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With vast seas studded with islands of unique character, Indonesia is the perfect setting for a small ship cruising expedition.
Every year Aqua Blu sails from Raja Ampat to the Spice Islands – bringing together both itineraries for one unforgettable experience.
Raja Ampat captivates with the enigmatic beauty of its limestone karst island clusters bewilders explorers with dramatic landscapes that shelter secret lagoons, bays and beaches. In between excursions visiting the world’s most biodiverse environments, Raja Ampat offers the chance to find that one perfect private hideaway out of thousands. To put it simply, every day is a National Geographic moment right before your eyes.
The Spice Islands were the holy grail for famous old world explorers including Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan, who sought but never managed to find them. Eventually, the Spice Islands were discovered and the Dutch established and exercised control over them. In that time, the Dutch built up numerous colonial-styled architecture and extensive fortifications. Surrounded by the local town and the oldest nutmeg plantations on Earth, these structures remain mostly well-preserved.
This sailing combines the diving and marine-life-centric experiences – which Raja Ampat is best known for – with the rich local culture and heritage that can be found in the Spice Islands.
Day 1 - Sorong Harbour
Arrive at Sorong to a warm welcome. There will be a private transfer to Swiss - Belhotel Sorong to rest and relax, before embarkation at noon. Board Aqua Blu and cruise to Mioskon Island, while enjoying the world - class cuisine of chef Benjamin Cross for dinner.
Day 2 - Mioskon Island & Kabui Bay
Wake up to the beauty of Mioskon Island and head out for a relaxing snorkeling and diving excursion. In the afternoon, tour on tenders or kayak in ‘The Passage’ – a narrow passing between Waigeo and Gam Island, that Alfred Russell Wallace
travelled through in 1860. Enjoy the mangrove views and catch sight of saltwater crocodiles, hawksbill turtles, and hornbills before returning to Aqua Blu for sundowners and dinner.
Day 3 - Cape Kri & Yangeffo Island
Rise in the morning to birdsong for an early tender tour of Kabui Bay’s magnificent karsts. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast while cruising to Cape Kri. Snorkel or dive at a site which holds the world record for most species spotted in a single 90 - minute dive. On to Yangeffo Island, go on an exhilarating afternoon dive excursion at Mayhem reef or enjoy a sunset cocktail tender tour of the mangroves. Dine underneath the stars once you’re back onboard.
Day 4 - Aljui Bay & Wofoh Island
We’ll have an early departure to Aljui Bay, followed by an eye - opening visit to a pearl farm. Next, it’s off to Wofoh Island for diving, snorkeling, and water sports in the afternoon. Lay back and enjoy Aqua Blu’s Beach Club on a private beach,
sipping on bespoke cocktails and frolicking family fun as the sun sets.
Day 5 - Wayag Island
Witness the magnificence of Wayag Island’s limestone islets and lagoons as the sun rises. Jump in for a refreshing early morning swim and listen to the sounds of the surrounding nature. Attempt to spot the rare birds of paradise before a hearty breakfast onboard. Next, we’ll be diving at Figure Eight Rock or snorkeling at the Ranger station to spot black tip reef sharks. Spend the afternoon exploring hidden lagoons aboard kayaks at “Castaway” beach.
Day 6 - Dayang Island & Birie Island
We’ll be arriving early at Dayang Island, known for its plethora of marine life, especially Reef Manta Rays and occasionally Oceanic Manta Rays. Snorkelers and divers alike will revel in the close presence of such majestic creatures at the Manta
Cleaning Station. Cruise to Arborek Island for a cultural excursion at the Papuan village. Then, return onboard to dine beneath the stars.
Day 7 - One Thousand Temples, Misool Island
Arrival at One Thousand Temples after breakfast. Explore cave systems, mysterious moon jellyfish lakes and embark on unforgettable tender trips through karst island seascapes, with the opportunity to discover ancient rock art. Venture into the inner sanctum of Tomolol Cave, Misool’s famed subterranean experience featuring a river - sized waterway that flows through its massive interior.
Day 8 - Wayil
Explore Wayil's secret lagoons and limestone peaks on Aqua Blu's fleet of tenders and discover your very own snorkeling and swimming spots. Relax on the tranquil beach with sunset cocktails.
Day 9 - Misool
The magnificent land and seascape of Misool are said to be home to some of the finest reefs on the planet. Take an easy trek on small sandy coves and land - locked lakes. Snorkel, swim, and kayak in the numerous blue pools hosting sparkling coral reefs.
Day 10 - Pulau Koon & Pulau Gorong
Explore the sparkling coral reefs on the Koon Island, also known as the Marine Superhighway because of its location along a migratory route. Kayak into the narrow waterway entrance of Manawoka at Gorong island to view shallow reefs and deep drop-offs. Sail to Banda Islands as the sun sets.
Day 11 - Banda Islands & Banda Neira
Approach the Banda Islands as the sun rises and be greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes as the boat enters the harbor. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Belgica on Banda Neira, once the most hotly contested island in the world. Learn about the colorful story of the Old-World spice trade.
Day 12 - Nusa Laut & Molana
Head out for an early morning ocean swim, followed by a diving or snorkeling excursion. On the north side of Nusa Laut, discover the scenic fishing villages of Ameth and Akon. This is also home of the dugong, the Southeast Asian cousin of the American manatee. Enjoy a cooking lesson before lunch, and cruise to Molana Island - a small but heavily forested island with fantastic reefs.
Day 13 - Ambon
Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark after a sumptuous breakfast for your outbound flight.
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 |
We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.
