Amahai Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Most travelers reach Amahai via ferry from Ambon, the provincial capital of Maluku, with journeys typically taking 2-3 hours depending on sea conditions. Regular ferry services connect these ports, serving as a crucial transportation link for both locals and tourists. From other parts of Indonesia, you'll first need to reach Ambon by air, with frequent flights from Jakarta, Makassar, and other major Indonesian cities. Once at the ferry terminal, local transportation options include bemos (minivans) and ojeks (motorcycle taxis) that can take you into town. If driving to the port, limited parking is available nearby, though most visitors arrive via public transport.

Nestled on the southern coast of Seram Island in Indonesia's Maluku province, Amahai serves as a vital maritime gateway to the region's breathtaking archipelago. This small port town offers travelers their first glimpse of Seram's lush tropical landscapes and crystalline waters. With its strategic location and authentic Indonesian atmosphere, Amahai welcomes ferry passengers to experience the unspoiled beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Spice Islands.

Amahai enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures consistently ranging between 23-32°C (73-90°F). The driest months from October to March offer the most reliable weather for ferry crossings and outdoor exploration, with calmer seas making for more comfortable journeys. April to September brings the rainy season, when occasional storms might affect ferry schedules, though showers are typically brief. The local Patasiwa Festival in August celebrates indigenous Maluku culture with traditional dances and ceremonies, making it a culturally rich time to visit despite occasional rain. For those seeking fewer crowds and better rates, May and September offer excellent shoulder season opportunities with good weather and less competition for ferry tickets.

Amahai serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the stunning Maluku archipelago. Regular ferry services connect to Ambon Island, just a 2-3 hour journey away, where you can explore colonial architecture and vibrant markets. The pristine Banda Islands, once the world's only source of nutmeg, can be reached via connecting ferries, offering world-class diving and a fascinating spice trade history. Closer to Amahai, the smaller islands of Saparua and Nusa Laut beckon with their untouched beaches and traditional villages, accessible via short boat rides. The journey between these islands offers spectacular views of jungle-covered mountains rising from turquoise waters, creating a truly memorable island-hopping experience.

While modest in size, Amahai offers authentic experiences for travelers willing to explore beyond the port. Manusela National Park, spanning the mountainous spine of Seram Island, lies within reach and rewards visitors with hiking trails through pristine rainforest and chances to spot endemic birds including the Moluccan cockatoo. Seafood enthusiasts shouldn't miss sampling local specialties like papeda (sago porridge) served with yellow fish soup, or grilled fish prepared with local spices that reflect the region's heritage. The waterfront area offers glimpses into daily maritime life, where fishing boats arrive with the day's catch and locals gather to trade. For cultural immersion, seek out traditional Maluku dance performances featuring the cakalele war dance, occasionally performed during local celebrations.

Amahai sits on Seram Island, which local mythology designates as Nusa Ina or 'Mother Island,' believed to be the original birthplace of all Maluku peoples. The port has served as a crucial trading post since the 16th century when the spice trade brought Portuguese, Dutch, and English merchants to these shores seeking cloves and nutmeg. Remarkably, the waters surrounding Amahai are part of the Coral Triangle, containing some of the highest marine biodiversity on Earth with over 600 coral species and 2,000 reef fish species. Local fishermen still practice traditional fishing methods passed down through generations, including the dramatic practice of spearfishing from outrigger canoes.