Spice Islands and Raja Ampat

Upon arrival at Soekarno Hatta Airport on the island of Java, transfer to our hotel.

Begin today with a walking tour of Old Town, which served as the capital of the Dutch East India Company in the 17th and 18th centuries. See the old port where merchant vessels from Europe, China, and India transported nutmeg, pepper, tea, coffee, ceramics, and textiles. Stop for lunch before continuing to Hoenderpasarbrug (Chicken Market Bridge), the city’s last remaining Dutch drawbridge, and Taman Fatahillah, a lovely cobblestone square surrounded by colonial buildings. Here, stop for lunch in Café Batavia, a historic restaurant situated in building that dates to 1805. Return to the hotel and enjoy some time to rest before gathering for dinner together.

After breakfast, we transfer to the hotel for our flight to Ambon, the capital of the Maluku Islands, where we board the Aqua Blu and set sail for the Banda Islands.

Kora-Kora war canoes greet us at the harbor as we approach Banda Neira at sunrise. Known as the Spice Islands, the Banda Islands were the original and sole location of nutmeg and mace during Dutch, English, and Portuguese colonization. Wander the ramparts of Fort Nassau, built by the Dutch in the 17th century to protect their interest in this booming trade. After lunch, head out for a snorkeling or diving excursion, and end the evening with a sundowner at Fort Belgica.

Spend the day exploring some of the finest reefs on the planet. Off the remote and uninhabited island of Koon, 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 and hammerhead sharks.

Today, we reach the Raja Ampat archipelago and the Wayil Islands, a treasure trove of pristine beaches and secret lagoons. Kayak among the reefs or head out swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. After lunch, we venture to Yillet, situated in a protected marine areas and home to some of the world’s most iconic diving and snorkeling sites.

In the morning, sail through the karst seascapes of Misool before exploring the caverns of Tomolol Cave. This collection of water-filled caverns features stunning limestone formations carved by seawater over millions of years, creating a labyrinth of natural passages. Next, we set our course towards Piaynemo, formerly known as Penemu, where iconic limestone formations and pristine coral gardens await.

Wake up to the breathtaking beauty of Piaynemo Island, home to the renowned Melissa’s Garden. This iconic dive and snorkel siteis surrounded by a hard coral garden, teeming with a vibrant array of marine life. In the afternoon, explore Sauwandarek, a tranquil village on nearby Mansuar Island known for its handcrafts made of sea pandan leaf. Take a dive or snorkel through exceptionally rich waters teeming with fish before strolling through the community to take in island life and marvel at the homes with their original leaf roofs.

Rise before the sun to embark on a spectacular nature excursion searching for the endemic red and Wilson’s bird-of-paradise on the island of Waigeo. This afternoon, we test our sense of adventure with an inland local canoe ride before a refreshing swim down the shimmering blue Kalibiru, or Blue River.

Disembark the ship this morning after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our flight back to Jakarta. Check in to our hotel, conveniently situated within the airport terminal.

After breakfast, return to the hotel to check in for flights returning home.