Aqua Blu Ambon & Spice Islands Cruise

Awake to the beauty of Mioskon Island and head out for a relaxing snorkel and dive excursion. In the afternoon,  venture into the heart of the jungle on board the ship’s private tenders, then enjoy a canoe ride up-river through Kali Biru’s mystical blue waters. Cool off and swim downstream past the jungle canopy.

Rise in the morning to birdsong for an early tender tour of Kabui Bay’s magnificent karsts. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast while cruising to Cape Kri. Snorkel or dive at a site which holds the world record for most species spotted in a single 90-minute dive. On to Yangeffo Island, go on an exhilarating afternoon dive excursion at Mayhem reef or enjoy a sunset cocktail tender tour of the mangroves. Dine underneath the stars once you’re back on board.

You’ll have an early departure to Aljui Bay, followed by an eye-opening visit to a pearl farm. Next, it’s off to Wofoh Island for diving, snorkeling and water sports in the afternoon. Lay back and enjoy the ship’s Beach Club on a private beach, sipping on bespoke cocktails and enjoying frolicking family fun as the sun sets.

Witness the magnificence of Wayag Island’s limestone islets and lagoons as the sun rises. Jump in for a refreshing early morning swim and listen to the sounds of the surrounding nature. Attempt to spot the rare birds of paradise before a hearty breakfast on board. Next, dive at Figure Eight Rock or snorkel at the Ranger station to spot black-tip reef sharks. Spend the afternoon exploring hidden lagoons aboard kayaks at “Castaway” beach.

Wake up to the breathtaking beauty of Penemu Island, home to the renowned Melissa’s Garden. This iconic dive and snorkel site is surrounded by a hard coral garden, teeming with a vibrant array of marine life. In the afternoon, set out in search of manta rays near the charming island village of Arborek. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the village, immersing yourself in the daily rhythms of island life.

Wake up to the magnificent Thousand Temples karst island and lagoon complex. In the morning, explore mysterious jellyfish lakes and karst island seascapes, witnessing ancient rock art before touring the magnificent caverns of Tomolol Cave. After lunch, head out to Yillet – an island featuring some of the world’s most iconic diving and snorkeling sites – before returning to the ship.

Explore Wayil’s secret lagoons and limestone peaks on the ship’s fleet of tenders and discover your very own snorkeling/swimming spot or beach. Relax on the tranquil beaches with sunset cocktails.

The magnificent land and seascape of Misool are said to be home to some of the finest reefs on the planet. Take an easy trek on small sandy coves and land-locked lakes. Snorkel, swim and kayak in the numerous blue pools over the sparkling coral reefs.

Explore the sparkling coral reefs on the Koon Island, also known as the Marine Superhighway because of its location along a migratory route. Kayak into the narrow waterway entrance of Manawoka at Gorong island to view shallow reefs and deep drop-offs. Sail to Banda Islands as the sun sets.

Approach the Banda Islands as the sun rises, greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes as the boat enters the harbor. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Belgica on Banda Neira, once the most hotly contested island in the world in the 16th and 17th century, and learn about the colorful story of the Old World spice trade.

Head out for an early morning ocean swim, followed by a diving or snorkeling excursion. On the north side of Nusa Laut, discover the scenic fishing villages of Ameth and Akon. This is also home of the dugong, the Southeast Asian cousin of the American manatee. Enjoy a cooking lesson before lunch, and cruise to Ambon.

Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark, after breakfast, for your outbound flight.

After lunch, head inland and visit the mountain village of Watubalpi, where you’ll witness a traditional welcome by the local women. Observe the culture and lifestyle of the people, known for their famous Ikat textiles. Return to the ship for dinner on board as you sail east overnight.

These two bays are incredibly scenic, and smoke and dust can often be seen rising from the closest volcano, Lewotolo. The Bacatan headland provides a stark contrast—low lying and treeless, this bay runs down to an  extensive coral reef system on the east side. There is a very pleasant trek on the Lewotolo side of the bay that runs along a country lane between two villages.

Arrive at Alor, home to many picturesque fishing villages and surrounded by clear water and vibrant coral reefs, a must-visit for divers and snorkelers alike. Witness centuries-old tradition come to life in the traditional dance performances by the friendly Abui Tribe. Later, sail overnight to Wetar.

There is plenty to do and see along the rarely visited rugged coastline of Wetar, which features impressive wall dives to meet sharks, schools of pelagic fish, majestic manta and mobular rays. Other activities include fishing and trekking. On this largest island of the Forgotten Islands, experience local life with traditions unchanged for decades.

Dive around Nyata island in search of hammerhead sharks and rays. Since Romang and Nyata are not part of a national park, there are opportunities to go fishing here as well. Cruise south towards Telang for snorkeling and kayaking adventures. Hope to spot rare silver-tip sharks here.

