Aqua Blu Itinerary
Forgotten Islands and Spice Islands Expedition12 days / 11 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 12 days / 11 nights
Number of dives TBA
Experience Open Water - Minimum 30 dives
Insurance Required
Highlights
- One-way itinerary roaming from the Flores to 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 to a warm welcome at Labuan Bajo. Savor an appetizing lunch at Ayana Resort before boarding Aqua Blu.
Day 2: Maumere
Day 2: Maumere
Upon arriving at Maumere, head out on an afternoon excursion to a nearby village. Immerse yourself in the local culture and take in picturesque views of the tropical hills. Return to Aqua Blu for a sunset departure.
Day 3: Alor
Day 3: 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.
Day 4: Wetar
Day 4: Wetar
The rugged coastline of Wetar is rarely visited and offers plenty of hidden gems to experience. It features impressive wall dives to encounter sharks, schools of pelagic fishes, as well as majestic manta and mobular rays.
Day 5: Romang, Nyata, Telang (The Forgotten Islands)
Day 5: Romang, 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 6: Nil Desperandum
Day 6: Nil Desperandum
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 big fish such as tuna and Spanish mackerel swim by without worry.
Day 7: Serua Island
Day 7: Serua Island
Serua is a playground for both snorkelers and divers. The island showcases an impressive array of reefs, walls, and beautiful soft coral spots. Schools of fish thrive in the area, and there is also a possibility of spotting hammerhead sharks.
Day 8: Pulau Manuk
Day 8: Pulau Manuk
Savor a sunrise breakfast aboard the ship 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.
Day 9: Banda Islands & Banda Neira
Day 9: Banda 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 10: Pulau Ai & Pulau Run
Day 10: Pulau Ai & Pulau Run
At Pulau Ai, 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 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 11: Nusa Laut
Day 11: Nusa Laut
Head out for an early morning ocean swim, followed by a diving or snorkeling excursion. On the north side of Nusa Laut, discover the scenic fishing villages of Ameth and Akon. This is also home of the dugong, the Southeast Asian cousin of the American manatee. Enjoy a cooking lesson before lunch, and cruise to Ambon.
Day 12: Ambon
Day 12: Ambon
Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark 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
Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo Airport: LBJ
Return
08:00am
Ambon
Pattimura International Airport: AMQ
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/aqua-blu/itn-2602030641091-forgotten-islands-and-spice-islands-expedition