Aqua Blu to operate two new Asmat itineraries in Indonesia

Aqua said the 12-night and nine-night voyages were crafted following high consumer demand for participation in an immersive journey to one of the world’s most uncharted regions.

Private tenders will whisk passengers deep into the jungle to discover local villages, interact with members of the Asmat tribe, and the chance to spot endemic forest kangaroos.

Snorkelling and diving excursions invite possible sightings of whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, and other rare wildlife.

These sailings join four new itineraries in the region launched last year, consisting of three seven-night sailings from Kaimana to Kaimana, and one 12-night sailing from Kaimana to Sorong in Raja Ampat.

These are alongside Aqua Blu’s existing sailings around Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands and Komodo National Park.

Limited edition

Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions, described the Asmat region of West Papua as a rarely seen corner of the world bursting with natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural significance. ‘Through six limited edition sailings, we invite guests to embark on extraordinary adventures, unlocking the secrets of this remarkable destination,’ Galli Zugaro added.

Spice Islands, Raja Ampat, and West Papua

The Spice Islands, Raja Ampat, and West Papua expedition runs October 11, 2025 to October 23, 2025 (one sailing only.)  Starting in Ambon, passengers will discover the colonial heritage of the Banda Islands and see Fort Belgica. Next is the Koon group of islands, home to renowned snorkelling and diving sites with chances to spot hammerhead and leopard sharks.

In the following days, the expedition explores the karst island and lagoon complexes of Raja Ampat, which are surrounded by some of the world’s most biodiverse waters.

Finally, the expedition heads to West Papua to discover the Kitikiti waterfall in Momon, the beaches of Cape Papisol, and the waters of Triton Bay where whale sharks are often spotted.

West Papua and Asmat tribe

Aqua Blu’s most comprehensive exploration of West Papua and Asmat comprises one sailing only: from October 23, 2025 to November 1, 2025. 

Starting in the vibrant town of Kaimana, the expedition heads to the Kei Islands, recognised for their crystal-clear waters where pygmy seahorses are often spotted. Next, passengers will explore the Kitikiti waterfall in Momon and the beaches of Cape Papisol, before sailing the Arafura Sea and venturing deep into the uncharted Asmat region.

The expedition then proceeds deep into the jungle on private speedboats to discover local villages, home to one of Indonesia’s most enigmatic indigenous communities: the Asmat tribe. 

Finally, passengers have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks at Triton Bay and explore Namatote Passage, where leopard and hammerhead sharks can be spotted on occasion.