
Ambon & Spice Islands Cruise
Embrace nature, culture, and wildlife on an exclusive adventure discovering East Indonesia’s Spice Islands.

Hidden Gems of the Banda Sea
Discover the remote islands of the Banda Sea, steeped in rich history and home to wealth of marine biodiversity.
Setting sail from the rustic Indonesian port city of Ambon, Aqua Blu’s Spice Islands cruise heads across the Banda Sea to the Maluku Islands, a destination steeped in historical significance and endowed with both unspoilt nature and culture. As the place of origin of nutmeg, a spice that was worth more than gold in terms of weight, the Spice Islands were the Holy Grail for famous Old World explorers including Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan, who sought but never managed to find it.
Along this route, guests will find some of the world’s most pristine sites for diving and snorkeling, featuring coral gardens, lava flows, and a wealth of biodiversity. With daily underwater excursions – led by expert guides – there will be opportunities to encounter schools of tropical fish, rays, sea snakes, and possibly even hammerhead sharks.
Unravel a treasure trove of history
Great cruise for
- Nature lovers
- Adventure
- Wildlife
- Eco-travelers




Trip highlights
- Pulau ManukThis lone volcanic crater island in the Banda Sea rises 3,000 from the sea floor. The easternmost volcano of Indonesia, Pulau Manuk rises from the bottom of the Banda Sea that’s nearly 10,000 feet deep. Here, marine life is equally impressive, with many pelagic species such as sharks visiting the underwater springs of Pulau Manuk to warm themselves. The surrounding waters are also home to one of the largest aggregation of sea snakes on Earth.
- Nusa LautLying to the east of Ambon, the island of Nusa Laut is home to some stunning hard coral seascapes that can be witnessed while diving or snorkeling. This island is a heartening story of successful, locally-led marine conservation; on the northeast coast, the villagers of Ameth and Akon keep a close eye on the shoreline to deter any unauthorized fishing boats.
- Banda NeiraThe epicenter of the Old World global spice trade, Banda Neira is a kaleidoscope of tradition, culture, nature and wildlife. Banda Neira’s claim to fame originated with the myristica tree. Once found only on the Spice Islands, the tree was the source of nutmeg and mace. Today in Banda Indonesia, the oldest nutmeg plantations in the world remain, and like the Alba truffles of Italy, Banda nutmeg is still regarded as the highest grade varietal of the spice in the world.
- Pulau RunIt’s difficult to imagine now, but this remote island village was once worth as much as Manhattan. In the middle of the 17th century, all but one of the Spice Islands – the British-controlled Pulau Run – were under Dutch rule. After tiring of Dutch hostility, the British eventually exchanged Pulau Run for a then-swampy strip of North American land which has now come to be known as Manhattan.The rest, as they say, is history.
- AmbonThe vibrant capital of Maluku province offers a fantastic introduction to the region. Serving as the gateway to the Spice Islands, Ambon is renowned in the circles of natural history as the ‘Galapagos of Asia’. While Charles Darwin was coming up with his theory of natural selection in Galapagos, his contemporary Alfred Russell Wallace was taking up residence in the Spice Islands’ cities and towns, primarily Ambon, and coming up with arguably a more complete version of a similar theory based on his observations of the region’s wildlife.
- Pulau ManukThis lone volcanic crater island in the Banda Sea rises 3,000 from the sea floor. The easternmost volcano of Indonesia, Pulau Manuk rises from the bottom of the Banda Sea that’s nearly 10,000 feet deep. Here, marine life is equally impressive, with many pelagic species such as sharks visiting the underwater springs of Pulau Manuk to warm themselves. The surrounding waters are also home to one of the largest aggregation of sea snakes on Earth.
- Nusa LautLying to the east of Ambon, the island of Nusa Laut is home to some stunning hard coral seascapes that can be witnessed while diving or snorkeling. This island is a heartening story of successful, locally-led marine conservation; on the northeast coast, the villagers of Ameth and Akon keep a close eye on the shoreline to deter any unauthorized fishing boats.
