18 Oct 2022

Sailing over the Equator with Neptune and Exploring Wayag

Heritage Adventurer's sailing over the Equator this afternoon enraged Neptune who erupted from the pool on Deck 7, trident in hand, delighting all on board and hurling our Captain into the pool for not seeking his permission before attempting to cross the sacred boundary.

All guest who were sailing over the Equator for the first time were then summoned by the angered sea God to receive the "kiss of the holy mackerel" followed by a salt water baptism in the pool to ensure safe passage. Eager to appease the slighted salty one, some first timers opted for a light fishy peck on each cheek before jumping in the pool, while others insisted on the full blown Monty Python fish slap before making amends and hauling off into the water to rinse off fishy cheeks.

The excitement reached its crescendo with a countdown to our now Neptune-endorsed crossing celebrated with shots of a potent rum cocktail followed an exceptional three-course lunch in the exquisite surrounds of Heritage Adventurer's glass-encased dining room.

After lunch it was time to pile into the Zodiacs to explore the otherworldly delights of Wayag, weaving through its jaw-slackening seascape of towering islands. Rising from the tranquil turquoise water like jagged sharks' teeth, all agree this dramatic collection of weather-cleaved ancient uplifted coral reef islands with their sheltered bays and powdery white sand beaches fringed by stunning coral gardens is the dictionary definition of 'paradise'.

After exploring the sheer cliffs and craggy, jungle-capped islands resplendent with birdlife and wild orchids by Zodiac, some of the more energetic guests scaled/climbed a rocky steep track and were rewarded by the ultimate Kodak moment and endless panorama of this stunning archipelago for their efforts. A snorkel around the verdant coral gardens and islands of Wayag capped off yet another unforgettable day's adventure on Indonesian Explorer, with the last guests having to be coaxed back on board their Zodiacs to leave.

Image on file (c): T. Mulholland