A Day-by-Day Yacht Adventure
8-Day Spice Islands Historical Expedition & Yacht Voyage
Day 1 – Arrival in Ambon& embarkation
Welcome to Ambon, once a strategic outpost in the Dutch East Indies. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our crew and transferred to Telehu Port, where your private yacht awaits. After a welcome drink and safety briefing, we set sail towards Moana Island for your first taste of the region’s marine beauty. Enjoy an afternoon of snorkeling, beach lounging, or simply unwinding on deck as the sun sets over the Banda Sea.
Day 2 – Run Island & Nailaka Banda Island
After breakfast, we step ashore on Run Island , a place of great historical irony—once traded by
the English to the Dutch in exchange for Manhattan. Here we explore the crumbling ruins of Fort
Swan , a lonely outpost of colonial ambition.
We then cross to Nailaka , a tiny sand-fringed islet, and enjoy the afternoon exploring vibrant
coral reefs and shallow dive sites. Back onboard, dine under the stars as tales of spice and
conquest echo around you.
Day 3 – Banda Neira & Ai Island
Today, the historical heart of the Banda Islands awaits. We begin at Fort Belgica , a star-shaped Dutch bastion
built in 1611, perched above Fort Nassau —once the epicenter of the VOC’s nutmeg monopoly. Wander the
lanes of Banda Neira , where colonial mansions and the old Dutch Reform Church whisper stories of conflict
and trade.
Visit the Museum Rumah Budaya , where relics of Banda’s volatile past are preserved. After lunch onboard,
we sail to Ai Island for an afternoon of diving and snorkeling. This evening, enjoy a classic film under the stars
on the upper deck.
Day 4 – Banda Besar: Forts & Forests
As the yacht glides to Banda Besar , take in the lush island once blanketed in nutmeg plantations. Here we
explore Fort Hollandia , built in 1674 to guard the VOC’s interests. Though partially reclaimed by jungle, the
moss-covered walls still stand as silent sentinels of the Spice Wars.
Stroll through a working nutmeg plantation, meet local growers, and learn how traditional techniques have
endured centuries. In the afternoon, dive the lava-sculpted reef at Batu Angus , shaped by Gunung Api’s
volcanic fury. Enjoy a relaxed evening on deck with your favorite drink in hand.
Day 5 – Hatta & Sahil Island: Beachfront Bliss
Today is dedicated to sea, sand, and serenity. We drop anchor off Hatta Island , named after Indonesian
independence leader Mohammad Hatta. With coral gardens just off the beach, it’s a snorkeler’s paradise.
On Sahil Island , we’ll set up a private beach experience—complete with loungers, umbrellas, and
refreshments. Kayaks and paddleboards await for those feeling adventurous. Enjoy the unspoiled beauty of
these lesser-known islands in complete privacy.
Day 6 – Pulau Suanggi: The Remote Edge
We set course for Pulau Suanggi , a remote and often windswept island at the western edge of the Banda Sea.
Dive or snorkel among schools of snapper, Bluefin Trevally, and the occasional white-tip reef shark. The
rugged reef slopes and dramatic underwater scenery make this a favorite for marine explorers.
In the afternoon, we begin our sail toward Nusa Laut , as the sun melts into the sea behind us.
Day 7 – Nusa Laut & Saparua: Final Fortresses
This morning’s dives reveal Nusa Laut’s spectacular coral walls and abundant marine life. Later, we go ashore
on Saparua Island to visit Fort Duurstede , originally built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch.
It played a strategic role in the clove trade and local resistance movements.
We return to the yacht for your final sunset sail back to Ambon. Over dinner, we toast to shared discoveries and
the enduring mysteries of the Spice Islands.
Day 8 – Disembarkation in Ambon
After breakfast, we arrive back at Telehu Port . Our crew will escort you to the airport for your onward flight. Depart with unforgettable memories of an expedition through time—where history, nature, and ocean adventure intertwined.
