Daily Activities
Day 1
Gorontalo
Welcome to Gorontalo!
Members of the crew will meet you at the airport or hotel and transfer you to the Gorontalo Harbor to embark on your journey. Enjoy a welcome beverage and time to meet the remaining crew members. After time to relax and settle in, we may visit the nearby seaside village of Botubarani, where whale sharks are often spotted gliding at the surface in search of food. If luck is on our side, we’ll have a once in a lifetime experience of swimming alongside these magnificent creatures. Since they are wild and are free to roam the waters, we cannot guarantee their location. If they are not near the village of Botubarani, we will visit the Portuguese-built Fort Otanaha, where will we have a panoramic view of the Gorontalo city and Limboto Lake. After dinner, we will set sail for an overnight voyage to the Togean Islands, a lush tropical paradise located in the Tomini Bay.
Day 2
Una Una Volcano
This morning, you’ll enjoy breakfast on the deck as we near the volcanic island of Una Una for a day of adventure both above water and below. Upon arrival, the ship will moor at a local village where you will have a chance to meet the local villagers and have a glimpse at island life. For those intrepid travelers, you can spend the day trekking to the top of Mount Una Una. The adventure starts off on a motorbike, before passing through dry river beds and thick jungle before the final push to the crater lake where you’ll enjoy the well earned panoramic view of the surrounding islands. If you prefer a more relaxing day, we can jump in the water to snorkel or dive the bountiful reefs are surrounding the island.
Day 3
Pulau Togean
We’ll head out to Mariona Lake for a once in a lifetime experience of snorkeling amongst thousands of stingless jellyfish. Sheltered and protected in this remote part of the world and with no direct predators, the jellyfish have adapted to their environment shedding their protection, their sting. Afterward, we’ll sail to a nearby Karina Bay to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch prepared by the crew. The remaining day is yours to relax as you please, kick back on the beach, or snorkel over a pristine reef located off the shore.
Day 4
Pulau Melenge
Departing before dawn, we will trek set out for a bird-watching on Pulau Melenge. You’ll notice the forest comes alive with the sights and sounds of endemic birds sheltered in the trees – Warblers, Flycatchers, and brightly colored Lorikeets, to names a few. Afterward, we’ll take the tenders to the northside of the island for a refreshing snorkel at the famous Atoll Hotel California Reef. After a well-deserved lunch on board, we’ll sail to Pulau Talatokoh to meet the Bajau people, a nomadic people who rely on the vast water for sustenance. Due to the ever-changing conditions at sea, the Bajau have adapted to a life on land, living in coastal villages in homes built on stilts while keeping to their traditions passed down through generations. The Bajau are excellent free divers and spear-fishermen. They can hold their breath underwater for up to 10 minutes. You’ll have a chance to explore their culture to gain insight into their daily lives. Later this evening, the boat will set sail to Pulau Seribu.
Day 5
Pulau Seribu
This morning we will depart for the remote islands of Pulau Seribu.
Surrounded by pristine beaches fringed with palm trees, the islands are mostly uninhabited, and you’ll have the entire island to explore. Snorkel over vibrant beaches teeming with life, kayak around the islands, or simply relax enjoying the moment. Later tonight, we’ll set sail to the Banggai Islands.
Day 6 & 7
Banggai Islands
Over the next two days, we’ll explore the pristine natural beauty of the Banggi Islands. You’ll awake to the sun glistening on the water, as we approach the village of Banggai. This morning, we’ll have time to explore by bentor (motorized pedicab) to explore the Sultan’s Palace, visit a local market filled with brightly colored fruit and try some delicious Indonesia street food, and the ceremonial house (Rumah Adat) of an indigenous tribe. Afterward, we’ll return to the harbor where we may see the Banggai cardinalfish in the shallows. Endemic to this part of the world, these beautiful tiny fish are on the endangered list due to being collected for the aquarium trade. We’ll continue onto Tanjung Mosongan, where we will have the afternoon to explore the exquisite shallow reef and a waterfall that flows directly into the sea. Later this afternoon, we will sail to Luwuk.
Day 8
Luwuk
Today we bid farewell to the Togeans and Banggai Islands as we make our way to Luwuk. Upon arrival, the crew will transfer you from the boat to the airport in time for your departure flight.
Please note that all itineraries are subject to change, weather conditions, harbor clearances, flight schedule changes, and other deciding factors.
