The Aqua Blu carries her guests in high luxury, comfort and safety while sailing through Eastern Indonesia. Embrace history and luxury on this unique cruise ship.
Aqua Blu West Papua & Asmat Tribe Expedition
On this 13-day voyage aboard 30-guest Aqua Blu, blend some of Indonesia's highlights (whale sharks, prehistoric art, underwater creatures and the Spice Islands) with a special 2-day visit to meet the people of a remote, rarely seen part of West Papua.
Nov
Dec
FROM
$22,090
USD
PER PERSON
/
On this 13-day voyage aboard 30-guest Aqua Blu, blend some of Indonesia’s highlights with a special 2-day visit to a remote, rarely seen part of West Papua. Encounter rare species and explore hidden lakes and cave systems in search of East Indonesia’s most enigmatic tribal community. Plus discover the best of the Spice Islands.
This exclusive voyage to West Papua explores of one of the most uncharted destinations in all of Indonesia. Sail to the Asmat region, inhabited by its namesake indigenous tribe who are known for their rich cultural heritage. Journey deep into the jungles of Asmat and visit traditional villages to gain an insight into local customs and rituals. Beyond this, the waters surrounding Triton Bay offer incredible snorkeling and diving sites to view sparkling coral reefs and rare marine life including whale sharks.
Passage is aboard Aqua Blu, a luxury long-range explorer yacht with a military past, specifically refurbished for cruising among Indonesian waters. This vessel is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter cruises due to her private yacht feel and size. Enjoy her fine appointments, 5-star Indonesian cuisine with menus developed by a world-renowned chef, and state-of-the-art safety equipment for a unique way to cruise Indonesia.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Indonesia cruises, Asia cruises and Pacific Island cruises.
Spice Islands & Asmat Tribe Expedition Itinerary
Ambon, IndonesiaAmbon, Indonesia
The 13-day Spice Islands & Asmat Tribe Expedition operates round-trip from Ambon with visits to the Spice Islands, an opportunity to swim with whale sharks, snorkeling, diving, a visit to prehistoric art, and the highlight: 2 days exploring a rarely visited, remote part of West Papua and meeting its Asmat people.
Arrive to a warm welcome in Ambon, and board the ship. After settling in, bid farewell to the harbor as you set sail towards the Banda Islands.
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 century. 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.
Spend the morning 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.
Head out in the afternoon 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.
Spend the day exploring your luxurious ship and enjoy her variety of social spaces–a jacuzzi, spa and exercise area, sky lounge bar, and a sun deck offering panoramic views of the vast seas. Gain a deeper insight into Indonesian culture through onboard cooking demonstrations and presentations from your expert guides.
Arrive in the uncharted Asmat region–a remote part of West Papua which very few have ever had the opportunity to visit. On board private speedboats, head down the Lorentz River deep into the jungle to visit the village of Yuan Yufri. Enjoy a friendly welcome as the tribal members pass by in their handcrafted canoes. Spend the afternoon interacting with the locals, viewing their art and learning about their daily lives. End the day with sundowners as you sail to Biwar Laut.
Today, continue your exploration of the Asmat region and gain a deeper insight into the traditions of the locals. Enjoy a scenic skiff ride to the village of Biwar Laut, escorted by tribal members in their canoes. Upon arrival, witness the traditional Spirit Mask ceremony, which is conducted by the Asmat people to honor their ancestors. After lunch on board, head over to the nearby village of Ouws to witness the Mbis Pole Ceremony which depicts how, after death, a soul manifests as a spirit in the image of a bird.
Enjoy a relaxing morning at sea before you arrive at the shores of the Aru Islands. Take the plunge and go on a snorkeling and diving excursion in the island’s sparkling waters. Afterwards, unwind on the island’s tranquil beach, drinks in hand, as you take in the breathtaking sunset.
Discover the remote white-sand beaches of the Kei Islands, known to be some of the most pristine in East Indonesia. Swim and snorkel from the shore in the crystal-clear waters, home to marine life including pygmy seahorses and olive sea snakes.
Savor a sunrise breakfast on board against the backdrop of 985-foot-tall (300m) cliffs of Pulau Manuk, a volcanic island rising 1.86 miles (3km) 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.
Arrive at Pulau Ai & Pulau Run, the westernmost of the Banda Islands, at sunrise. Swim, snorkel and dive in the crystal-clear waters, where you’ll discover stunning coral gardens and reef fish. Afterwards, head ashore to Pulau Ai for a guided tour of Fort Revenge and its nutmeg store houses. 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.
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 manatee. In the afternoon, sail towards Ambon.
Awake to the bustle of Ambon and disembark after breakfast for your outbound flight.
Included
All meals while on board; non-alcoholic beverages, house wines and beer; all excursions; snorkeling equipment and wetsuits; SCUBA diving (certified divers age 10 and over only); laundry; satellite internet (limited connection); and group transfers to/from vessel on recommended flights.
