Day 637 (month 21): June 29, 2026 – Bintan Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia

Bintan is home to extensive mangrove forests, vital habitats for diverse wildlife. The last two decades have seen a significant decline in mangrove cover. The need to restore coastal ecosystem health has made mangrove replanting a major focus for local conservation and tourism groups, and it was the motivation behind a project some of us did in this port. About twenty of us glided through the thick mangrove trees along the Sebong River, enjoying the peaceful beauty of this habitat. Odyssey residents sponsored crew members so they could be involved in this project also. Then, we spent an hour helping to replant mangroves in a degraded area.

The planting took place at low tide. At high tide, this area will be flooded, providing nutrients for them to thrive.

A couple creatures we saw along the way.