Banda Island
Explore MalukuThe Moluccas, or Maluku Islands, offer a captivating diving experience characterized b
Explore Maluku
The Moluccas, or Maluku Islands, offer a captivating diving experience characterized by their stunning natural beauty and rich marine biodiversity. Known historically as the Spice Islands, Maluku is now a hidden gem for divers seeking solitude and unique underwater adventures. The region boasts some of Indonesia's most vibrant coral reefs and offers a range of diving environments such as walls, wrecks, and silty muck sites. Divers in Maluku often find themselves exploring these pristine sites with only their dive guide, providing an intimate connection with the underwater world.
Ambon, the capital of Maluku, is a haven for macro diving enthusiasts. Its silty bays are home to remarkable critters like the psychedelic frogfish, Ambon scorpionfish, and flamboyant cuttlefish. On the south coast of Ambon, divers can explore enchanting reefs and caverns that resemble gateways to a mystical realm. Meanwhile, the Banda Islands provide opportunities to encounter cetaceans, pilot whales, and mobula rays against the backdrop of exquisite coral reefs and dramatic walls. Liveaboard trips expand the scope, offering access to the vast, remote expanses of the Banda Sea, renowned for its healthy reefs and diverse marine life.
Places to explore
The best Months to dive in Maluku
The Moluccas, known as Maluku, offer exceptional diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F. During the dry season, from May to November, divers can expect excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, and calm seas, making it an ideal time for exploring the vibrant marine life.
In the wet season, from December to April, conditions remain suitable for diving, though visibility may decrease due to rain and stronger winds. Currents can be more pronounced during this period, requiring divers to have experience in drift diving. Despite these factors, diving is generally possible throughout the year, with the best conditions typically found during the dry season.
Dive Centers
Top Maluku Dive Sites
Laha 1, Ambon Bay
Known for muck diving, Laha 1 offers sightings of harlequin shrimp, mandarin fish, and frogfish. The adventure level is easy, suitable for scuba diving. Special features include the Twilight Zone, where unique species like the psychedelic frogfish were first found.
Laha 3, Ambon Bay
This site is ideal for advanced divers with a passion for muck diving. Divers can encounter rhinopias and flamboyant cuttlefish. Scuba diving is recommended. Laha 3 is part of the Twilight Zone, renowned for its rare marine life.
Pantai Nama Wall, Ambon Bay
Perfect for both scuba and freediving, Pantai Nama Wall is abundant with hard and soft corals, nudibranchs, and orangutan crabs. It's an easy dive offering vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations.
Batu Belanda, Banda Islands
Featuring a dramatic 24-meter/79-foot wall, this site is suited for advanced scuba divers. It's home to the rare Lembeh sea dragon and common species like scorpionfish and orangutan crabs. The area is known for its wall diving opportunities.
Pulau Ai, Banda Islands
Ideal for technical divers seeking megafauna, Pulau Ai offers encounters with hammerhead, thresher, and silvertip sharks. Scuba diving is advised due to deep walls and currents. It's part of a marine park, vital for shark conservation.