Arrive to a warm welcome in Ambon and board Aqua Blu at Laha Bay, a famous muck diving site. There are also opportunities for trekking and birdwatching inland.
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888 308 4904
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With vast seas studded with islands of unique character, Indonesia is the perfect setting for a small ship cruising expedition.
A magnificent exploration of culture and nature: Discover the best of the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat.
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 - Ambon
Arrive to a warm welcome in Ambon and board Aqua Blu at Laha Bay, a famous muck diving site. There are also opportunities for trekking and birdwatching inland.
Day 2 - Saparua
Early morning, depart for the island outpost of Saparua, sailing along the scenic north coast of Ambon. Disembark en route at the coastal town of Hila to explore the old Dutch fortification, Fort Amsterdam. Continue onto Saparua, where a host of water activities await. Else, discover local pottery-making at Ouw village, visit a local market, see European relics, or explore bird habitats.
Day 3 - 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 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - One Thousand Temples
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 - Penemu Islands
Explore the mesmerizing terrains and lagoons of the Penemu Islands on a tender. Snorkel at Batu Burung (Melissa’s Garden) before ending the day at a pristine beach where a cocktail party awaits. Dinner onboard while cruising towards Arborek.
Day 9 - Pulau Wayag
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 10 - Aljui Bay & Pulau Pef
Visit a pearl farm in Aljui Bay before cruising to Pulau Pef and Yangello for snorkeling and watersports in the afternoon. Explore hidden lagoons and karst limestone islets aboard our tenders or kayaks. Arrive at Dayang Island for dinner.
Day 11 - Dayang Island
Embark on a morning trek with our guides to look for birds of paradise in the lush forest. Dayang island is known for its marine life, especially manta rays. Snorkeling is excellent at Wai along the bordering reef systems. For adventurous divers, explore the sunken wreckage of a WW2 P47D fighter plane and the beautiful reefs and sea-mounts of Tapok.
Day 12 - Birie Island
Arrive at Birie, a group of islands, bays, and lagoons that lie just off the coast of north Batanta. Discover mangrove-fringed bays and plenty of wildlife enroute to the spectacular waterfall in Batanta mainland. Aqua Blu will cruise eastwards towards Sorong during dinner.
Day 13 - Sorong Harbour
Wake up in Sorong and enjoy a delicious breakfast on board before 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.
