From swimming with whale sharks, and wild barramundi fishing to finding Nemo in pristine waters – these bespoke excursions are what 30 guests onboard the exclusive Paspaley Pearl by Ponant will be able to experience when the motor yacht debuts in Indonesia early next year.
Diving and snorkeling with whale sharks in Saleh Bay in Sumbawa, Indonesia is the hotspot to connect with these “gentle giants,” says Jamie Van Jones, expedition leader of the iconic ship. More than 125 whale sharks inhabit Salah Bay year-round and tourists can swim with the whale sharks in their natural habitat.
“You can almost count the dots on the whale sharks, as they gently amble along with their mouths open taking in the small fish and plankton ” she added.
Guests can also try water buffalo racing in Sumbawa – which is all the rage and a coming-of-age sport for the local boys.
“My husband, Sebastian, tried the water buffalo race – he did not last more than a minute before he fell into the mud,” she said.
At Komodo National Park which is very much like Jurassic Park, the marine life is so rich and vibrant, you can look for Nemo in the clear waters. While in the remote coastline of Kimberley, you can go on a fishing expedition for wild barramundi.
Paspaley Pearl by Ponant is an elegant, refurbished motor yacht that marries Paspaley’s pearl history of over 80 years and Ponant’s 35-year history of luxury expedition travel. It features 15 staterooms and suites to accommodate only 30 guests who are looked after by 21 crew members. There are three bars and lounges and two dining restaurants where veteran chef Serge Dansereau, formerly of Bathers Pavillion will introduce a new dining concept “Sea to Plate” where guests can fish for wild barramundi in The Kimberley, and chefs will prepare this fresh on the outdoor deck for lunch or the Main Lounge for dinner. Dining menus will feature modern, locally inspired cuisine with fresh Australian produce and locally sourced ingredients from the regions. There will also be an eight-person Jacuzzi on the open deck.
From January to March, it will sail in East Indonesia visiting Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands with fares starting from $17,495pp.
From April to September, it will divert to The Kimberley offering different voyages with fares starting from $13,995pp. And from October to December, it will head to Papua New Guinea with fares starting from $18,495pp.
On the Kimberley expeditions particularly the 8-day Pearling Coast itinerary, guests will be able to explore Edeline island, a historical site of pearlers graves from the late 1880s. They will also be taken on an exclusive excursion to see how Paspaley dives for wild pearl oysters in Kuri Bay.
All expedition itineraries will be accompanied by Ponant’s expert naturalist guides to enrich guests’ knowledge and understanding of the destinations. Guests will fully immerse in the environment, wildlife and local cultures of the region. They will also be taken to Paspaley’s pearling farms to have a deeper understanding of how Paspaley dives for wild pearl oysters.
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