Raja Ampat Cruise - Aqua Blu
Board this stunning yacht and travel in style to some of the most spectacular dive and snorkel sites in the world.
SPECIAL OFFER
8.8*
ECO SCORE
30
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
3.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Indonesia: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Aqua Blu
Sailing towards the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the Raja Ampat 7-night cruise is a visual spectacle with unmatched marine diversity on show at the best dive and snorkel sites on Earth. At almost every turn, the mesmerizing turquoise and blue hues of Raja Ampat’s waters constantly jostle for your attention and beckon you to dive down and under. Located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the region is known to house every kind of underwater habitat imaginable; pristine reef flats, secret bays, swift channels, deep drop-offs, shallow seamounts, mangroves, marine lakes, and protected coral gardens are just a sample of the types of marine habitats that can be found in the roughly 20,000 square mile region.
- • Snorkel or dive in some of the most extraordinary sites in the world.
• Enjoy impromptu cocktails and treats on beautiful beaches and in hidden coves.
• Travel on a stunning private yacht with expert guiding and over-the-top cuisine with this eco-passionate operator.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Book now and save 20%, up to $2,170 per person on select suites!
Rates:
From $8,960 per person
During November to March (the wet season), brief afternoon showers keep the landscape lush while offering excellent diving and snorkeling conditions. With warm waters and vibrant marine life, this period allows for immersive exploration of Raja Ampat’s stunning coral reefs, manta rays, and rich biodiversity.
Inquire for specific dates.
November – March;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
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
Day 1: Sorong Harbour
Arrive at Sorong to a warm welcome. Private transfer to Swiss-Belhotel Sorong to rest and relax, before embarkation at lunchtime. Board Aqua Blu and cruise to Mioskon Island as dinner is served.
Day 2: Mioskon Island & Kabui Bay
Awake to the beauty of Mioskon Island. Take an easy dive and snorkel excursion. Afternoon tour on tenders or kayak of ‘The Passage’ – a narrow passage between Waigeo and Gam Island that Alfred Russell Wallace travelled through in 1860. Enjoy the mangrove views and catch sight of saltwater crocodiles, hawksbill turtles and hornbills before returning to Aqua Blu for sundowners and dinner.
Day 3: Cape Kri & Yangeffo Island
Rise in the morning to birdsong for an early tender tour of the magnificent karsts around Kabui Bay. Enjoy breakfast while cruising to Cape Kri. Snorkel or dive at Cape Kri – a dive site which holds the world record for most species spotted in a single 90- minute dive. Arrival at Yangeffo Island, with an exhilarating afternoon dive excursion at the Mayhem reef or a sunset cocktail tender tour of the mangroves. Dine underneath the stars back onboard.
Day 4: Aljui Bay & Wofoh Island
Early departure to Aljui Bay and an eye-opening visit to a pearl farm before cruising to Wofoh Island for diving, snorkeling and water sports in the afternoon. 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.
Day 5: Wayag Island
Watch the magnificence of Wayag Island’s limestone islets and lagoons unveil before your eyes as the sun rises. Jump in for a refreshing early morning swim and listen to the sound of the surrounding nature. Attempt to spot rare birds of paradise before a hearty breakfast back onboard and 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 from “Castaway” beach.
Day 6: Dayang Island & Birie Island
Early arrival at Dayang Island, known for its plethora of marine life, especially Reef Manta Rays and occasionally Oceanic Manta Rays. Both snorkelers and divers alike will revel in the close presence of such majestic creatures at the Manta Cleaning Station. Cruise to Birie Island to indulge in a cultural excursion at the Papuan village of Yensawai for traditional dancing. Return onboard to dine beneath the stars.
Day 7: Mayalibit Bay
Rise before the sun to embark on a spectacular nature excursion on a tender, local canoe and a hike to spot the rare birds of paradise on the island of Waigeo. Test your sense of adventure before a refreshing swim down the shimmering blue Kali Biru river. The afternoon brings a relaxed snorkel excursion at Friwinbonda Island, before departing for Sorong for your last night.
Day 8: Sorong Harbour
Enjoy a healthy breakfast onboard in Sorong before your outbound flight.
Activity Level: Guests should be in good physical health to be able tomake 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 outstanding! Divers the world over rave about Raja Ampat and to see it via this yacht will be heaven.
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).
