Maluku Islands and Raja Ampat

Arrive in Bali on Friday and transfer to the hotel in the beach resort area of Seminyak. This evening meet fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner.

After breakfast return to the airport for a domestic flight from Jakarta to Ambon. Board Aqua Blu at Laha, a famous muck-diving site on Ambon Bay. There are also opportunities for trekking and bird-watching inland. Enjoy a welcome dinner onboard with our group as we settle in to our 12-night cruise.

Early morning depart for the island outpost of Saparua, sailing along the scenic north coast of Ambon. Disembark en route at the coastal town of Hila to explore Fort Amsterdam, a 17th-century Dutch blockhouse. Continue on to Saparua, where a host of water activities awaits you, or discover pottery making at Ouw Village, visit a local market, see European relics or seek out bird habitats.

Approach the harbor of the Banda Islands as the sun rises, greeted by kora-kora war canoes. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Belgica on Banda Neira, the most hotly contested island in the world in the 16th and 17th centuries, and learn about the colorful story of the old-world spice trade.

Snorkel, swim, kayak and spearfish in the numerous blue pools and over the sparkling coral reefs on Koon Island, also known as a marine superhighway because of its location along a migratory route. Kayak along the coast of Gorong Island to view shallow reefs and deep drop-offs. Set sail to Misool after dinner.

The majestic seascape of Misool showcases some of the finest reefs on the planet. The land is no less alluring: Take an easy trek on small sandy coves near land-locked lakes. Snorkel, swim, kayak and spear-fish in the numerous blue pools over the sparkling coral reefs.

Navigate Wayil’s secret lagoons on Aqua Blu’s tenders and admire the limestone peaks. Discover your own snorkeling or swimming spot. Relax on the tranquil beaches with cocktails at sunset.

Journey through cave systems and to mysterious moon jellyfish lakes. Embark on unforgettable tender trips through karst island seascapes with the opportunity to marvel at ancient rock art. Venture into the inner sanctum of Tomolol Cave, Misool’s famed river-sized waterway that flows through a massive interior.

View the mesmerizing terrain and explore the lagoons of Penumu Island from a tender. Snorkel at Melissa’s Garden before ending the day at a pristine beach where a cocktail party awaits.

Watch the magnificence of Wayag Island’s limestone islets and lagoons unveil before your eyes as the sun rises. Climb to the top of Mount Pindito for a bird’s-eye view of the stunning surroundings and attempt to spot rare birds of paradise before making the lagoons and reefs your home for the day.

Visit a pearl farm in Aljui Bay, then cruise to Pef and Yangello Islands for snorkeling and water sports in the afternoon. Tour hidden lagoons and karst limestone islets aboard tenders or kayaks. Arrive at Dayang Island for dinner.

Embark on a morning trek with our guides to look for birds of paradise in the lush forest. Dayang Island is known for an abundance of marine life, especially manta rays. Snorkeling is excellent at Wai along the bordering reef systems. Adventurous divers can survey the sunken wreckage of a World War II P-47D fighter plane and the beautiful reefs and seamounts of Tapok.

Explore Birie’s bays and lagoons, which lie just off the coast of north Batanta. Discover mangrove-fringed bays and plenty of wildlife en route to the spectacular waterfall in Batanta mainland. We cruise eastward toward Sorong during our final dinner onboard.

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast onboard in Sorong before your flight back to Bali.

Transfer to the airport for flights home.