Yacht expedition between the Spice Islands and Flores

Modern super yacht Aqua Blu | maximum of 30 passengers on board

Request a trip now

Boat trip from the Spice Islands to Flores (and vice versa) | Aqua Blu

from Ambon/Labuan Bajo (Flores)

to Labuan Bajo (Flores)/Ambon

12 days (11 nights)

Maximum 30 passengers

Aqua Blue

12 days (11 nights) boat trip from Ambon to Labuan Bajo, Flores (or vice versa) with Banda Islands & Banda Neira, Pulau Run, Pulau Manuk, Saparua, Serua Island, Pantar & Alor, and The Forgotten Islands.

This journey takes you south from Ambon across the Banda Sea to the legendary Spice Islands (also known as the Banda Islands ), a destination steeped in history that impresses with its unspoiled nature and culture.

Discover the legendary history of an Old World spice trading center, as well as remote communities and impressive marine habitats.

Aboard the Aqua Blu, you will sail further south to theForgotten Islands, a remote chain of islands stretching over 1,000 kilometers from Timor to Papua. They offer some of the most spectacular and still largely unexplored diving and snorkeling sites in the world.

On Alor, the largest island in the Indonesian Alor Archipelago, you will visit the fascinating village of Alor, home to the colorful Abui tribe, the largest ethnic group on Alor Island. The Abui consider themselves Abui loku, which means "the mountain people."

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

Make an appointment

HIGHLIGHTS

Banda Neira is one of the ten volcanic islands of the Banda Archipelago. It was once the center of the global spice trade and is a kaleidoscope of tradition, culture, nature, and wildlife.
Fort Belgica, this imposing fortress built in 1611, is the landmark of Banda Neira.
Although Pulau Run is one of the smallest Banda Islands, the remote island village was once as valuable as Manhattan thanks to nutmeg cultivation.
Serua Island, with its impressive variety of coral reefs, is a paradise for snorkelers and divers alike.
Damar is a remote island of volcanic origin that invites you to hike on its active volcanoes.
Molana Island impresseswith its natural rock landscape on the east side of the island.
The Forgotten Islands Romang, Nyata, Telang, and Wetar, home to some of the world's most spectacular and largely unexplored diving and snorkeling sites
Alor is not only home to the colorful Abui tribe, but also to many picturesque fishing villages.
Ambon, the gateway to the Maluku Province and the Spice Islands, is known in natural history circles as the "Galapagos of Asia."
Sarapua, an idyllic village by the sea with historic Dutch forts: Fort Amsterdam and Fort Duurstede, which tell different stories of the rich colonial history.
Pulau Manuk, a remote volcanic crater island in the Banda Sea, rising 3,000 meters above sea level
Wide range of activities such as dinghy trips, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, diving, snorkeling, and swimming

route

itinerary

Day 1: Ambon
You will receive a warm welcome in Ambon and board the Aqua Blu in Laha Bay, a famous diving spot. Inland, there are also opportunities for trekking and bird watching.

Boarding time: 3:00 p.m.

The trip from September 20 to October 2, 2025, is one day/one night longer (13 days/12 nights) and starts in Labuan Bajo, Flores.

Day 2: Hila
Begin your journey with a first excursion to the historic Dutch Fort Amsterdam in the coastal town of Hila. In the afternoon, continue sailing and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the spice trade. End the day with a sundowner as the Aqua Blu sets course for the Banda Islands. As you cross the deep waters of the Banda Sea, you will have the opportunity to participate in the traditional naval ceremony "hands to bathe."

Day 3: Banda Islands & Banda Neira
You will approach the Banda Islands at sunrise and be greeted by kora-kora canoes in the harbor.

Take a journey through history at the Dutch Fort Nassau on Banda Neira, which was one of the most fiercely contested islands in the world in the 16th and 17th centuries. Stroll through the old alleyways, which are now bustling with modern life but still represent a treasure trove of history. Learn more about the eventful history of the spice trade in the Old World.

Day 4: Pulau Ai & Pulau Run

At sunrise, you will reach Pulau Ai and Pulau Run, the westernmost islands of the Banda archipelago. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for swimming, snorkeling, or diving and discover colorful coral gardens and a fascinating underwater world. Afterwards, you will go ashore on Pulau Ai and take part in a guided tour to Fort Revenge and the traditional nutmeg houses.

In the afternoon, relax on a pristine beach on Pulau Run—the historic island that changed hands between the British and the Dutch in 1667 in exchange for Manhattan. End the day with a stylish cocktail party on the beach as the sun slowly sinks into the sea.

Day 5: Pulau Manuk
Enjoy breakfast at sunrise on board against the backdrop of the 300-meter-high cliffs of Pulau Manuk, a volcanic island that rises 3 kilometers from the seabed.

This is a paradise for birds hunting for fish, as well as for sea snakes and reef sharks that frolic in the area's underwater thermal springs.

Day 6: Serua Island & Nil Desperandum
Serua Island is a true paradise for snorkelers and divers, with spectacular reefs, steep slopes, and colorful soft coral sites. Schools of colorful reef fish enliven the underwater world, and with a little luck, you may even spot hammerhead sharks.

In the afternoon, explore the impressive hard coral formations of Nil Desperandum and witness the fascinating spectacle of large schools of fish—including tuna and Spanish mackerel—swimming past you in an elegant dance.

Day 7: Romang, Nyata, & Telang
Explore the waters around Nyata Island on exciting dives in search of hammerhead sharks and rays. As Romang and Nyata are located outside the national park, there is also the opportunity to go fishing here.

Further south, Telang awaits you with exciting snorkeling and kayaking tours—and with a little luck, you might even encounter the rare silvertip sharks.

Day 8: Wetar (The Forgotten Islands)
There is much to do and see along this rarely visited rugged coastline of Wetar, which offers impressive wall dives to encounter sharks, schools of pelagic fish, majestic manta rays, and mobula rays.

Other activities include fishing and trekking. On this largest island of the Forgotten Islands, you can experience the traditional life of the locals up close, which has remained unchanged for decades.

Day 9: Alor
Arrival in Alor, home to many picturesque fishing villages and surrounded by crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs that are very popular with divers and snorkelers.

Centuries-old traditions come to life in the traditional dance performances of the friendly Abui tribe.

Day 10: Maumere (Flores)
After arriving in Maumere, you will take an afternoon trip to the nearby village of Watubalpi, where you will be warmly welcomed by the local women with a traditional ceremony. Gain an authentic insight into the culture and daily life of the villagers, who are known for their artistic ikat textiles.

Back on board, a delicious dinner awaits you before the ship sets course for Sabulon.

Day 11: Sabulon
Spend the afternoon enjoying a refreshing swim directly from the ship and exploring the peaceful reefs around Sabulon. End the day as the sun sets over the Komodo Archipelago – an atmospheric conclusion to your expedition.

Day 12: Labuan Bajo
Enjoy a hearty breakfast on board before disembarking in Labuan Bajo.

PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are subject to change due to weather and other conditions.

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
Excursions with local guides
Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits
Scuba diving
All available non-motorized water sports
laundry service
Internet access (subject to interruptions depending on location)

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.