Jackpot

Jackpot is an advanced pinnacle dive site known for deep-water pinnacles, large pink barrel sponges, and hammerhead shark potential. Sources disagree on its exact location. X-Ray Mag’s trip itinerary places a site of this name at Suanggi Island, near Pulau Pisang and within reach of Banda Neira — this matches the coordinates recorded for this entry. A separate trip report (Original Diving) describes a differently-paired “Jackpot” near remote Serua Island, in the southern Banda Sea/Forgotten Islands. “Jackpot” may simply be a popular name reused at more than one Banda Sea pinnacle by different operators. This description covers the site as documented at the recorded coordinates (Suanggi/Pulau Pisang area) but notes overlapping detail from both accounts where they agree.

Overview

The site features deep-water pinnacles covered in coral formations and substantial pink barrel sponges. Strong currents sweep the pinnacle tops and flanks, concentrating fish. Divers commonly perform negative entries to get down quickly before positioning out of the current. Schooling fish and large grey reef sharks are reported by trip accounts of a site by this name.

Scalloped hammerhead sharks are reported at “Jackpot” sites in both accounts, though sightings are described as a possibility rather than a guarantee. The broader Banda Sea hammerhead season runs approximately September–November, and both accounts describe hammerhead encounters as more likely, though not certain, during that period.

Dive Profile

Pinnacle dive from the surface to 40+ m. Most action at 15–35 m on the pinnacle shoulders and in the water column above. Strong currents — negative entry is standard practice at sites of this name. Visibility variable but can reach 25–30 m in good conditions. Water temperature: 27–29°C.

Marine Life

• Scalloped hammerhead sharks (possible, not guaranteed; best chance September–November)
• Grey reef sharks in the water column
• Schooling fish (species not consistently specified across sources)
• Large pink barrel sponges
• Coral formations on pinnacle faces
• No source consulted names additional species specific to this site; regional Banda Sea fauna (see destination overview) may be present but is not confirmed here

Entry / Exit

Boat dive from liveaboard only. Negative entry is standard. Drift exit with SMB pickup by tender.

Safety

Advanced dive due to strong currents, depth, and remote/liveaboard-only access. Surface marker buoy mandatory. Liveaboard guide essential — local knowledge of current windows is critical for safe entry and positioning.

Photography

Wide-angle pinnacle photography — the barrel sponge formations and schooling fish make strong subjects. Hammerhead encounters in clear water are exceptional but not guaranteed.

Sources: X-Ray Mag - Indonesia’s Banda Sea, Original Diving - Mermaid II Banda Sea Trip Report, Dive The World - Banda Islands, Bottles Up Diving - Banda Islands. Last updated 2026-07-17. Note: sources conflict on this site’s exact island location — see description above.