Aqua Blu Itinerary
Forgotten Island - Spice Islands Expedition13 days / 12 nights
About Aqua Blu
- Expertly designed interiors combining naval heritage and modern luxury
- Choice of itineraries exploring Indonesia’s most famous dive destinations
- Enjoy free use of top-of-the-line watersports equipment
- Sample a tempting menu of recipes crafted by a renowned international chef
Spread across five decks, Aqua Blu liveaboard is the archetypal modern explorer yacht with a rich naval heritage and stylish, five-star service. Refurbished in 2019 by an expert Dutch yacht designer, this vessel comes equipped with state-of-the-art relaxation and recreation facilities and impeccable design all-round - from the sumptuous suites to the expansive sun deck. Offering both week-long and 12-night itineraries throughout renowned dive destinations such as Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat, Aqua Blu is the ultimate setting for a luxurious dive expedition, venturing deep into Indonesia’s unspoiled sanctuaries to witness the beauty of nature.
Itinerary details
Length of trip 13 days / 12 nights
Number of dives TBA
Experience Open Water - Minimum 30 dives
Insurance Required
Highlights
- One-way itinerary roaming from Komodo through the Spice Islands
- Dive reefs with exceptional biodiversity in the heart of the Coral Triangle
- Swim with hundreds of sea snakes of the very remote Manuk Island
- Explore the Banda Sea's swim-throughs and deep walls
- Encounter hammerheads at current-swept sites such as Nil Desperandum
- Dive the world-class muck diving sites of Ambon
- Enjoy Ambon’s world-class muck diving and spot the psychedelic frogfish
- Land visit to the 17th century Fort Belgica on Banda Neira
- Chance of hammerheads, thresher sharks, and even mola mola in Alor
Day 1: Labuan Bajo
Arrive at Labuan Bajo to a warm welcome. Board Aqua Blu and cruise to Kelimutu volcano as the sun sets.
Day 2: Watubiapi Village
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 theship for dinner onboard as we sail east overnight.
Day 3: North Lembata
Snorkel the extensive reef complex of Bacatan or dive at the western end for its spectacular deep dropoff. Trek or bike along a country lane between two villages in Lewoto. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board before departing North Lembata for an overnight
crossing to Alor.
Day 4: Pantar & Alor
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. Sail overnight to Wetar.
Day 5: Wetar (Forgotten Islands)
There is plenty to do and see along this 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.
Day 6: Romang, Nyata, Telang (Forgotten Islands)
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. Spot rare silver-tip sharks here.
Day 7: Damar
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 a shallow coral reef at Nusleur.
Day 8: Dawera & Daweloor
Diving around both islands is 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.
Day 9: Nil Desperandum Atoll and Serua Island
A tiny atoll located in the Banda Sea, Nil Desperandum is blessed with incredible hard coral formations perfect for diving and snorkeling. Revel in the experience as shoals of big fish such as tuna and Spanish mackerel swim by without worry. Serua is a playground for both snorkelers and divers; the island showcases an impressive array of reefs, walls, and beautiful soft coralspots. Schools of fish thrive in the area, and there is also a possibility of spotting hammerhead sharks.
Day 10: Pulau Manuk
Savour a sunrise breakfast on board against the backdrop of the 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. After sundown, cruise northwards to Pulau Run, a historic island traded by the British for Manhattan in 1667.
Day 11: Banda Islands & Banda Neira
Approach the Banda Islands as the sun rises, greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes when the boat enters the harbour. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Belgica on Banda Neira, which was the most hotly contested island in the world in the 16th and 17th centuries. Learn about the colourful story of the Old World spice trade.
Day 12: Pulau Ai
Arrive at Pulau Ai at sunrise. 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. In the afternoon, sail north overnight towards Ambon.
Day 13: Ambon
Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark after breakfast for your outbound flight.
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.
Transfer details
Departure
03:00pm
Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo Airport: LBJ
Return
06:00am
Ambon
Pattimura International Airport: AMQ
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/aqua-blu/itn-2202110854371-forgotten-island-spice-islands-expedition