Exclusions
All air tickets; visas; private transfers; spa services, boutique purchases and items of a personal nature; guide and crew gratuities; insurance of any kind.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – full refund except for $500 service charge
120 to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The 13-day Spice Islands & Asmat Tribe Expedition begins and ends in Ambon, Indonesia (AMQ). Plan flights to arrive to Ambon by 3:15pm, ahead of the 4:30pm embarkation. On Day 13, disembarkation in Ambon is at 5:30am. Plan flights to depart Ambon no earlier than 6:50am on Day 13. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include: tender rides, walks, wildlife viewing from the ship, swimming, snorkeling, diving and visiting local communities.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 25% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Third person sleeping on sofa bed will receive a 20% discount. To book one of four interconnecting suites, please contact your Adventure Specialist.
Families & Children
Kids 5 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Save 20% per child under the age of 12 years old. A child under 12 years old sleeping as the third person on a sofa bed pays $820(2027) per night.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
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As a former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle and later as the private yacht of a European aristocratic family, Aqua Blu is now exploring the world in a completely new fashion. This 30-guest luxury long-range explorer yacht is now the perfect ship to sail through Indonesia's vast archipelago with the 2019 refurbishment overseen by Dutch yacht design maestro Cor D. Rover. These modern updates bring the vessel to world-class cruising specifications along with luxurious appointments. Guests can expect to embrace a distinguished sense of history and seafaring evolution when they set foot on this one-of-a-kind cruise ship.
Aqua Blu Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Aqua Blu review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our Aqua Blu review below then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Aqua Blu with other small luxury cruise ships and yachts offering Indonesia cruises, Asia cruises and Pacific Island cruises, including private charter cruises.
Choose the Aqua Blu for a newly refurbished small ship that comfortably sails the turquoise waters of Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands and Komodo National Park. She is also notable for offering an inclusive daily dive package along with snorkeling. Aqua Blu's original craftsmanship combined with modern technology and upgrades have created a fast exploration vessel that can travel further afield with safety and comfort. This ship is able to cover vast distances in a short span of time—and in any sea condition. Having attained the highest international classifications in safety (RINA, SOLAS, ISM), the vessel is additionally equipped with Quantum Zero Speed stabilizers for optimal comfort at rest or while sailing.
Navigate East Indonesia’s vast seas on this ideal vessel to experience the most varied, enjoyable and rewarding coastal cruise itineraries in this wild and stunningly beautiful region of the world. Enjoy cruising East Indonesia in a way that no ship has ever offered before.
Common Areas Aboard Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu's tastefully paired brass-and-ivory interior theme combines well with the generous and inviting indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a sun deck with outdoor seating, lounge and barbecue. The bridge deck offers a Jacuzzi, outdoor lounge, spa and workout zone. Dine outside on the Forecastle deck that also includes an indoor bar, library and TV room. The main dining room, salon and more outdoor seating exist on the Main Deck. This ship comes prepared with kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling and diving gear. Enjoy complimentary internet and laundry service while aboard.
Activities Aboard Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu combines modern luxury with active adventures for a novel means of cruising Indonesia. She carries SCUBA diving gear, including regulators, buoyancy compensators, computers, gauges and tanks, along with a dedicated 8-guest tender used exclusively for diving activities. Divers and snorkelers alike are equipped with a full-body wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins. Above water, the ship's onboard kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and two other 16-guest tenders are the ticket to seek out stunning marine wildlife in comfort and safety. A staircase off the swim step improves on the ladder offered by most ships, enabling easy in and out of the water. Finally, the spa, Jacuzzi and exercise zone enable Aqua Blu's guests to maintain fitness routines and relax after a day of exploration.
Dining Aboard Aqua Blu
Central to every Aqua Blu cruise is the element of five-star dining with a menu created and overseen by a renowned chef who is supported by Consulting Chef Benjamin Cross—a renowned Australian culinarian who will be orchestrating the menu for a uniquely Indonesian-inspired five-star dining experience. Trained by Sydney’s best culinary talents, Cross has masterfully created over 100 recipes that showcase a journey of refined flavors drawn from the ancient Spice Route, relying on local ingredients such as nutmeg and cloves; as well as a variety of seafoods like the giant Papuan prawns sourced from the Indonesian seas.
The Aqua Blu experience will additionally showcase the freshest, sustainably-sourced seafood that the pristine waters of East Indonesia has to offer, as well as custom-designed vegan menu options. Guests can look forward to refined plated dishes as well as convivial communal barbecues and relaxed outdoor dining. Breakfast is served buffet style and offers items including granola, yogurt, fresh fruit and made-to-order eggs. Lunches are a mix of plated and buffet, while dinner is always a plated affair. Exquisite and scrumptious cuisine, set amidst dramatic coastal landscapes, will undoubtedly be the highlight of all Aqua Blu itineraries.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Aqua Blu
This Indonesia yacht includes 15 individually designed sea-facing suites in 3 cabin categories with premium furnishings that befit a luxury odyssey. Each cabin was designed to combine modern luxury with ultimate comfort.
Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise
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Aqua Blu Ambon & Spice Islands Cruise
Luxury Indonesia expedition blending Spice Islands culture with world-class diving
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Aqua Blu Raja Ampat Cruise
Premium expedition for snorkeling & diving pristine reefs
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Frontier Lands of New Guinea
Remote expedition through Papua New Guinea's tribal cultures & volcanoes
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