Sign-up to receive our Best Deals!

    Spice Islands & Forgotten Islands

    0
    Price
    From$19,600$17,330
    Save To Wish List

    Adding item to wishlist requires an account

    2481
    11 Days / 11 Nights
    Dates : Mar 27 & 28
    Ambon / Labuan Bajo
    Aqua Blu
    All shore excursions + Snorkelling & diving equipment + Kayaking & paddleboarding + Group transfers + Laundry + Unlimited WiFi
    HighlightsMap/ItineraryInclusions/ExclusionsPricesPhotosContact Us

    Set sail aboard Aqua Blu from Ambon into the remote islands of the Banda Sea and the Maluku Islands, where rich history, unspoiled nature and extraordinary marine biodiversity come together. Explore the legendary Spice Islands, once at the heart of the Old World spice trade, while discovering pristine coral gardens, volcanic landscapes and secluded island communities. Daily underwater excursions led by expert guides offer opportunities to encounter tropical fish, rays, sea snakes and potentially hammerhead sharks, complemented by immersive experiences on land.

    • Discover Banda Neira, the historic epicenter of the Old World spice trade and home to some of the world’s oldest nutmeg plantations.
    • Explore Pulau Run, a remote island whose remarkable history is intertwined with the origins of modern global trade.
    • Dive and snorkel around Pulau Manuk, a volcanic crater island surrounded by exceptional marine life and large aggregations of sea snakes.
    • Experience Nusa Laut’s spectacular hard-coral seascapes and its locally led marine conservation efforts.
    • Visit Fort Belgica and discover centuries-old Dutch fortifications, colonial homes and panoramic sunset views over Neira’s Bay.
    • Witness the spectacular underwater coral gardens created around the cooled lava flows of Gunung Banda Api.
    • Experience local traditions such as kora-kora war canoe racing and explore the region’s rich birdlife through hiking and birdwatching.

    Map/Itinerary

    Day 1Ambon

     
    Arrive to a warm welcome in Ambon. Board Aqua Blu and enjoy a delicious dinner on board, curated by renowned chef Benjam Cross. Settle into your suite and bid farewell to the harbor as you set sail along the scenic northern coast.

    Day 2Hila

     
    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 Aqua Blu 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. ​

    Day 3Banda Islands & Banda Neira​

     
    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.

    Day 4Pulau Ai & Pulau Run​

     
    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. ​

    Day 5Pulau Manuk ​

    Pulau Manuk ​
    Savor a sunrise breakfast onboard against the backdrop of 300-meter-tall cliffs of Pulau Manuk, a volcanic island rising 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.​

    Day 6Serua Island & Nil Desperandum ​

     
    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.​

    Day 7Romang, Nyata, & Telang (The Forgotten Islands)​

     
    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.​

     ​

    Day 8Wetar (The Forgotten Islands)​

     
    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. ​

    Day 9Alor​

     
    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. ​

    Day 10Maumere

     
    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 we sail towards Sabulon.​

    Day 11Sabulon

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

    Inclusions/Exclusions

    Inclusions

    • All meals while on board
    • Selected house wines and beer, non-alcoholic drinks
    • Twice-daily excursions with expert local guides
    • Group transfers to/from vessel when traveling on recommended flights
    • Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits
    • Scuba diving equipment
    • Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding equipment
    • Laundry
    • Unlimited access to high-speed Wi-Fi

    Exclusions

    • International and domestic flights
    • Airport taxes
    • Travel insurance
    • Visa fees and reciprocity fees, where applicable
    • Medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation
    • Gratuities for crew
    • Personal expenses, including souvenirs, spa treatments and additional services
    • Any services or expenses not specifically listed as included

    Photos

    Read More