Easily identified by their black vertical stripes (or bands) streaked against their white bodies, banded sea kraits patrol warm coral reefs, looking for their next meal. Found on reefs of the eastern Indian and western Pacific oceans, banded sea krait is a popular name used to describe a specific sea snake species. This same species is also commonly known as the yellow-lipped sea krait. These fascinating, slick swimmers live on a diet of eels and some small fish. They paralyze their prey with their highly toxic venom before swallowing them whole.

A little-known fact about the banded sea krait is that, like sea turtles, they will return to the same beach to rest and lay eggs. Surprisingly, this species of sea snake actually spends more time on land than it does at sea. Not only do they require fresh drinking water, they also like to digest their food and rest on land. Whether you see this beautifully banded sea krait on the beach or swimming effortlessly in the water, diving with banded sea kraits is always a special treat. Explore the map below to see where you can dive with sea kraits today!