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.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel prior to a private presentation by Dr. Lawrence Blair, an English anthropologist who has spent decades living in Bali and leading expeditions throughout Indonesia's most remote regions. He is best known as the co-creator of the Emmy Award-winning PBS/BBC documentary series Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey, which chronicled a remarkable decade-long journey across the Indonesian archipelago.After lunch, embark Aqua Blu in Benoa Harbor, Bali and settle into your cabin before a festive welcome reception and dinner on board as you set sail for Pulau Moyo and a restful night at sea.

Enjoy onboard presentations by your expedition staff enroute to Pulau Moyo. After lunch, go ashore at Labuan Aji village for a scenic drive to Mata Jitu Waterfall, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise pools, cascading limestone terraces and pristine rainforest setting. Known as the "Queen Waterfall" after Princess Diana's celebrated visit in 1993, it remains one of Indonesia's most enchanting natural treasures. Enjoy a refreshing swim amidst breathtaking scenery in this secluded oasis.Freshen up on board before heading ashore to enjoy sunset drinks at a local resort before returning to Aqua Blu for dinner.

Begin your day with an unforgettable encounter in Saleh Bay on Sumbawa Island, where whale sharks gather each morning around traditional fishing platforms that have supported local communities for generations. As fishermen raise their nets, small fish attract these gentle giants, which are revered as symbols of good fortune and welcomed as part of a long-standing local tradition. Under carefully managed guidelines, guests will have the rare opportunity to snorkel alongside the world's largest fish in one of Indonesia's most remarkable wildlife experiences.After lunch, enjoy a choice of adventures, from diving and snorkeling the vibrant reefs surrounding Satonda Island to kayaking across its unique volcanic crater lake. As Aqua Blu sails toward Komodo National Park, take in the island's dramatic landscapes and tranquil waters. At sunset, you may have the opportunity to witness one of nature's great spectacles as thousands of fruit bats emerge from Satonda Island and soar across the evening sky toward Sumbawa in search of food.

The waters surrounding Gili Lawa offer some of the finest snorkeling and diving in Komodo National Park, renowned for their vibrant coral reefs, exceptional visibility, and remarkable marine biodiversity. Drift along nutrient-rich currents that attract reef sharks, turtles, rays and vast schools of tropical fish, while nearby world-class dive sites such as Castle Rock and Crystal Rock showcase the region's spectacular underwater life. Whether snorkeling in calm turquoise bays or exploring dramatic reef walls beneath the surface, Gili Lawa presents an unforgettable window into one of Indonesia's most celebrated marine ecosystems.In the afternoon, explore Komodo Island, part of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in search of the legendary Komodo dragon. 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.

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 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 is a thriving underwater world where you may encounter graceful sharks gliding through the depths, schools of shimmering pelagic fish and vivid cup corals. 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 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.

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 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 or snorkel 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 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.