Has Covid 19 prevented your quintessential summer Mediterranean yacht charter? If so, you may want to consider a week in South East Asia aboard the 198 foot Aqua Blu. A true expedition vessel, Aqua Blu began life in 1968 as HMS Beagle, a British Naval Explorer before being transformed into a luxury yacht in 2004. Her original namesake was an homage to the Beagle that carried Darwin to the Galapagos.
With extreme travel in her DNA and a magnificent interior honed by designer, Cor D. Rover, Aqua Blu is capable of accommodating up to 30 guests in 15 suites. Currently available for charter by Camper & Nicholsons from just $264,000 per week, Aqua Blu represents one of the finest value to money ratios in the market for those seeking a high volume charter vessel. Aqua Blu’s impressive oceangoing abilities certainly make her worthy of her original name. A 7,000 nautical mile range combined with a crew of 25 and a luxurious combination of indoor and outdoor spaces make Aqua Blu a perfect blend of both utility and luxury.
During your stay aboard Aqua Blu, you and your guests will enjoy an ample main salon which is intimate on its own or grand in scale when opened up to the formal dinning room. A library, television room, and sky lounge bar give guests three distinct choices to end the day with. Aqua Blu’s outdoor areas are spacious to say the least, and her collection of toys are generous with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing gear and a selection of RIBs.
One of our favorite potential charter itineraries with Aqua Blu is a 5 day luxury experience focusing on the world renowned Komodo National Park. Camper & Nicholson’s sample itinerary begins with an arrival at the Labuan Bajo airport; here an afternoon exploring the village can precede a cruise to Padar, where you and your fellow guests will spend the night. Highlights of Day 2 include exploration of the uninhabited island of Padar, where sheer black cliffs, white beaches, and grassy hills enliven the spirit. Warm clear waters abundant in sea life provide a canvas for swimming, scuba diving, and kayaking.
Day 3 is spent at Nusa Kode following a short cruise from Padar. This leads up to the bay of Rinca, which allows for morning watersports in the most remarkable sapphire waters, accompanied by a visit to the beaches where Komodo dragons roam their natural habitat. Diving and snorkeling with Manta rays from September is a focal point of Day 4, as a day of marine exploration can be brought to an end with fishing outside of the national park’s borders.
The fifth day of itinerary is devoted to Wainilu and Selat Molo. On this final day of exploring the Komodo National Park, you and your companions will be imersed in the beautiful deserted beaches which anchor each side of the Selat Molo strait between Rinca & Flores. The charter ends with a return to Labuan Bajo.
Other exciting C&N featured yacht charter experiences in Indonesia include Bali to Gili and Raja Ampat. With an all inclusive rate of under $300,000 USD with tax paid, and the ability to accommodate over two dozen guests, Aqua Blu certainly represents one of the most fantastic charters available this season.
All images courtesy of: Camper & Nicholsons
