The remote corners of Indonesia’s marine paradise are about to become more accessible, as Aqua Expeditions prepares to launch its first seven-night voyages to South Raja Ampat aboard the 200-foot Aqua Blu. Beginning December 2026, these expeditions will unlock a lesser-explored region of one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments.
Raja Ampat, which translates to “Four Kings,” has long captivated divers and marine enthusiasts with its extraordinary underwater landscapes. While the northern reaches have established themselves as a luxury expedition destination, the southern waters have remained largely untouched by high-end tourism. Aqua Expeditions, already acknowledged as one of the first luxury operators in the region, is changing that narrative.
The inaugural voyage sets sail from December 19 to 26, 2026, with rates starting from USD11,200 per person based on double occupancy. The timing couldn’t be more strategic – as globetrotters increasingly seek authentic, less-crowded experiences, South Raja Ampat offers exactly that combination of pristine wilderness and cultural immersion.
Into the heart of Misool Marine Reserve
The expedition’s crown jewel lies within the 300,000-acre Misool Marine Reserve, where guests will encounter some of Indonesia’s most legendary dive sites. Fibiacet stands out as one of the country’s most biodiverse underwater locations, while the aptly named Candy Store dazzles with electric pink, purple, and orange soft corals that create an almost surreal underwater landscape.
Beyond the diving, the itinerary weaves together multiple ways to experience this marine wonderland. At the One Thousand Temples karst island complex, guests can kayak through cathedral-like Tomolol Cave and explore jellyfish lakes tucked between limestone spires. The Blue Water Mangroves offer a completely different ecosystem to explore, while Crocodile River provides the chance to spot basking saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Kapatcol Island presents exceptional birdwatching opportunities in forests home to Lesser and King birds of paradise. The experience culminates with visits to Boo Island’s glassy lagoons and Kofiau Island, where the marine diversity is so exceptional that orcas occasionally make appearances.
Luxury meets expedition
What sets Aqua Blu apart is its ability to combine serious expedition capabilities with refined luxury. The vessel accommodates just 15 suites with an exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring bespoke attention throughout the journey. Renowned chef Benjamin Cross has curated the onboard cuisine, drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s historic spice trade routes to create menus that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage.
The yacht’s design balances rugged functionality with elegant social spaces, creating environments where guests can decompress between adventures. Whether you’re processing the day’s dive at Daram Island’s coral gardens or planning tomorrow’s kayaking route through Neptune’s Sea Fan, the onboard experience matches the caliber of the destinations.
The bigger picture
For travelers seeking the ultimate Raja Ampat experience, Aqua Expeditions offers two 14-night itineraries that combine both north and south regions. These extended voyages provide the time needed to truly appreciate the ecological and cultural complexity of this corner of the Coral Triangle.
The company’s expansion into South Raja Ampat reflects a broader trend in luxury travel toward accessing previously unreachable destinations. As one of the first operators to establish a permanent presence in East Indonesia, Aqua Expeditions brings the regional expertise and local knowledge that transforms a trip from mere sightseeing into genuine cultural exchange.
With departure dates running from December 2026 through February 2027, the timing allows guests to experience Raja Ampat during optimal conditions. The combination of pristine marine environments, exclusive access, and luxury accommodations positions these voyages as the next evolution in Indonesian expedition cruising.
For those ready to venture beyond the typical Southeast Asian itinerary, South Raja Ampat represents more than just a new destination – it’s a gateway to one of the planet’s last great marine frontiers, now accessible with the comfort and service standards that discerning cruisers expect.
For more information visit the Aqua Expeditions website.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
