West Papua & Asmat Tribe Expedition:Kaimana – West Papua (Aqua Expeditions)

Arrive to a warm welcome in Kaimana. Board Aqua Blu and enjoy a delicious dinner onboard, curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross. Settle into your cabins and bid farewell to the harbor as you set sail from the port town of Kaimana.

Head out early in the morning for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with whale sharks in crystal-clear waters that make up Triton Bay. This region features sublime dive sites, home to a wealth of rare marine life and reefs decorated with some of the finest soft corals in the world. Over on land, the scenery consists of forest-covered limestone cliffs and prehistoric artwork high up on the rocky walls.

Spend the day exploring the luxurious Aqua Blu and enjoy its variety of social spaces – a jacuzzi, spa and exercise area, sky lounge bar, and a sun deck offering panoramic views of the vast seas. Gain a deeper insight into Indonesian culture through cuisine from world-class chef Benjamin Cross, who draws inspiration from the region’s fabled spice routes.

Arrive in the uncharted Asmat region – a remote part of West Papua which very few have ever had the opportunity to visit. On board private speedboats, we head down the waterways and deep into the jungle to visit traditional villages inhabited by Asmat’s namesake tribe. Known for their rich heritage and traditions, the Asmat people have a complex social and religious system with a focus on ancestor worship and the use of rituals to maintain the balance of the natural world.

Today, we continue our exploration of Asmat and gain a deeper insight into the lives of the locals. Along with our expert guides, guests will have the chance to visit the Asmat tribe’s communal houses, which serve as the center of Asmat social, religious, and political life, and are used for significant cultural events and rituals. There will be time to observe the tribe’s unique arts and crafts, and witness their traditional dances.

Another day at sea offers the chance to relax, unwind, and share stories with your fellow explorers about the two incredible days spent in Asmat. Our knowledgeable guides will be around to answer questions and share more about this remote region which remains largely undocumented. To get yourself back in form for another day of adventure, indulge in a traditional Balinese massage at our onboard spa.

Arrive at Momon in the morning, and head out to see the spectacular Kitikiti waterfall. Guests who are feeling adventurous may jump into the ocean and swim to the waterfall’s plunge pool for a refreshing, cold shower. Momon also features fantastic snorkeling and kayaking spots along the jungle-fringed shoreline, as well as the chance to spot endemic kangaroos in the wooded areas. Over on Cape Papisol, guests can embark on an up- river hike through the forested outback for a stunning view of the Bomberai Peninsula.

After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to Aqua Blu and disembark in the port town of Kaimana.