Flores to Spice Islands – BD635
Flores to Spice Islands - BD635
Join our Flores to Spice Islands adventure. The Flores Cruise is 12 nights aboard the most luxurious small ship in Indonesia, the Aqua Blu.This sea-going excursion takes us from the famous Komodo National Park all the way up to the Ambon, part of the Lease Islands of the Central Maluku Region and includes the eastern end of the Nusa Tenggara archipelago, the Forgotten Islands and the mythical Banda group along our proposed route. Along the way, discover intriguing native tribes, rare and unusual marine habitats and water-based activities in the Banda sea.
COUNTRIES:
Indonesia
WATERWAYS:
Indian Ocean, Banda Sea
Itinerary ~ Flores to Spice Islands
Day 1 Saturday
Labuan Bajo
We begin the Flores to Spice islands - Flores Cruise with your arrival at at Labuan Bajo with a warm welcome. Board Aqua Blu and cruise to Gili Lawa Daut as the sun sets.
Embarkation time 2:00pm
Recommended Flight: Bali to Labuan Bajo Wings Air – IW 1830
Day 2 Sunday
Ropa, Kelimutu Volcano Lake Excursion
Colored lakes within the three calderas of a long dormant volcano are on impressive display at the Kelimutu volcano, an otherworldly series of geologic cauldrons. The twisting road to the summit winds through incredible forests and criss-crosses mountain streams.
Day 3 Monday
North Lembata
Snorkel the extensive reef complex of Bacatan or dive at the western end of the end for its specutacular deep dropoff. Trek or bike along a country lane between two villages in Lewoto. Enjoy a sumptous dinner onboard before departing North Lembata for an overnight crossing to Alor.
Day 4 Tuesday
Pantar & Alor
Arrive at 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. Sail overnight to Wetar.
Day 5 Wednesday
Wetar (The 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 fishes, majestic manta and mobular rays. Other activities includes fishing and trekking. On this largest island of the Forgotten Islands, experience local life with traditions unchanged for decades.
Day 6 Thursday
Romang, Nyata, Telang (The 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 Friday
Damar
The Flores to Spice islands ship arrives in Damar by day break. 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 shallow coral reef at Nusleur.
Day 8 Saturday
Dawera & Daweloor
Diving around both islands are 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 Sunday
Serua
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 to chance of seeing schooling hammerheads.
Day 10 Monday
Palau Manuk
Savour a sunrise breakfast on board against the backdrop of 300- metre tall cliffs of Pulau Manuk, a volcanic island rising 3 kilometres 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 Tuesday
Banda Islands & Banda Neira
Approach the Banda Islands as the sun rises, 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 in the 16th and 17th century and learn about the colorful story of the Old World spice trade.
Day 12 Wednesday
Banda Islands & Banda Neira
Arrive at Pulau Run, the westernmost of the Banda Islands, at sunrise. Swim, fish, snorkel and dive in the crystal-clear waters, or go on village tours, trekking and birding. Attempt to search for the ruins of an old British fort before arriving at a pristine beach where a cocktail party awaits.
Day 13 Thursday
Ambon
Sadly, this is the last day of the Flores to Spice islands - Flores Cruise. Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark after a sumptuous breakfast for your outbound flight.
Disembarkation time 10:00am
Recommended Flight: Ambon to Jakarta, Garuda Indonesia – GA647 Batik Air – ID 6171
Pricing & Departures
2019 Saturday Departure: November 30
2020 Saturday Departure: October 3
2021 Saturday Departure: October 2
2020
2021
| Price Per Person in Double (USD) 2020 | Category 1 Bridge & Forecaste Decks (25-31 SQM) | Category II Main and Lower Deck (22-32 SQM) | Category III Main & Lower Decks (12-14 SQM) | Charter Rates - Normal Season | Charter - Peak Season: Jan 4, 19 & Dec 26, 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Nights - Saturday Departures | 10,675 | 9,625 | 7,525 | 258,000 | 286, 650 |
| 12 Nights - Saturday Departures | 16,475 | 14,850 | 11,600 | 398,000 |
Price Per Person in USD
Supplements
- Single supplement: 25% in addition to the adult rate
- Seven year age minimum on all departures
- Children under 12 years old will receive a 20% discount
- A third person sleeping on sofa bed will receive a 20% discount
- Single supplement: 25% in addition to the adult rate
- Seven year age minimum on all departures
- Children under 12 years old will receive a 20% discount
- A third person sleeping on sofa bed will receive a 20% discount
Features ~ Flores to Spice Islands
Includes
- All meals while onboard
- Beverages (non-alcoholic, select premium wines, sparkling wine and national beer)
- All Excursions
- Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
- Scuba Diving (certified divers only)
- All non motorised water sports
- Transfers to/from vessel when arriving or departing on recommended flights
- Internet (limited connection)
- Laundry
Excludes
- Air tickets
- Guide and crew gratuities
- Boutique purchases
- Private transfers to/from vessel
- Spa Services
- Visas
See The Ship
Aqua Blu
There is plenty of room on the Aqua Blu to get together or to get away. Choose from indoor and outdoor bars and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Relax in the lobby lounge and bar or take in the views on the observation deck. The ship is complete with an outdoor jacuzzi with lounge day beds, a library, exercise zone and spa. Enjoy complimentary internet (subject to location).
On board are diving equipment, kayaks, stand up paddleboards for passengers to explore independently. We also offer 2 Alson Flash tenders and 2 Zodiac RIB rescue boats for sports and discovery.
The ship was converted from a British Navy vessel to a private luxury yacht in 2006 and refurbished to join the exquisite Aqua Expeditions fleet in 2019. The vessel is powered by 2 660hp Lister Blackstones and develops a cruising speed of 12 knots. Electricity at 220V and 110V is supplied by 2 Volvo Penta 225 KW generators.
There are 15 Design Suites over 4 decks in three categories:
Cat 1: 25 - 31 sq meters or 269 ft sq (min)
Cat 2: 22 - 31 sq meters or 237 ft sq (min)
Cat 3: 12 - 14 sq meters or 129 ft sq (min)
Gallery
We hope you are inspired to join us on the Flores to Spice islands - Flores Cruise. Here are some Tourist Authority Links to help your research: Indonesia – Ambon – Spice Islands – Bali – Komodo – Raja Ampat
Note: This itinerary is for reference only. It is subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.
