Diving is the main attraction here. Surrounded by crystal clears waters filled with exotic marine life, the Banda Islands are the ideal place to dive underneath the surface and explore the underwater world. Hordes of colorful fish and other sea critters that even the most experienced diver may never have seen live in these waters. With more than 25 dive sites, you will not get bored. Some of the most popular spots are Pulau Ai (beware during rough sea), Batu Kapal, Hatta Reef (Karang Hatta), Pulau Keraka, and Nusa Laut.

Sailing is an activity for those who see the seas as a frontier to conquer. Sail Banda is one of the most prominent events that brings hundreds to the waters amidst the lush volcanic islands. For sailors, Sail Banda 2010 [sailbanda.com] is an event you won’t want to miss. This event attracts the bravest sailors from around the world who will come to Banda to conquer the challenging conditions and windy surroundings.

Bandaneira is a charming sleepy town with tree-line streets. Take a stroll around and see the crumbling remnants of the town’s colonial past. The renovated fort, Belgica Fort, is a 17th century fortification, where for a small entrance fee you can go inside and visit this relic from a period when the spice trade dominated the island. If you are patient and wait for the best lighting, you will be able to capture some stunning photography.

Get some awe inspiring sunrise views and on Pulau Gunung with a climb to the summit of Gunung Api. Scaling this active volcano is a challenging 90 minute hike and guides are available.

Cool off with a relaxing swim at the beaches on the south coast of Banda Besar or on the tiny Pulau Nailaka.   
Other hiking trips can be booked at the Maulana Hotel to explore other attractions like traditional villages, and four-century old nutmeg groves. There is plenty to see and feel as you walk through the pages of history here.

Major Banda Islands Dive Sites:
•    Sonegat: The nearest site for a decent dive is just five minutes by boat from most hotels. It is in the sonegat-sea arm- between Banda Neira and Gunung Api, just offshore from a Des Alwi’s little seaside house. The drop off here is steep and the wall extends down 25 meters to a grey, sandy bottom. There are plenty of good sized dogtooth tuna cruising by and some beautiful blue girdled and emperor angelfish.

•    Keraka Island: Pulau Keraka or Crab Island is just a few minutes further out, and protects the north entrance of the Neira - Gunung Api sea passage. A nice sandy stretch on the north coast is perfect for a picnic. At the south shore, 18 meters down you will find a mini-wall covered with hundreds of large blue-and-yellow tunicates. To the east shore, there are a good assortment of reef fish and a school of half meter long barracudas.

•    Sjahrir Island and Batu Kapal: Sjahrir Island, formerly known as Pisang Island (Banana Island) and Batu Kapal (Boat Stone) are just 20 minutes by boat from Bandaneira. These two sites combine well for a morning dive, a picnic on the beach, and an afternoon dive.

•    Lontar Island: The outer edge of Lontar Island, which represents part of the rim of a sunken caldera, offers several good dive sites.

•    Batu Belanda: On this site, you will find many barrel and tube sponges and small caves and cracks. The fish are varied and plentiful, including a school of snappers, large emperor and blue-girdled angelfish, wrasses, a large pinnate bat-fish and numerous bannerfish.

•    Ai Island: Together with Hatta Island, this island offers Bandas best diving. Both the north coast and the southwest of Ai are ringed with flawless coral walls, which are rugged and full of caves, the kind of habitat that harbors fish.

•    Hatta Island: This island is about 25 km by sea from Banda Neira. Skaru atoll, is a barely submerged reef a few hundred meters off the southern point of Hatta. On a coral outcrop, watch the passing parade of Unicornfish, Fusiliers, Jack Fish and Rainbow Runners, Whitetip Sharks (almost 2 meters long) and Dogtoothed Tuna, Napolean Wrasse, and Hawksbill Turtles.