- Banda NeiraThe epicenter of the Old World global spice trade, Banda Neira is a kaleidoscope of tradition, culture, nature and wildlife. Banda Neira’s claim to fame originated with the myristica tree. Once found only on the Spice Islands, the tree was the source of nutmeg and mace. Today in Banda Indonesia, the oldest nutmeg plantations in the world remain, and like the Alba truffles of Italy, Banda nutmeg is still regarded as the highest grade varietal of the spice in the world.
- Pulau RunIt’s difficult to imagine now, but this remote island village was once worth as much as Manhattan. In the middle of the 17th century, all but one of the Spice Islands – the British-controlled Pulau Run – were under Dutch rule. After tiring of Dutch hostility, the British eventually exchanged Pulau Run for a then-swampy strip of North American land which has now come to be known as Manhattan.The rest, as they say, is history.
What to expect in the Spice Islands
- Witness Kora-Kora War CanoesDiscovering this region on our Ambon Islands cruise is like entering a spectacular living museum on Earth. Time appears to have stood still for decades as you witness local traditions such as kora-kora war canoe racing which have been passed down over generations.
- Enjoy Birdwatching at AmbonMolana and Pulau Run boast picture-perfect sandy beaches and are prime locations for birdwatching. The region is part of the migratory route for many birds and marine species. Both endemic and migratory bird species can be seen along the coast or while hiking the lush pockets of forest.
- Weather & RainfallIn the Maluku region of Indonesia where Ambon and the Spice Islands are located, the monsoon season runs opposite to most of the country. From October through till May, Ambon and the Spice Islands receive little rainfall. Taking sea conditions into consideration, October and November are ideal months to visit this destination. Rainfall is at its lowest during these two months and temperatures range between a comfortable 21-24 degrees Celsius at night and 29-31 degrees Celsius during the day.
- Discover Fort BelgicaEnd your days with private sundowners at one of the regions’ most iconic locations: the impressive Fort Belgica, a must-visit landmark in the Banda Islands. Visitors setting foot on the Spice Islands can be transported back in time as they explore centuries-old relics, from Dutch fortifications and colonial homes to ancient cannons scattered around the island. It offers magnificent sunset views from its hilltop location overlooking Neira’s Bay.
- Snorkel & Dive at Lava FlowsVisit Banda Neira on our Spice Islands cruise and discover the active volcano of Gunung Banda Api. Also known as the ‘Fire Mountain’, Banda Api’s eruption and seaward lava flow in 1988 led to a rebirth of coral and marine life so quickly it astounded marine biologists everywhere. By 1994, they noticed that underwater thermal springs and nutrients of the cooled volcanic lava had kickstarted the growth of spectacular underwater gardens.
- Witness Kora-Kora War CanoesDiscovering this region on our Ambon Islands cruise is like entering a spectacular living museum on Earth. Time appears to have stood still for decades as you witness local traditions such as kora-kora war canoe racing which have been passed down over generations.
- Enjoy Birdwatching at AmbonMolana and Pulau Run boast picture-perfect sandy beaches and are prime locations for birdwatching. The region is part of the migratory route for many birds and marine species. Both endemic and migratory bird species can be seen along the coast or while hiking the lush pockets of forest.
- Weather & RainfallIn the Maluku region of Indonesia where Ambon and the Spice Islands are located, the monsoon season runs opposite to most of the country. From October through till May, Ambon and the Spice Islands receive little rainfall. Taking sea conditions into consideration, October and November are ideal months to visit this destination. Rainfall is at its lowest during these two months and temperatures range between a comfortable 21-24 degrees Celsius at night and 29-31 degrees Celsius during the day.
- Discover Fort BelgicaEnd your days with private sundowners at one of the regions’ most iconic locations: the impressive Fort Belgica, a must-visit landmark in the Banda Islands. Visitors setting foot on the Spice Islands can be transported back in time as they explore centuries-old relics, from Dutch fortifications and colonial homes to ancient cannons scattered around the island. It offers magnificent sunset views from its hilltop location overlooking Neira’s Bay.
Getting there
Embarkation
Ambon
Meeting point: Pattimura International Airport (AMQ)
Transfer duration: 45 minutes
Embarkation point: Ambon Harbor
Embarkation time: 4:30PM
Disembarkation
Ambon
Disembarkation point: Ambon Harbor
Disembarkation time: 6:00AM
Transfer duration: 45 minutes
Drop off point: Pattimura International Airport (AMQ)

Our yacht sailing East Indonesia

Aqua Blu is the first ever long-range ocean explorer yacht permanently based in East Indonesia. 15 individually designed suites and refined amenities are accompanied by innovative cuisine curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross, drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s fabled spice trade route.
