Remote Access
A window into the rich cultural heritage of the Asmat people.
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Boat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/01/25 | 11/08/25 | 8 days | $0 $13,673pp | Aqua Blu | Reserve place |
| 11/08/25 | 11/15/25 | 7 days | $0 $13,673pp | Aqua Blu | Reserve place |
| 11/15/25 | 11/22/25 | 7 days | $0 $13,673pp | Aqua Blu | Reserve place |
This expeditionary voyage navigates the largely undocumented eastern Indonesian province of West Papua, offering access to a wild corner of the world and a rare opportunity to spend two days among the Asmat people.
From the comfort of Aqua Blu, over seven nights, journey through the Arafura Sea accessing remote jungle landscapes on foot and by private speedboat. Swim and dive in coral rich waters with the chance to encounter whale sharks, and hike to spectacular waterfalls, white sandy beaches and panoramic viewpoints.
*Additional sailings include this featured West Papua and Asmat Tribe expedition on a 9-night basis departing on 23 October, 2025, as well as a 7-night Spice Islands & West Papua expedition and a 12-night Asmat Tribe & Raja Ampat Expedition.
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Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Jungle Landscapes
Snorkel and kayak along jungle fringed shores spotting endemic kangaroos and hornbills.
Triton Bay
See prehistoric art walls amidst limestone cliffs and swim with whale sharks.
1:1 guest to crew ratio
Aqua Blu offers a personalised service with expert guides and a light footprint.
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Day 1
Sorong - Kaimana
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Day 2
Triton Bay
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Day 3
Sailing the Arafura Sea
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Day 4
Agats & the Asmat
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Day 5
Agats & the Asmat
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Day 6
Sailing the Arafura Sea
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Day 7
Momon and Cape Papisol
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Day 8
Kaimana - Sorong
Day 1
Sorong - Kaimana
Arrive in Sorong and take a short flight to Kaimana to board Aqua Blu. Dinner onboard will be curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross. Set sale overnight.
Day 2
Triton Bay
An early start for the chance to swim with whale sharks in the beautiful waters of Triton Bay. The waters of this region are home to beautiful reefs and some fabulous dive sites and on land the forest covered limestone cliffs hide prehistoric artwork.
Day 3
Sailing the Arafura Sea
Spend the day at leisure onboard.
Day 4
Agats & the Asmat
Arrive in the uncharted Asmat region of West Papua and board private speedboats to enter the jungle waterways and the traditional villages of the Asmat people. Known for their rich heritage and traditions they have a complex social and religious system focussing on ancestor worship and the use of rituals to maintain the balance of the natural world.
Day 5
Agats & the Asmat
Spend more time with the Asmat people visiting their communal homes with your guide to learn more about their lives and traditions.
Day 6
Sailing the Arafura Sea
Spend the day at leisure onboard – it is possible to enjoy a Balinese massage at the on board spa.
Day 7
Momon and Cape Papisol
Morning arrival into Momon and a visit to the spectacular Kitikiti waterfall. Swim, jump, snorkel and kayak around the waterfall and its jungle fringed shoreline. Take a river hike through the forested outback landscapes of Cape Papisol for stunning views of the Bomberai Peninsula.
Day 8
Kaimana - Sorong
After breakfast disembark Aqua Blu in Kaimana and fly to Sorong for onward travel.
Aqua Blu
Expeditionary Accommodation
With a maximum of 30 guests, specially curated experiences and a 1:1 guest to crew ratio, life onboard Aqua Blu is pretty special. Five communal spaces include an open sundeck and even a spa and amenities include comprehensive watersports and diving equipment. The cuisine on this expedition echoes Indonesia’s storied spice trade era and everything is included ensuring a really comfortable base from which to explore this distant part of the world.
The Asmat People
A Privileged Window
Around 65,000 Asmat people live among the dense coastal forests and mangrove swamps of West Papua, one of the largest and least developed of Indonesia’s 27 provinces. Still living a largely elemental existence, travelling by dugout canoe, these once fierce warrior head hunters are now more known for their beautiful wood carvings. Their complex ceremonial life intricately intertwines with the natural world and venerates their ancestors. Central to their communities are longhouses, which function as focal points for social, religious, and political endeavors with dances, and cultural events, reflecting the enduring traditions of the Asmat community. Asmat photography by Garry Bevan.
Other Indonesian Islands
Further Explorations
There are a multitude of options to extend your stay in Indonesia. Fly via Denpasar and spend time exploring the rice paddies temples and beaches of Bali. Alternatively head to Sulawesi for time amidst the islands unique culture and architecture combining elaborate funeral rituals with colourful festivals and some incredible dive sites. For a decadent end to your cruise, transfer by boat to the private island hideaway of Misool Eco Resort to spend 7 nights cast away.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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Over 80% of staff working for Aqua across their destinations are employed from the local communities. Encouraging guests to return home with a deeper understanding of the local culture and their challenges is an integral part of each Aqua voyage.
As well as ensuring responsible recycling practices themselves, Aqua Expeditions have partnered with the Indonesian Waste Platform (IWP) on a long-term commitment to sustainability in eastern Indonesia. By educating local communities and rangers and organising beach clean ups they are ensuring a safer environment for the wildlife of the archipelago.
90% of the lighting used on board Aqua Blu is LED, 100% clean water is returned to the rivers and seas they sail in, 0% cleaning chemicals are used on board and they adopt a fresh rainforest/farm-to-table approach for all meals onboard.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
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Other available dates
For further information about any of these tours please call 1 800 571 2985
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Boat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/01/25 | 11/08/25 | 8 days | $0 $13,673pp | Aqua Blu | Reserve place |
| 11/08/25 | 11/15/25 | 7 days | $0 $13,673pp | Aqua Blu | Reserve place |
| 11/15/25 | 11/22/25 | 7 days | $0 $13,673pp | Aqua Blu | Reserve place |
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