Lava Flow Coral Reef
Lava Flow
Where volcanic lava entered the sea in 1988. Coral is regrowing rapidly over the new rock, with dense table corals, making it suitable for snorkelling and diving.
In 1988, an eruption of Gunung Api sent lava flowing down the northeast slope and into the sea, destroying the existing reef. Over the following decades, coral has regrown at astonishing speed over the black lava. Today vast layers of table coral and staghorn coral stand as a model of coral recovery recognised by scientists. In shallow water you can snorkel, and divers can explore further down the slope. It is about a 10-minute boat ride from Bandaneira, and local dive shops and guesthouses can arrange trips.
Opening hours
Daytime, weather and sea conditions permitting
Nearby sights
- Gunung Api
- Rumah Budaya Banda Neira
- Sjahrir's Exile House
- Old Church of Banda Neira
- Fort Belgica
- Fort Nassau
- Hatta's Exile House
- Istana Mini