New conservation trip series launched in Southeast Asia

Rascal Voyages and Conservation International Indonesia (CI Indonesia) have partnered for a new scientific expedition series in a bid to boost conservation efforts in the region – with tourists and travellers given the opportunity to play a part in helping marine preservation.

Visitors on the Exploration Series will journey across the Indonesian archipelago, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean and beyond. As well as offering people the chance to take a hands-on approach to marine conservation, and boosting Rascal’s commitment to protecting the waters in the region, the company will provide luxury accommodation and itineraries for guests – including pop-up island dinners and on-board cocktail parties.

Co-owner of Rascal Voyages, Erik Barreto, said, “The new partnership between Rascal Voyages and Conservation International follows a successful collaboration earlier this year, where we saw major scientific breakthroughs during a Rascal and CI Indonesia voyage to Raja Ampat.

“As well as the discovery of two new species of fish and two manta cleaning stations, the initiative led to the identification of at least 25 new manta individuals, and proof of new drone surveying technology. These accomplishments inspired us to develop the programme further, in line with our Rascal Voyages expansion across Southeast Asia.”

The first trip in the new series will be a five-day expedition led by turtle expert Dr. Ricardo Tapilatu of the State University of Papua along with Dr. Mark Erdmann and a team of local conservation specialists. It will take place in December and see the Phinisi-style yacht visiting the Mapia Atoll, part of the Bird’s Head Seascape.

Visitors will be able to learn all about the atoll’s reef diversity, coral health and fish species. In addition, drone technology will be in place to monitor the behaviours of turtles and mantas and visits to local communities will provide insights into the affects of climate change on human populations.

Further expeditions will be detailed in the near future, although trips to Cenderawasih Bay – to visit whale sharks – as well as the north Papua coast, Banda Sea and Alor, have been confirmed.

Rascal Voyages, the first firm offering entirely above-water accommodation aboard a Phinisi charter in Indonesia, is currently also preparing a number of new Phinisi yachts to keep up with customer demand in the region.

For more information visit Rascal Voyages or Conservation International Indonesia. Follow Yachting Pages on Facebook and Twitter to join the conversation.

Superyacht News
March 28, 2024
Tried & Tested - Best Yacht Mattresses: Product Review
Tried & Tested - Best Yacht Mattresses: Product Review

In the realm of maritime luxury, the quest to offer yacht charter guests the perfect night's sleep has become an art form, one which luxury bed and linen supplier, CC Design, has fully committed to.

By Ben Cooling
March 15, 2023
Best Yacht Crew Jackets: Product Review
Best Yacht Crew Jackets: Product Review

A jacket completes any crew member's uniform so it's an important garment to get right. In this Tried & Tested, Sea Design pits eight popular jackets against one another to determine which one is best for superyacht crew in 2023.

By Nathan Bees
April 19, 2023
iAQUA Sea Scooters: Product Review
iAQUA Sea Scooters: Product Review

iAQUA creates high-performance, technologically advanced underwater scooters. In this Tried & Tested, a team of experienced testers have rated and reviewed the AquaDart Pro and AquaDart Nano series to reveal the stand-out iAQUA sea scooter.

By Holly Sanderson
Singapore Yachting Festival and ICOMIA Boating Industry Conference to proceed in April

Singapore Yachting Festival returns for its 2nd event from 25th to 28th April 2024! This years event will showcase an ex...

By Jody Paisey
March 27, 2024
Singapore Yachting Festival and ICOMIA Boating Industry Conference to proceed in April
MB92 Group launches new client portal “The Bridge by MB92”

MB92 Group, a leading name in superyacht refit and repair with shipyards in Barcelona and La Ciotat, has introduced "The...

By Holly Sanderson
March 27, 2024
MB92 Group launches new client portal “The Bridge by MB92”

Finished reading? Now find your perfect supplier.

Search our industry-leading directory for over 20,000 superyacht suppliers, providers and marinas.

Search now