Bali to Komodo National Park - Aqua Blu
Snorkel or dive among technicolor reefs and see the fabled Komodo dragons from this stunning 30-passenger yacht with inspired cuisine and service.
SPECIAL OFFER
8.8*
ECO SCORE
30
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
3.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Indonesia: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Aqua Blu
Rising from the seas of East Indonesia where two continental plates collide, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo National Park is a wonder of nature in every way imaginable. Komodo National Park comprises three main islands — Komodo, Padar and Rinca — and 26 smaller islets. Several of these are inhabited by the native Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard species to walk the Earth. Sail off on a dream cruise from Bali to Komodo National Park, on the exceptional Aqua Blu and enjoy an adventurous cruise through the stunningly beautiful scenery of the untouched Indonesian seas.
- • Swim or scuba dive with manta rays, barracuda, and hordes of brightly colored fish plus see Komodo dragons!
• Enjoy impromptu cocktails and treats on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
• Travel on a stunning private yacht with expert guiding and over-the-top cuisine with this eco-passionate operator.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Local Community
Local residents make up over 80% of employed staff
Conservation
Rehabilitation of threatened paiche fish & taricaya turtle populations
Waste
Innovative closed-loop distribution system & waste separation implementation
Itinerary
(This program also runs in reverse.)
Day 1: Labuan Bajo
Arrive at Labuan Bajo to a warm welcome. Board Aqua Blu and sail to Gili Lawa as the sun sets.
Day 2: Sunday Gili Lawa, Padar Islands
Explore Gili Lawa’s expansive beaches and shallow reef bays, which are ideal for kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. Meanwhile, diving and snorkeling spots offer the chance to spot turtles and sharks. In the afternoon, arrive at the picturesque Padar Island. Hike up the savannah hill for iconic views before a sunset cocktail on the beach.
Day 3: Horseshoe Bay, Pink Beach
After a morning sailing through a spectacular sea passage, arrive in Horseshoe Bay, a dramatic curvature of land that is the remains of an ancient volcano caldera. Visit sea eagles and Komodo dragons’ favorite haunts aboard Aqua Blu's tenders or choose to dive or swim. In the late afternoon, the iconic Pink Beach awaits. Trek, witness the flight of bats, visit a local village or simply relax on the beach.
Day 4: Loh Buaya, Linta Strait
Sail in the morning to Loh Buaya and get your first up-close encounter with the prehistoric Komodo dragons. In the afternoon discover Linta Strait, a famous spot for drift snorkeling and diving. Large pelagic fish are very common as well as manta rays, giant trevallies and big schools of barracuda.
Day 5: Gili Banta
Arrive at Gili Banta, a remote haven for beach lovers, snorkelers and divers alike where sites such as Star Wars and K2 are among the world's best. Or hike the Eastern Ridge for stunning views. In the afternoon, sail overnight to Saleh Bay.
Day 6: Saleh Bay, Sumbawa
Ship arrives at Saleh Bay. Depending on the time of the month, you will have the chance to encounter friendly whales at the bay. In the evening, witness the dramatic flight of fruit bats at Sattonda.
Day 7: Moyo Island
Arrive in Moyo, a remote hilly island with a handful of fishing villages. Discover wildlife en route to the spectacular waterfall at the center of the island and snorkel at the shallow Angel Reefs for an unforgettable experience. Aqua Blu sets sail for Bali during sunset.
Day 8: Benoa (Bali)
Arrive for your disembarkation at Bali. Catch your outbound flight or continue your Indonesian adventure.
Activity Level: Guests should be in good physical health to be able to make the most of their East Indonesian expedition. The daily nature excursions may include walking on irregular terrain and getting in and out of the tenders occasionally which requires some physical effort. A shore excursion can be anything from spotting exotic wildlife along a jungle trail to climbing up an active volcano, from visiting a local village to swimming with whale sharks. They vary in level of difficulty, but most travelers who are reasonably fit will have no trouble participating in every activity.
Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu is a long-range explorer yacht sailing the East Indonesia Archipelago's most prized destinations. With a grand legacy as the former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle and later as the private yacht of a European aristocratic family, Aqua Blu is a compelling maritime statement. A 2019 refurbishment overseen by Dutch yacht design maestro Cor D. Rover brings the vessel to world-class cruising specifications. 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.
Inside the five-deck, 15-suite Aqua Blu, Cor has tastefully paired a brass-and-ivory interior theme with generous and inviting indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a sun deck. Having attained the highest international classifications (RINA, SOLAS, ISM) in safety, the vessel is additionally equipped with Quantum Zero Speed stabilizers for optimal comfort at rest or while sailing. Able to cover vast distances in a short span of time — and in any sea condition — the vessel enables explorers on board to experience the most varied, enjoyable and rewarding coastal cruise itineraries in this wild and stunningly beautiful region of the world.
• Capacity: 30 guests
• Cabins: 15 Design Suites
• Specialists: 2 Naturalists, Dive Master, Award-Winning Chef
ACHIEVEMENTS
Travel & Leisure's "World's Best River Cruise Line" 2023 & 2024
3rd Place for Travel & Leisure's "World's Best Cruise Line" 2023
#5 River Ship in the 2020 Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards
"Feel like you're traveling on your own private yacht with one of the world's best chefs as Aqua Blu explores this colorful marine paradise. Spacious cabins, gloriously relaxing deck areas, beautiful lounges, and luxury amenities make this stylish ship perfect for a honeymoon, a family adventure or a personal getaway."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
I traveled on Aqua Blu's inaugural voyage and it was fantastic! Get far away from it all when exploring this brilliant marine sanctuary.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All meals while on board; Premium selected wines and beer, non-alcoholic drinks; Excursions with knowledgeable local guides; Group transfers between vessel on recommended flights; Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits; Scuba diving; All available non-motorized water sports; Laundry; Internet connection (intermittent depends on locations)
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare, cocktails, optional boutique purchases, massage services, gratuities, visa fees, travel insurance (recommended).
