Aqua Blu West Papua & Asmat Tribe Expedition

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.