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.

Denpasar is the capital city of Bali and serves as the island’s cultural and economic center. The city is known for its vibrant markets, traditional temples, and rich Balinese heritage. Visitors can explore local attractions, enjoy authentic cuisine, and experience traditional music and dance performances. Denpasar also provides easy access to Bali’s famous beaches and tourist destinations. With its blend of modern development and cultural traditions, Denpasar offers a unique and lively atmosphere for travelers.

Bali really is as alluring as everyone says. This island, slightly bigger than Delaware, has it all: beaches, volcanoes, terraced rice fields, forests, renowned resorts, surfing, golf, and world-class dive sites. But what sets Bali apart from other nearby tropical destinations is Balinese tradition, and villagers dedicated to celebrating it. The hundreds of temples, dances, rituals, and crafts linked to their ancient Hindu faith aren't a show for tourists, but a living, breathing culture in which visitors are warmly received by the Balinese, who cherish their own identities.

Travel by air from Bali to Labuan Bajo on our recommended flight*; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Embark Aqua Blu in the afternoon and settle into your cabin before a welcome reception and dinner on board.

*If you are not purchasing the recommended flight, please get in touch to confirm your arrangements.

Labuan Bajo is a small and beautiful town located on the western tip of Flores. It is known as the gateway to Komodo National Park, home to the famous Komodo dragon. The town is surrounded by stunning islands, clear blue waters, and colorful coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy activities such as island hopping, snorkeling, diving, and watching spectacular sunsets. With its natural beauty and rich marine life, Labuan Bajo is one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations.

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.

Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold.

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 Aqua Blu, 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 Aqua Blu, 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.

Banda Neira is the main island and town of the minute Banda Archipelago in the Banda Sea some 2500 kilometers away from Jakarta. Although the Portuguese already contacted the Banda Islands for nutmeg and mace in 1512, it was only ninety years later that the Dutch established a trading post on Neira and neighboring Lonthor to export the spices. Rivalries between the Dutch and the British led to forts being built –the ruins of Fort Nassau and the restored Fort Belgica can be visited on Banda Neira. The area surrounding the town still has nutmeg plantations and several sites relate to the Dutch spice trading time.

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.

Pulau Rhun, also known as Run Island is a coconut, fringed, picture-perfect island regarded as one of the best in Indonesia. Rhun has a deep history rooted in the spice wars of the 17th century as it played a significant role during the treaty of Breda that ended the second Anglo-Dutch war. During the negotiations, England ceded control of Rhun in exchange for the Island of New Netherland. The exchange complete, the English renamed the small settlement on the Island from New Amsterdam to New York. Join local guides and your expedition team for a walking tour amongst the many historic locations.

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.

*If you are not purchasing the recommended group flight, please get in touch to confirm your arrangements.

Ambon Island welcomes travelers to the historic "Spice Islands" through its bustling maritime heart at Pelabuhan Yos Soedarso Ambon, a port framed by dramatic green mountains and the deep blue waters of Ambon Bay. This vibrant hub offers a seamless entry into a world of colonial heritage and world-class diving, with the colorful markets and historic sites of Ambon City just moments away from the pier. The port serves as an inviting gateway to the island’s pristine white-sand beaches and the legendary nutmeg groves that once changed the course of global history.

Denpasar is the capital city of Bali and serves as the island’s cultural and economic center. The city is known for its vibrant markets, traditional temples, and rich Balinese heritage. Visitors can explore local attractions, enjoy authentic cuisine, and experience traditional music and dance performances. Denpasar also provides easy access to Bali’s famous beaches and tourist destinations. With its blend of modern development and cultural traditions, Denpasar offers a unique and lively atmosphere for travelers.