Aqua Blu Ambon & Spice Islands Cruise

Wake up to the beauty of Mioskon Island and head out for a relaxing snorkeling and diving excursion. In the afternoon, tour on tenders or kayak in The Passage–a narrow passing between Waigeo and Gam Island that Alfred Russell Wallace traveled through in 1860. Enjoy the mangrove views and catch sight of saltwater crocodiles, hawksbill turtles and hornbills before returning to the ship for sundowners and dinner.

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.

Arrive early at Dayang Island, known for its plethora of marine life, especially reef manta rays and occasionally oceanic manta rays. Snorkelers and divers alike will revel in the close presence of such majestic creatures at the Manta Cleaning Station. Cruise to Arborek Island for a cultural excursion at the Papuan village. Then, return onboard to dine beneath the stars.

Arrival at the One Thousand Temples group after breakfast. Explore cave systems and mysterious moon jellyfish lakes, and embark on unforgettable tender trips through karst island seascapes with the opportunity to discover ancient rock art. Venture into the inner sanctum of Tomolol Cave, Misool’s famed subterranean experience featuring a river-sized waterway that flows through its massive interior.

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, kayak and spear-fish 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 Molana Island—a small but heavily forested island with fantastic reefs.

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

Head out for your first excursion to explore the historical Dutch fortification, 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, enact an old naval tradition–‘hands to bathe’–where you jump into the water and swim, floating over depths stretching thousands of meters.

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.

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.

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

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.

Arrive at the One Thousand Temples group after breakfast. Explore cave systems and mysterious moon jellyfish lakes, and embark on unforgettable tender trips through karst island seascapes with the opportunity to discover ancient rock art. Venture into the inner sanctum of Tomolol Cave, Misool’s famed subterranean experience featuring a river-sized waterway that flows through its massive interior.

Arrive early at Dayang Island, known for its plethora of marine life, especially reef manta rays and occasionally oceanic manta rays. Snorkelers and divers alike will revel in the close presence of such majestic creatures at the Manta Cleaning Station. Cruise to Arborek Island for a cultural excursion at the Papuan village. Then return on board to dine beneath the stars.

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.

Make 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 and 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.

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. Dine underneath the stars once you’re back on board.

Wake up before sunrise to embark on a spectacular hike to spot the rare birds of paradise on the island of Waigeo. After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed snorkeling excursion at Friwinbonda Island. In the afternoon, test your sense of adventure by heading inland on a local canoe before a refreshing swim down the shimmering blue Kali Biru river.

Wake up in Sorong and enjoy a delicious breakfast on board before 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 over vibrant coral reefs that are a diver’s and snorkeler’s favorite. Centuries-old tradition comes to life in the traditional dance performances by the friendly Abui Tribe. 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. Romang and Nyata are not part of a national park, therefore it is possible to fish here, both on the water and under the surface. Cruise south towards Telang for snorkeling and kayaking adventures. Hope to spot rare silver-tip sharks here.

The ship arrives in Damar by daybreak. Trek the active volcanoes of Damar, or kayak on a lagoon at Terbang Seletan when tides are favorable. Swim or snorkel next to the dazzling white sandy shore fringed by shallow coral reef at Nusleur.

Diving around both islands are great and fairly easy, 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 playground for snorkelers and divers alike, Serua Island showcases an impressive array of reefs, walls and incredible soft coral spots. Big fish and schools of fish thrive around this island and there is often the chance to see schooling hammerheads.

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 the Banda Islands.

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.

Arrive at Pulau Run, the westernmost of the Banda Islands, at sunrise. Swim, fish, snorkel and dive in the crystal-clear waters, or go on village tours, trekking and birding. Attempt to search for the ruins of an old British fort before arriving at a pristine beach where a cocktail party awaits.

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

Head out for your first excursion to explore the historical Dutch fortification, 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, enact an old naval tradition–‘hands to bathe’–where you jump into the water and swim, floating over depths stretching thousands of meters.

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.

Spend the day exploring the oldest nutmeg plantations in the world, learning about the cultivation and history of the spice. Go hiking at the active volcano of Gunung Banda Api. In this remote part of Indonesia, experience local life with traditions unchanged for centuries before departing Banda Harbor at night.

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.

A tiny atoll located in the Banda Sea, Nil Desperandum is blessed with incredible hard coral formations. Spend a full day here, diving and snorkeling near the impressive coral and sponge formations. Revel in the experience as shoals of big fish such as tuna and Spanish mackerel swim by without worry.

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

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.

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast on board before your disembarkation at Maumere.