AdventureSmith Explorations introduces a new sailing route in Indonesia, providing travelers with enhanced opportunities for immersive cultural experiences and wildlife encounters. Departing from Flores Island, the 9-day trip aboard traditional Indonesian sailing vessels offers a compact yet robust itinerary, featuring close encounters with Komodo dragons, whale sharks, and volcanic landscapes.
A new sailing route in Indonesia offered by AdventureSmith Explorations, the leader in small-ship adventure cruising, is giving expedition travelers more opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in Indonesian culture and its distinct wildlife experiences. Aboard either the 24-guest Ombak Putih or 12-guest Katharina traditional Indonesian sailing vessels, the 9-day trip sets sail from and returns to Flores Island between April and August. The perfect introduction to Indonesia, the compact yet robust itinerary gets active travelers up close and personal with Komodo dragons, whale sharks and volcanic islands, while also connecting them with the people living and working in local villages.
Featuring fewer full days at sea than other similar routes require, the new route allows for more time off the boat. That means more time in Komodo National Park, swimming along pristine coral reefs, exploring the site of a coral restoration teeming with fish and black-tip reef sharks, and experiencing volcanos, quiet coastal villages, bustling colorful markets, and more. The added flexibility of the itinerary and local knowledge of the ships’ experienced guides gets snorkelers in the water as much as possible to see the region’s iconic species like whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles.
“This new route gives travelers the convenience of not being required to navigate hotels or traffic in Bali, or a long day at sea just to get to where the trip’s adventures truly begin,” said Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president. “For those who have dreamed about exploring Indonesia’s rich islands in an active and immersive way, the options to do so are extensive and customizable.”
Along the new sailing route, travelers will have unique experiences including the opportunity to snorkel at the north end of Sangeang Volcano over underwater geothermal fissures that release gas bubbles into the water. They’ll also meet local heroes working to protect whale shark and coral populations, and have opportunities to support local businesses and villagers while traveling by traditional sailing ship.
Naturalist-led trips are also offered twice annually along this route that are suited for families with children ages 4+. Educational, immersive experiences on these themed trips give kids and adults with child-like curiosity fun, memorable ways to explore Indonesia together.
AdventureSmith also offers a standout 10-day Ring of Fire trip aboard Ombak Putih, noted for its access to more remote villages and its stop at a dugong conservation project. Launched in 2023, this trip accesses islands off-the-beaten-path east of Komodo National Park. Here, people are still living life on their own terms and making textiles and fishing using traditional methods. Extensive exploration of volcanoes, with a new one to wake up to each day, an opportunity to see historic Portuguese forts used in the spice trade, plus a free bar tab and hotel nights en-route make this trip a memorable getaway from start to finish.
Separately, another new offering for 2024 will feature a special 7-night sailing on the August 10, 2024 departure of the Aqua Blu Komodo National Park Cruise. Hosted by Chef Benjamin Cross, this trip aboard a dive-equipped 30-guest luxury yacht, will include a culinary adventure featuring his signature recipes inspired by East Indonesia’s spice routes. Chef Cross honed his craft under some of the top icons of Australian cuisine and his restaurants frequently rank among the top dining spots in Bali.
Learn more about AdventureSmith’s Indonesia cruise options, or contact their team of experts to find the best Indonesian cruise that suits your interests at adventuresmithexplorations.com.
