The Aqua-Blu is a premium expedition yacht carrying just 30 guests in comfort and style. Originally built as the British Naval Explorer, HMS Beagle, before being transformed into the private yacht of a European aristocratic family, she was completely refurbished in 2019 to become the world-class refined ship that she is today. At 60 metres in length, she has the highest international classifications (RINA, SOLAS, ISM) in safety and is equipped with Quantum Zero Speed stabilisers to offer a comfortable journey through the Indonesian archipelago.
Please click on any side photo to view ship’s gallery.
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Year Refurbished: |
2019 |
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Capacity: |
30 guests |
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Crew: |
30 including Cruise Director, Health & Safety Officer, 3 Naturalist Guides including a Dive Guide |
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Length: |
60 metres (198 feet) |
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Beam: |
11.4 metres (37.05 feet) |
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Draft: |
4.2 metres (13 feet) |
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Cruising Speed: |
10 – 12 knots (average) |
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Engines: |
4 x 660hp Lister Blackstone |
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Stablisers: |
Quantum Zero Speed |
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Cabins: |
Cat III Cabins: Cat II Cabins: Cat I Suites: |
The spacious yacht has a number of public areas for guests to relax, eat, drink and socialise. On the Main Deck you will find an indoor dining room serving refined Indonesian cuisine and elegant salon with comfortable sofas. The library & TV room is on the Upper Deck, along with the Sky Lounge Bar with indoor and outdoor seating areas. The Bridge Deck has a large exercise area and day beds, and of course the Jacuzzi. The iconic Sun Deck is home to a huge wraparound sofa which can accommodate all guests onboard. There are also sun loungers here, where you can enjoy uninterrupted views, sunset cocktails and watch the stars out in the middle of the ocean.
Individually designed cabins
All 15 cabins are individually designed for modern luxury and comfort. Each cabin is furnished with either side-by-side twin beds or a premium King size bed, air-conditioning, electronic safe, digital alarm and a deluxe ensuite bathroom, with spacious walk-in shower with overhead rain-head shower and organic bath amenities. Cabins will either have portholes or windows depending on your chosen deck. Cat I Suites have a private living area with a comfortable sofa.
Daily Excursions
Depending upon your chosen sailing route and itinerary, you can expect to make up to two excursions, activities or landings each day – except of course embarkation and disembarkation days and any sea days. Head out with your naturalist guides on private skiffs for insights into the unique ecosystem and wildlife that you can encounter here in Indonesia; hike in search of Komodo Dragons; cycle along picturesque trails; enjoy the peace of a kayaking or paddleboarding excursion; swim or snorkel in the turquoise waters or certified divers can enjoy scuba diving among pristine coral reefs and colourful reef fish. On all excursions you will be joined by experienced local expedition guides as well as your onboard team, with a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:12 you can enjoy a truly immersive journey.
Scuba Diving
Your yacht will carry a dedicated dive tender for 8 divers and provides all necessary dive gear including wetsuits and fins. There is no additional fee for standard diving excursions. Depending upon your chosen route and itinerary, you can expect at least one diving session on most days with a maximum of 10 divers per dive. There is no minimum qualification needed, though you must show your certification card onboard; most dive sites will be relatively shallow so a PADI Open Water or Advanced will be sufficient for most dives. Non-divers can enjoy snorkelling sessions, or depending on conditions a Discover Scuba experience may be offered (at an additional cost).
Health & Wellbeing
You are invited to make use of the yacht’s outdoor exercise area on the Bridge Deck which will be set up at 6am each morning with workout mats, free weights and an aerobic platform. The spa offers a range of treatments includes Balinese massage and aromatherapy sessions. Otherwise, just relax and enjoy the stunning views over the ocean from the Daybeds and outdoor Jacuzzi.
Fine Dining
Experience an immersive culinary journey as you explore Indonesia and the fabled sea spice trade route. The onboard menu is drawn from Indonesian, European and Mediterranean influences by Australian chef Benjamin Cross. His personal favourite dish is freshly handline-caught fish grilled with Balinese sambal. Other menu highlights may include 48-hour beef short rib Rendang, Balinese suckling pig with regional spices, or organic Javanese prawns marinated in fragrant oil and lime.
Each dish is artfully crafted using the freshest, sustainably sourced seafood and local ingredients, offering an authentic taste of the region’s vibrant culinary heritage. You are invited to join your chefs as they cook up a storm with their onboard demonstrations; and if you wish, join them at bustling local markets as they procure the day’s finest catch. A small selection of recipes from the onboard menu are available on request for you to recreate at home.
Personal Service
Your yacht carries a dedicated crew of 30, including a Cruise Director, Health & Safety Officer and three expert naturalist guides & dive guides who will accompany you on daily excursions. With this 1:1 crew to guest ratio onboard a personal and boutique service is all but guaranteed, tailoring onboard experiences to match your interests to ensure that every day is unique and memorable.
All Inclusive Sailing
Your voyage on the Aqua-Blu includes all means onboard; non-alcoholic beverages; selected house wines and beers; small group excursions led by expert local guides; snorkelling and diving excursions with all necessary equipment; wet suits; kayaks and stand-up paddle-boards; entrance fee to national parks; onboard lectures; evening entertainment; laundry service; high-speed WiFi access and standard airport transfers. Optional extras will be charged to your onboard account such premium drinks and cocktails; boutique purchases; spa treatments and gratuities.
