MSV Silolona Spice Islands – Komodo Dragons

Silolona is a powerful hand crafted traditional wooden sailing vessel. Newly built from the finest tropical hardwoods, designed by German Lloyds, and constructed by the Master Konjo boat builders of Sulawesi to his specifications. Silolona is a magnificent vessel melding the best of the traditional spice island sailing vessels with all of the modern amenities and safety features one would expect in a vessel of her quality.Silolona-Under-SailJourney Throughout the Komodo Archipelago

An introduction to this unique experience: Jagged silhouettes of sun drenched hills slipping into countless turquoise bays rimmed with pink sand beaches form the dramatic backdrop for the day’s adventures. The Komodo islands are blessed with hundreds of secluded beaches, transparent crystal clear waters, and stunning coral reefs for some of the best diving in the world.

Seek your own private haven either on-board Silolona or ashore to read a book
 or stroll a crescent shaped beach where the only footprints are yours or those of a Komodo dragon. Late afternoon is the perfect time to gear up for some fishing followed by aft deck sunset cocktails and nibbling on delectable freshly caught tuna sashimi.

Nighttime in Komodo brings its own special magic under
 the brilliant stars of the Milky Way constellation – dine on board or enjoy barbecues and bonfires on the beach. Shooting stars and glittering phosphorescence fades as you retire to the sanctuary of your stateroom to rest up for the next day’s adventures.

Sample Itinerary

Arrive Labuhanbajo & Sabolon Island – After embarkation, you will sail north up the eastern coast of Komodo Island to
 Sabolon Island: within less than an hour, enjoy your first swim! The rest of the day will be dedicated to water sports and beach relaxation.

Arrive Rinca Island Early morning, trek on Rinca Island to view the Komodo dragons in their native habitat along with wild boars, monkeys, wild water buffalo’s and scores of birds.
 Rangers will guide you through the natural park.

Arrive Pantai Merah – Begin the morning with brunch on Silolona before setting sail to a nearby rocky islet for a spectacular underwater dive. The afternoon will be spent at Pantai Merah world famous for its pink sand and excellent snorkeling and diving. Drop anchor for the night in the bay adjacent to a small fishing village.Ceremonial-Dancing-Village-of-Takpala-Indonesia-www.njcharters.com_-1Arrive Padar Island – Padar Island is one of our favorites. Besides superb scenery it is a great place to enjoy a myriad of activities: sea kayaking, water skiing, diving and snorkeling, hiking and beach combing. Those who prefer to wander will have the opportunity to observe many bird species in their natural environment. The view of nearby islands from the top of Padar is stunning. Sail in the evening sail towards Gili Lawah Darat & Gili Lawa Laut.

Arrive Gili Lawah Darat & Gili Lawah Laut – Wake up again surrounded by truly magnificent scenery! Every single island of this archipelago is magical and the small islands of Gili Lawah Darat & Gili Lawah Laut are no exception. Gili Lawah Laut offers very interesting snorkeling and diving sites with some of the most diverse fish groups, which populate the Komodo waters. You might be lucky and even see sea turtles, dolphins or mantas! Hiking the island provides suburb 360 degree views.

Arrive Batu Muncul –  Batu Muncul is blessed with stunning crescent-shaped beaches sprinkled with pristine white sand and great bays for swimming, diving and snorkeling.

Arrive Banta Island – Although Banta Island lies outside the National Park boundaries, its numerous finger-like bays and crescent shaped beaches provide excellent diving and snorkeling. This island
 is noted for its large population of giant turtles and manta rays. For your last evening with Silolona enjoy a beach barbecue as the skies burst with the brilliant stars of the Southern Hemisphere and the Milky Way.

Arrive Labuhanbajo Early birds will be able to enjoy their last swim at Pulau Sebayor before Silolona navigates toward final docking.

There are several cruising options on MSV Silolona, tailored to each guest.

Intrepid Adventure – The Amazon

There are two luxurious choices for cruising the Amazon, the largest river in the world; you decide: Aqua Amazon or Aria Amazon. Both ships are small enough to ply inner river coves, and their custom launch boats will navigate deeper into the narrow snaking tributaries several times a day for exploration. Indigenous culture, exotic wildlife, rich rainforests, hidden villages alongside the riverbanks, are just a few of the high-points of your Amazon cruise on an intimate upscale ship.

