Coral Eye Resort

Coral Eye is a boutique dive resort nestled between lush tropical jungle and a white sand beach on Bangka Island. Since its establishment in 2013, it has functioned as more than just a holiday destination; it is a hub where marine biologists, divers, and travellers converge. The centre operates the Marine Outpost, a dedicated space for studying and sharing knowledge about the incredibly biodiverse ecosystems of the Coral Triangle.

For those visiting, the resort offers a refined stay in one of 15 villas, ranging from beachfront pool villas to garden options, alongside superior rooms. The layout includes a Beach Pavilion with a restaurant, lounge bar, and swimming pool, providing a comfortable space to relax between dives. The resort is deeply committed to environmental management, focusing on responsible waste handling, rainwater collection, and supporting the local community.

The diving operation is built around a professional approach to both instruction and exploration. The centre maintains a strict ratio of four divers per guide, ensuring attentive supervision and a more personalised experience on the water. Staff are able to communicate in English, Italian, German, and Spanish, making the centre accessible to a wide international community.

Beyond standard diving, the team's connection to marine biology adds a layer of depth to the experience. The centre's commitment to sustainability and responsible diving is evident in its daily operations and its role as a research outpost. This scientific backdrop makes it an ideal location for divers interested in the ecology of the region.

Coral Eye provides a comprehensive range of training through internationally recognised courses. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Bubble Maker programme, eventually progressing through to Open Water and Advanced certifications.

For those looking to refine their skills or specialise, the centre offers Scuba Review, Deep Diver, and Buoyancy courses. They also provide Nitrox certification and advanced training such as Rescue. The full curriculum is designed to cater to all levels of experience, from those taking their first breath underwater to more seasoned divers.

The centre operates custom-built diving boats designed specifically for the needs of the local environment. These vessels accommodate six to eight divers and feature a sun deck and a shaded area for comfort during trips. For ease of access, the boats are equipped with an easy rear-entry system.

Safety and convenience are prioritised on board, with all boats carrying VHF radio, first aid kits, life jackets, and oxygen. Nitrox is available for use on the boats, allowing for extended bottom times on more demanding dives. The boats are used for morning sessions, afternoon dives, and night dives throughout the area.

The shore-based facilities are designed to keep your dive kit in top condition. There is a dedicated wet room where every client has their own space to rinse and store their equipment. For those who bring their own cameras, the centre provides a specialised, air-conditioned camera room.

Full rental kit is available on-site, featuring high-quality SCUBAPRO equipment. The centre also provides Nitrox services for those looking to optimise their profiles. Please note that a personal dive computer is a mandatory requirement for all divers using the centre.

The marine life around Bangka Island and the surrounding parks is exceptionally diverse. On the reef slopes and pinnacles, you will find vibrant hard corals, soft corals, giant gorgonians, sea fans (Gorgoniidae), and whip corals. These structures host large schools of fish, including various species of snapper (Lutjanus), fusiliers (Caesio), and colourful reef fish like butterflyfish and parrotfish (Calotomus). Larger pelagics such as sharks (Selachimorpha), including whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) and blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), are also part of the ecosystem.

For those interested in larger inhabitants, the area is home to green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and even the occasional dugong (Dugong dugon). You may also encounter rays (Batoidea), groupers (Epinephelus), and various species of moray eels (Muraenidae).

Macro enthusiasts will find the area truly special. The sandy and volcanic bottoms are teeming with life, including various species of octopus (Octopus vulgaris), including the wonderpus octopus, mimic octopus, and flamboyant cuttlefish. Searching the rubble and sand reveals nudibranchs (Chromodoris, Coryphillina exoptata, Nembrothas), frogfish (Antennarius), and seahorses (Hippocampus kuda). The area is also a haven for ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), shrimps (Caridea), and various species of crabs, such as porcelain crabs and orangutan crabs.

The best time to visit is from April to November. During this period, the conditions are generally most favourable for diving.

From December to March, the region enters the rainy season. During these months, visibility can be reduced by increased rainfall and wave action, so it is a period to approach with caution if you are looking for the clearest conditions.