Daily Activities
Day 1
ARRIVE AMBON
Welcome to Ambon!
Members of the crew will meet you at the Ambon airport and transfer you to the boat to embark on your journey. Once onboard, you’ll be greeted with a welcome beverage, meet the rest of the crew before settling into your cabin. Time permitting, we’ll visit Liang Beach to snorkel the reef or kayak along the shore. The boat will anchor in Ambon overnight.
Day 2
AMBON
You’ll awake to a glorious sunrise over the Banda Sea. After breakfast, we’ll explore the historical sights of Ambon. Once occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch, and Spanish, the remnants of its colonial past can be found throughout the city. Fort Amsterdam was initially constructed in 1642. It is one of the oldest buildings on the island and known for its unique architecture and design. Located a short distance away is Wapauwe Mosque. Initially built in 1414, the original structure was crafted without the use of nails and pegs, and further renovations have stayed true to its original design. Afterward, we will enjoy lunch in Ambon, where you’ll be able to try the local delicacies such as fish soup and papeda. This afternoon we’ll spend time at a local beach for snorkeling.
Day 3
NUSA LUAT
Today we’ll explore the treasures of Nusa Luat, at 27 km in length, it is a small and charming island offering fantastic dive and snorkel spots. We’ll visit the village of Sila to view one of the oldest churches in the Malukus and the Beverwyk Fort. A small Dutch fort that dates back to the 17th century. Afterward, we’ll continue along the island. The fragrance of cloves fills the air as we pass clove farms and meet the farmers to learn how they process and the spice in the sun. We’ll make our way to the village of Ameth for an afternoon of snorkeling over its beautiful and lively reef.
Day 4
BANDA NEIRA
This morning you’ll wake up to views of the lush island of Banda Neira where the remnants of the island’s checkered history are now reminders of a colonial world in search of power and spices more valuable than gold. Fort Belgica, initially constructed in the 16th-century by the Portuguese, the fort still keeps a watchful eye on the waters below. We’ll continue onto Banda Neira Old Town, where the Dutch influence can be seen throughout. Afterward, we’ll visit a local beach to enjoy a picnic lunch and relax in the beautiful water.
Day 5
BANDA NEIRA / PULAU HATTA
We’ll have a leisurely morning exploring the additional historical sights of Banda Neira, including the 300-year-old Chinese Temple and the Dutch governor’s palace. After lunch, we will set sail to Pulau Hatta, a small charming island with one of the best dive and snorkel sights in the Bandas. This afternoon we’ll head ashore to enjoy a delicious lunch on the beach then explore the colorful reefs surrounding the island. During 1988 Gunung Api’s erupted, sending lava flowing into the sea. The reef has made a comeback and is now an exquisite coral garden with an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and schools of colorful reef fish. Later we’ll set out on foot for an intimate view of the island as we walk past fragrant nutmeg plantations and weaving through a display of the sweet spice drying in the sun. We’ll also visit the new village of Hatta – the perfect ending of the tour.
Day 6
PULAU NEILAKA / PULAU RUN
Today you’ll wake up to the glistening water and have time to relax before morning discovering the islands. This morning we’ll set sail for Pulau Run with a stop at Pulau Neilaka. A postcard-perfect inlet of sandy white beach melting into crystalline waters.
After a delicious lunch, we will head ashore to explore Pulau Run and learn how the smallest island in the Bandas played a strategic role during Spice Trade and changed history. We’ll visit the village of Run to gain a deeper understanding of the local Indonesian people and life on the remote islands.
Day 7
PULAU AY / BANDA BESAR
Enjoy breakfast on the deck as we sail to Pulau Ay, an idyllic tropical paradise. We’ll head ashore on the western side of the island where a marvelous beach fringed with swaying palm trees where we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the water by kayak or snorkeling over the reefs.
After a relaxing morning in paradise, we will return to the boat for lunch as we sail to the Banda Besar, the largest island in the group, and rich in history. We’ll go ashore to visit the Lonthoir village and make our way up to the top for a spectacular view of towering Gunung Api. Afterward, we’ll visit a market where local merchants sell their fragrant goods. Your senses will come alive amidst the sounds of a bustling market, sampling the colorful candied nutmeg flowers, and air filled with the sweet fragrance of the spices drying in the sun. We’ll retreat from the sun with a relaxing walk through the historic Kelly Plantation where century-old Kenari palms shade ancient nutmeg trees.
Day 8
GUNUNG API
Today is yours to relax as you wish.
For those intrepid souls, strap on your boots for a rigorous trek to the crater of Mt. Api, where your efforts will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding islands. If a rigorous workout is not in your plan, the crew will be happy to take you a secluded beach where you enjoy kayaking along the shore and snorkel or exploring the many historical sights.
Day 9
PULAU LONTHOIR / PISANG ISLAND
After breakfast, we’ll sail the channel leading to Pulau Lonthoir, where we will tour the island from the back of a motorbike. Afterward, we’ll meet with a local villager to discover how to make nutmeg jam.
In the afternoon, we’ll sail to breathtaking Pisang island, where we will spend the afternoon exploring the barefoot paradise. Sloping white beaches meet the crystal clear water, perfect for taking a kayak or SUP around the island.
Day 10
AMBON
We bid a fond farewell to the remote islands as we arrive Ambon.
After a hearty breakfast, the crew will escort you to the harbor and continue onto the local airport for your return flight home.
Please note that all itineraries are subject to change based on weather, harbor clearances, airline schedule changes, and other factors. Please contact Hello Flores to discuss your next charter journey. Insert email
