Arrive at Bali to a warm welcome. Board Aqua Blu and cruise to Moyo Island as the sun sets.
Rising from the seas of East Indonesia where two continental plates collide, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo National Park is a wonder of nature in every way imaginable. Ancient volcanic activity has created some of the most spectacular coastal terrain on Earth, with picture-perfect savannah hills, bays and beaches. The Park’s dramatic landscape also sets the perfect stage for stunning marine discoveries at some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the world.
Komodo National Park spans an area of 669 square miles (1,817 square kilometers) and comprises of three main islands — Komodo, Padar and Rinca — and 26 smaller islets. Several of these are inhabited by prehistoric creatures, the native Komodo Dragon, that are the largest lizard species to walk the Earth.
Located in the Coral Triangle between the major landmasses of Sumbawa to the west and Flores to the east, the waters of Komodo National Park are embraced by fast flowing currents from the Indian Ocean and warm tropical Indonesia seas enriched with volcanic nutrients. The result is a vibrant marine environment home to more than 1,000 species of marine life, including the manta ray, sea turtles and mola mola (ocean sunfish), as well as over 260 species of coral. From shore to shore, the sheer number of marine life and a variety of different underwater environments make this region endlessly rewarding for both divers and non-divers alike.
Complemented by a dry and sunny savannah-like tropical climate, Komodo National Park’s variety of land and sea experiences makes cruising an ideal way to discover the region. Built to world-class luxury cruising specifications, the speed, stability and long-range capabilities of the Aqua Blu cruise ship guarantees five-star comfort, utmost exclusivity and an unrivalled immersiveness in the Park’s natural wonders. Access otherwise hard-to-reach marine sites and trekking routes where nature and wildlife flourish, often without another boat or human in sight.
Day 1 - Benoa, Bali
Arrive at Bali to a warm welcome. Board Aqua Blu and cruise to Moyo Island as the sun sets.
Day 2 - Moyo Island
Arrive in Moyo, a remote hilly island with a handful of fishing villages. Discover wildlife en route to the spectacular waterfall at the center of the island and snorkel at the shallow Angel Reefs for an unforgettable experience.
Day 3 - Saleh Bay, Sumbawa
Depart early in the morning for Saleh Bay. On arrival, prepare for an up-close encounter with friendly whale sharks while guided by Conservation International Rangers. In the evening, witness a dramatic flight of the fruit bats at Sattonda.
Day 4 - Gili Banta, West Komodo
Enjoy a spectacular sunrise and breakfast with Sangeang volcano as the backdrop and arrive at Gili Banta, a remote haven for beach lovers, snorkelers and divers (dive sites such as Star Wars and K2 are among the world's best) alike. Or hike the Eastern Ridge for stunning views. In the afternoon, sail to nearby West Komodo to encounter Komodo Dragons in the wild.
Day 5 - Linta Strait, Padar
In the morning discover Linta Strait, a world-famous spot for drift snorkeling and diving. Large pelagics fish are very common as well as manta rays, giant trevallies and big school of barracuda. In the afternoon, arrive at the picturesque Padar Island. Hike up the savannah hill for iconic views before a sunset cocktail on the beach.
Day 6 - Horseshoe Bay, Pink Beach
After a morning sailing through a spectacular sea passage, arrive in Horseshoe Bay, a dramatic curvature of land that is the remains of an ancient volcano caldera. Visit sea eagles' and Komodo dragon’s favorite haunts aboard Aqua Blu's skiffs or choose to dive or swim. In the late afternoon, the iconic Pink Beach awaits. Trek, witness the flight of bats or visit the local village. Or simply relax on the beach.
Day 7 - Rinca, Gili Lawa Laut
Discover Komodo National Park's largest Komodo Dragon population on land at Rinca before sailing to Gili Lawa Laut, an islet that features expansive beaches and shallow reefs for kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. Meanwhile, diving and snorkeling spots that offer the chance to spot turtles.
Day 8 - Labuan Bajo
Depart Gili Lawa Daut anchorage for Labuan Bajo and disembark for your outbound flight.
Discover the two key islands of the Komodo National Park.
Rinca is the second largest island in the Komodo National Park and it’s a grassy and windswept environment that is one of the few places to be able to spot Komodo dragons in the wild (while accompanied by an official park guide). Look out for watering holes where these wild creatures hunt for prey.
This is a surreal Jurassic landscape where adventure awaits.
Nowhere in the Komodo National Park is the feeling of being in “Jurassic Park” more apparent than in the iconic Horseshoe Bay. Located at the far southern reaches of Rinca Island, this terrain is in fact the remains of an ancient volcanic caldera. Almost entirely surrounded by land, the waters here are also remarkably calm and tranquil. Horseshoe Bay offers some of the signature diving experiences of the Park, with several well-known dive sites such as Cannibal Rock and the Yellow Wall of Texas.
Known as Current City, this narrow channel is a nourishing force for marine life.
Here, water from the Indian Ocean meets the Flores Sea. The convergence results in a nutrient-rich, life-giving concoction that that gives life to marine creatures. Some of the most famous dive sites in Komodo National Park lie within the Linta Strait.
A prime haven for leisure within Komodo National Park.
Consisting of two small islets, Gili Lawa Darat and Gili Lawa Laut, just north of Komodo Island, the Gili Lawa Islands offer a relaxed atmosphere to engage in snorkeling, swimming, and diving. This is also one of the best islands in Komodo National Park to witness a sunset, with Gili Lawa Daut particularly notable for its fine white beach with wide areas of sand and fringed with a reef.
Presenting a brand-new cruise experience in the pristine East Indonesian Archipelago, Aqua Blu is a long-range explorer yacht sailing the region’s most prized destinations, including Komodo National Park, Spice Islands and Raja Ampat on unforgettable 7- and 12-night itineraries.
Where modern luxury meets naval heritage
With a grand legacy as the former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle and later as the private yacht of a European aristocratic family, Aqua Blu is a compelling maritime statement. A 2019 refurbishment overseen by Dutch yacht design maestro Cor D. Rover brings the vessel to world-class cruising specifications. Guests can expect to embrace an distinguished sense of history and seafaring evolution when they set foot on this one-of-a-kind cruise ship.
Inside the four-deck, 15-suite Aqua Blu, Cor has tastefully paired with a brass-and-ivory interior theme with generous and inviting indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a sun deck.
Unlocking access to the Earth’s most intriguing destinations
Faster, further, greater safety and comfort — Aqua Blu’s naval pedigree makes it the perfect vessel to navigate East Indonesia’s vast seas. Having attained the highest international classifications (RINA, SOLAS, ISM) in safety, the vessel is additionally equipped with Quantum Zero Speed stabilizers for optimal comfort at rest or while sailing.
Aqua Blu’s range stands heads and shoulders above that of its peers in East Indonesia. Able to cover vast distances in a short span of time — and in any sea condition — the vessel enables explorers on board to experience the most varied, enjoyable and rewarding coastal cruise itineraries in this wild and stunningly beautiful region of the world.
Join Aqua Blu and be among the first to cruise East Indonesia like no ship has ever done before.
VESSEL HIGHLIGHTS
Luxury star rating: | 5 |
Guests #: | 30 |
Crew #: | 25 |
Ice Class: | NA |
Speed: | 11 |
Refurbished: | 1973 |
Year built: | 1968 |
Length: | 60m |
Width: | |
Draft: | 4 |
Tonnage: | |
Registry: | Indonesia |
Elec Outlets: | 2 Flat & 2 Round |
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