Ambon to the Banda Sea and back. Twelve guests. One historian, one marine biologist.
Our flagship voyage. Three Banda Islands, one Saparua land excursion, fifteen dive sites, four cultural days. Phinisi schooner with ensuite cabins.
A voyage that earns the journey.
Getting to Ambon (the Banda Sea’s gateway port) takes one full day from Western origins. A 5-day trip spends 2 days transiting and 3 days at sea — too compressed. A 10-day trip gives you 8 productive days plus 2 transit days.
Our experience after 200+ Banda voyages: 7 days minimum to feel the archipelago, 10 days to feel like you understand it, 12+ days for repeat clients. We default to 10.
Day-by-day route.
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ambon → Saparua | Board phinisi 14:00. Sail to Saparua. Welcome dinner. |
| 2 | Saparua → Banda Sea | 2 dives Saparua. Open Banda Sea passage overnight. |
| 3 | Banda Neira | Walking tour Fort Belgica + Fort Nassau ruin. Nutmeg grove. Historian onboard tonight. |
| 4 | Banda Neira diving | 3 dives. Volcanic reef + Mt. Api lagoon. Evening lecture by historian. |
| 5 | Banda Besar | 3 dives Banda Besar. Schooling barracuda. Hike to old VOC plantation. |
| 6 | Pulau Hatta | 3 dives Hatta. Soft coral garden. Visit fishing village. |
| 7 | Run Island | 2 dives. Walk Run village (population 380). Lunch with village leader. |
| 8 | Run → Banda Neira | 2 dives morning. Afternoon Banda Neira museum. Marine biologist takes over. |
| 9 | Banda Neira → Ambon | Open passage. Mid-ocean swim if conditions permit. Farewell dinner. |
| 10 | Arrive Ambon | Disembark 09:00. Optional Ambon city tour. Departure flights afternoon. |
Three cabin tiers. All-inclusive. No surprises.
| Cabin | Per person twin | Single supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Lower deck (4 cabins) | $5,200 | +$880 |
| Upper deck (4 cabins, panoramic) | $6,800 | +$1,180 |
| Master suite (1) | — | $9,400 |
Included: all 9 nights aboard, all meals (chef-prepared, Maluku + Western), all dives with guide, all permits (Banda Marine Park + heritage site fees), historian (4 days) + marine biologist (4 days), all transfers Ambon. Excluded: flights to Ambon, gear rental ($180/voyage), travel insurance (mandatory), alcohol (Master suite includes wine selection).
Calendar 2026.
October 5, October 19, November 2, November 16, November 30, December 14, January 4, January 18, February 1, February 15, March 1, March 15, March 29, April 12, April 26.
Two departures per month, October through April. May-September is closed (SE monsoon).
Most popular departures: November 16, December 14, March 15. Book 6-9 months ahead.
Hold a cabin
We hold cabins for 10 days while you finalize. Reply with preferred date and tier — we send the booking pack same-day.