The river breeds giants of all types, creatures of water and land. Topping the list, the quintessential terror of the Amazon River, the red-bellied Piranhas. Arapaima, also known as “pirarucu” or “paiche,” are gigantic carnivorous fish that live in the Amazon and surrounding lakes, they reach up to nine feet and weigh up to 200 pounds.

ARIA Untamed adventures await on the shores and on return on-board, appreciate luxurious air-conditioned suites with views of the varied realm of the Amazon enjoyed from the enormous walls of glass in your suite.

Imagine six feet wide floating water lilies, illuminated by the early morning sunshine; disembark your skiff to meet villagers in Madgalena, a small community of just ten families. Your Amazon seed necklaces purchased from the local craftswomen will make fabulous gifts and support the villagers. Cast a line and fish for lunch, duck under the enormous wingspan of caped herons. Star-studded skies provide an evening blanket every night.

Trained naturalists lead small groups in search of the beady-eyed spectacled caimans and red bellied piranhas in the enigmatic black waters, past slithering fer-de-lance snakes, antediluvian green iguanas and endangered Taricaya turtles along the muddy shoreline while masked crimson tanagers and orange backed troupials dart past and monk saki monkeys appear to turn somersaults in the tree canopy.

Be on alert for yellow spotted Amazon River turtles meandering along the muddy shoreline, snap photos of the sapphire blue beaked Amazon kingfishers who streak past and antediluvian prehistoric hoatzin birds landing on high branches near dusky titi monkeys playing in the tree canopy.

What else might you desire for adventure? Now, your choices – ships run high water and low water, all year- three nights, four nights or seven nights – select your level of adventure and cast off.

Aqua Amazon Cruiser - High Resolution

Aqua Amazon Cruiser

Ship facts – Aqua Amazon. Custom built for Aqua Expeditions by leading Peruvian architect Jordi Puig to explore the Amazon in the utmost comfort, the 130 foot long Aqua Amazon set sail in 2008. Extensive interior and technological enhancements in 2013 further secured the Aqua Amazon’s position at the forefront of luxury Amazon River travel.

Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to feel entirely exclusive, the Aqua Amazon incorporates extremely generous lounging and dining areas, and can accommodate a maximum of 24 guests plus crew including on board paramedic. Aqua Expedition’s highly experienced cruise ship captains and the most rigorous cruise ship standards ensure smooth travel and safety on the water.

Generous picture windows face the Amazon River in each of the Aqua Amazon’s 12 deluxe suites, of which four are Master Suites. Handsomely decorated with natural fibers and neutral hues these air-conditioned accommodations with en suite sitting areas and stone bathrooms each measure between 230 to 240 square feet. Four of these suites can be interconnected, to cater to families.

Aria Amazon Custom built for Aqua Expeditions by leading Peruvian architect Jordi Puig,  the Aria Amazon allows her guests to explore the Peruvian Amazon in utmost comfort. The 147-foot Aria Amazon set sail in 2011 following the success of its sister ship, the Aqua Amazon.

Aria Amazon Cruiser

Aria Amazon Cruiser

Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to feel entirely exclusive, the 16-cabin Aria Amazon incorporates extremely generous dining and lounging areas including an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the Amazon’s river views. The striking matte black-hulled ship can accommodate a maximum of 32 guests plus 24 crew including the paramedic and four English speaking naturalist guides.

Each ship offers five star Peruvian cuisine with noted chefs. Many of the delectable ingredients on the menu are grown only in the Amazon jungle. Although Peruvian cooking traditions are practiced, Aqua Expedition’s Executive Chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, incorporates authentic accessible ingredients on board the ships. Gourmet dining is guaranteed. Exotic sightseeing guaranteed. High adventure guaranteed.

ARIA Amazon SUITE

ARIA Amazon SUITE

Add on a visit to Lima and enjoy land and water adventure!

All photos courtesy of Aqua Expeditions.