History, Volcanoes & Hammerhead Diving

The Banda Sea and Spice Islands are remote, beautiful, and full of history. Once the heart of the global spice trade, these small islands sit among deep blue seas, overlooked by volcanoes and fringed with coral reefs. Cruising here by yacht means quiet anchorages, diving untouched sites, and visiting places few travelers ever reach.

For divers, the highlight is the hammerhead shark season. From September to November and again in March, schools of scalloped hammerheads gather in the Banda Sea – one of Indonesia’s most exciting diving experiences. Outside of this season, the reefs are rich with sea snakes, turtles, and colorful coral life.

On land, the islands offer just as much to explore. Walk through nutmeg plantations, visit old Dutch forts, and learn about the Spice Islands’ role in history. Evenings end with dinner on deck or a beach barbecue, often with a volcano rising in the background.