Aqua Blu - Ambon & Spice Islands

With the new Aqua Blu to Ambon and the Spice Islands

The 8-day (and of course even more so the 13-day) cruise expedition across the Banda Sea revives an almost forgotten chapter of world history and is a thrilling adventure between culture, nature and wildlife. Departing from the rustic Indonesian harbour town of Ambon, the Aqua Blu heads south across the Banda Sea to the Spice Islands, a destination of historical significance, endowed with both unspoiled nature and culture. As the source of nutmeg, which was once worth more than gold, the Spice Islands (also known as the Banda Islands) were the Holy Grail and the haunt of famous Old World explorers, including Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan, who sought but never found their way there.

At some point after these great captains, the Spice Islands were discovered and the Dutch established and controlled them - with a trade monopoly on nutmeg - from 1607 until the end of the 18th century. During this time, the Dutch erected numerous colonial-style buildings and extensive fortifications. In the towns and the oldest nutmeg plantations in the world, most of these structures are still very well preserved today. Entering the Spice Islands is therefore like travelling back in time or visiting a spectacular living museum, where time seems to have stood still for decades and centuries-old relics such as Fort Belgica exist alongside rich Indonesian local traditions such as nutmeg cultivation and kora-kora war canoe racing. The Spice Islands consist of a cluster of seven main islands, including the colonised Banda Neira, Banda Besar and Pulau Run. As you explore the remnants of the islands' colonial past, such as cannons literally standing next to traditional village houses, you may be one of the first to come across a long-lost relic or fort. As there are still blank spots on the map in the region and the Spice Islands are so secluded from the outside world, you can become an explorer.

The Spice Island Expedition also gives its explorer spirit the chance to sit back and relax in some of the most scenic locations in the world. Molana and Pulau Run offer gorgeous sandy beaches and are great for swimming, fishing, snorkelling and diving as well as village tours and bird watching. On Banda Neira, which is part of the Ambon Spice Islands, the active volcano Gunung Banda Api is more than just a photogenic backdrop. The eruption of Banda Api, also known as "Fire Mountain", and its seaward lava flow led to a rebirth of coral and marine life in 1988 that astonished marine biologists everywhere. In 1994, they discovered that underwater thermal springs and nutrients from the cooled volcanic lava had fuelled the growth of spectacular underwater gardens. Today, the Spice Islands are home to some of the most colourful and diverse species of coral and marine life in the East Indonesian archipelago, including giant sea fans, mandarin fish and Ambon scorpionfish. The Molucca region, of which the Spice Islands form the southernmost part, is also a "transition zone" between Asian and oceanic fauna and flora. Therefore, these islands include many species that are unique to the region. Not only that, the region is also part of the migration route for many birds and marine animals. Cruise the Banda Sea on the Aqua Blu, discover fantastic reefs for snorkelling and diving as well as the opportunity to spot spinner dolphins, orcas and various other cetacean species. Meanwhile, both endemic and migratory bird species can be observed along the coast or while hiking in the lush forests.

Important note:

This trip is partially suitable for travellers with reduced mobility, depending on their impairment.
Please contact us for detailed advice and handling of flights, transfers and accommodation.

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Dirk Gowin

Dirk Gowin

Founder, Managing Director and Select Travelist

030 / 69 80 21 92
gowin@select-luxury.travel

"Aqua Expeditions is known and loved for its river cruises. But if you want to experience not only more, but also the sea, Aqua Expeditions also offers you this pleasure - on the Aqua Blu, which will embark on its maiden voyage in November.
A polished, 15-suite solitaire that will take you to three different destinations in Indonesia: Komodo National Park, Ambon and the Spice Islands or Raja Ampat, even if you probably won't visit all 1,800 islands in the archipelago. You will be travelling for seven or twelve days - be one of the pioneers on this new cruise ship in a class of its own!"