Dive Bluemotion

Bluemotion Banda has been operating in the Banda Islands since 2011, helping to map and discover more than 40 distinct dive sites in the region. Located on the island of Banda Naira, the centre serves as a gateway to some of the most intact coral ecosystems in Indonesia.

The centre is owned by Farman Alwi and Tuta, offering a blend of local expertise and international experience. It operates with a strong commitment to environmental protection, following Green Fins protocols and participating in local plastic recycling initiatives to ensure the reefs remain healthy for years to come.

The diving team is entirely Indonesian, providing a local perspective on the many sites surrounding the islands. Instruction and guidance are available in English, Indonesian, and German.

Beyond standard recreational diving, the centre is deeply involved in marine science. They offer EcoDiver courses and marine ecology internships in collaboration with Luminocean, making it a suitable base for divers looking to deepen their understanding of the underwater environment.

As an SSI affiliated centre, Bluemotion offers a comprehensive range of training programmes. This includes everything from initial certifications to more advanced skill development.

For those interested in environmental science, the centre provides specific EcoDiver courses and marine ecology internships. All SSI courses include the necessary equipment, online learning materials, certification, and on-board amenities like lunch and snacks.

The fleet consists of four speed boats equipped with efficient 4-stroke outboard engines. The larger vessels, Arumbae and Panah Putih, can accommodate 12 to 14 diving guests, while the Speedy carries 8, and the Lucu accommodates 6.

On board, you will find lunch, tea, coffee, and snacks provided during your trips. The boats are also equipped with emergency oxygen and first aid kits to ensure safety during excursions to more remote locations.

Full equipment hire is available on-site, including regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, fins, masks, dive computers, and torches for night dives.

For those who prefer to travel light, individual items such as wetsuits, fins, and masks can be rented separately. The centre also provides weights and weight belts as part of the dive package.

The reefs are home to a wide variety of large marine life, including Napoleon wrasse, reef sharks, and various species of turtles. You will often encounter schools of bumphead parrotfish and a variety of reef fish patrolling the corals.

Macro divers will find plenty to observe, such as pygmy seahorses, ghostpipe fish, leaf scorpionfish, whip coral shrimp, and hairy squat lobsters. The House Reef and Pulau Karaka are particularly noted for these smaller, more elusive species.

Seasonality plays a major role in what you might see. Between August and September, the presence of plankton increases, which attracts pelagics such as Mobula rays, Mantas, and Hammerheads. In November, you may encounter larger cetaceans including Sperm whales, Blue whales, and Short fin pilot whales. December can also bring occasional hammerhead sharks and large rays.

The diving season runs from August to May. The period between June and July is the southeast monsoon, during which the centre is closed.

Water conditions can vary depending on the season; for instance, the period following the southeast monsoon in August and September is rich in plankton, which can reduce visibility to between 10 and 15 metres but significantly increases the chances of seeing pelagic species. December typically offers the best visibility and temperatures, while March and April are known for calm conditions and clear water.

While moderate currents are common on most sites—making them accessible for a wide range of divers—winds and swell can increase from mid-December to February. Some sheltered sites remain available during these periods.