banda sea

The Banda Sea is the sea of the South Moluccas in Indonesia, technically part of the Pacific Ocean but separated from it by hundreds of islands, as well as the Halmahera and Ceram Seas.

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why we go there

This little-visited area has some of the world's richest reefs bursting with unspoiled corals and pelagic fishes. The remoteness of the islands in the wide open Banda Sea, and the low levels of human population, have meant less fishing pressures, and a vibrant, natural and healthy reef system. The result of this is that you can expect reefs bursting with life, huge sea fans and sponges, some monumental hard corals, and more fish than your mask can cope with.

The Banda Islands, formerly known as the Spice Islands, are in the central Banda Sea. 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. Like Nusa Tenggara, these islands are part of the seismically active 'Ring of Fire.'

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available cruises

2010 cruises 21-10 : Banda Sea

2011 cruises 10-11 : Banda Sea : Alor

2012 cruises 11-12 : Banda Sea : Alor

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how do I get there?

You can enjoy diving the Banda Sea as part of Ambon to Maumere cruise. Special Banda Sea cruises may also be available from the port of Ambon. Kararu recommends that all guests arrive and overnight in Bali before embarking on a domestic flight to Ambon or Maumere. Kararu Dive Voyages will arrange all domestic flight ticketing and transportation between Bali and Ambon/Maumere. The flight time from Bali to Ambon (via Makassar) is 4 ½ hours. The flight time from Bali to Maumere is 2 hours.

All luggage and check-in procedures will be handled by a member of Kararu Dive Voyages. Each passenger is allowed 50 kg of luggage for up to 2 legs of the flight, excess baggage is charged at $2.00 US per kilo per leg (subject to change without notice).

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