Journey to almost-forgotten Banda Islands, which were once the world’s only source of nutmeg, shaping the history of colonialism in the East Indies from the 16th century onwards. Climb a volcano, marvel at the beauty of the scenery, visit the majestic Fort Belgica, wander through the shady nutmeg plantations, and barter for spice at the market. Cruising north, explore the spectacular region of Raja Ampat, one of the most noteworthy ecological niches on the planet, where the below-surface world is reminiscent of a living kaleidoscope and the above-surface views are among the most stunning that you are likely to behold in a lifetime. Hopefully, you will be lucky enough to witness the curious bobbing, flapping and weaving courtship dance of the red birds of paradise in their natural habitat.
Highlights
Explore the coastline of Pulau Suanggi, an island populated by seabirds
Climb the 640-metre-high Gunung Api
Visit the friendly villagers of Amar Sekaru, your guides to the nutmeg plantations
Enjoy the lots of beach activities in the island of Daram
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Ambon, cars will be waiting to take you to the Katharina at her mooring in Tulehu Harbor. Once settled into your cabin, your cruise director will familiarise you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures. Ready to start your adventure, depart for the island of Saparua, where you will visit the Dutch built VOC-Fort Duurstede (1691) stormed in 1817 in a revolt led by Ambonese Kapitan Pattimura, a national hero and martyr. His story is told by vivid museum dioramas. Later, you can enjoy your first snorkeling experience near the small uninhabited island of Molana. In the evening, begin your voyage to the Banda Islands, the original source of nutmeg; in the 15th and 16th centuries, this aromatic spice spurred exploration and shaped colonial empires
Before breakfast, use the tenders to explore the coastline of Pulau Suanggi, a small rocky island populated by an enormous, noisy colony of seabirds. You will then continue your journey to the Banda Archipelago, arriving first at the tiny outlying island of Run, where the English and Dutch vied bitterly for control of the nutmeg trade. In 1667, under the Treaty of Breda, Run was the subject of an unbelievable real estate deal when it was ceded by the English to the Dutch in exchange for Manhattan. Yes, THAT Manhattan! After visiting the village and the remains of the British-built Fort Swan, you can snorkel offshore. After lunch, continue to the pretty island of Pulau Ai, where you will wander through the village and visit the remains of the Dutch-built Fort Revenge, followed by some more beautiful snorkeling. In the evening you will head to Banda Neira, the main island in the Banda chain, where you will anchor in a small, protected bay in the lee of Gunung Api volcano.
In the morning, walk on P. Banda Besar, also called P. Lonthor, the biggest island of the Bandas to see the clove and nutmeg cultivation that has been nurtured since the VOC times. On the way, you'll pass Fort Hollandia, as well as some planters’ mansions from the old days. In the afternoon, snorkel near the Gunung Api, on the side where in 1988 the lava flew into the ocean and where now all kinds of new coral is growing.
Those who are brave and fit enough can start the day before dawn by climbing 640-metre-high Gunung Api, following a narrow track to be rewarded by a stunning view over the Banda Archipelago. After returning to the boat, snorkel over the area where the lava flowed into the sea during the 1988 eruption of Gunung Api. In the afternoon, explore the village of Banda Neira, visiting Fort Nassau (1600), Fort Belgica (1611), some restored planters’ mansions, a church, a cemetery and other remains of the Dutch colonial era, all of which will give you a feel for the rich history of this place.
Wake up off the coast of Pulau Igar, an island in the north of the Watubela Archipelago, where you can enjoy some morning snorkeling and beach activities. At midday, continue north to Pulau Manawoka, and in the afternoon you can visit the friendly villagers of Amar Sekaru, who will happily guide you through their beautiful plantations. Near the village, find the two little lakes of Sole, connected to the sea by a small tunnel. Swimming in these lakes and tunnel evokes the feeling of discovering an unknown planet. Overnight, continue your journey to Pulau Daram in Raja Ampat.
Arrive at the island of Daram by mid-morning, allowing you the opportunity for some trekking, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up-paddle-boarding and beach activities. At lunchtime, you will continue to Pulau Farondi, northwest of Daram, where you can snorkel in the late afternoon. In the evening, cruise to the nearby Tomolol (Tamulol) Bay on the east side of Misool (one of Raja Ampat's four main islands), where the Katharina will spend a quiet night at anchor.
In the morning, explore the shallow waters and winding canals of Tomolol Bay in the tenders, followed by some beautiful snorkeling in the bay near Wagmag. After lunch, visit the revered and magical Tomolol Cave, which opens to a massive, hidden lagoon, where you can swim or use the kayaks to explore the surroundings. Overnight, cruise to Piaynemu Island.
In the morning, enter the hidden bay of Piaynemo and climb the hills for a fabulous view of the area around. Mid-morning snorkel at one of the islands nearby. Midday, sail in the direction of Mansuar in search of the manta rays and snorkel at one of the atolls of Manta Sandy. In the evening cross to the south side of Waigeo.
Before dawn, depart for trekking and bird watching near the village Sapokren, looking for the spectacularly dancing Red Bird of Paradise. On the way back you may see many other special birds of the area. Mid-morning, go for some fantastic snorkeling in front of nearby Friwn Island. In the afternoon you'll have your last snorkeling session near Yanbuba Island and Kri. In the evening, you'll have a farewell party on board with the crew. Overnight sail to your final destination, the harbor of Sorong.
Day 10: Sorong | Disembark
1 Breakfast
In the morning, bid farewell to the ship and her crew, and transfer to the airport of Sorong for the return flight to Bali, Jakarta or elsewhere.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,990
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Cabin Deck
Cabin Deck. Spacious, air-conditioned twin-share cabins with twin bunks or double beds. Private bathroom with toilet, washbasin, and hot shower.
Notes
- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.75 times the published rate.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
