Maratua or Bandaneira?

[cetacean]

Thanks for that, so bigger stuff and bigger schools in Alor ?

It's the same sea... (the Banda Sea, also dubbed Indonesia's "Ring of Fire"). Alor sits to the southwest, Bandaneira farther to the northeast. I've done Alor land-based, and then in the region on 2 liveaboards. It's a massive area - if you're specifically focusing on the "big stuff" diving it from a liveaboard is going to give you the best chance to encounter them.

Alor is both a little easier to get to, and the the dive operations are a bit better. Time of year matters... hammerheads (and other big animals) are more easily found in Alor when the water is cooler, September to November.

 

[scubajunky17]

I'm at the end of a trip, don't have the time or money for a liveaboard right now to be honest.
So you think Alor is a better diving option than Bandaneira?
What about above the water? Which is more interesting?

 

[cetacean]

I'm at the end of a trip, don't have the time or money for a liveaboard right now to be honest.
So you think Alor is a better diving option than Bandaneira?
What about above the water? Which is more interesting?

If the above water experience is a factor, I would suggest Bandaneira. There is a very rich (and somewhat brutal) history of the spice trade that was centered around these very islands. The Dutch defended the growth and harvesting of nutmeg, by basically either burning down British nutmeg plantations or fighting the British themslves as they tried to settle the region. Because of this, there is some interesting history and artifacts in the area (including the old Dutch fort that guards the entrance of Banda harbor).

It is unlikely you will see either the hammerheads or whales this time of year, regardless of which you pick. Banda and the surrounding islands are worth several days... doing land based this time of year, Banda is likely the more interesting option.

You just missed the Dragon boats during Indonesia's national day in Banda harbor.

 

[scubajunky17]

Thanks again for your help, is Alor topside a very poor second then?
If the diving made up for it I could live with it.
Are there still big schools of fish in Bandaneira?