Diving Banda Sea: when to go and what it is really like

Is Banda Sea worth diving now?

This is a crossing rather than a loop: volcanic islands, sea-snake reefs and offshore pinnacles, with schools of hammerheads as the reason to go. They are never guaranteed. The consolation is that the dives between attempts are still far from the usual Indonesian circuit.

When is the best time to dive Banda Sea?

Go in October — November. This calendar does not reward shoulder season: those are the months I would actually spend the money on, not merely months when an operator can run a trip. An exposed crossing itinerary with open water, current and cool thermoclines.

What will you actually see?

Hammerheads, Volcanic seamounts, Sea snakes, Remote reefs are the reasons to make the trip. Wild encounters vary, but the ranking assumes the best months above rather than an average week across the year.

• Hammerheads
• Volcanic seamounts
• Sea snakes
• Remote reefs

How difficult is the diving?

Advanced. An exposed crossing itinerary with open water, current and cool thermoclines.

Trip format: Liveaboard crossing itinerary.

Why is Banda Sea ranked #8?

Banda Sea is a major trip, held just below the very top by variability, difficulty or a narrower range of standout encounters.

The 9.0 score is one editorial opinion, not a visitor average. It weights sharks and other pelagics heavily, then asks whether the reef and the rest of the itinerary justify the flight.