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Spice Islands & West Papua 8 Day Expedition
<p>This dual-destination itinerary offers the best of the Spice Islands and West Papua. Starting in Ambon, discover the rich colonial heritage of the Banda Islands, known to harbor the impressive Fort Belgica which towers over the town of Banda Neira. Next, explore the Koon group of islands, home to renowned snorkeling and diving sites with chances to spot hammerhead and leopard sharks. Discover the mangrove bays of Teluk Sebakor, the Kitikiti waterfall in Momon, the beaches of Cape Papisol, and finally, enjoy swimming with whale sharks at Triton Bay.</p>
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Spice Islands & West Papua 8 Day Expedition itinerary:
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.
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.
Spend the day exploring three remote island groups, defined by their pristine beaches, sandy atolls, and colorful coral reefs. 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.
Channel your inner Indiana Jones at Teluk Sebakor, a marine and terrestrial wonderland tucked in the Bomberai Peninsula. This region is a prime spot for kayaking and tender rides along mangrove bays that dot the eastern shoreline. Over in the north, we get to marvel at a collection of karst limestone islands, as well as a shoreline cave inhabited by a colony of screeching bats.
The central attraction of Momon is a spectacular waterfall that thunders directly into the sea from the high forests above. Guests who are feeling adventurous may jump into the ocean and swim to the waterfall’s plunge pool for a refreshing, cold shower. Momon also features fantastic snorkeling and kayaking spots along the jungle-fringed shoreline with a reasonable chance of spotting quirky hornbills up in the trees. Endemic forest kangaroos can occasionally be sighted in the wooded areas as well.
Cape Papisol offers a panoramic view of the Bomberai Peninsula from its forested outback which rises to over 1,300 meters. Starting from the island’s magnificent white-sand beach, guests can embark on a trek up-river to a spectacular waterfall close to the Karawawi village. This area is characterized by gusty winds and mist – a micro-weather system created by the river plunging from high above into a rocky pool.
Head out early in the morning for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with whale sharks in crystal-clear waters that make up Triton Bay. This region features sublime dive sites, home to a wealth of rare marine life and reefs decorated with some of the finest soft corals in the world. Over on land, the scenery consists of forest-covered limestone cliffs and prehistoric artwork high up on the rocky walls.
After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to Aqua Blu and disembark in the port town of Kaimana.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Spice Islands & West Papua 8 Day Expedition reverse itinerary:
Itineraries are subject to change.
After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to Aqua Blu and disembark in the port town of Kaimana.
Head out early in the morning for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with whale sharks in crystal-clear waters that make up Triton Bay. This region features sublime dive sites, home to a wealth of rare marine life and reefs decorated with some of the finest soft corals in the world. Over on land, the scenery consists of forest-covered limestone cliffs and prehistoric artwork high up on the rocky walls.
Cape Papisol offers a panoramic view of the Bomberai Peninsula from its forested outback which rises to over 1,300 meters. Starting from the island’s magnificent white-sand beach, guests can embark on a trek up-river to a spectacular waterfall close to the Karawawi village. This area is characterized by gusty winds and mist – a micro-weather system created by the river plunging from high above into a rocky pool.
The central attraction of Momon is a spectacular waterfall that thunders directly into the sea from the high forests above. Guests who are feeling adventurous may jump into the ocean and swim to the waterfall’s plunge pool for a refreshing, cold shower. Momon also features fantastic snorkeling and kayaking spots along the jungle-fringed shoreline with a reasonable chance of spotting quirky hornbills up in the trees. Endemic forest kangaroos can occasionally be sighted in the wooded areas as well.
Channel your inner Indiana Jones at Teluk Sebakor, a marine and terrestrial wonderland tucked in the Bomberai Peninsula. This region is a prime spot for kayaking and tender rides along mangrove bays that dot the eastern shoreline. Over in the north, we get to marvel at a collection of karst limestone islands, as well as a shoreline cave inhabited by a colony of screeching bats.
Spend the day exploring three remote island groups, defined by their pristine beaches, sandy atolls, and colorful coral reefs. 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.
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.
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.
Aqua Blu
Vessel Type: Yacht
Length: 198 feet / 60 meters
Passenger Capacity: 28
Built/Converted/Refurbished: 1968/2006/2019
Aqua Blu is a one-of-a-kind long-range explorer yacht, purposefully stationed in East Indonesia to provide unrivalled access to the Coral Triangle—one of the most biodiverse marine regions on the planet. Originally a British naval vessel and later a private yacht for European aristocracy, she underwent a world-class refit in 2019 by Dutch designer Cor D. Rover. Now reimagined with 14 elegant suites, Aqua Blu offers the perfect blend of refined luxury, comfort, and adventure, carrying just 28 guests with personalised service from 32 expert crew.
Designed for both underwater exploration and stylish relaxation, Aqua Blu features expansive decks, an outdoor gym, spa with Balinese massage, a hot tub, and chic lounges. Guests enjoy cuisine by acclaimed chef Benjamin Cross, who draws inspiration from the region’s spice trade heritage. Onboard life is relaxed yet elevated, with options for diving (at no extra cost for certified divers), snorkelling, kayaking, or simply unwinding with sunset cocktails on the sundeck. With its naval pedigree and modern refinement, Aqua Blu is the ultimate base for discovering the remote beauty of East Indonesia’s seas and shores.
• Sail the region with our expert guides and embark on twice-daily excursions including snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and enjoying sundowners at private beaches.
• While on board, relax in a spacious suite or make yourself at home with social spaces such as the spa & exercise area, jacuzzi, sky lounge bar, and sun deck.