A Hosted Wildlife, Conservation & Community Experience with Nomad Archipelago
Step into the extraordinary world of coral reef conservation with Dr Angelique Brathwaite — Marine Ecologist, Coral Reef Expert, and Conservation Director of Blue Alliance Marine Protected Areas. This is a hosted journey through the Banggai Archipelago like no other, where exploration meets purpose, and discovery supports the protection of one of Indonesia’s most fragile marine ecosystems.
This is conservation, the slow travel way — unhurried, immersive, and deeply connected to place — Guided by Angelique, you’ll explore the vibrant coral reefs, islands and beaches of the Banggai Archipelago while gaining rare insight into the conservation work of Blue Alliance — the organisation co-managing a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across these remote waters, and recipient of all Nomad Archipelago’s proceeds.
Throughout your journey, you’ll take part in a series of hands-on experiences that connect you with the reef, the science that safeguards it, and the communities whose lives are shaped by it.
Each day is shaped by the tides, the rhythms of island life, and the quiet satisfaction of contributing to something bigger than the voyage itself — a slow travel approach to science, where unhurried discovery and time in nature are valued just as much as data and research.
Take part in guided reef explorations, fish surveys, and map coral habitats using traditional manta tow methods. Learn how scientists track the health of coral ecosystems over time — and contribute your observations to real research efforts.
Spend time alongside local coastal communities who are actively involved in reef conservation. Learn about their relationship with the ocean, sustainable fishing practices, and their role in the co-management of the MPA.
Learn how daily patrols protect the Banggai Marine Protected Area. You’ll gain an understanding of how Blue Alliance supports local rangers & why these waters need protecting. It’s a glimpse into the real work of conservation — a balance of education, community engagement, and quiet vigilance on the water.
We’ll be exploring and monitoring the reefs by snorkelling — where, at depths of less than four metres, the reef is at its most diverse and vibrant. Snorkelling also makes it easier to pause, communicate, and share what we’re seeing — turning each exploration into a more interactive and connected experience.
Leave with memories of a truly unique adventure in one of Indonesia’s last wild island archipelagos. Along the way, gain a deeper understanding of coral reef ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and the vital role Marine Protected Areas play in protecting them.
With new skills in coral and fish identification — just like a marine biologist — guests will also gain first-hand knowledge of what’s involved in managing these fragile environments, from daily ranger patrols to hands-on scientific surveys.
Every guest will receive a specially designed marine ecologist’s toolkit to support their experience and learning:
As part of this hosted eco-friendly cruise, guests will directly support Blue Alliance’s conservation efforts — contributing data and observations to ongoing scientific programs.
All profits from this cruise fund the co-managed Marine Protected Areas in the Banggai, supporting habitat restoration, sustainable fisheries, and community-led conservation.
This is slow travel with genuine impact — helping protect an ecosystem in crisis while connecting deeply with the people and places working to save it.
Dr Angelique Brathwaite is a marine ecologist with over 25 years of global experience in coral reef science, marine conservation, and integrated coastal management. She is the Director of Conservation & Science and Co-Founder of Blue Alliance Indonesia.
Angelique has managed coral reef systems from the Caribbean to the Coral Triangle, headed the Marine Research Section for the Government of Barbados, and holds a PhD in Marine Biology from Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) Research University. She is a passionate educator, TED Talk presenter, PADI Staff Instructor, and brings a wealth of knowledge, curiosity, and warmth to every journey she leads.
