Moluccas & West Papua on a small ship
from/to Ambon
13 days (12 nights)
Maximum 30 passengers
Aqua Blue
13-day expedition voyage aboard the superyacht Aqua Blu (max. 30 passengers) from/to Ambon via the Spice Islands to the remote Asmat region in West Papua and isolated islands such as Pulau Manuk and Pulau Run
Embark on an extraordinary superyacht expedition that takes you deep into unknown eastern Indonesia, from the legendary Spice Islands to the inaccessible swamplands of West Papua. Aboard the expedition yacht Aqua Blu , your journey begins in Ambon, the historic gateway to the Moluccas archipelago. From there, you will set course for the legendary Banda Islands – once the center of the global nutmeg trade – where colonial forts, living history, and colorful coral reefs await you.
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Authentic encounters and discoveries far off the beaten track
Here, in the dense mangrove thickets and along winding rivers, you will encounter one of the most fascinating indigenous cultures of our time. Traditional canoes will take you to remote villages where intricately carved ancestral poles, ritual dances, and the living spirituality of the Asmat people bear impressive witness to a world that has remained almost unchanged to this day. This journey combines intense cultural encounters, spectacular nature experiences, and the comfort of a high-class yacht, offering you a rare opportunity to discover one of the last blank spots on the map with all your senses. For a lasting travel experience, lectures and presentations by your expedition leaders on board provide in-depth background knowledge on the flora and fauna, history, and culture of this hidden region of Indonesia.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs to extend your trip.
Entry requirements: German citizens need only a passport (valid for at least 6 months after their return date) to enter Indonesia.
Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.
Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Swim with majestic whale sharks in the crystal-clear waters of Triton Bay
- Visit to the remote Asmat tribe with a tour of the village and personal encounters
- Traditional mask ceremony and Mbis stake ceremony of the still unspoiled Asmat culture
- Welcome by traditional Kora-Kora war canoes in the port of Banda Neira
- Top diving and snorkeling spot "Too Many Fish" near Koon Island with huge schools of reef fish and predatory fish such as leopard sharks
- Possible sightings of pygmy seahorses, dugongs, sea snakes, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, and manta rays
- Extensive activities such as zodiac trips, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, diving, snorkeling, andswimming
route
itinerary
Advance information
Your arrival and departure from/to Ambon are not included in your travel price.
Since our customers all have individual wishes for their trip, we are happy to book flights separately. Of course, the flights then become part of a secure package tour. We recommend an overnight stay in Ambon to cushion any irregularities with your flight or lost luggage. We are happy to organize everything for you on request. Please contact us.
Day 1: Embarkation in Ambon
After a warm welcome in Ambon, you will board the Aqua Blu. Once you have settled in, you will leave the harbor and your superyacht will set course for the legendary Banda Islands.
Day 2: Banda Islands & Banda Neira
In the first light of dawn, you approach the Banda Islands, where you are greeted at the harbor by traditional kora-kora war canoes. On Banda Neira, you then walk through history: in the Dutch Fort Nassau, which was the center of bitter colonial power struggles in the 16th and 17th centuries, you can feel the spirit of centuries past. Strolling through the old streets, now bustling with modern life, you will discover a wealth of well-preserved historical treasures.
After lunch, enjoy a snorkeling or diving excursion in the colorful underwater world surrounding the islands. End the day in style with a sundowner at the impressive Fort Belgica, overlooking the sea.
Day 3: Pulau Koon
Spend the morning exploring some of the most impressive coral reefs on our planet. Off the remote island of Koon, divers and snorkelers can look forward to a real highlight: the "Too Many Fish" dive site, which lives up to its name. Countless reef fish frolic here, and with a little luck, you may even encounter a leopard shark or a majestic hammerhead shark.
Day 4: Triton Bay
In the afternoon, you will set off on an unforgettable experience: swimming with whale sharks in the crystal-clear waters of Triton Bay. This remote region is home to some of the most spectacular dive sites in the world and is a true paradise for rare marine life. The lush, colorful soft corals are exceptionally beautiful.
Nature also shows its most impressive side on land: densely forested limestone cliffs tower above, covered with ancient rock carvings that still bear witness to the region's early culture high up on the steep walls.
Day 5: In the Arafura Sea
Spend the day on your luxurious superyacht Aqua Blu and enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Unwind in the Jacuzzi or spa, work out in the fitness area, or gaze out over the endless expanse of the sea with a cool drink in the Sky Lounge Bar or on the sun deck. Or immerse yourself in Indonesian culture by taking part in cooking demonstrations and listening to exciting presentations by your experienced guides.
Day 6: Yuan Yufri
Today you will reach the undeveloped Asmat region – a remote part of West Papua off the beaten track. Take the ship's Zodiacs down the Lorentz River deep into the jungle to visit the village of Yuan Yufri. There you will be warmly welcomed by the tribe members in their artistically carved canoes. Spend the afternoon meeting local people, admiring truly impressive art, and learning more about the everyday life of the locals.
As your yacht later sets course for Biwar Laut, you can relax and end the day with a sundowner on board.
Day 7: Biwar Laut & Ouws
Today, you will continue to explore the Asmat region and delve even deeper into the traditions of the local people. A picturesque trip by dinghy, accompanied by tribal members in their canoes, will take you to the village of Biwar Laut. Upon arrival, you will experience the traditional spirit mask ceremony, with which the Asmat honor their ancestors. After lunch aboard the Aqua Blu, you will visit the nearby village of Ouws, where you will witness the Mbis stake ceremony – an impressive representation of how, according to Asmat belief, the soul lives on after death as a spirit in the form of a bird.
