Indonesia’s Coral Gardens and Komodo Dragons Aboard Aqua Blu

Arrive in Bali, one of the cultural hubs of Indonesia, and transfer to the Hilton Bali Resort (or similar). Enjoy the hotel facilities and restaurants before your adventure.  

Travel by air from Bali to Labuan Bajo on our recommended flight*; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Embark <i>Aqua Blu</i> in the afternoon and settle into your cabin before a welcome reception and dinner on board.  <i>*If you are not purchasing the recommended flight, please get in touch to confirm your arrangements.</i>

Enjoy breakfast with views of Komodo Bay’s contrasting landscapes: dramatic peaks set against turquoise waters. Venture into Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in search of the legendary Komodo dragon, the world’s largest living lizard. Embark on a hike accompanied by experienced park rangers to observe these ancient creatures in their natural habitat and gain insights into ongoing conservation initiatives. Capture images of these fascinating reptiles with the help of your National Geographic certified photo instructor. In the afternoon, set sail for Taka Bonerate National Park. Along the way, attend engaging talks with onboard experts, delving into the extraordinary wildlife, ecosystems and geology that will shape your journey. 

Taka Bonerate—loosely translated from the Bugis language as “coral piled on sand”—is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and national park that is home to the third largest atoll in the world. Immerse yourself in a day of exploration beneath crystal-clear waters in an untouched realm teeming with life. Start the morning with a swim or set out on a kayak excursion. As you snorkel and dive, you may encounter playful dolphins, intricate gorgonian fans, black corals and an array of other marine creatures, including tuna, napoleon wrasse, scorpionfish and more. 

Spend the morning enjoying the amenities aboard <i>Aqua Blu</i>, unwinding with a book, savoring a quiet moment by the sea or refining your photography skills with guidance from your National Geographic certified photo instructor. Arrive at Watublapi village, renowned for producing some of the world’s most exquisite ikat weavings. Watch as master weavers continue the time-honored tradition of crafting designs using handspun cotton yarn and vibrant natural dyes derived from local plants. During your visit, you’ll also experience a traditional dance performance that captures the spirit of their culture. 

The morning calls for snorkel and dive excursions in the dazzling waters of Pantar Strait Marine Park, one of Indonesia’s most stunning aquatic areas thanks to the confluence of cold currents from Australia and warm Indonesian seas that foster an abundance of marine life. This afternoon, step ashore on Alor Island into the rich cultural tapestry of the Abui tribe. Experience their centuries-old traditions firsthand as the community welcomes you with their lego-lego dance, a rhythmic expression of unity and heritage. You’ll also watch a demonstration of their bow-and-arrow skills, offering a glimpse into their ancestral way of life that continues to thrive in this remote corner of the world. 

The rugged, untouched coastline of Wetar island beckons with a wealth of hidden treasures, waiting to be discovered. Beneath the surface, impressive wall dives reveal a thriving underwater world where you may encounter graceful sharks gliding through the depths, schools of shimmering pelagic fish and vivid cup corals. Whether you’re diving or snorkeling, keep your eyes peeled for majestic manta and mobula rays, a highlight of this remote and rarely explored marine paradise. 

Nestled within the fabled "Wallacea" region, the Barat Daya islands are an archipelago—or “kepulauan” in Indonesian— isolated by deep oceanic straits from the Australian and Asian continental shelves. Plunge into the crystalline waters surrounding Pulau Nyata, where elusive hammerhead sharks and graceful rays glide through vibrant coral reefs. Continue south to Telang for more thrilling snorkeling and kayaking adventures, keeping an eye out for the rare silver-tip shark. 

Nil Desperandum—meaning “do not despair” in Latin—is a small, secluded atoll in the Banda Sea known for its hard coral formations and deep drop offs. Spend the day diving or snorkeling among thriving coral and sponge gardens whose highlight includes a vibrant tapestry of brain and staghorn corals perfect for underwater photography enthusiasts. In these clear waters, you’ll also be captivated by schools of formidable fish, including tuna and Spanish mackerel.  

Serua, like many destinations on this voyage, lies within Indonesia’s remote "Forgotten Islands," a scattered chain stretching hundreds of miles from Timor to Papua. Formed by millennia of volcanic eruptions, Serua is a towering stratovolcano that rises thousands of feet above the Banda Sea floor. Set out on an early morning kayaking excursion, then snorkel and dive to discover stunning reefs, dramatic walls and soft coral gardens. Marvel at schools of fish swiftly darting among the corals and watch for the hammerhead sharks known to congregate in larger numbers here. This afternoon, head out on a steep hike to visit a local village, immersing yourself in the culture and traditions of the people who call this volcanic island home. 

Begin your day with a sunrise breakfast aboard <i>Aqua Blu</i>, set against the dramatic silhouette of Pulau Manuk’s towering cliffs—a volcanic island that rises three kilometers from the ocean floor. Uninhabited by humans, this isle provides a haven for nature’s predators: fish-eating birds dive with precision into its pristine waters, and sea snakes and reef sharks gather at its underwater thermal springs. Be on the lookout for frigatebirds, gannets and other seabirds that nest in Manuk’s verdant treetops. Enjoy swimming or kayaking in the ocean before taking part in a cooking demonstration aboard the ship. 

Arrive at the Banda Islands at sunrise, welcomed by traditional Kora-Kora war canoes gliding through the harbor. Step ashore on Banda Neira, once the world’s most fiercely contested island between the British and Dutch during the spice trade of the 16th and 17th centuries. Wander through the remnants of history at Dutch Fort Nassau, a military stronghold that now symbolizes the island’s tumultuous past as the global epicenter of nutmeg production—a prized and lucrative spice traded across Europe and Asia. Spend the morning walking through its ancient passageways that tell of a complex bygone era. After lunch, don your snorkel or dive gear and explore the marine life of this storied archipelago. Later on, toast the day with a sundowner and panoramic views of Banda Neira at Fort Belgica. 

At Pulau Ai, one of the westernmost gems of the Banda Islands, immerse yourself in crystalline waters as you swim, snorkel or dive among coral gardens full of reef fish. Afterward, step ashore for a guided tour of Ai where you’ll learn about the island's storied past and visit its historic nutmeg storehouses, once vital to the lucrative spice trade. Be sure to keep your camera handy as you explore with your National Geographic certified photo instructor by your side. This afternoon, journey to the shores of Pulau Run, an idyllic island that was a center for nutmeg trade in the 17th century and was famously traded for Manhattan in 1667 by the British and Dutch. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail party on these historic sands, watching the sun sink gracefully into the sea. 

Begin your day with an early morning swim in tranquil ocean waters, followed by snorkeling, diving or kayaking excursions. On the northern shores of Nusa Laut, explore the picturesque fishing villages of Ameth and Akon, where time seems to slow amidst the island's serene beauty. With luck, you’ll spot the elusive dugong, the Southeast Asian cousin of the gentle American manatee, in its natural environment. As your journey continues toward Ambon, take part in a cooking lesson that brings the flavors of the Spice Islands to life. Enhance your day with insightful onboard presentations from your naturalist guides, deepening your connection to the landscapes, cultures and wildlife you’ve encountered along the way.   

Disembark in Ambon after breakfast and transfer to the airport to fly to Bali on our recommended flight*; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Upon arrival, connect to your flight home.  <i>*If you are not purchasing the recommended group flight, please get in touch to confirm your arrangements.</i>