Learn with locals about the incredible Acropora diversity within the center of the Coral Triangle: Great Reef, Great dives, Great people, Great food, Great place for a great course!
In September, we did a quick visit to Banda Neira, and we were greatly welcomed by Luminocean. They showed us around, presented their work, and we really fell in love with the place. Luminocean is doing a great job on coral spawning, and some Acropora ID training would add great value to their already incredible work. This will help them in their scientific work and coral reef restoration efforts. So we decided to run an Acropora ID course with them from 16th to 27th December 2025.
Exceptional environmental conditions:
Located in the heart of the Banda Sea, this small group of volcanic islands rises from over 7000 m deep, bringing cool, clean seawater to the corals surrounding this small group of volcanic peaks. At the end of the Banda Arc, this long chain of volcanic islands is scattered every few hundred kilometers and rises from the bottom of the Sea from the Sunda islands. Banda Neira is the last link of that Arc.
Plus the Banda Sea vortex, where the water from the Pacific Ocean, following the Indonesian Through flow, swirls in for 7 years before finally getting out in the Indian Ocean. This vortex brings larvae, all the way from the East Sunda Island, but also from Papua and the Molucca islands, thus bringing extremely high diversity.
The Volcanic rock and its high rugosity make it a perfect substrate for coral larvae to settle. The High porosity of the lava rock deposited in the shallow water of Banda Neira offers the perfect surface for coral larvae to settle and be protected from predators, before they start growing into coral colonies.
Amazing coral cover and diversity:
Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the place with the highest coral diversity in the world, combined with exceptional environmental conditions, great coral condition, and perfect coral larvae recruitment opportunities, the coral diversity is as high as it can be.
Great local conditions have also favored the appearance of giant coral colonies. So not only can we see most species, but we can find them as big as they can become.
A great place to learn Acropora ID:
Next to the boat and dive shop, we will have a classroom available, with dive sites within minutes of a boat ride. Banda is a very convenient place to run such a course.
Many accommodations and food are also available on the island within walking distance. This really makes Banda Neira a heaven for coral education.
If you’re interested in this unique opportunity, just send us an email: [email protected]
