Aqua Blu Itinerary
Spice Islands and South Raja Ampat Expeditions10 days / 9 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 10 days / 9 nights
Number of dives TBA
Experience Open Water - Minimum 30 dives
Insurance Required
Highlights
- Circular itinerary visits the must-see dives sites of southern Raja Ampat
- Swim, kayak and paddleboard above shallow reefs in hidden lagoons
- Discover mangrove forests, hidden jungle caves and giant sea caverns
- Snorkel and dive in the most biodiverse waters in the world
- Land visit to the former capital of the spice trade, Banda Neira
- Diving around Pulau Koon—home to the aptly-named ‘Too Many Fish’ dive site
Day 1: Ambon
Arrive to a warm welcome in Ambon. Board Aqua Blu and enjoy a delicious dinner onboard, curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross. Settle into your cabins and bid farewell to the harbor as you set sail along the scenic northern coast of Ambon.
Day 2: Nusa Laut
Head out for an early morning ocean swim, followed by a diving or snorkeling excursion with chances of spotting schooling hammerhead sharks. On the north side of Nusa Laut, discover the scenic fishing villages of Ameth and Akon. This region is home to the dugong, the Southeast Asian cousin of the American manatee. Enjoy a cooking lesson before lunch before we sail east.
Day 3: Pulau Koon
Spend the day exploring some of the finest reefs on the planet. Off the remote island of Koon, divers and snorkelers can look forward to visiting ‘Too Many Fish,’ an aptly named site with plenty of reef fish sightings as well as occasional pop-ins by leopard sharks and hammerhead sharks.
Day 4: Misool
The magnificent seascape of Misool is said to be home to some of the finest reefs on the planet. Snorkel in these crystal-clear waters, abundant with marine life and corals. Along the Fibiacet Island chain, indulge in world-renowned dives at sites including Nudi, Tank, and Whale Rock.
Day 5: Wayil
Explore Wayil's secret lagoons and limestone peaks on Aqua Blu’s fleet of tenders. Dive and snorkel the famous Neptune’s Sea Fan, a truly unique waterway with stunning beauty. Relax on the tranquil beach with sunset cocktails.
Day 6: Daram
The most easterly island of the Misool island chain, Daram boasts rarely visited dive and snorkel sites. It is located within the marine highway of the Ceram Sea and is a gateway to Raja Ampat. This region attracts large amounts of marine life, including passing pelagic fish as well as resident species clinging to the remote reefs.
Day 7: Pulau Kurkap
On the edge of the Banda Sea—the deepest in the world—lies the small island chain of Kurkap. These islands border Banda and feature steep drop-offs abundant with fish. Dive and snorkel these deep expanses or head out on a fishing excursion hunting for catch of the day. In the afternoon, head ashore to visit a remote island village and discover the indigenous way of life.
Day 8: Banda Neira and Banda Islands
Approach the Banda Islands as the sun rises and be greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes as the boat enters the harbor. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Belgica on Banda Neira, once the most hotly contested island in the world. 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 9: Pulau Ai
Arrive at Pulau AI—one of the westernmost of the Banda Islands—at sunrise. Swim, snorkel, and dive in the crystal-clear waters, where you’ll discover stunning coral gardens and reef fish. Afterwards, head ashore for a guided tour of Fort Revenge and its nutmeg storehouses.
Day 10:
Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark after a sumptuous 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.
Arrive to a warm welcome in Ambon. Board Aqua Blu and enjoy a delicious dinner onboard, curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross. Settle into your cabins and bid farewell to the harbor as you set sail along the scenic northern coast of Ambon.
Day 2: Nusa Laut
Head out for an early morning ocean swim, followed by a diving or snorkeling excursion with chances of spotting schooling hammerhead sharks. On the north side of Nusa Laut, discover the scenic fishing villages of Ameth and Akon. This region is home to the dugong, the Southeast Asian cousin of the American manatee. Enjoy a cooking lesson before lunch before we sail east.
Day 3: Pulau Koon
Spend the day exploring some of the finest reefs on the planet. Off the remote island of Koon, divers and snorkelers can look forward to visiting ‘Too Many Fish,’ an aptly named site with plenty of reef fish sightings as well as occasional pop-ins by leopard sharks and hammerhead sharks.
Day 4: Misool
The magnificent seascape of Misool is said to be home to some of the finest reefs on the planet. Snorkel in these crystal-clear waters, abundant with marine life and corals. Along the Fibiacet Island chain, indulge in world-renowned dives at sites including Nudi, Tank, and Whale Rock.
Day 5: Wayil
Explore Wayil's secret lagoons and limestone peaks on Aqua Blu’s fleet of tenders. Dive and snorkel the famous Neptune’s Sea Fan, a truly unique waterway with stunning beauty. Relax on the tranquil beach with sunset cocktails.
Day 6: Daram
The most easterly island of the Misool island chain, Daram boasts rarely visited dive and snorkel sites. It is located within the marine highway of the Ceram Sea and is a gateway to Raja Ampat. This region attracts large amounts of marine life, including passing pelagic fish as well as resident species clinging to the remote reefs.
Day 7: Pulau Kurkap
On the edge of the Banda Sea—the deepest in the world—lies the small island chain of Kurkap. These islands border Banda and feature steep drop-offs abundant with fish. Dive and snorkel these deep expanses or head out on a fishing excursion hunting for catch of the day. In the afternoon, head ashore to visit a remote island village and discover the indigenous way of life.
Day 8: Banda Neira and Banda Islands
Approach the Banda Islands as the sun rises and be greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes as the boat enters the harbor. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Belgica on Banda Neira, once the most hotly contested island in the world. 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 9: Pulau Ai
Arrive at Pulau AI—one of the westernmost of the Banda Islands—at sunrise. Swim, snorkel, and dive in the crystal-clear waters, where you’ll discover stunning coral gardens and reef fish. Afterwards, head ashore for a guided tour of Fort Revenge and its nutmeg storehouses.
Day 10:
Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark after a sumptuous 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
04:30pm
Ambon
Pattimura International Airport: AMQ
Return
05:30am
Ambon
Pattimura International Airport: AMQ
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/aqua-blu/itn-2505270126521-spice-islands-and-south-raja-ampat-expeditions