Spice Islands

The original nutmeg islands — colonial Fort Belgica, perkenier mansions and groves that once outvalued gold.

A perfect volcanic cone you can climb at dawn for the view over the Banda archipelago.

Coral that recolonised the 1988 lava flow in record time — now one of the most vibrant easy dives in Indonesia.

The tiny nutmeg island the Dutch once traded England for Manhattan — still wild and rarely visited.

Sheer drop-offs with schooling fish, turtles and the chance of hammerheads on the current.

When is the best time to charter the Spice Islands?

September to November — the calm season in the Banda Sea. This is the only comfortable window to reach the Banda Islands, so the route runs for just a few weeks each year.

What are the Spice Islands?

The Banda Islands in Maluku — the historic source of nutmeg and mace, fought over for centuries. Today they offer colonial history, a climbable volcano and superb diving.

How long is a Spice Islands charter?

Seven to twelve nights, usually beginning or ending in Ambon, the gateway port, with the crossing to Banda Neira at its heart.

Where do Spice Islands charters depart from?

From Ambon, reached by domestic flight, sailing south-east to Banda Neira and the surrounding islands.

Is diving good in the Spice Islands?

Excellent — the lava-flow reef, the walls off Hatta and Ai, and mandarinfish at dusk make Banda a diver's favourite, alongside its history.