Extended Spice Route

AMBON - MAUMERE | SEASON: NOVEMBER - MARCH

12 NIGHTS | 844 NM (1,563 KM)

A historical odyssey, voyaging through the Spice Islands, the birthplace of nutmeg where wars were once waged & traditional villages still thrive on remote volcanic islands in the deep turquoise sea.

Itinerary Synopsis

This 12-night private charter through the Spice Islands showcases the region’s fascinating past and rich present, focusing on village tours and excursions to the area’s natural wonders.

This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind, extraordinary experience. Journeying across Indonesia’s wide-reaching territory, you will be completely immersed in its history, wild beauty, and cultural heritage.

Itinerary Route

Ambon to Maumere Extended Spice Route 12-night yacht charter itinerary map

Daily Activities

Day

Tulehu - Nusa Laut

29 NM (54 KM) | ~ 4 HOURS

Board and set sail for Nusa Laut, known to have the best underwater visibility in Indonesia. Check dive at Ameth reef and enjoy the stunning sunset. Cruise overnight to Pulau Run.

Aerial view on an emerald green island of Nusa Laut

Black spotted moray eel peeking out of a coral in Spice Islands, a yacht charter destination

Merah Putih Bridge in Ambon, a starting point of many yacht charters

Day

Nusa Laut, Run, Ai, Banda Neira - Manuk

158 NM (293 KM) | ~ 22.5 HOURS

Explore Pulau Run and Pulau Ai, then cruise onward to Banda Neira, diving or sightseeing along the way. On Banda Neira, choose to hike Mount Api or tour the Dutch forts. Cruise overnight to Pulau Manuk.

Old Dutch trading post with antique canons on Spice Islands, a yacht charter destination

Big plates of nutmeg outside a house in Banda Neira, an exploration destination of a yacht charter

Fishing boats anchored near Banda Neira, with a green mountain island in the background

Day

Manuk - Serua - Nila

89 NM (165 KM) | ~ 13 HOURS

Tour Pulau Manuk in search of exotic birds. Keep an eye out for sperm whales and orcas, and the four stratovolancoes as you sail to Serua for a tour of the remotest Indonesian village. Cruise overnight to Pulau Nila.

Harbor at Serua, with small fishermen's houses built on wooden pals above water

View on a mountainous island at sunset, as seen on a yacht charter cruise from Serua to Nila

Exotic parakeet spotted near Serua during a yacht charter stop

Day

Nila, Teun - Damar

58 NM (107 KM) | ~ 8.5 HOURS

Explore the coast of Pulau Nila on RIBs, then cruise to Pulau Teun, where the Dutch maintained an outpost of three soldiers throughout the 18th century. Cruise overnight to Pulau Damar.

Blue waters and blue skies captured while cruising on a yacht from Nila to Teun

Yacht charter client scuba diving next to vibrant coral reef near Nila Teun

Day

Damar - Romang

78 NM (144 KM) | ~ 11.5 HOURS

Visit a small village of huts made out of sago palm leaves on Damar, whose nutmeg trees the Dutch destroyed. Sample locals foods of sweet potatoes, bananas and fish. Cruise overnight to Pulau Romang.

Yacht charter client scuba diving next to vibrant coral reef near Damar

Vie on a small island near damar with fishing huts in the background

Feather star in the waters near Damar, captured during a yacht charter diving trip

Day

Romang - Reong

89 NM (165 KM) | ~ 13 HOURS

See dolphins off the coast of Romang Island and tour its village, then cruise to Maopora Island to snorkel and beach comb, visiting its village for a cup of the local sweet tea. Cruise overnight to Pulau Reong.

Unique marine species seen in the waters of Romang, ideal for dives on yacht charters

Aerial view on turquoise shore of Romang, full of coral

Day

Reong -

ANCHOR IN REONG | ~

Visit Reong’s hot springs and a small settlement where fishermen dry their catch on the beaches. Walk around local villages and snorkel in this area known for its ‘gin clear’ water. Cruise overnight to Ternate.

Fish drying in Reong with long wooden fishing boats anchored in the background

Wooden fisherman's house in the waters of Reong, a yacht charter stop

Fish caught by fishermen in Reong drying on wooden boards

Day

Reong - Ternate

100 NM (185 KM) | ~ 14.5 HOURS

Ternate is famous for its traditional Ikat textiles. Go ashore to see how the fabrics are made and pick out pieces to take home. The intricate patterns reflect the fishing traditions the region. Explore the area by tender and go for a snorkel in the clear waters abundant with fish.

Traditional Ikat textiles hanging from a wooden fence in Ternate

Trees and rocks at the Batu beach with pristine turquoise waters

Trees at the Batu beach with pristine turquoise waters and a view on mountainous islands

Day

Ternate - Kalabahi

13 NM (24 KM) | ~ 2 HOURS

Spend a leisurely day cruising past white sandy beaches. Arrive in Kalabahi for the afternoon to get an early start the next day and, if you are feeling energetic, hike up the mountain for a view of the city and bay.

Rainbow over the sea near Kalabahi with the green island in the background

Half underwater view of the nature and marine life in Kalabahi

Day

Kalabahi - Pantar

37 NM (69 KM) | ~ 5.5 HOURS

Visit a village in the mountains to witness a traditional war dance to moko drums, which have been used for wives’ dowries for centuries. Cruise overnight to Pulau Kombo or Lamalerap.

Women from a mountain village in Kalabahi performing a traditional war dance to moko drums

Aerial view on Kalabahi , with nature, city and boats creating one ecosystem

Day

Pantar - Komba / Lamakera

| ~

Komba is an isolated volcano that has erupted the past few years; if conditions are favorable and the volcano is still active, witness a spectacular night show of lava and eruptions. Cruise to Lamalerap to visit the Ruins of Fort Henricus built by Dominican Friars in 1566, then cruise north through the Solor Strait against the backdrop of Lili Boleng volcano. Take a swim or snorkel along the way. Cruise overnight to Pulau Babi or Pemana Besar.

Native Buginese people at a Christian church praying during a holy mass

Day

Komba / Lamakera - Babi / Pemana Besar

| ~

The islanders of the Pemana chain of islands are descendants of the seafaring Buginese people. Witness their boat-building skills and enjoy swimming, diving and water sports here. Cruise overnight to Maumere.

Native Indonesian Buginese man in a snorkeling mask at the beach

Aerial view on islands and blue lagoons that can be cruised on a yacht charter

Day

Babi / Pemana Besar - Maumere

| ~

Disembark in Maumere for flights home.

Golden hour at the sea near Maumere, with a view on a mountain island during a yacht charter

Customizing your itinerary

This sample itinerary is intended to provide an example of retracing ancient Spice Routes through the Banda Sea to Alor. To discuss crafting the ultimate private yacht charter around your individual preferences, please enquire below or email us at: info@indoyachts.com.

Enquire +1 (561) 788 4880

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Spice Islands

With opalescent waters known for bright coral reefs and beaches bookended by looming conical volcanoes, the Spice Islands are as fertile and inviting as their storied past.