83 Aqua Expeditions features numerous cruises in Indonesia that include visiting the Spice Islands FEATURE including snorkelling with whale sharks in Saleh Bay and swimming with stingless jellyfish in the Hidden Lake Lenmakana on the island of Waigeo. Heritage Expeditions and Coral Expeditions also explore Indonesian islands. Heritage Expeditions provides immersive cultural interactions, like joining Malaita’s Kwaio people in a sacred dance and scientific discoveries. “Not only do our guests tick off bucket-list adventures, but they also make meaningful contributions to science, conservation and support the remote villages they experience with us and return as ambassadors for these special places,” says Aaron Russ, director and expedition leader at Heritage Expeditions. For over four decades, Coral Expeditions has led the way in expedition cruising and forged an industry exploring some of the world’s great wilderness regions. The Australian owned and operated company’s roots run deep in Australia and surrounds, and its commitment to sharing its wonders with fellow explorers remains unwavering. Coral Expeditions’ small ships, designed for remote regions with shallow drafts, navigate secluded destinations like the reef systems, rivers and shores in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Islands, Papua New Guinea’s remote villages and the coast of The Kimberley in Australia. Recognising the value of The Kimberley as a prime destination for expedition cruises, Scenic Group has included it as a new itinerary for 2024. “The Kimberley is one of the world’s most rugged, remote and untouched wilderness regions with 80-metre-high sandstone cliffs and mangrove swamps home to crocodiles, falcons, egrets and kingfishers,” says Nick Hughes, sales strategy and partnerships director for the cruise line. Exploring the South French Polynesia, with its 118 islands and low population density, exemplifies remoteness. Post-pandemic regulations have limited large ships with up to 2,500 passengers, benefiting lines with smaller expedition ships that can offer more intimate and exclusive experiences in this area. Aranui Cruises has been taking guests to meet communities in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia for over 40 years and has recently expanded its range of itineraries to include the Austral Islands. The cruise line says that the archipelago of five islands introduces guests to a “mysterious” land with pristine lagoons and unique landscapes. “ Not only do our guests tick off bucketlist adventures, but they also make meaningful contributions to science” Aaron Russ, Heritage Expeditions Photo: Aqua Expeditions
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