Aqua Blu Itinerary
Spice Islands - Forgotten 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 the Spice Islands to Flores
- 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: Ambon
Arrive to a warm welcome in Ambon and board Aqua Blu at Laha Bay, a famous muck diving site. There are also opportunities for trekking and birdwatching inland.
Day 2: Hila
Head out for your first excursion to explore the historical Dutch fortification of 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 sunset as Aqua Blu continues sailing to the Banda Islands. While traveling through the deep expanse of the Banda Sea, enact an old naval tradition—'hands to bathe'—where you jump into the water and swim, floating over depths stretching thousands of meters.
Day 3: Banda Islands & Banda Neira
Approach the Banda Islands as the sun rises, greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes as the boat enters the harbour. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Nassau on Banda Neira, once the most hotly contested island in the world in the 16th and 17th centuries, and learn about the colourful story of the Old World spice trade.
Day 4: Banda Neira & Gunung Api
Spend the day exploring the oldest nutmeg plantations in the world, learning about the cultivation and history of the spice. Hike the active volcano of Gunung Banda Api. In this remote part of Indonesia, experience local life with traditions unchanged for decades before departing Banda Harbor at night.
Day 5: Pulai Ai and 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 storehouses. 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 6: Pulau Manuk
Savour a sunrise breakfast on board 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 7: Serua Island
A playground for snorkelers and divers alike, Serua Island showcases an impressive array of reefs, walls, and incredible soft coral spots. Big fish and schools of fish thrive around her, and there is always the chance of seeing schooling hammerhead sharks.
Day 8: Nil Desperandum Atoll
Day 8: Nil Desperandum Atoll
A tiny atoll located in the Banda Sea, Nil Desperandum is blessed with incredible hard coral formations. Spend a full day here, diving and snorkeling near the impressive coral and sponge formations. Revel in the experience as shoals of bigfish such as tuna and Spanish mackerel swim by without worry.
Day 9: 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 favourable. Swim or snorkel next to the dazzling white sandy shore fringed by a shallow coral reef at Nusleur.
Day 10: 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 snorkelling and kayaking adventures. Spot rare silver-tip sharks here.
Day 11: 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, and majestic manta and mobula rays. Other activities include fishing and trekking. On this largest island of the Forgotten Islands, experience local life with traditions unchanged for decades.
Day 12: Pantar & Alor
Arrival in Alor, home to many picturesque fishing villages and surrounded by clear water over vibrant coral reefs that are a diver's and snorkeler's favorite. Centuries-old tradition comes to life in the traditional dance performances by the friendly Abui Tribe.
Day 13: Labuan Bajo (Flores)
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast onboard before your disembarkation at Labuan Bajo.
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
04:30pm
Ambon
Pattimura International Airport: AMQ
Return
08:00am
Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo Airport: LBJ
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/aqua-blu/itn-2202140811561-spice-islands-forgotten-islands-expedition