Banda Sea Liveaboards – Schooling Hammerheads and Volcanoes
The Banda Sea is deep, open water in the middle of eastern Indonesia. Boats only cross it twice a year, when they move between Raja Ampat and the south. Schooling hammerheads gather around remote volcanic islands, sea snakes live on Manuk, and the Banda Islands have healthy reefs. Most trips start in Ambon.
Who the Banda Sea Works For
Advanced Divers
Blue water, current
Hammerhead Fans
Repeat Indonesia Divers
Photographers
Remote-Trip Fans
Few boats
You Can See
Hammerheads, Snakes and Reefs
Hammerheads
Schools in deep water, best in October.
Healthy Reefs
Hard coral even on young lava flows.
Macro Life
Seahorses, cuttlefish and rhinopias around Banda Neira.
Remote Islands
Tender rides to islands few divers reach.
Ready to cross the Banda Sea?
Where You’ll Dive
Banda Sea Dive Sites
Manuk
An active volcano in open water. Hundreds of sea snakes, and hammerheads in the deep blue.
Lava Flow, Gunung Api
Hard coral that has grown on a lava flow from 1988, now a full reef.
Batu Kapal
A pinnacle near Banda Neira with big fish and a chance of hammerheads.
Ambon Bay
Muck diving at the start or end of the trip, with frogfish and the Ambon scorpionfish.
The crew picks the hammerhead sites on the day, based on current and sea state.
Hot Picks
Liveaboards We Recommend for the Banda Sea
Sea I See
Built in 2014 and renovated in 2019, for 24 guests. Weekly 7-night trips that follow the season across Indonesia.
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White Manta
Built in 2019 for 24 guests, with large cabins and a camera room. Ambon – Banda – Ambon trips in October.
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Blue Manta
Built in 2014 for 20 guests. Raja Ampat & Misool trips of 7 to 10 nights, plus Banda crossings.
View boat →Banda Only or a Full Crossing?
7 to 8 Nights
Ambon – Banda – Ambon, focused on the Banda Islands and the hammerhead sites.
11 to 12 Nights
Ambon – Banda – Raja Ampat, or on to Alor. See our Alor & Forgotten Islands page.
Want a special offer for the Banda Sea?
Message us directly — Banda trips are few and fill early, so we’ll check what’s left on your dates.
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Before You Book Your Banda Trip
Certification for a Liveaboard
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Seasickness: What Actually Works
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How to Choose a Liveaboard
Read more →Why BookDiveBoat for the Banda Sea?
Only a few boats cross the Banda Sea, and only in two short windows. We know which ones run there each year and help you pick the route that fits your dates.
FAQ
Banda Sea Liveaboard Questions
When can I dive the Banda Sea?
When is the best time for hammerheads?
What experience do I need?
Are the sea snakes dangerous?
How long are Banda trips?
Where do trips leave from?
Book Your Banda Sea Liveaboard
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