Aqua Blu Itinerary

Spice Islands - Raja Ampat

13 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 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.

Learn more about Aqua Blu

Itinerary details

13 days / 12 nights
Up to 22
Open Water - Minimum 30 dives
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: 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, or discover local pottery-making at Ouw village, visit a local market, see European relics or explore bird habitats.

Day 3: Banda Islands
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 century and learn about the colourful story of the Old World spice trade.

Day 4: Pulau Koon and Pulau Gorong
Snorkel, swim, kayak and spear-fish in the numerous blue pools and over 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 in Manawoka of Gorong island to view shallow reefs and deep drop-offs. Set sail to Misool after dinner.

Day 5: Misool
The magnificent land and seascape of Misool are said to own some of the finest reefs on the planet. Take an easy trek on small sandy coves and land-locked lakes. Snorkel, swim, kayak and spear-fish in the numerous blue pools over the 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 snorkelling/swimming spot or beach. Relax on the tranquil beaches with sunset cocktails.

Day 7: One Thousand Temples
Arrival at 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: Penemu Islands
Explore the mesmerising 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
Watch the magnificence of Pulau Wayag’s limestone islets and lagoons unveil 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 10: Aljui Bay and Pulau Pef
Visit a pearl farm in Aljui Bay before cruising to Pulau Pef and Yangello for snorkelling 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 plenty of marine life, especially manta rays. Snorkelling 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
Arrival in 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 en route to the spectacular waterfall in Batanta mainland. Ship will cruise eastwards towards Sorong during dinner.

Day 13: Sorong Harbour
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast onboard in Sorong before 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

04:30pm

Ambon

Pattimura Airport: AMQ

Return

06:30am

Sorong

Sorong Airport: SOQ

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