Paradise on the Edge of the Pacific
There are few places on this planet that will captivate your senses more than Raja Ampat. Shrouded in both myth and mystery, the islands enthrall its visitors with dramatic landscapes, crystal blue waters and unparalleled natural beauty. Home to some of the world’s most biodiverse environments, Raja Ampat is an unspoiled hideaway in the heart of Indonesia's Coral Triangle.
At Travel Beyond, we believe your trip should be designed just for you, not for the masses. Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client, offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. This itinerary features a unique, seven-night voyage aboard the Aqua Blu, but think of this cruise as just one piece of a larger unforgettable trip to Indonesia! Let us know when we can design a trip just for you!
Welcome to Sorong, West Papua, situated on the beautiful eastern side of Indonesia. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to the Aqua Blu, your home for the next seven nights. Today you meet the crew, settle into your suite and complete a safety briefing.
Dinner will be served as the sun sets and you set sail toward Mioskon Island.
About Raja Ampat: In the far eastern reaches of Indonesia – and spanning over 27,000 square miles – lies one of nature’s masterpieces: Raja Ampat.
Raja Ampat is located in the heart of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle and is home to one of the Earth’s most concentrated and diverse marine life areas. Its 612 islands showcase crystalline waters, incredible islets and the extraordinary cone-shaped formations of Pulau Wayag. It is home to over 600 species of corals (nearly 75% of all known species of reef-building corals!) and 1,500 species of tropical marine fish (about 50% of all known species!). For even more exploration, venture onto the islands to see incredible forests as well as the near-threatened Wilson’s and Red Birds of Paradise.
About Aqua Blu: The luxurious 198-foot Aqua Blu is an expedition yacht, traversing the East Indonesian Archipelago. The ship offers indoor and outdoor dining and bar areas, an observation deck, jacuzzi, outdoor exercise fitness area, massage room and a library. Aqua Blu has 15 individually designed suites accommodating no more than 30 passengers. En suite bathrooms include a wash basin, walk-in shower, toilet and lovely amenities. The ship’s crew of 25 is ready to welcome you aboard and attend to your every need while you are their guest.
Aqua Blu Dinner
Today you will awake to the beauty of Mioskon Island.
It is also your first full day of discovery in breathtaking Raja Ampat! As one of the area’s first dive and snorkel sites, you will be in awe of the abundance of fish and coral that greets you here – they offer a true welcome to the heart of the Coral Triangle. Adventure awaits as you then board a skiff or kayaks for a tour of “The Passage,” a narrow waterway between Waigeo and Gam Island that was traveled by Alfred Russel Wallace in 1860. Enjoy the beautiful mangroves and catch sight of saltwater crocodiles, hawksbill turtles, and hornbills before returning to the ship for sundowners and dinner.
Your Days Aboard Aqua Blu: Each day you will have one or two excursions, typically once in the morning and once in the afternoon. You will spend two- to three-hours on each excursion before returning to the boat for your meals and time to relax onboard. Your guides will accompany you to interpret the sights you will see along your way.
Aqua Blu Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
With birdsongs as your natural alarm clock, you depart for an early morning tour of the karsts, unique geological formations, around Kabui Bay. You will then enjoy breakfast while cruising to Cape Kri, where you have the opportunity to either snorkel or dive. Home to incredibly diverse marinelife, the site is famous for holding the world record for most species spotted in the span of 90-minutes.
Following lunch, you’ll have yet another opportuinty to immerse yourself in Raja Ampat’s underwater world with a dive at the Mayhem reef surrounding Yangeffo Island. You might also choose to enjoy a sunset tour of the mangrove, a delicious cocktail in hand.
A Note about Diving: We strongly encourage anyone interested in diving during travel to obtain their PADI certification prior to departing. For the novice, Aqua Blu offers a ‘Discover SCUBA Diving’ experience (extra costs apply). This is a great way for new divers to experience the thrill of diving in Raja Ampat’s amazing marine world. The experience includes a safety briefing, basic underwater skills practice and a dive to a maximum of 40 feet.
Aqua Blu Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Your day starts with an incredible visit to a pearl farm in Aljui Bay, after which the Aqua Blu makes its way to Wofoh. Here, two small islands surrounded by rich coral reefs provide the perfect setting for watersports such as diving and snorkeling. Enjoy sites such as “Edi’s Black Forest” and Red Patch Wall, or simply relax on the white sand. The Aqua Blu staff will provide refreshments and games throughout the afternoon.
Aqua Blu Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Soak in the views of Wayag’s magnificent limestone inlets as the sun rises on your fifth day. Before enjoying a hearty breakfast on board, consider jumping into the crystal clear waters for a refreshing swim or looking for rare birds of paradise as they fly past the Aqua Blu. You’ll then set off for either a dive at Figure Eight Rock or snorkeling at the Ranger station, home to black tip reef sharks! The afternoon will be spent paddling the island’s hidden lagoons aboard kayaks.
Aqua Blu Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Dayang Island is known for its plentiful marine life, especially manta rays. Snorkeling is excellent here and all along the bordering reef systems. Adventurous divers can explore the sunken wreckage of a World War II P47D fighter plane, the beautiful reefs and the sea-mounts of Tapok. The Aqua Blu will then cruise to Birie Island for an unforgettable cultural excursion to the Papuan village of Yensawai. Alongside locals you will learn their traditional dance before returning to the ship for dinner beneath the stars.
Aqua Blu Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Rise early to embark on a spectacular nature excursion on the island of Waigeo. Starting with a boat ride or kayak to shore, you will then explore on foot, looking for birds of paradise. You can also test your sense of adventure with a swim down the shimmering Kali Biru River and then enjoy an afternoon snorkel expedition at Friwinbonda Island.
Tonight will be your final evening on board Aqua Blu. Swap stories and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow passengers as you celebrate your successful and unforgettable voyage.
Aqua Blu Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
This morning you will enjoy a sumptuous breakfast onboard the ship in Sorong. At the required time, you will be transferred to the Sorong Airport for your early outbound flight.
N/A Breakfast
