Banded Sea Snake in Raja Ampat: What Divers Should Know
A banded sea snake in Raja Ampat is always an exciting sighting. More accurately known as the banded sea krait (Laticauda colubrina), this striking black-and-white reptile is one of the more memorable creatures divers and snorkellers may encounter on Indo-Pacific reefs. Although highly venomous, it is generally not aggressive, and bites to humans are rare.
We know you share the same kind of excitement for all things ocean, as we do. That is why we wanted to share our latest sighting with you: A Banded Sea Snake (KRAIT).
Is a banded sea snake dangerous to divers?
They truly are majestic but mostly feared creatures, with a venomous bite that can kill you within an hour. But like most creatures in the ocean that are poisonous or venomous, they come with misconceptions. Sea snakes are actually non-aggressive, except during mating season, and only a few Sea Snake attacks on humans resulting in death have been recorded.
They also tend to be very curious and known to have a fixation for any elongated floating object. These include things like boats, paddleboards, the air hoses of deep sea divers or even a snorkeler’s fin. Just look at this beauty…
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Read ArticleIs a banded sea snake dangerous?
Yes, the banded sea krait is highly venomous, but it is generally not aggressive and human bites are rare. Divers should never touch or corner one.
What is the difference between a Banded Sea Snake and a sea krait?
Sea kraits are amphibious, meaning they forage in the sea but return to land to rest, digest, mate, and lay eggs. That is one of the easiest ways they differ from fully aquatic sea snakes.
Why do sea snakes sometimes swim close to divers?
Research on olive sea snakes suggests some close approaches to divers may be cases of mistaken identity during breeding activity. That study was not on banded sea kraits specifically, so use this as a general diver-behaviour note rather than a species-specific claim.
What should I do if a sea snake approaches me underwater?
Stay calm, avoid sudden movements, and do not retaliate or try to grab it. Giving the animal space is the safest response.
