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User Mark Richards CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Banda Api

Island

An active volcanic island in the Banda Sea near Banda Neira, part of the historic Spice Islands. Divers, historians and trekkers visit for underwater reefs, volcanic slopes and colonial‑era settlements.

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In this guide

Banda Api essentials

Address: Banda Api, Banda Islands, Maluku, Indonesia
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About Banda Api

Banda Api is a small, active volcanic island in the Banda Islands of Maluku province, Indonesia. It is an active stratovolcano that rises directly from the Banda Sea and forms part of the Banda volcanic arc.

The island presents a steep volcanic cone and fringing coral reefs; marine activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving around the island are the primary attractions offered by tour operators based on nearby inhabited islands. There are no large settlements on Banda Api and visitors usually approach by boat from the neighbouring islands.

Eruptive activity has been recorded in historical times, including a notable eruption in 1988 that affected the island’s vegetation and local maritime activity. The island’s shape and ecology have been shaped by repeated volcanic events over centuries.

Geographically the island sits in the Banda Sea within the Banda Islands group, administered as part of Maluku province. It is close to the inhabited island of Banda Neira, which is the usual base for visits and boat access.

  • Access: Boat services to the Banda Islands operate from Banda Neira; local operators run snorkel and dive trips that circle the island rather than guarantee landings.
  • Volcanic activity: The volcano is active and monitored locally; landing or close approaches can be restricted during increased activity so check local advisories before planning a visit.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Banda Api

Best visited in the dry season for safe sea travel and clear snorkelling conditions.

Dry season
May-September · 24-30°C
Best for sea access, diving and beach approaches; calmer seas.
Wet season
November-April · 24-30°C
Heavy rains and rough seas are likely; some services may suspend.

Weather & Climate near Banda Api

Climate

Banda Api's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2708 mm/year), wettest in May.

Air Quality: AQI 30 Good
Best Time to Visit
OctoberSeptemberAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 22° - 29° 26° 246 mm overcast 81% 2.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.2h
February Good 22° - 29° 25° 219 mm overcast 81% 2.7 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.1h
March Good 21° - 29° 25° 230 mm overcast 81% 2.2 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
April Good 21° - 29° 25° 299 mm overcast 80% 2.2 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.9h
May Good 21° - 28° 25° 384 mm overcast 82% 2.4 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.8h
June Good 21° - 27° 24° 340 mm overcast 83% 2.8 m/s 1.8 very high 11.7h
July Good 21° - 27° 24° 236 mm overcast 84% 3.2 m/s 2.0 very high 11.8h
August Very Good 20° - 27° 24° 136 mm partly cloudy 82% 2.7 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.9h
September Very Good 21° - 28° 24° 120 mm partly cloudy 82% 2.8 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
October Very Good 21° - 29° 25° 116 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.4 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.1h
November Very Good 22° - 30° 26° 138 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.1 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.2h
December Good 22° - 29° 26° 244 mm overcast 79% 2.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Banda Api

Reached by boat from Ambon or by inter‑island ferry/charter from larger Banda Islands hubs; sea conditions and schedules vary seasonally.

Tips for Visiting Banda Api

  • If approaching by sea, watch for swift currents and local navigational marks-local skippers are the safest option.
  • Respect local communities-Banda Api has a living memory of the 1988 eruption and local narratives are central to any visit.