AN EXPLORER YACHT FOR EAST INDONESIA’S REMOTE SEAS
Aqua Blu is a 60-metre expedition yacht based in East Indonesia, sailing between some of the region’s most rewarding land and marine environments. Its itineraries cover Bali and Komodo, the Spice Islands, Raja Ampat and West Papua, with embarkation ports including Benoa, Labuan Bajo, Ambon, Sorong and Kaimana. The vessel carries up to 30 guests, with a crew of 30 including a Cruise Director, Health and Safety Officer and naturalist guides, giving it a notably personal scale for this part of the world.
The yacht has 15 individually designed, ocean-facing suites across four decks. Accommodation ranges from larger Category I suites of around 25 to 34 square metres to compact Category III cabins of around 14 square metres, with either windows or portholes depending on location. Some suites include sofa beds or additional sitting space, and there are interconnecting options that work well for families.
Life on board is relaxed, with indoor and outdoor dining, a sky lounge bar, library and TV room, sundeck, outdoor jacuzzi, massage room and an outdoor workout area. Meals are included, along with non-alcoholic drinks, house wines and beer, laundry, group transfers when travelling on recommended flights, high-speed Wi-Fi and guided excursions. The culinary programme is overseen by Australian chef Benjamin Cross, whose menus draw on Indonesia’s spice-trade history alongside wider Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences.
The main reason to travel on Aqua Blu is the access it gives to remote, wildlife-rich parts of the Indonesian archipelago. In Komodo National Park, voyages focus on Komodo dragons, volcanic landscapes, Pink Beach, manta rays, turtles and marine protected areas. In Raja Ampat, the emphasis shifts to limestone islets, lagoons, mangroves, birds of paradise and some of the world’s richest coral reefs. The Spice Islands add another dimension, with nutmeg plantations, European forts, Banda Neira, Gunung Banda Api and diving around lava-formed coral gardens.
Activities include snorkelling, diving, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, guided walks, cultural visits and wildlife-focused shore excursions. Aqua Blu carries snorkelling and diving equipment, six double kayaks and two stand-up paddleboards, with excursions generally led by guides and operated by tender. This is a strong choice for couples, families with older children and private charter groups who want a comfortable base for an active expedition through East Indonesia, rather than a conventional resort stay.
Aqua Blu
At a glance
- 60-metre expedition yacht sailing in East Indonesia.
- Up to 30 guests in 15 ocean-facing suites.
- Routes include Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands, Raja Ampat and West Papua.
- 30 crew, including a Cruise Director, Health and Safety Officer and naturalist guides.
- Suites range from approximately 14 to 34 square metres, with windows or portholes.
- Social spaces include indoor and outdoor dining, sky lounge bar, library, sundeck and jacuzzi.
- Embarkation ports include Benoa, Labuan Bajo, Ambon, Sorong and Kaimana.
For leisure and pleasure
- Guided small-group excursions by tender, with walks, wildlife viewing and cultural visits.
- Snorkelling and diving in marine protected areas and biodiverse reef systems.
- Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available on board.
- Cuisine overseen by Australian chef Benjamin Cross.
- Onboard spa treatments and outdoor workout area.
- High-speed Starlink satellite internet and complimentary laundry.
- Seasonal itineraries timed for Komodo, the Spice Islands, Raja Ampat and West Papua.
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