By Lida Pet-Soede​. Photos by Varsha, Guillaume, Foued, Alex & Lida.

Tayandu Island diving adventure, Our “EPIC 1” sojourn of November 2020 was going to be hard to beat, but taking the long route home from Papua to Komodo, “EPIC 2” held a lot of promise. Doing their homework first, Mark and Jos checked old notes and asked around a bit. Counting on Ricardo Ondina’s extensive experience exploring eastern Indonesia, his review “good to the west” about a seamount in the Tayandu Island group was enough reason to go and have a look. Google satellite and the Indonesian sea charts showed extensive reef flats, white sandy beaches and some interesting sea mounts, all part of this group of remote islands in the Moluccas. We were not disappointed!

A small group of marine conservation and tourism experts embarked on a month-long adventure aboard the Seven Seas from Sorong. Despite a nearby storm, they enjoyed calm seas, stunning sunsets, and explored beautiful beaches while island hopping from Misool to Pisang and the Bird’s Head of West Papua. Highlights included swimming with oceanic mantas, experiencing the Momon waterfall, encountering whale sharks in Namatota, and diving at Pintu Arus and Dramai, surrounded by vibrant marine life and dramatic underwater landscapes. In just five days, it felt like a full month of vacation.

As we approached the Tayandu island group, some anxiety grew due to stories of liveaboard crews being ‘taken hostage’ over misunderstandings about permits and fees. After paying required government and village fees around West Papua’s bays and reefs, we arrived early morning. Captain Rivai gave the go-ahead to lower the tenders, and Helmy, a fisheries research assistant from the Moluccas, went ashore to report. Our worries were unfounded. The village head warmly welcomed us, assuring that the community protects the reefs from damage and hoped we would enjoy the diving, despite few liveaboards visiting the area.

And it was true! At the first dive site, we swam across a vast submerged reef with increasing fish biomass near the reef edge. We saw many mature groupers—including a huge 25 kg Plectropomus laevis that followed us like a puppy—schools of unicorn fish, and countless Napoleon wrasses. We explored large hard coral fields, spotted a massive nurse shark under an ancient coral bommie, and felt inspired knowing healthy reef systems still thrive in Indonesia. Despite previous concerns, Tayandu surprised us with its diverse dive sites and stunning underwater scenery, making the journey truly worthwhile.

Curious to learn more, Hilda and Helmy visited nearby villages and a pearl farm nestled between islands with white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. The friendly villagers were eager to hear their thoughts. Before moving on to Manuk, the team prepared for one last dive near the pearl farm. Despite the rocky top being covered in rubble, the reef edges revealed unique fish species not seen before. Jos spotted a rare Waigieu Sea Perch, while during a safety stop, golden-colored parrotfish appeared. The team was amazed by the special and diverse marine life in this area.

Experience the ultimate Tayandu Island diving adventure, exploring some of the most pristine and vibrant coral reefs in the Moluccas. Tayandu Island offers a spectacular underwater world filled with diverse marine life, including schools of barracudas, colorful reef fish, and stunning coral formations. Whether you are an experienced diver or a passionate beginner, this diving adventure promises breathtaking sights and unforgettable moments beneath the waves. Discover hidden dive sites with excellent visibility and rich biodiversity that make Tayandu Island a must-visit destination for every diving enthusiast. Join us on this Tayandu Island diving adventure and immerse yourself in the beauty and magic of one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets.

Sitting for sometime on a most beautiful version of the #gameofthrones#, I started to get the feeling that EPIC2 was well underway to be even more remarkable than EPIC1!

https://thesevenseas.net/blog/tayandu-island-diving-adventure/

Tips for a successful Tayandu Island diving adventure

Despite its remote location, Tayandu is gaining recognition among dedicated divers and marine biologists for its healthy reef systems and biodiversity. You can find more geographical context via Indonesia’s official tourism portal

Tayandu Island Diving Adventure: Explore the Hidden Underwater Paradise

Tayandu Island diving adventure offers an unforgettable experience for divers seeking pristine coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity. Located in a remote part of Indonesia, Tayandu Island provides crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral walls, and abundant marine life that make every dive spectacular.

This Tayandu Island diving adventure is perfect for those looking to escape crowded dive spots and explore untouched underwater ecosystems. Divers often encounter schools of colorful fish, turtles, reef sharks, and mesmerizing coral formations. The island’s remote location ensures a peaceful and authentic diving experience, ideal for both beginners and advanced divers.

Join a Tayandu Island diving adventure to discover one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re diving from a liveaboard or a local resort, the stunning underwater landscapes will captivate and inspire you. Prepare for breathtaking dives, warm tropical waters, and an adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Tayandu Island Diving Adventure: A Hidden Gem in Eastern Indonesia

If you’re looking for a remote, untouched diving destination, the Tayandu Island diving adventure is the perfect choice. Located in the eastern part of Indonesia, Tayandu offers pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity—all far from the crowds.

Untouched Marine Paradise

The main attraction of the Tayandu Island diving adventure lies beneath the surface. Divers can explore vibrant coral gardens, spot reef sharks, sea turtles, and even giant manta rays in certain areas. With visibility often reaching up to 30 meters, the underwater scenery is breathtaking.

Peaceful and Remote

Unlike popular diving spots like Raja Ampat or Komodo, the Tayandu Island diving adventure offers solitude and a raw, natural experience. The region remains largely undeveloped, preserving its marine ecosystem and offering divers a peaceful escape.

Top Dive Sites in Tayandu

Some must-visit spots during your Tayandu Island diving adventure include:

• Manta Reef – Known for frequent sightings of majestic manta rays.
• Tayandu Sea Caves – Mysterious underwater caves filled with marine life.
• Natural Coral Garden – A colorful shallow reef ideal for underwater photography.

Best Time to Dive

The best season for a Tayandu Island diving adventure is from October to April, when the seas are calm and the weather is ideal. Water temperatures range between 27–30°C, making for comfortable diving conditions.

How to Get There

To begin your Tayandu Island diving adventure, fly into Tual (in the Kei Islands, Southeast Maluku), then take a speedboat to Tayandu. It’s a bit of a journey—but absolutely worth it for what awaits beneath the waves.

Tips for a Safe Dive

For a safe and rewarding Tayandu Island diving adventure:

• Hire a local dive guide familiar with the area.
• Bring your own dive gear, as rentals may be limited.
• Respect marine life—do not touch or damage the corals.

Why Tayandu?

What makes the Tayandu Island diving adventure special is its untouched beauty and sense of discovery. It’s a rare opportunity to dive in a place where few have gone before—truly an off-the-beaten-path experience.