Wallace Line Trails & Sails

This exclusive itinerary honours Alfred Russel Wallace and the time he spent in what is now Indonesia, independently working on the theory of evolution. Wallace’s observations of the marked zoological differences across a narrow strait in the archipelago led to his proposing the faunal boundary line, now known as the Wallace Line, which separates the ecozones of Asia and Australia. West of the line are found organisms related to Asiatic species; to the east, a mixture of species of Asian and Australian origin is present. While he was exploring the archipelago, he refined his thoughts about evolution and had his famous insight on natural selection. In 1858 he sent an article outlining his theory to Darwin; it was published, along with a description of Darwin’s own theory, in the same year.

On this cruise, revisit some of the areas that Wallace found so fascinating and hopefully experience the magic of seeing the bird of paradise in its full glory within its natural habitat. There are new adventures every day when exploring the tiny islands that make up this region. Trek through jungle terrain witnessing the wildlife as well as experiencing remote local villages. This area of Indonesia, referred to as The Coral Triangle, is home to arguably the most diverse marine life in the world. Explore on land and underwater exactly what captivated Wallace about this part of the world and what continues to attract scientists and nature lovers from across the globe.  Make use of the expert knowledge and inspiring energy of Dr. George Beccaloni who will be leading this cruise with a seasoned crew on the Ombak Putih. The excursions and discussions will nourish your mind, while the time spent on the boat will relax your body to ensure a truly unforgettable trip.