Day 8: Aru Islands
Enjoy a relaxing morning at sea before reaching the shores of the Aru Islands. Explore the crystal clear, sparkling waters around the island on a snorkeling or diving excursion. Afterwards, watch a breathtaking sunset on the island's quiet beach while enjoying a refreshing drink.
Day 9: Kei Islands
Today, discover the remote white sand beaches of the Kei Islands, which are among the most pristine in eastern Indonesia. Swim and snorkel right from the shore in crystal-clear waters that are home to a diverse marine world, including pygmy seahorses and sea snakes.
Day 10: Pulau Manu
Enjoy breakfast on board at sunrise—against the impressive backdrop of the up to 300-meter-high cliffs of Pulau Manuk. The volcanic island rises three kilometers from the sea floor. This place is a paradise for fish-hunting birds as well as sea snakes and reef sharks, which seek out underwater thermal springs here.
Day 11: Pulau Ai & Pulau Run
Today, you will reach the westernmost islands of the Banda archipelago, Pulau Ai and Pulau Run, in the soft light of sunrise. Dive, snorkel, and swim in crystal-clear waters and discover magnificent coral gardens and colorful reef fish. Afterwards, a guided tour of Fort Revenge and the historic nutmeg warehouses awaits you on land on Pulau Ai.
Spend the afternoon on a pristine beach on Pulau Run, an island that the British traded with the Dutch for Manhattan in 1667. End the day with a cocktail reception on this historic sand as the sun slowly sinks into the sea.
Day 12: Nusa Laut
Start with an early morning swim in the open sea, followed by a snorkeling or diving excursion. On the north side of Nusa Laut, discover the picturesque fishing villages of Ameth and Akon. Dugongs, the Southeast Asian relatives of the American manatee, also live here.
In the afternoon, the Aqua Blu sets course for Ambon.
Day 13: Arrival in Ambon
You wake up to the lively hustle and bustle of Ambon and disembark after breakfast to catch your flight home or continue your journey of discovery through Indonesia or another Asian country. We will be happy to advise you on your options!
PLEASE NOTE: The daily programs described here are for your guidance only. The itinerary may vary due to local weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and organizational requirements. The expedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
November 17, 2027 – November 29, 2027
from $0 per person
13 days/12 nights
MS Aqua Blu (Maximum occupancy: 30)
Ambon Ambon
November 29, 2027 – December 11, 2027
from €19,305 per person
13 days/12 nights
MS Aqua Blu (Maximum occupancy: 30)
Ambon Ambon
November 15, 2028 – December 27, 2028
from €19,710 per person
43 days/42 nights
MS Aqua Blu (Maximum occupancy: 30)
Ambon Ambon
November 27, 2028 – December 9, 2028
from €19,710 per person
13 days/12 nights
MS Aqua Blu (Maximum occupancy: 30)
Ambon Ambon
Selected date
November 17, 2027 – November 29, 2027 (13 days/12 nights)
MS Aqua Blu | Expedition voyage to the Moluccas & West Papua
Design Suite (CAT III)
Design Suite (CAT II)
Design Suite (CAT I)
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
November 29, 2027 – December 11, 2027 (13 days/12 nights)
MS Aqua Blu | Expedition voyage to the Moluccas & West Papua
Design Suite (CAT III)
Design Suite (CAT II)
Design Suite (CAT I)
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
November 15, 2028 – December 27, 2028 (43 days/42 nights)
MS Aqua Blu | Expedition voyage to the Moluccas & West Papua
Design Suite (CAT III)
Design Suite (CAT II)
Design Suite (CAT I)
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
November 27, 2028 – December 9, 2028 (13 days/12 nights)
MS Aqua Blu | Expedition voyage to the Moluccas & West Papua
Design Suite (CAT III)
Design Suite (CAT II)
Design Suite (CAT I)
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Information
Included services:
- Cruise and overnight stays on board the booked ship according to the published itinerary
- All meals throughout the trip on board the ship
- Select premium wines and beer, non-alcoholic beverages
- Daily excursions with local guides
- Group transfers to/from the ship when traveling with recommended flights
- Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits
- diving equipment
- laundry service
- Unlimited access to SpaceX's high-speed internet via Starlink satellites
Not included in the price:
- Flights, whether scheduled or charter flights
- Passport and visa fees
- Arrival and departure taxes
- private transfer
- SPA treatments
- Meals ashore
- Luggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips for service personnel on board and guides (guidelines available on request)
Important:
- Onboard language: English, English-speaking guides
- Onboard currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR), Visa, or MasterCard
- Medical care: comprehensive medical care for wounds and injuries, oxygen for emergencies, automatic external defibrillator, cruise leaders and guides trained in first aid, and a dedicated health and safety officer
- Children under 12 years of age receive a 20% discount, minimum age 5 years
- Scuba diving is only permitted for certified divers.
Your ship during the voyage
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Your expedition yacht Aqua Blu
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Welcome by Kora-Kora warriors
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Fort Belgica
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Traditional demonstration at Fort Belgica
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The Spice Islands
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Cocktail reception on the beach
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Turquoise blue water off the tropical coast
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Swimming in the open sea
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A manta ray
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Snorkeling among colorful coral reefs
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Swimming with whale sharks
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Boat dock on a remote island
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Excursion with the dinghy
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Landing on a dream beach
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Banda Islands
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Everyday life in an island village
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