Aqua Blu Itinerary
Raja Ampat - Spice Islands13 days / 12 nights
About Aqua Blu
- Expertly designed interiors combining naval heritage and modern luxury
- Choice of itineraries exploring Indonesia’s most famous dive destinations
- Enjoy free use of top-of-the-line watersports equipment
- Sample a tempting menu of recipes crafted by a renowned international chef
Spread across five decks, Aqua Blu liveaboard is the archetypal modern explorer yacht with a rich naval heritage and stylish, five-star service. Refurbished in 2019 by an expert Dutch yacht designer, this vessel comes equipped with state-of-the-art relaxation and recreation facilities and impeccable design all-round - from the sumptuous suites to the expansive sun deck. Offering both week-long and 12-night itineraries throughout renowned dive destinations such as Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat, Aqua Blu is the ultimate setting for a luxurious dive expedition, venturing deep into Indonesia’s unspoiled sanctuaries to witness the beauty of nature.
Itinerary details
Length of trip 13 days / 12 nights
Number of dives TBA
Experience Open Water - Minimum 30 dives
Insurance Required
Highlights
- One-way itinerary combining Raja Ampat with the Banda Sea
- Dive the well known and action-packed Dampier Strait
- Discover dramatic underwater landscapes and stunning reefs in Misool
- Dive reefs with exceptional biodiversity in the heart of the Coral Triangle
- Explore the Banda Sea's swim-throughs and deep walls
- Dive the world-class muck diving sites of Ambon
- Enjoy Ambon’s world-class muck diving and spot the psychedelic frogfish
- Explore the macro-laden black sands of Batanta Island
- Dayang island is known for plenty of marine life, especially manta rays
- Visit a pearl farm in Aljui Bay and a 17th-century fort on Banda Neira
- Night dives included in the itinerary
Day 1: Sorong
Arrive at Sorong to a warm welcome. There will be a private transfer to the Aston Sorong Hotel to rest and relax before embarkation at noon. BoardAqua Blu and cruise to Mioskon Island while enjoying the world-class cuisine of chef Benjamin Cross for dinner.
Arrive at Sorong to a warm welcome. There will be a private transfer to the Aston Sorong Hotel to rest and relax before embarkation at noon. BoardAqua Blu and cruise to Mioskon Island while enjoying the world-class cuisine of chef Benjamin Cross for dinner.
Day 2: Mioskon Island and 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 traveled through in 1860. Enjoy the saltwater crocodiles, hawkbill turtles, and hornbills and dinner.
Day 3: Cape Kri and Yangeffo Island
Rise in the morning to bird song 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 that 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 back onboard
Day 4: Aljui Bay and Wofoh island
Visit a pearl farm in Aljui Bay. Next, it’s off to Wofoh Island for diving, snorkeling, and watersports 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 sunsets.
Day 5: Pulau Wayag
Watch the magnificence of Pulau Wayag’s limestone islets and lagoons unfold before your eyes as the sun rises. Climb to the top of Mount Pindito for a bird's-eye view of the stunning surroundings and attempt to spot rare birds of paradise before making the lagoons and reefs your home for the day.
Day 6: Dayang Island and Arborek Island
We’ll be arriving early at Dayang Island, known for its plethora of marinelife, 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 to the Papuan village. Then, return onboard to dine beneath the stars.
Day 7: One Thousand Temples, Misool Island
Arrival at the One Thousand Temples group 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 snorkelling/swimming spot or beach. Relax on the tranquil beaches 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 landlocked lakes. Snorkel, swim, kayak, and spearfish in the numerous blue pools over the sparkling coral reefs.
Day 10: Pulau Koon and Pulau Gorong
Snorkel, swim, kayak, and spearfish in the numerous blue pools and over the sparkling coral reefs on Koon Island, also known as the Marine Superhighway because of its location along a migratory route. Kayak into the narrow waterway entrance in Manawoka of Gorong Island to view shallow reefs and deep drop-offs. Set sail to the Banda Islands as the sun sets.
Day 11: Banda Islands & Banda Neira
Approach the Banda Islands as the sun rises, greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes as the boat enters the harbour. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Belgica on Banda Neira, once the most hotly contested island in the world in the 16th and 17th centuries, and learn about the colourful story of the Old World spice trade.
Day 12: Nusa Laut and 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 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.
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.
Transfer details
Departure
12:15pm
Sorong
Sorong Airport: SOQ
Return
06:00am
Ambon
Pattimura International Airport: AMQ
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/aqua-blu/itn-2202140837001-raja-ampat-spice-islands