Aqua Blu Itinerary

Raja Ampat, West Papua, and Forgotten Islands Expedition

Day 1: Sorong 

Arrive at Sorong to a warm welcome. Private transfer to Swiss Bel Sorong to rest and relax before embarkation at lunchtime. Board Aqua Blu and cruise to Mioskon Island as dinner is served.

Day 2: Mioskon Island and Mayalibit Bay 

Awake to the beauty of Mioskon Island, and head out for a relaxing snorkel and dive excursion. In the afternoon, venture into the heart of the jungle on board our private tenders, then enjoy a canoe ride up-river through Kali Biru’s mystical blue waters. Cool off and swim downstream past the jungle canopy.​ 

Day 3: Yangeffo Bay and Yeben

While at Yangeffo Bay, experience an exhilarating dive excursion at the renowned Mayhem reef, or snorkel the mangroves at Citrus Ridge. Sail over to Yeben island while fueling your appetite on board. Yeben Island is a hidden treasure of Raja Ampat known for its clear water and beautiful beaches. Head out and watch the sunset from a tender ride out at sea. Dine underneath the stars once you are back on board. 

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 in family fun as the sunset.

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: Penemu Island and Arborek Island

Wake up to the breathtaking beauty of Penemu Island, home to the renowned Melissa’s Garden. This iconic dive and snorkel site is surrounded by a hard coral garden, teeming with a vibrant array of marine life. In the afternoon, set out in search of manta rays near the charming island village of Arborek. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the village, immersing yourself in the daily rhythms of island life.​ 

Day 7: One Thousand Temples and Yillet

Wake up to the magnificent Thousand Temples karst island and lagoon complex. In the morning, we explore mysterious jellyfish lakes and karst island seascapes, witnessing ancient rock art before touring the magnificent caverns of Tomolol Cave. After lunch, we head out to Yillet—an island featuring some of the world’s most iconic diving and snorkeling sites—before returning to Aqua Blu.​ 

Day 8: 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 9: Pulau 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 10: Banda Islands and Banda Neira

Approach the Banda Islands at sunrise, greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes at the harbor. 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 11: Ambon
We dock in Ambon as the ship replenishes itself for the next leg of the journey. Spend this morning partaking in R&R on board Aqua Blu. Enjoy an outdoor gym session, relax in the jacuzzi, or book yourself a spa session. In the afternoon, head out on a tour of the commonwealth war cemetery.

Day 12: Hila
Head out for an excursion to explore the historical Dutch fortification, Fort Amsterdam, in the coastal town of Hila. Sail through the afternoon and learn about the incredible history of the spice trade. Next, enjoy a sundowner as Aqua Blu continues sailing to the Banda Islands. While traveling through the deep expanse of the Banda Sea, enact an old naval tradition—‘hands to bathe’—where you jump into the water and swim, floating over depths stretching thousands of meters.
 
Day 13: Banda Islands and Banda Neira
Back in the Banda Islands, spend the day free-roaming around Banda Neira and discovering its rich history. Take in the picturesque views and head out on another snorkeling or diving adventure if you like, for more opportunities to spot the region's endemic marine life. Else, take your pick of Aqua Blu's lavish social spaces and spend some time relaxing on board.
 
Day 14: Pulau Ai and Pulau Run
At sunrise, arrive at Pulau Ai& Pulau Run, 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 storehouses. Spend the afternoon at a pristine beach on Pulau Run, which was traded for the island of Manhattan in 1667 by the British and the Dutch. Witness the sun setting into the sea while enjoying a cocktail party on these historic sands.

Day 15: Pulau Manuk
Savor a sunrise breakfast onboard against the backdrop of 300-meter-tall cliffs of Pulau Manuk, a volcanic island rising 3 kilometers from the seabed. This is a haven for fish-hunting birds, as well as sea snakes and reef sharks flocking to enjoy the area’s underwater thermal springs.

Day 16: Serua Island and Nil Desperandum
A playground for snorkelers and divers alike, Serua Island showcases an impressive array of reefs, walls, and incredible soft coral spots. Schools of fish thrive around here, and there is also a possibility of spotting hammerhead sharks. A tiny atoll located in the Banda Sea, Nil Desperandum is blessed with incredible hard coral formations. Spend a full day here, diving and snorkeling near the impressive coral and sponge formations. Revel in the experience as shoals of big fish such as tuna and Spanish mackerel swim by without worry.

Day 17: Romang, Nyata and Telang
Dive around Nyata island in search of hammerhead sharks and rays. Since Romang and Nyata are not part of a National Park, there are opportunities to go fishing here as well. Cruise south towards Telang for snorkeling and kayaking adventures, with a chance to spot rare silver-tip sharks.​

Day 18: Wetar
The rugged coastline of Wetar is rarely visited and offers plenty of hidden gems to experience. It features impressive wall dives to encounter sharks, schools of pelagic fishes, as well as majestic manta and mobular rays.​  
 
Day 19: Alor
Arrive at Alor, home to many picturesque fishing villages and surrounded by clear water and vibrant coral reefs, which are a must-visit for divers and snorkelers alike. Centuries-old tradition comes to life in the traditional dance performances by the friendly Abui Tribe. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board as we sail towards Maumere.​

Day 20: Maumere
Upon arriving at Maumere, take an afternoon visit to a nearby village. Immerse yourself in the local culture and take in picturesque views of the tropical hills. Return to the ship for a sunset departure.
 
Day 21: Sabulon
Spend the afternoon swimming from the ship and enjoying the calm reefs around Sabulon before viewing your final Komodo sunset of the expedition. ​

Day 22: Labuan Bajo

Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board before your disembarkation at Labuan Bajo 

 
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.