Banda Sea

The Banda Sea — a deep-water basin at the heart of the Maluku Islands with crystal-clear water and some of Indonesia’s most pristine reefs. The route starts from Ambon port and passes through the legendary Spice Islands — Banda Neira, where the Dutch once fought for a monopoly on nutmeg. Underwater — sheer volcanic walls, caves, and coral gardens with exceptional visibility. The highlight of the route is the underwater volcano Gunung Api, whose slopes are covered with pristine reefs and are home to hundreds of marine species. In the open waters of the Banda Sea, hammerhead sharks, schools of trevallies and tuna are encountered, while the reefs host mandarinfish, pygmy seahorses, and endemic nudibranchs. The remoteness from civilization makes this a true expedition for experienced divers.