Choose your itinerary
7-night and 12-night coastal expeditions aboard the Aqua Blu Raja Ampat Cruise
- 12 NIGHTS | 20 SEP 2025 - 2 OCT 2025IndonesiaFlores (Labuan Bajo) to Spice IslandsFrom $16,800 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 12 NIGHTS | 11 OCT 2025 - 23 OCT 2025IndonesiaSpice Islands to Kaimana - West PapuaFrom $19,640 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 11 NIGHTS | 24 MAR 2026 - 4 APR 2026IndonesiaSpice Islands to Flores (Labuan Bajo)From $16,060 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 7 NIGHTS | 21 NOV 2026 - 28 NOV 2026IndonesiaSpice Islands to Spice IslandsFrom $10,220 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 7 NIGHTS | 28 NOV 2026 - 5 DEC 2026IndonesiaSpice Islands to Spice IslandsFrom $10,220 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 12 NIGHTS | 22 MAR 2025 - 3 APR 2025IndonesiaSpice Islands to Flores (Labuan Bajo)From $23,880 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 12 NIGHTS | 20 SEP 2025 - 2 OCT 2025IndonesiaFlores (Labuan Bajo) to Spice IslandsFrom $16,800 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 12 NIGHTS | 11 OCT 2025 - 23 OCT 2025IndonesiaSpice Islands to Kaimana - West PapuaFrom $19,640 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 11 NIGHTS | 24 MAR 2026 - 4 APR 2026IndonesiaSpice Islands to Flores (Labuan Bajo)From $16,060 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 7 NIGHTS | 21 NOV 2026 - 28 NOV 2026IndonesiaSpice Islands to Spice IslandsFrom $10,220 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 7 NIGHTS | 28 NOV 2026 - 5 DEC 2026IndonesiaSpice Islands to Spice IslandsFrom $10,220 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 12 NIGHTS | 22 MAR 2025 - 3 APR 2025IndonesiaSpice Islands to Flores (Labuan Bajo)From $23,880 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 12 NIGHTS | 20 SEP 2025 - 2 OCT 2025IndonesiaFlores (Labuan Bajo) to Spice IslandsFrom $16,800 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 12 NIGHTS | 11 OCT 2025 - 23 OCT 2025IndonesiaSpice Islands to Kaimana - West PapuaFrom $19,640 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 11 NIGHTS | 24 MAR 2026 - 4 APR 2026IndonesiaSpice Islands to Flores (Labuan Bajo)From $16,060 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
- 7 NIGHTS | 21 NOV 2026 - 28 NOV 2026IndonesiaSpice Islands to Spice IslandsFrom $10,220 per adultAqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 CrewSELECT
What our guests say
- We enjoyed our entire experience with our Aqua Blu sailing last month. She is a beautiful yacht, so easy on the eye and so comfortable to be aboard. The all-round service levels were spectacular both whilst living on board and during our expeditions.Lesley P.February 2023
- Loved it! I was really happy with the staff, my room, the excursions, and the food!Cameron T.February 2023
- The food was over the top AMAZING – literally three gourmet meals a day, with substitutions where necessary where a few of us had various dietary restrictions.Aqua Blu GuestJanuary 2023
- Snorkeling was fantastic. Our instructors were very helpful, and so were the crew members. Our land tours were wonderful. I have no suggestions for improvements, as the cruise director did a phenomenal job.Fred MOctober 2024
- Another excellent trip. Our third on Aqua Blu. Wonderful food and drinks.Doug & PattyOctober 2024
- Aqua Blu is magnificent, and it’s impossible to board the pristine teak decks and greet her 30 navy-and-white clad staff without feeling a heady mixture of excitement and privilege…Above water, the experiences come thick and fast, too.Abigail B, Country & HouseDecember 2023
- Luxurious surroundings, delicious food, captivating snorkeling and diving and lots of memorable moments with fun-loving strangers. Sign me up again.Mark D, EscapeOctober 2024
