Pulau Suanggi
Suanggi (Pulau Manukan) is a tiny uninhabited island in open ocean about 22 km north-west of Banda Neira. Its reefs and walls with swim-throughs are crowded with rainbow runners, red-tooth triggerfish, bannerfish and fusiliers, plus Napoleon wrasse, green and hawksbill turtles, tuna, reef sharks and big barracuda schools. The main draw is the schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks that pass during their migration, roughly late September to early November.
Facts
- Region: Banda Sea & Ambon
- Area: Banda Islands
- Level: advanced
- Current: strong
- Type: wall, reef, drift
- Coordinates: -4.323, 129.708 (approximate)
- Highlights: scalloped hammerhead schools, rainbow runners, red-tooth triggerfish, barracuda schools, Napoleon wrasse, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, tuna, reef sharks, swim-throughs
- Tips: Hammerheads are seasonal and never guaranteed; early-morning dives in the blue give the best chance. Day boats from Banda add a large fuel surcharge.