Day 1
Sorong, Indonesia

Arriving in Sorong, we board our traditional Indonesian hardwood sailing vessel, a yacht made just for these waters, and set sail for the remote Raja Ampat archipelago. Raja Ampat was not explored in detail until a 2001 survey by an international team of biologists, who recorded 450 species of hard corals (more than half of the world’s total species) and over 950 species of reef fish.

Days 2-3
Penemu Island

We snorkel around the limestone isle of Penemu, with its shallow marine lake filled with cassiopea jellyfish and juvenile sharks, then voyage by dinghy into Penemu Lagoon. Our Penemu anchorage is in a gorgeous bay flanked by vertical limestone cliffs.

Days 4-6
Waigeo Island / Uranie Island

The lush interior of Raja Ampat is known for its orchids and birds, and we awake each dawn to a serenade of bird calls, including parrots, hornbills, and sea eagles. We visit Loh Loh Kecil’s huge fruit bat colony, explore Waigeo’s forest-lined inland waterways by dinghy, and enjoy anchorage in a stunning beach-lined bay with rock islands at Uranie. We snorkel the reefs and scramble to the top of Uranie Island for a spectacular 360-degree view. In the evenings, we may see manta rays feeding around the boat.

Days 7-9
Wayag Island Stunning

Wayag is the ultimate “dream island”of jungle-covered rock outcrops and waters of every imaginable shade of blue and green. We explore the beaches and mangroves and snorkel among schools of silver sardines and juvenile reef fish.

Days 10-12
Gam Island / Red Bird of Paradise

We snorkel the great reef at East Apibok, explore the West Bay of Gam Island, possibly seeing leatherback turtles feeding on jellies, and drift-snorkel near Manta Point. On an island hike, we look for the endemic Red Bird of Paradise, first made known to the Western world by pioneering naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, one of the forgotten fathers of the theory of evolution. Depart on Day 12 from Sorong.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Traditional Indonesian Schooner

Sorong, Indonesia

Our vessel is a double-masted traditional Indonesian sailboat that offers the unique opportunity to explore incredibly remote, unique, and mystical Raja Ampat. The boat was built in Sulawesi in 2000 out of Indonesian hardwoods and is 100 feet long with a 21-foot beam. While not luxurious, she is comfortable and well maintained. She accommodates 10 guests in small, air-conditioned cabins. There are no en suite cabins, but there are three shared toilet/shower combinations on the boat. The boat is very sturdy and stable, whether still or under motor, and is operated by skipper David Pagliari, a Scotsman who knows these waters intimately. The boat’s crew of seven is attentive, experienced, and helpful, and many have worked on the boat for years. Note: The boat has steep stairs/ladders from the double rooms up to the main deck; it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.

 

 

 

 

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.