Luxury Expedition Ship

Aqua Blu

Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu, Expedition Ship, Indonesia

Highlights

  • Luxurious Suites: Aqua Blu features 15 individually designed suites, each offering modern amenities, elegant decor, and stunning ocean views, ensuring a comfortable and stylish stay.
  • Exquisite Dining: Enjoy gourmet cuisine crafted by top chefs, with menus featuring both local Indonesian flavours and international dishes, all prepared with the freshest ingredients.
  • Private Charters: Perfect for the ultimate private charter in Indonesia the Aqua Blu can be taken on a private basis with tailored itineraries to suit any family or group.
  • Diverse Itineraries: Aqua Blu offers unique expeditions through Indonesia’s archipelago, including explorations of Raja Ampat, Bali, Komodo, and the Spice Islands, each rich with natural beauty and cultural heritage.
  • Water Activities: Engage in snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding in some of the world’s most pristine waters, exploring vibrant marine life, coral reefs, and stunning underwater landscapes. For those with no diving experience they can also arrange a crash course to give you a view of the underwater world.
  • Cultural Experiences: Participate in guided shore excursions to historical sites, local villages, and cultural landmarks, providing an in-depth understanding of the region’s history and traditions.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: The ship is committed to eco-friendly practices, including comprehensive waste management, energy conservation, and supporting local communities through responsible tourism efforts.

Features

  • Constructed: Originally built in 1968 and completely refurbished in 2019, Aqua Blu is a luxury expedition yacht designed for exploring Indonesia’s archipelago.
  • Capacity: Accommodates up to 30 guests, providing an intimate and exclusive experience.
  • Guides: The expedition team includes specialist and local guides, such as marine biologists, dive instructors, and cultural experts, selected for their expertise in the region.
  • Crew: Staffed with a dedicated crew of approximately 25 members to ensure exceptional service and comfort.
  • Speed: Travels at a cruising speed of 12 knots.
  • Size: Measures 60 meters in length and 11.4 meters in breadth.
  • Restaurants: Features a main dining room offering diverse, gourmet dining options crafted by top chefs.
  • Leisure: Amenities include a library, screening room, gym, spa, sun deck, outdoor jacuzzi, and water sports equipment like kayaks and paddleboards.
  • Suites: There are 15 suites with large windows, private bathrooms with showers, air conditioning, in-room entertainment, and either twin or king bed configurations.

Country Highlights

Komodo National Park to Bali

7 nights – March to September

This itinerary begins in Bali and takes you through the Lesser Sunda Islands to Komodo National Park. Along the way, you’ll snorkel and dive in crystal-clear waters, encountering vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Explore secluded beaches, and trek through rugged landscapes to witness Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Visit local villages to experience traditional culture and hike to breathtaking viewpoints for panoramic views. Other activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring hidden coves, offering a comprehensive adventure through some of Indonesia’s most stunning and remote destinations.

Spice Islands

Spice Islands with Aqua Blu

7 to 12 nights – March, October, November + December

These itineraries offer extraordinary journies through Indonesia’s Spice Islands, beginning in Ambon. Here you will explore the region’s rich history, with visits to ancient forts and vibrant local markets. The itinerary includes snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, and discovering hidden coves and pristine beaches. Discover the unique cultural heritage of the islands, from traditional music and dance performances to visits to clove and nutmeg plantations. The adventure also includes the chance to encounter rare wildlife, including bird species and marine creatures found nowhere else on Earth.

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat

7-12 Days – December to March

Explore the stunning Raja Ampat archipelago, beginning your journey on Kri Island with vibrant snorkelling and diving amidst coral reefs. Continue to the sacred caves of Penemu, then hike up to spectacular viewpoints. Engage with local culture on the island of Arborek, where you can interact with village communities and learn about traditional ways of life. Sail to Wayag’s iconic karst formations, where you’ll kayak through crystal-clear lagoons and hike to panoramic vistas. You will even get the chance to completely unwind with a visit to the isolated Dayang Island, immersing yourself in the pristine beauty and serene environment of this remote paradise.

Asmat + New Guinea

Raja Ampat

9-12 Days – October + November

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the remote islands of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. WIth a choice of three itineraries, you can explore the untouched Raja Ampat, with its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, perfect for snorkelling and diving. Visit the mysterious Asmat villages, where you can engage with the indigenous people and learn about their ancient traditions and intricate wood carvings. Experience the lush rainforests of Misool Island, spotting rare birds and wildlife. Cruise through the crystal-clear waters of the Banda Islands, historically rich with spice trade lore, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Triton Bay, surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs.

Country Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

Good to know

What are the cabin options on the Aqua Blu?

  • The Aqua Blu offers three main cabin categories:

    1. Bridge Deck: Located on the uppermost level, these cabins provide the best views and come with easy access to the outdoor seating area and bridge. They are spacious and elegantly designed, with large windows to enjoy panoramic views.
    2. Upper Deck: These cabins are on the second level, offering a blend of comfort and luxury with modern amenities. They are well-positioned for easy access to the lounge and outdoor dining areas.
    3. Main Deck: Situated on the main deck, these cabins provide comfort with easy access to the ship’s main facilities and social spaces. They offer a cosy and refined retreat with large porthole windows.

    Each cabin option includes en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and sophisticated décor, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome on board Aqua Blu. The ship offers a family-friendly environment, with various activities and experiences suitable for children. However, it’s recommended to check specific age-related guidelines or requirements with us before booking, as some activities may be more suitable for older children. The crew is attentive to families’ needs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages.

Sustainable travel

Aqua Blu’s sustainability program is focused on minimising its environmental impact and promoting conservation in the regions it explores. The program includes several key initiatives:

  1. Eco-Friendly Operations: The ship employs advanced waste management systems, reducing waste and ensuring responsible disposal practices. Efforts are also made to minimise the use of single-use plastics on board.
  2. Conservation Partnerships: Aqua Blu collaborates with local conservation organisations to protect marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the areas it visits, such as the Raja Ampat and Asmat regions.
  3. Sustainable Tourism: The itinerary is designed to support local communities and preserve cultural heritage, with respectful and minimal-impact interactions with indigenous groups. The company also contributes to local economies by sourcing food and materials from nearby communities.
  4. Education and Awareness: Guests are encouraged to participate in educational programs that highlight the importance of conservation and sustainable practices, both on board and during excursions.

Giving back

Aqua Blu supports the remote communities it visits through several impactful initiatives:

  1. Cultural Preservation: Aqua Blu fosters respectful cultural exchanges between guests and local communities, helping to preserve and promote traditional practices and crafts. This includes visits to indigenous villages where guests can learn about and appreciate local customs and art forms, such as wood carving in the Asmat region.
  2. Economic Contribution: The ship supports local economies by sourcing food, materials, and services from the communities it visits. This direct investment helps sustain local businesses and provides economic opportunities in these remote areas.
  3. Employment and Training: Aqua Blu hires local guides and staff, offering employment opportunities and training that empower community members with skills and income. This approach ensures that the benefits of tourism are felt directly by those living in the regions visited.
  4. Community Projects: Aqua Blu engages in or supports various community projects, such as educational initiatives, infrastructure improvements, or health programs, tailored to the specific needs of the communities.

Why we love the Aqua Blu

Visiting some of the most remote corners of Indonesia this ship really does get you to some unbelievably spectacular places, and the cultures you discover along the way are fascinating – best of all, it does that in serious comfort!

Auriole Potter

Specialises in

Asia, Australasia and the Middle East
Aqua Blu

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