Gunung Api (sea snake volcano)
Not to be confused with Banda's own Gunung Api: this is a remote active volcanic island in the south-western Banda Sea, several days' cruise from the Banda Islands. Its lava-rock slopes and coral are home to hundreds of banded and olive sea snakes that are very curious about divers and sometimes hunt in groups alongside jacks, especially in the late afternoon.
Facts
- Region: Banda Sea & Ambon
- Area: Remote Banda Sea
- Level: advanced
- Current: moderate
- Type: reef
- Coordinates: -6.63, 126.6605 (approximate)
- Highlights: olive sea snakes, banded sea kraits, sea snakes hunting with jacks, lava rock reef, hard coral
- Tips: Only a few calm months a year allow the crossing; stay calm when snakes approach and never grab or block them.