From Nutmeg Plantations to Birds of Paradise

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.

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.