Amandira

Spice Islands Expedition

Set your own course with a personalised 10-night itinerary for the voyage of a lifetime. Just south of the equator, the Banda Islands were for centuries the world’s only source of nutmeg, earning them their nickname. Blanketed in forests and fringed by powder white beaches, the islands are surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, teeming with marine life. Charming villages can be found on five of the islands, while old Dutch forts can be explored on Banda Neira, Besar and Rhun.

Embark on a ten-night voyage to discover the Spice Islands, a cluster of seven tiny islands in Eastern Indonesia’s vast Banda Sea. Known for their raw natural beauty, the islands were once home to the world’s only source of nutmeg, drawing tradesmen from far and wide. Today, traces of this past lie hidden beneath the blanket of dense forest, discoverable on foot led by expert guides.

As you sail between the islands on Amandira, dive into the clear turquoise waters to see the abundant marine life. Closer to shore, vibrant multi-coloured coral reefs lie in the shallows off the serene white beaches. Whether on shore or at sea, experienced staff offer intuitive service and expert guidance throughout your journey.

Sparkling seas and wide-open skies

Experience the pure exhilaration and freedom of the ocean as you sail or cruise towards the islands with dolphins and sperm whales in your wake. At night the stars are scattered like glowing seeds across the sky and in the first light of dawn, the verdant isles appear mirage-like on the horizon.

Climb a volcano for prehistoric views

Brooding over the islands is magnificent, Gunung Api, Banda’s “Fire Mountain”. At 666m it is easily summited and provides unrivalled views of the archipelago. Walk around the rim of the jungle-filled crater, then descend to the shoreline for a well-earned swim or snorkel in crystal clear waters.

Beach bliss and sunset dreams

Explore secluded beaches, kayak and paddle-board. Explore the islands’ verdant interiors with guided nature walks and toast spectacular sunsets. After anchoring at Banda Neira one evening, enjoy a candlelit dinner on the ramparts of Fort Belgica with live music and a traditional dance performance.

World class snorkelling and scuba diving

Spot Napolean wrasse off Hatta Beach and explore the vibrant reefs of Pulau Ai and Koon Island. Marvel at the marine life of Batu Udang and witness surgeonfish, barracuda, fusiliers and more with the rising and falling tides. Turtles, manta rays, eels and a proliferation of dogtooth tuna and mobula rays call the region home.

Pearl farms and secret caves

Visit the pearl beds of Tolomol and discover the secrets of farming these precious salt-water gemstones. Ride a dinghy through secret caverns, then dive the intriguing depths of Farondi Cave. Every adventure can include a picnic lunch on a beautiful beach, or a sit-down, alfresco feast aboard Amandira.

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Komodo Cruise Expedition

Expedition itineraries are tailored to suit personal preferences.

The Komodo Expedition is a seven-night adventure through the pristine wilderness and waters of Indonesia’s Komodo National Park. Encounter antediluvian creatures unchanged since prehistoric times on a visit to the only two islands in the world where the infamous Komodo dragon can still be found.

Cruise through the Nusa Tenggara Archipelago to dive and snorkel some of the world’s most biologically diverse and widely acclaimed underwater sites. This expedition truly unveils a forgotten Eden, on land and sea.

A forgotten Eden

From the colourful reefs of Tatawa Island to the enchanting hues of Komodo’s Pink Beach, this is a region of pristine natural beauty. Isolated coves, countless bays and tropical islets compete for attention with white sand beaches, mangroves, lagoons and remarkable limestone formations, not to mention the wildlife.

Rinca Island and the reefs of Sabayor

Home to astonishing wildlife, Rinca Island also offers exciting trekking routes with spectacular views. Back onboard Amandira, charter a course for Sabayor where multi-hued reefs are visited by white tip reef sharks, huge Napolean wrasse, turtles, manta rays and schools of tropical fish.

Unparalleled scuba diving and snorkelling

Dive in the reefs surrounding Satonda Island and kayak under the bat-filled trees fringing a volcanic lake. Wake up to the reefs of Batu Monchu Bay, frequented by manta rays and dolphins. Experience the magnificent underwater sea mounds of Crystal and Castle Rocks at Gili Lawa Laut and snorkel with manta rays at Makassar.

Unparalleled scuba diving and snorkelling

Dive in the reefs surrounding Satonda Island and kayak under the bat-filled trees fringing a volcanic lake. Wake up to the reefs of Batu Monchu Bay, frequented by manta rays and dolphins. Experience the magnificent underwater sea mounds of Crystal and Castle Rocks at Gili Lawa Laut and snorkel with manta rays at Makassar.

Designed for adventure

As well as a private chef and waitstaff, a PADI-certified diver is on board to tailor itineraries and offer instruction for experts and beginners alike. Amandira is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment allowing for a variety of dives, as well as snorkelling and kayaking.

Sunsets and starlight beach barbecues

Cruise to Wainilu Island, north of Rinca, for an afternoon dive and a starlit barbecue on the beach. Overnight near Pink Beach on Komodo Island and as the sun turns the sky a myriad pinks, watch as thousands of bats embark on their nightly journeys like smoke drifting across the sky.

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Raja Ampat Expedition

Fitted with state-of-the-art equipment for scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaking, Amandira also offers the services of a PADI-certified dive master. 

Cruise to Yanggefo along the Wiageo coastline for lunch, followed by an afternoon of snorkelling, diving and kayaking through the mangroves.

From rainforest-cloaked Batanta to coral-fringed Kri, Raja Ampat is a region of breathtaking natural beauty, both above and below the sea. The expedition traditionally begins in Sorong with a first day of exhilarating cruising to Mioskon Island, known for its extraordinary dive sites.

The lagoons of Wayag

Dive or snorkel across the Equator and back again, before heading for the lagoons of Wayag. One of the region’s most beautiful settings, Wayag is the first documented manta ray nursery in Southeast Asia, where groups of juvenile reef manta rays can be found swimming above colourful coral reefs.

Scale Mount Pindito for jaw-dropping views

Climb to the very top of the 200-metre-high limestone karst known as Mount Pindito to fully appreciate the awe-inspiring vistas in every direction. Cones of rock and emerald islands rise from turquoise rings as far as the eye can see.

Pearl farming and stargazing

Discover a pearl farm and learn the secrets of these luminous gemstones, then dive a nearby reef, home to ghost pipefish and blue ring octopus. Back onboard, set sail for picturesque Kawe, for whale-watching and an evening spent stargazing on the Equator.

Birdsong and stunning topography

A morning chorus of birdsong accompanies a dive, before setting course for Aljui Bay. The three-hour cruise accompanied by dolphins and whales threads its way through a host of the Raja Ampat’s outer islands, many with exotic formations above and below the water.

Swim with manta rays

Not far from the sandy beaches and handicraft villages of Arborek Island are legendary dive sites known for their manta rays. Swimming or diving with these graceful creatures with wingspans of up to 5 metres is an unforgettable experience.

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