

Getting there: The best way to reach Banta Island is by liveaboard, offering direct access to its remote dive sites. You can also fly into Labuan Bajo and embark on a liveaboard from there.

Best time to visit: The optimal time to dive at Banta Island is from April to November when water temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) and visibility is at its best.

Diving Conditions: Expect water depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters (16 to 131 feet) with moderate to strong currents. The excellent visibility often exceeds 30 meters (98 feet), making it ideal for underwater photography.

Our liveaboard trips: Our liveaboard vessels frequently visit Banta Island as part of longer itineraries through Komodo National Park. Trips typically last 7-10 days, also exploring other renowned sites such as Komodo Island and Rinca Island.

A little known fact: Banta Island is home to a rare phenomenon known as "fireworks anemones," which display bioluminescence, creating a spectacular underwater light show.

Pictures of Banta

Highlights in Banta

GPS Point

GPS Point, located in the renowned Komodo National Park, Indonesia, is a must-visit dive site famous for its dynamic currents and rich marine biodiversity. This thrilling dive spot is ideal for experienced divers seeking an adrenaline-filled underwater adventure. The site boasts a vibrant reef that thrives due to the nutrient-rich waters brought in by strong currents.

Divers at GPS Point can expect encounters with large pelagic species, including schools of barracuda, trevally, and the occasional reef shark. The coral formations are equally spectacular, with a variety of hard and soft corals providing habitat for smaller marine life such as nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses. The dive site's topography includes slopes, drop-offs, and plateaus, offering a diverse and exciting underwater landscape.

While diving is the primary attraction at GPS Point, Komodo National Park also offers stunning landscapes and a unique opportunity to see the famous Komodo dragons. Non-divers can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, trekking, and visiting local villages. GPS Point is a highlight for any diving enthusiast exploring the wonders of Komodo National Park.

K2

Banta Island’s K2 dive site is a hidden gem in the Komodo National Park, offering thrilling underwater adventures for divers of all levels. Located between Komodo and Sumbawa, K2 is known for its dramatic topography, featuring vibrant coral reefs, steep walls, and sandy slopes. The site provides an exhilarating experience with its diverse marine life and excellent visibility, making it a must-visit destination for any diving enthusiast.

The underwater scenery at K2 is truly spectacular. Divers can expect to encounter a wide variety of marine species, including schools of barracudas, trevally, and fusiliers. The coral gardens are teeming with colorful soft and hard corals, home to an array of reef fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. For those with a keen eye, the site also offers sightings of macro life, including nudibranchs, shrimp, and pygmy seahorses.

One of the highlights of diving at K2 is the chance to see larger pelagics. Reef sharks are commonly spotted patrolling the deeper waters, while manta rays and eagle rays often glide gracefully through the currents. The combination of rich biodiversity and stunning coral formations makes K2 an unforgettable diving experience. Non-divers can enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters of Banta Island, perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.