Ambon to Sorong — The Spice Islands & Misool Yacht Charter
Duration
12 Days & 11 Nights
Region
Spice Islands & Raja Ampat
Departure
Ambon
Best For
Spice Trade history, World-class diving
About This Itinerary
Our 12 Day / 11 Night voyage highlights the treasures of the Banda Islands to discover how this remote area played a pivotal role in the centuries that followed. We'll visit the historical remnants of the Spice Trade, a time when nutmeg was worth more than its weight in gold, to walk in the footsteps of explorers from long ago.
The itinerary includes world-renowned dive and snorkel sites. The central islands of Banda Besar, Hatta and Banda Neira, offer a unique opportunity to discover the unexpected.
This is a sample itinerary that may change due to weather, sea conditions or by instruction of the captain to ensure the security of its passengers and crew members.
Sample Itinerary
Every detail can be adjusted to your preferences — this is your private charter.
Tulehu Bay & Molana
You will be met by members of the Mutiara Laut crew and transferred to Telehu port to embark on your 12-day voyage. Upon arrival, you will have time to enjoy a welcome drink and meet the crew. After a short safety briefing, we will sail to Moana island for an afternoon of snorkeling, diving and relaxing beach time.
Saparua & Nusa Laut
This morning we will visit the dive sights around Nusa Laut, known for its breathtaking hard corals and vibrant marine life. Late afternoon, we will head ashore to visit Duurstede Fort, a key point in the clove trade.
Suanggi & Banda Neira
This morning we will have another opportunity to dive and snorkel Pulau Suanggi, where schools of snappers, Bluefin Trevally, and white tip reef sharks. Snorkelers will enjoy the island's fringed reef and its colourful marine life. In the afternoon, Banda Neira will arrive in sight. We will head ashore for a visit of the island and be greeted by friendly locals. Welcome in the spice islands that used to be the center of the world.
Run Islands, Neilaka & Ai
After a delicious breakfast on board, we head ashore to learn of the Spice Trade's checkered past and how it influences our modern-day life. We will visit Rumah Besi, an old Dutch warehouse used to process the nutmeg before transport. Afterwards, we'll have a respite from the sun as we walk through a nutmeg plantation towered by 600-year-old Kenari Palms. For those who prefer to spend the day diving, please speak with our Cruise Director, who will arrange your activities throughout the cruise. The remainder of the day is dedicated to exploring the beautiful underwater world between Neilaka and Run. Return to Mutiara Laut for an alfresco dinner under the stars.
Banda Besar
This morning the boat will sail to Banda Besar while you enjoy the breakfast. Afterwards, we will visit Fort Hollandia, initially constructed in 1674, it played a critical role in the Spice Trade and routes. We continue to see modern-day nutmeg harvesting and the opportunity to meet the local inhabitants on the island. Lunch will be served onboard. The afternoon dive and snorkel will visit Batu Hangus North of Gunung Api. This evening relax with your favorite beverage.
Hatta & Sahil Islands
Today enjoy a full day of watersports and relaxation. We'll visit dive snorkel sights around Hatta and Sahil Islands. Our crew will arrange the Mutiara Laut beach set up, including beach loungers, umbrellas, towels and beverages. Kayaks and stand up paddleboards will also be available. End of the afternoon, we'll start heading east towards the tiny islet of Koon.
Koon
Today, we'll arrive at the tiny island of Koon, to the east of Seram, which is a veritable aquarium for underwater aficionados. Coconut palms dot the island, which is encircled by a blindingly white beach melting into turquoise seas. The coral reef fringing the island is well protected and acts as a haven for fish. In the middle of the afternoon, we'll start heading east towards Raja Ampat and Misool area for an overnight crossing.
Misool (Days 8–11)
This morning, the yacht will reach the southeast end of Misool. You'll awake to a shimmering pastel sunrise and enjoy a decadent breakfast on deck, with tea and coffee served by your crew. This chain of tiny islands carves the area into hundreds of narrow channels concealing lagoons, coves, cliffs and limestone overhang, caves and endless pristine beaches. Here in Raja Ampat's southernmost island, you'll spend four days exploring Misool's treasures. The surrounding dive and snorkel sites have been voted some of the best in the world: Boo Windows, Magic Mountain and more, a myriad of exhilarating and relaxing underwater pursuits. Above water, you'll explore the ethereal "Gua Sacral" ancestral caves of Tomolol, a former burial site of indigenous Papuans. Swim through a cathedral-like cave coated in orchids and discover ancient cave paintings edging the crystal blue surface. There's a pearl farm nearby where you can see how the local's forge a living in these remote parts. Powder sand beaches await your footprints, and you can claim one as your own for as long as you like, hunting for shells or picnicking in the shallows. End of the afternoon, Mutiara Laut will start sailing to Sorong.
Sorong
After a final decadent breakfast on deck, our crew will assist you in disembarking Mutiara Laut and transfer you back to the airport to catch your flight home.
Love This Itinerary?
This is just a starting point — we'll customize every detail for your group. Our team responds within 10 minutes.
A Glimpse of What Awaits
Iconic landscapes and encounters from this region.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the Destinations
Ready to Start Planning?
This itinerary is just a starting point. Contact our charter specialists to craft your perfect bespoke voyage.
Sample Itineraries for Spice Islands & Raja Ampat
Ambon to Sorong — The Spice Islands & Misool
A 12-day voyage highlights the treasures of the Banda Islands to discover how this remote area played a pivotal role in the centuries that followed. Visit the historical remnants of the Spice Trade, world-renowned dive sites, and the pristine reefs of Misool.
Ambon to Sorong — The Spice Islands & Misool
A 12-day voyage highlighting the treasures of the Banda Islands to discover how this remote area played a pivotal role in the centuries that followed. Visit the historical remnants of the Spice Trade, world-renowned dive and snorkel sites, and the pristine lagoons of Misool.
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Komodo
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April to November offers calm seas and ideal diving conditions. March to June is peak manta season. The dry season (May–September) provides the clearest skies.
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October to April is peak season with calm seas and best visibility. Manta season runs October to April. May–September can be rougher but offers fewer crowds.
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September to November and March to May offer the calmest conditions. Visibility peaks during these shoulder seasons.
