Banda Sea

The historic heart of the Spice Islands — nutmeg plantations, a Dutch fort and the perfect cone of Gunung Api rising from the sea.

A wall dive straight off the back deck on the incoming tide — pristine and rarely crowded.

Climb the volcano before sunrise; the lava-flow reefs below teem with fish that recolonised after the 1988 eruption.

The deep Banda Sea crossings are among Indonesia's best for cetacean sightings.

When can I charter the Banda Sea?

The Banda Sea opens for charter in two short seasons each year — roughly April to May and September to November — when the crossings are calm enough for the open-water passages.

Where do Banda Sea charters start?

Most expedition phinisi depart from Ambon, sailing east through Banda Neira, Hatta and the Spice Islands route.

How long is a Banda Sea voyage?

These are expedition charters of 7 to 11 nights, given the distances and the remote, rarely-visited anchorages.

Is the Banda Sea good for diving?

Exceptionally — Hatta's wall, the Gunung Api lava reefs and frequent whale and dolphin sightings make it a bucket-list expedition route.