Ambon (AMQ) is the main gateway for Banda Sea liveaboard itineraries. It is a domestic hub with no direct international flights, so nearly every traveller connects through another Indonesian city first.
Common routes into Ambon
Ambon is most commonly reached via Jakarta (CGK) or Makassar (UPG), both of which have regular direct domestic flights onward to Ambon. Makassar is often the shorter connection for travellers coming from eastern Indonesia or continuing on to other parts of the region.
Banda Sea itineraries often run longer
Because the Banda Sea covers a wide, remote stretch of ocean, itineraries departing from Ambon commonly run longer than a typical Komodo trip, often eight nights or more. Combined with the connecting flight into Ambon, it is worth allowing extra time on both ends of the trip.
As with any liveaboard hub reached by connecting flight, a buffer night protects against a missed or delayed connection affecting your embarkation.
Getting from the airport to the harbour
The transfer from Ambon's airport to the harbour is generally straightforward. Confirm your arrival flight details with the operator in advance so they can coordinate your pickup.