Banda Islands Diving

Karnobol

Located just to the east of the largest island in the Banda Islands, Banda Besar, this site like many in the area offers the chance of diving among tremendous numbers of fish.

Its name is derived from an old-fashioned Dutch club, which was used to beat to death many Bandanese people in an incident here several hundred years ago. Putting aside that useful piece of information, what makes Karnobol a unique dive site in the Banda Islands area are the big bommies, rocks and outcroppings that form interesting topography As you descend down the steep slope dotted with immense and colourful gorgonians, sponges and soft corals, keep your eye out for the passing Napoleonfish and bump-headed parrotfish which frequent the area.

On flatter sections, staghorn coral flourishes with its frosted white tips standing proudly aloft. The colourful scene is added to by the yellow and blue hues of regal angelfish, whitecheek surgeonfish, brushtail tangs, ember parrotfish and butterflyfish which abound all around this site.

Butterflyfishes are small and colourful, and spend most of the day flitting in search of food within their small reef ranges. They typically travel alone or in pairs, and use keen eyesight to spot exposed polyps and other marine invertebrates. The Banda Islands host many different species, including ovalspot butterflyfish, which are bright yellow with a vertical black band running down through their eyes, and a large black spot in the middle of their back; and Meyer's butterflyfish, which is whitish-yellow with curved black bands and a grey nape.

Another excellent Banda Islands spot which will leave you wondering why there are not flotillas of dive boats here, but thankful that you have this place to yourself ... and the ghosts of 50 or so poor Bandanese souls.

Karnobol Reef Basics: Coral bommies and outcrops
Depth: 15 - >40m
Visibility: 20 - 45m
Currents: Gentle
Surface conditions: Calm
Water temperature: 26 - 29°C
Experience level: Intermediate - advanced
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving season: March, April, and mid-September to mid-December
Distance: ~9 km (40 mins) south of Banda Neira
Access: Indonesia liveaboard

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