
Sailing to New Horizons: Beyond the Mediterranean and Caribbean
The Coral Triangle
The Epicenter of Ocean Biodiversity
Sequoia invites you to try something new—yachting beyond the familiar Mediterranean and Caribbean. We proudly celebrate eight years of exploration in the 17 million acres of the Coral Triangle, Indonesia, the most celebrated marine region on Earth, where the Pacific and Indian Oceans converge through the Banda Sea. This enchanting region, covering just 1.6% of the world’s oceans, is home to over 76% of all known coral species and 2,500 fish species. At its core lies a safe sanctuary of 28 Marine Protected Areas within the archipelago, featuring vibrant coral reefs, mesmerizing seascapes, ancient cultures, and friendly locals. Discover a treasure trove of largely unexplored beauty that basks in endless summer, away from the crowds.

Pacific Ocean
Papua, A True Symphony of Colors
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Australia, Papua New Guinea is the world’s second-largest island, known as “Papua,” meaning “Far Away.” Its lush rainforests cover 75% of its 78 million acres, vibrant after daily rainfall. In contrast, the coast and islands, especially the Bird’s Head Peninsula, showcase seven stunning shades of blue, concealing a rich underwater world. Papua’s fringing reefs are the most biodiverse globally, featuring 574 hard coral species and 1,638 reef fish species, with individual reefs hosting up to 113 fish species per acre. Sequoia explores seven million acres of the thirteen designated Papua Marine Protected Areas from October to April, including the Raja Ampat Islands and Kaimana.

Banda Sea
Maluku, The Romance of the Original Spice Islands
The Cobalt Blue Banda Sea spans 470,000 square kilometers (180,000 square miles) and is home to the Weber Deep, one of the ocean’s deepest points at 7,440 meters (24,406 feet). This stunning sea features cone-shaped volcanoes, palm-fringed islands, lush jungles, golden beaches, and historic nutmeg plantations, all teeming with vibrant corals and diverse pelagic life. In the early 1500s, European ships sought cloves and nutmeg here, establishing the Moluccas as the world’s sole source of these spices, which fueled the European Age of Exploration. Sequoia explores three million acres of ten designated Maluku Marine Protected Areas in October and November, including Ay Island & Rhun Island.

Indian Ocean
The Lesser Sunda Islands: A Tapestry of Time and Endemism
Nestled between Java Island and Australia, the Lesser Sunda Islands are part of the Ring of Fire, featuring 31 of Indonesia’s 147 volcanoes, including Mount Tambora. These 1,200 islands boast unique flora and fauna, such as the endemic Komodo dragon. Beneath the waves, the bizarre Rhinopias thrive among vibrant corals, while strong Indian Ocean currents attract pelagic species like whale sharks and manta rays. Inhabited by Homo floresiensis and Melanesians for over 40,000 years, up to forty indigenous tribes now sustainably utilize the islands’ resources and preserve traditions like ikat weaving. Sequoia sails within three million acres of the five designated Lesser Sunda Marine Parks from May to October, including Komodo and Alor.

Beyond the Reefs
A Sanctuary for Pelagic Giants
Historically, islanders hunted pelagic species for food and engaged in illegal fishing. However, communities now recognize the need to protect these creatures for sustainability. This shift in conservation focus has led to numerous projects throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Remarkable species include oceanic manta rays, great hammerhead sharks, giant sunfish, and thresher sharks, alongside iconic giants like the blue whale and whale shark. These species contribute to the rich biodiversity of the Coral Triangle, one of Earth’s most extraordinary marine environments.

The Thresher Shark
The most notable feature is their elongated tail fin, which they use to whip and stun prey, reaching lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters).

Giant Sunfish (Mola Mola)
Known for their unique shape, giant sunfish can weigh over 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) and reach lengths of up to 10 feet (3 meters).

Great Hammerhead Shark
The great hammerhead is the largest species of hammerhead shark, reaching lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters).

Oceanic Manta Ray
Wingspans of up to 23 feet (7 meters) and are renowned for their acrobatic swimming behaviors, often performing graceful leaps and spins.

Whale Shark
The largest fish in the world, growing up to 60 feet (18 meters) in length. Despite their impressive size, they are gentle filter feeders, primarily consuming plankton.
The only region whereall together new and unimaginable forms of lifemay perhaps be found
– Alfred Russel Wallace –