Spice Islands to Raja Ampat Expedition

8 Days/7 Nights

Ambon - Banda Islands - Raja Ampat - Sorong

From £7,749 per person

Please enquire for schedule

Destination Highlights

This itinerary brings together the best of Spice Islands and Raja Ampat in an adventure-filled seven-night excursion. Experience the cultural tapestry of the Banda Islands – which used to be the heart of the spice trade – and the otherworldly landscapes of Raja Ampat, a tropical bucket list destination known to be one of the world’s best diving sites.

Day 1-3
Spice Islands

Discover the historic Banda Sea islands, rich in marine biodiversity. Departing from Ambon, Aqua Blu’s Spice Islands cruise sails to the Maluku Islands, famed for their role in the Old World spice trade. Once sought by explorers like Columbus, these islands offer pristine diving and snorkeling sites, featuring coral gardens, lava flows, and diverse marine life. Daily underwater excursions, led by expert guides, offer chances to see tropical fish, rays, sea snakes, and even hammerhead sharks.

Day 4-8
Raja Ampat

Explore mystical jellyfish lakes, untouched mangroves, and pristine coral reefs in Raja Ampat, a captivating archipelago of over 1,500 islands. Its dramatic limestone karst formations shelter secret lagoons, bays, beaches, and the magical Kali Biru river. Surrounded by some of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth, Raja Ampat boasts one of the richest coral reef ecosystems, with new species constantly being discovered.

Experience Highlights

Itinerary

Ambon

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.

Meals: Dinner

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wayil & Misool

The Wayil region of Raja Ampat features a number of uncharted islands, each harboring pristine beaches and secret lagoons. Enjoy kayaking among the reefs or head out swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Next, we make a stop at Misool, one of the four major islands in Raja Ampat. While here, embark on an easy trek on small, sandy coves, and land-locked lakes. There will also be options to swim, snorkel, or kayak in the numerous blue pools hosting sparkling coral reefs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dayang Island & Penemu Islands

We sail to Dayang island, known for its abundance of marine life, especially manta ray. Snorkeling and diving the bordering reef systems to witness oceanic and reef manta ray is spectacular. After lunch, we explore the mesmerizing terrains and lagoons of the Penemu Island. These remote reefs are bursting with color and life. Snorkel at Batu Burung (Melissa's Garden) considered to be amongst the oldest and most pristine coral reefs in Raja Ampat. Inside the lagoon, on Penemu Island, we can take a short walk up the wooden stairs that will reward you with a panoramic view across the lagoon. We end the day at a pristine beach where a cocktail party awaits.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Yeben & Yangeffo Bay

Yeben Island is a hidden treasure of Raja Ampat known for its clear water and beautiful beaches. Spend the morning exploring the island and observing marine life in the surrounding waters. Head back onboard Aqua Blu to refuel your appetite while sailing to Yangeffo Island. While at Yangeffo Island, experience an exhilarating dive excursion at the renowned Mayhem Reef, or snorkel the mangroves at Citrus Ridge. Watch the sunset from a tender ride out at sea.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is a private itinerary and can be tailored to your needs.

Accommodations

Aqua Blu

Setting the stage for the greatest luxury cruise expeditions in the Coral Triangle

The 60m Aqua Blu is East Indonesia's first long-range explorer yacht, featuring 15 bespoke suites, refined social spaces, and cuisine inspired by the spice trade route, curated by chef Benjamin Cross. With expert guides, guests explore diverse marine habitats, hike volcanoes, and discover historic relics. Aqua Blu's advanced design and top-tier safety certifications make it ideal for navigating Eastern Indonesia’s vast seas, offering unmatched comfort and range to explore the region's most stunning and diverse coastal itineraries.

What's Included?

7 nights luxury cruise accommodation with Aqua Blu
All meals while on board
Selected premium wines and beer, non-alcoholic drinks
Twice-daily excursions with expert local guides
Transfers from Ambon airport to the vessel & from the vessel to Sorong Airport
Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits
Scuba diving equipment
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding equipment
Laundry
Unlimited access to SpaceX’s high-speed Starlink Satellite internet
Every journey booked with Plesir, you are sponsoring a local child to go to school

Spice Islands to Raja Ampat Expedition

Destination Highlights

Day 1-3
Spice Islands

Day 4-8
Raja Ampat

Experience Highlights

Itinerary

Ambon

Banda Islands & Banda Neira

Pulau Koon

Wayil & Misool

Dayang Island & Penemu Islands

Yeben & Yangeffo Bay

Mioskon & Mayalibit Bay

Sorong: Departure Day

This is a private itinerary and can be tailored to your needs.

Accommodations

What's Included?

Plesir

Contact Us

Spice Islands to Raja Ampat Expedition

Destination Highlights

Day 1-3 Spice Islands

Day 4-8 Raja Ampat

Experience Highlights

Itinerary

Ambon

This is a private itinerary and can be tailored to your needs.

Accommodations

What's Included?

Plesir

Contact Us

Day 1-3
Spice Islands

Day 4-8
Raja Ampat