Spice Islands to Flores – BD636
Spice Islands to Flores - BD636
Join our Spice Islands to Flores, a Cruise to Indonesia for 12 nights. Sail on a luxury small ship from Ambon across the Banda Sea to Maumere (Flores).
The Spice Islands in the Maluku region was once the center of the global spice trade. Centuries-old traditions and European relics on Banda Neira, once a booming spice hub, sit against the backdrop of Gunung Banda Api (“Fire Mountain”), an active volcano that’s also a hiker’s and birdwatchers’ favourite. Lava flows into the sea has created magnificent underwater gardens. 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 ~ Spice Islands to Flores
Day 1 Saturday
Ambon
To begin your Spice Islands to Flores - Cruise to Indonesia, 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.
Embarkation time: 3:30pm
Recommended Flight: Jakarta to Ambon, Garuda Indonesia – GA646
Day 2 Sunday
Saparua
Early morning, depart for the island outpost of Saparua, sailing along the scenic north coast of Ambon. Disembark en route at the coastal town of Hila to explore the old Dutch fortification, Fort Amsterdam. Continue onto Sarapua, where a host of water activities await, or discover local pottery-making at Ouw village, visit a local market, see European relics or explore bird habitats.
Day 3 Monday
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 4 Tuesday
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 Wednesday
Palau Run
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. After finding the ruins of an old British fort, arrive at a pristine beach where a cocktail party awaits.
Day 6 Thursday
Pulau Koon & Pulau Gorong
Snorkel, swim, kayak and spear-fish in the numerous blue pools and over the sparkling coral reefs on the Koon Island, also known as the Marine Superhighway because of its location along a migratory Gorong island to view shallow reefs and deep drop-offs. Set sail to Misool after dinner.
Day 7 Friday
Pulau Manuk
Savor a sunrise breakfast on board against the backdrop of 300-metre 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 8 Saturday
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 to chance of seeing schooling hammerheads.
Day 9 Sunday
Damar
The ship arrives in Damar by day break. Trek the active volcanos of Damar or kayak on a lagoon at Terbang Seletan when tides are favorable. Swim or snorkel next to the dazzling white sandy shore fringed by shallow coral reef at Nusleur.
Day 10 Monday
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 11 Tuesday
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 include fishing and trekking. On this largest island of the Forgotten Islands, experience local life with traditions unchanged for decades.
Day 12 Wednesday
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 live in the traditional dance performances by the friendly Abui Tribe.
Day 13 Thursday
Maumere (Flores)
Sadly, this is your last day with us on the Spice Islands to Flores - Cruise to Indonesia. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast onboard before your disembarkation at Maumere.
Disembarkation time 10:00am
Recommended Flight:Maumere to Bali, Wings Air – IW 1821
Pricing ~ Spice Islands to Flores
2020 Saturday Departure: Mar 7 - 19
2021 Saturday Departure: Mar 6-18
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
Features ~ Spice Islands to Flores
Includes
- All meals while onboard
- Beverages (non-alcoholic, select premium wines, sparkling wine and national beer)
- Excursions
- Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
- Scuba Diving (certified divers only)
- 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
Blue Danube Holidays are authorized distributors of Aqua Expeditions cruises.
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 Spice Islands to Flores - Cruise to Indonesia. 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.
