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Exploring Rinca Island
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Explore the pristine natural environments and biodiversity of the Coral Triangle while sailing in absolute luxury.
With over 17,500 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, the country has no shortage of beaches. From the picture-perfect savannahs of Komodo to the breathtaking rice fields of Bali, there’s something new to discover on every shore aboard Aqua Blu’s cruises to Bali and the Komodo Islands.
The westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Bali is less than half the size of Hawaii but has won countless awards as a top-notch destination. With its pristine white beaches, technicolor sunsets, and numerous adventure activities, there is something for every kind of traveler. This region is best explored aboard the Aqua Blu, one of the best cruises Bali has seen.
On this itinerary, Aqua Blu sets off for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo National Park, an incredible natural wonder spanning 669 square miles. It comprises three main islands — Komodo, Padar and Rinca — and 26 smaller islets best relished aboard. Several of these are inhabited by prehistoric creatures such as the native Komodo Dragon – the largest lizard species walking the Earth.
Bali
Meeting/Embarkation point: Benoa Cruise Ship Terminal
Embarkation time: 3:00PM
Labuan Bajo
Disembarkation point: La Prima Hotel
Disembarkation time: 8:00AM
Transfer duration: 15 minutes
Drop off point: Komodo Airport (LBJ)
Aqua Blu is the first ever long-range ocean explorer yacht permanently based in East Indonesia. 15 individually designed suites and refined amenities are accompanied by innovative cuisine curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross, drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s fabled spice trade route.
Its picturesque coastline and green-capped hills are so iconic, they’re even featured on Indonesia’s 50,000 Rupiah note. The island brings together a unique landscape of three crescent-shaped beaches with pink, black, and white sands. It’s a rare sight you can look forward to on our cruises to Bali and the Komodo Islands.
Rinca Island is home to the largest population of the famous Komodo dragons which are indigenous to this Indonesia archipelago. Rinca is also a wonderful spot to snorkel alongside tropical fish and rays. Discover Rinca Island on Aqua Blu, the most luxurious cruise ship Bali has to offer.
A quintessential part of Komodo cruises is to explore the volcanic hills and savannah of the region, surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Thousands of species of fish call Komodo’s bays home, and visitors can spend hours swimming with them while sailing with us.
Situated between Bali and Komodo National Park, Moyo Island is a Nature Reserve generally unknown to most tourists and is best explored aboard our cruises from Bali. Featuring nature and marine habitats virtually untouched by outside influences, explorers are presented with a large variety of flora and fauna including Mata Jitu, a magical, cascading waterfall.
Unlike other parts of Indonesia, Komodo National Park has a drier climate with a shorter monsoon than the rest of Indonesia, owing to the dry air mass flowing from the Australian continent. This unique climatic condition has helped create the region’s dramatic savannah hills, which are often framed against a stunning blue sky in the dry months.
Aqua Blu sails this region from April to September every year, avoiding the harsh weather conditions which take over during the rest of the year.
Most of the rainfall in the region occurs between December and March. In April, when the rain begins to subside, the savannah hills of the region are adorned in a vibrant green.
The average number of days with any rainfall in April is 9, before falling to 6 days in May, and 4 and 3 days in June and July respectively. With just 1 day of rain in August and September, there’s a chance you might experience clear skies all the way on a 7-night Aqua Blu journey in August and September!
Some of the most iconic species which inhabit Bali and the Komodo Islands can be spotted all-year-round. No matter when you book your Aqua Blu expedition, there’s a good chance that you will be able to encounter Komodo dragons and swim with whale sharks.
Other animals may wade in and out of the region depending on the time of the year.
The months between April to June are when the Manta ray population is at its peak in the waters surrounding the Komodo Islands. Rays start migrating in July and don’t tend to return until November.
July and August offer some of the best underwater visibility, making them the ideal months to snorkel and dive alongside reef fish.
Finally, September offers the rare opportunity to spot sperm whales in the ocean, however, these sightings involve a fair bit of luck.
While sailing on Aqua Blu, guests can partake in a wide range of excursions including snorkeling, diving, hiking, kayaking, and skiff rides. These excursions are offered throughout all the months we sail Bali and Komodo, however, the experience can vary depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
As the rainy season of Komodo National Park draws to a close in March, all of the savannah islands of the Park are decked in a pleasing shade of green in April. This is a great time to enjoy vibrant views of Horseshoe Bay after a hike uphill.
Starting May, the landscape turns arid, returning to its signature savannah-like look. Underwater though, it’s a different story as the corals come to life with vivid colors and great visibility.
In June and July, the underwater conditions remain spectacular with visibility stretching as far as 30 meters. The water’s at a relaxing 29-30 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal time for snorkeling and diving.
The waters are a bit rougher in August and September, which can be an adventure of its own. Rest assured you’ll still be in utmost comfort on board Aqua Blu, with temperature-controlled interior spaces and technologically-advanced stabilizers to minimize any side-to-side movement of the ship.