Aqua Blu Itinerary
Spice Islands, Raja Ampat and West Papua Expedition13 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
- Visit a fort and museum on Banda Neira and a scenic viewpoint on Misool
- Dive reefs with exceptional biodiversity in the heart of the Coral Triangle
- Swim with whale sharks as they feed at the fishing platforms of Triton Bay
- Bathe in Momon's beautiful waterfall and trek in search of tree kangaroos
- Explore the Banda Sea's swim-throughs and deep walls
- Visit the remote islands of Koon and Wayil
- Explore the Bomber Peninsula’s waterfalls and villages
Day 1: Ambon
Arrive to a warm welcome in Ambon. Board Aqua Blu and enjoy a delicious dinner onboard, curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross. Settle into your cabins and bid farewell to the harbor as you set sail along the scenic northern coast of Ambon.
Day 2: Banda
Approach the Banda Islands at sunrise, greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes at the harbour. Stroll through history at the Dutch Fort Nassau on Banda Neira, which used to be the most hotly contested island in the world back in the 16th and 17th centuries. Walk through ancient passageways now bustling with modern life yet still showcasing a treasure trove of history. After lunch, head out for a snorkeling or diving excursion, and end the evening with a sundowner at Fort Belgica.
Day 3: Pulau Ai
At sunrise, arrive at Pulau Ai, the westernmost of the Banda Islands. Swim, snorkel, and dive in the crystal-clear waters, where you’ll discover stunning coral gardens and reef fish. Afterwards, head ashore for a guided tour of Fort Revenge and its nutmeg store houses.
Day 4: Koon
Spend the day exploring some of the finest reefs on the planet. Off the remote island of Koon, divers and snorkelers can look forward to visiting ‘Too Many Fish’, an aptly named site with plenty of reef fish sightings as well as occasional pop-ins by leopard sharks and hammerhead sharks.
Day 5: Wayil
The Wayil region of Raja Ampat features a number of uncharted islands, each harboring pristine beaches and secret lagoons. Enjoy kayaking among the reefs or head out for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
Day 6: Misool
Next, we make a stop at Misool, on of the four major islands in Raja Ampat. While here, embark on an easy trek on small, sandy coves and landlocked lakes. There will also be options to swim, snorkel, or kayak in the numerous blue pools hosting sparkling coral reefs.
Day 7: One Thousand Temples
The next destination on our expedition itinerary is the magnificent One Thousand Temples karst island and lagoon complex. There is plenty to see and do at this astonishing location, both on land and sea. Look forward to incredible cave systems, mysterious jellyfish lakes, unforgettable tender trips through karst island passages, and ancient rock art.
Day 8: Pulau Sabuda
Today, enjoy an island entirely to ourselves. The privately owned Pulau Sabuda makes the perfect setting for idyllic walks in nature, snorkeling from the shore, and kayaking in the nearby turquoise waters.
Day 9: Momon
The central attraction of Momon is a spectacular waterfall that thunders directly into the sea from the high forests above. Guests who are feeling adventurous may jump into the ocean and swim to the waterfall’s plunge pool for a refreshing, cold shower. Momon also features fantastic snorkeling and kayaking spots along the jungle-fringed shoreline, with a reasonable chance of spotting quirky hornbills up in the trees. Endemic forest kangaroos can occasionally be sighted in the wooded areas as well.
Day 10: Cape Papisol
Cape Papisol offers a panoramic view of the Bomberai Peninsula from its forested outback, which rises to over 1,300 meters. Starting from the island’s magnificent white-sand beach, guests can embark on a trek up-river to a spectacular waterfall close to the Karawawi village. This area is characterized by gusty winds and mist—a micro-weather system created by the river plunging from high above onto a rocky pool.
Day 11: Triton Bay
Head out early in the morning for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with whale sharks in crystal-clear waters that make up Triton Bay. This region features sublime dive sites, home to a wealth of rare marine life and reefs decorated with some of the finest soft corals in the world. Over on land, the scenery consists of forest-covered limestone cliffs and prehistoric artwork high up on the rocky walls.
Day 12: Namatote
Spend the day exploring the Namatote passage, known for its towering cliffs, which feature prehistoric artwork. The waters in this area are a hotspot for snorkeling and diving, with incredible seascapes and coral reefs. Leopard and hammerhead sharks can be spotted here on occasion.
Day 13: Kaimana
After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to Aqua Blu and disembark in the port town of Kaimana.
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
04:30pm
Ambon
Pattimura International Airport: AMQ
Return
05:45am
Kaimana
Kaimana Airport: KNG
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/aqua-blu/itn-2408060544101-spice-islands-raja-ampat-and-west-papua-expedition