Raja Ampat, West Papua, & Forgotten Islands Expedition

Welcome to Sorong! After a smooth private transfer, relax at the Aston Sorong Hotel before boarding Aqua Blu at noon. Set sail for Mioskon Island and enjoy your first evening on board with a gourmet dinner crafted by chef Benjamin Cross.

Wake up to the stunning views of Mioskon Island and start your day with a relaxed snorkel or dive. In the afternoon, journey deep into the jungle by private tender, then enjoy a canoe ride upstream through Kali Biru and enjoy a refreshing swim downstream beneath the lush canopy.

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.

We’ll have an early departure to Aljui Bay, followed by a visit to a local pearl farm. Later in the day, we head to Wofoh Island for diving, snorkeling, and water sports. Lay back and enjoy Aqua Blu’s Beach Club on a private beach, sipping on bespoke cocktails and frolicking family fun as the sun sets.

Witness the magnificence of Wayag Island’s limestone islets and lagoons as the sun rises. Jump in for a refreshing early morning swim and listen to the sounds of the surrounding nature, before a hearty breakfast on board. Next, we’ll be diving at Figure Eight Rock or snorkeling at the Ranger station to spot black tip reef sharks. Spend the afternoon exploring hidden lagoons aboard kayaks at “Castaway” beach.

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.

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 for a sunset sail to 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Back to 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 sun set departure.

Spend the afternoon swimming from the ship and enjoying the calm reefs around Sabulon before viewing your final Komodo sunset of the expedition.

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