Banda Sea Dive Travel Review by AnneR

In November 2022, I embarked on a journey to the Banda Sea during the Hammerhead season. Despite my guide's earnest efforts, I regrettably did not encounter any hammerhead sharks during my stay, unlike the trips both preceding and following mine. It seemed luck was not on my side.

Nevertheless, the absence of hammerheads did not diminish the allure of the coral formations and marine life. The Banda Islands, situated on the Ring of Fire with a chain of volcanoes, boast rich volcanic soil, which has fostered breathtaking coral formations, notably at Gunung Api (literally translating to "fire mountain").

Above the water's surface, the islands are steeped in history, with remnants of the Dutch colonialist period still prominently visible. Despite the lack of hammerhead sightings, my exploration of the Banda Sea was filled with captivating experiences both below and above the waterline and I would happily go back!