Yacht expedition to the Spice Islands and the southern Raja Ampat archipelago

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

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7-night cruise Spice Islands & Raja Ampat | Aqua Blu

from/to Ambon

8 days (7 nights)

Maximum 30 passengers

Aqua Blue

8 days / 7 nights boat trip from/to Ambon with Banda Islands & Banda Neira, Pulau Koon, Wayil, Yillet, One Thousand Temples, Fibiacet Island, and Boano

+++ 15% early bird discount +++ Limited offer +++

This voyage across the Banda Sea brings an almost forgotten chapter of world history back to life and is a captivating adventure thatcombines culture, nature, and wildlife.

From the rustic Indonesian port city of Ambon, the Aqua Blu sails south across the Banda Sea to the Spice Islands, a destination steeped in history that impresses with its unspoiled nature and culture.

As the origin of nutmeg, a spice worth more than gold by weight, the Spice Islands (also known as the Banda Islands ) were the Holy Grail for famous Old World explorers, including Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan, who sought it but never found it.

Eventually, the Spice Islands were discovered and controlled from 1607 until the late 18th century by the Dutch, who held a monopoly on the nutmeg trade. During this period, the Dutch constructed numerous colonial-style buildings and extensive fortifications. Surrounded by the local town and the oldest nutmeg plantations in the world, these structures have remained largely intact.

When you visit the Spice Islands today, you are entering a spectacular living museum on earth, where time seems to have stood still for several decades and centuries-old relics such as Fort Nassaustand alongside rich Indonesian traditions such as nutmeg cultivation and kora-kora canoe racing.

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 Nassau, this imposing fortress built in 1609, is the landmark of Banda Neira.
Ambon, the gateway to the Maluku Province and the Spice Islands, is known in natural history circles as the "Galapagos of Asia."
Pulau Koon with breathtaking coral reefs and the spectacular diving and snorkeling spot "Too Many Fish"
One Thousand Temples, a majestic lagoon complex with bizarre rock formations
Wide range of activities such as dinghy trips, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, diving, snorkeling, and swimming

route

itinerary

Day 1: Ambon
Arrival in Ambon and warm welcome. Board the Aqua Blu and indulge in a delicious dinner created by renowned chef Benjamin Cross.

Settle into your cabin and bid farewell to the port as the ship sets sail along the picturesque north coast of Ambon.

Day 2: Banda Islands & Banda Neira
Greet the new day with an unforgettable sunrise over the Banda Islands – a magical moment, crowned by the impressive welcome of traditional Kora Kora war canoes in the harbor.

On Banda Neira, you can take a stroll through the historic Fort Nassau, which was once the center of fierce battles in the 16th and 17th centuries. Wander through the charming alleys, where the colonial past and vibrant present merge in a fascinating way.

After a delicious lunch, crystal-clear waters invite you to go snorkeling or diving. The crowning glory of this eventful day is a sundowner with spectacular views in the majestic Fort Belgica.

Snorkeling surrounded by many tropical fish

Day 3: Pulau Koon
Experience a day full of adventure and discover some of the most breathtaking coral reefs in the world.

Off the remote island of Koon, the spectacular diving and snorkeling spot "Too Many Fish" awaits you—a name that does not promise too much. Countless colorful reef fish frolic here, and with a little luck, you may even encounter leopard or hammerhead sharks in their natural habitat.

Day 4: Wayil & Yillet
The stunning Wayil region in Raja Ampat enchants visitors with a chain of untouched islands—lined with secluded beaches and hidden lagoons just waiting to be discovered.

Take a relaxing kayak tour through colorful reefs or enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of this tropical idyll.

After a delicious lunch, we set course for Yillet, an island known for some of the most spectacular diving and snorkeling spots in the world. In the evening, we return to the Aqua Blu.

Day 5: One Thousand Temples & Fibiacet Island
Immediately after waking up, a breathtaking panorama opens up before you: the majestic karst island and lagoon complex of the 'Thousand Temples'. In the morning, you will immerse yourself in the mysterious world of jellyfish lakes and explore the bizarre rock formations and seascapes shaped by centuries-old rock art.

Another highlight awaits you with a visit to the impressive Tomolol Caves—a place of mystical beauty.

In the afternoon, your adventure takes you to the remote island of Fibiacet, whose waters are among the most biodiverse in all of Indonesia. Back on board the Aqua Blu, you can round off this eventful day with a stylish sundowner.

Day 6: Kapatcol & Blue Water Mangroves

Start the day with an excursion to the dense, green forests of Kapatcol—a paradise for nature lovers and home to many birds of paradise. After this special morning birdwatching experience, enjoy a refreshing dip in the bright blue waters of the surrounding area—perfect for snorkeling or diving.

In the afternoon, continue on to the remote Blue Water Mangroves and the mysterious Crocodile River, where, with a little luck, you can watch saltwater crocodiles basking in the sun. End the day in style with a dinghy tour through the tranquil mangrove channels—accompanied by cool cocktails and fine canapés.

East Misool, a small archipelago in a shallow blue lagoon, Raja Ampat

Diving underwater on the coral reef with fish

Day 7: Boano
Early in the morning, you will reach the idyllic island of Boano, picturesquely situated between the Seram and Banda Seas.

Explore the island's impressive coral-lined cliffs while diving or snorkeling—with a little luck, you may encounter sharks or other sea creatures.

After a delicious lunch, you can look forward to a stylish cocktail demonstration on board. Spend the last evening of your trip relaxing on the sun deck, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and the view of the vast horizon.

Day 8: Ambon
You wake up to the hustle and bustle of Ambon and, after a hearty breakfast, disembark to catch your return flight.

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
Group transfers to/from the ship when traveling with recommended flights
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.