The ship arrives at Damar by daybreak. Trek the island’s volcanoes or kayak in a lagoon at Terbang Seletan when tides are favorable. At Nusleur, swim or snorkel next to the dazzling white sandy shore fringed by shallow coral reef.

Diving around Dawera and Daweloor is a relaxing experience, featuring gentle currents, spectacular walls and flat reefs. Bike through islands and elevated settlements on Daweloor. Spend a leisurely evening on the islands’ white-sand beaches bordered by beautiful coral reefs.

A tiny atoll located in the Banda Sea, Nil Desperandum is blessed with incredible hard coral formations perfect for diving and snorkeling. Revel in the experience as shoals of big fish such as tuna and Spanish mackerel swim by without worry. Serua is a playground for both snorkelers and divers, the island showcases an impressive array of reefs, walls and beautiful soft coral spots. Schools of fish thrive in the area, and there is also a possibility of spotting hammerhead sharks.

Savor a sunrise breakfast on board against the backdrop of 985-foot-tall cliffs of Pulau Manuk, a volcanic island rising nearly two miles from the seabed. This is a haven for fish-hunting birds, as well as sea snakes and reef sharks flocking to enjoy the area’s underwater thermal springs. After sundown, cruise northwards to Pulau Run, a historically significant island traded by the British in exchange for Manhattan in 1667.

Approach the Banda Islands as the sun rises and be greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes as the boat enters the harbor. Stroll through the Dutch Fort Belgica on Banda Neira, once the most hotly contested island in the world. Learn about the colorful story of the Old World spice trade.

Arrive at Pulau Ai at sunrise. Swim, snorkel and dive in the crystal-clear waters, where you’ll discover stunning coral gardens and reef fish. Afterwards, head ashore to Pulau Ai for a guided tour of Fort Revenge and its nutmeg store houses. In the afternoon, sail north overnight towards Ambon.

Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark, after breakfast, for your outbound flight.

Head out for your first excursion to explore the historical Dutch Fort Amsterdam, in the coastal town of Hila. Sail through the afternoon and learn about the incredible history of the spice trade. Next, enjoy a sundowner as the ship continues sailing to the Banda Islands. While traveling through the deep expanse of the Banda Sea, partake in the old “hands to bathe” naval tradition.

Approach the Banda Islands at sunrise, greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes at the harbor. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Nassau on Banda Neira–which used to be the most hotly contested island in the world back in the 16th and 17th century. Walk through ancient passageways now bustling with modern life, yet still showcasing a treasure trove of history. After lunch, head out for a snorkeling or diving excursion, and end the evening with a sundowner at Fort Belgica.

At sunrise, arrive at Pulau Ai & Pulau Run, the westernmost of the Banda Islands. Swim, snorkel and dive in the crystal-clear waters, where you’ll discover stunning coral gardens and reef fish. Afterwards, head ashore to Pulau Ai for a guided tour of Fort Revenge and its nutmeg store houses. Spend the afternoon at a pristine beach on Pulau Run, which was traded for the island of Manhattan in 1667 by the British and the Dutch. Witness the sun setting into the sea while enjoying a cocktail party on these historic sands.

Savor a sunrise breakfast on board against the backdrop of 985-foot-tall (300 meters) cliffs of Pulau Manuk–a volcanic island rising nearly 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the seabed. This is a haven for fish-hunting birds, as well as sea snakes and reef sharks flocking to enjoy the area’s underwater thermal springs.

A playground for snorkelers and divers alike, Serua Island showcases an impressive array of reefs, walls and incredible soft coral spots. Schools of fish thrive around here, and there is also a possibility of spotting hammerhead sharks. In the afternoon, discover the hard coral formations of Nil Desperandum, and find yourself surrounded by shoals of big fish such as tuna and Spanish mackerel, swimming by without worry.

Dive around Nyata island in search of hammerhead sharks and rays. Since Romang and Nyata are not part of a National Park, there are opportunities to go fishing here as well. Cruise south towards Telang for snorkeling and kayaking adventures, with a chance to spot rare silver-tip sharks.

There is plenty to see along the rarely visited rugged coastline of Wetar, which features impressive wall dives to encounter sharks, schools of pelagic fishes, majestic manta and mobular rays. Other activities include fishing and trekking. On the largest of the Forgotten Islands, experience local life with traditions unchanged for centuries.

Arrive at Alor, home to many picturesque fishing villages and surrounded by clear water and vibrant coral reefs which are a must-visit for divers and snorkelers alike. Centuries-old tradition comes to life in the traditional dance performances by the friendly Abui Tribe.

Upon arriving at Maumere, head out on an afternoon excursion to the nearby village of Watubalpi, where you’ll witness a traditional welcome by the local women. Observe the culture and lifestyle of the people, known for their famous Ikat textiles. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious dinner on board before you sail towards Sabulon.

Spend the afternoon swimming from the ship and enjoying the calm reefs around Sabulon before viewing your final Komodo sunset of the expedition.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board before your disembarkation at Labuan Bajo.