This amazing adventure offers not only incredible snorkeling but also the rare opportunity to explore a truly magical lost world. An archipelago of 600 islands spread along the coast of Indonesia’s West Papua province, Raja Ampat is one of the last wild places on earth, with extravagant coral reefs reflecting the immense abundance of the Pacific marine ecosystem, from the tiniest bright-colored sea snails to huge pelagic fish. Topside, there are dramatic limestone islands, dazzling aquamarine lagoons, and fantastic birds including the endemic red bird of paradise. With marine biologist and Trip Leader Ethan Daniels, we voyage aboard a comfortable 100-foot yacht, with evenings spent in idyllic anchorages below star-filled skies—a dream journey in a snorkeler’s paradise!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Day 1
Sorong, Indonesia

In Sorong, we board our traditional Indonesian sailing vessel and cruise to the remote Raja Ampat archipelago in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the world’s richest area for coral reefs. A 2001 survey of Raja Ampat by an international team of biologists recorded 450 species of hard corals (more than half of the world’s total species) and more than 950 species of reef fish.

Days 2-6
Penemu / Waigeo / Uranie Islands

The lush interior of Raja Ampat is known for its orchids and wonderful avian life, and we awake each dawn to a chorus of bird calls, including parrots, hornbills, and sea eagles. Our days are spent snorkeling around limestone isles and over fantastic reefs brimming with vibrant hard and soft corals, sea turtles, and fish. We explore remote lagoons and mangrove-lined waterways, beachcomb along deserted beaches, and enjoy optional paddling in inflatable kayaks. On one island, we visit a pearl farm to see how pearls are seeded and grown. Each evening we anchor in a beautiful tranquil spot, where we gaze at a canopy of luminous stars and watch for manta rays feeding around the boat.

Days 7-12
Wayag Island / Gam Island

At Wayag, a stunning island of jungle-covered rock outcrops and waters in every imaginable shade of blue and green, we explore its beaches and mangroves and snorkel among schools of silver sardines and juvenile reef fish. We see leatherback turtles feed on jellies at Gam Island and enjoy fabulous drift-snorkeling near Manta Point and South Cree. On an island hike, we look for the red bird of paradise, first made known to the Western world by pioneering naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace. Depart on Day 12 from Sorong.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 3, Moderate. It is relaxed enough to allow ample time for photography, snorkeling, exploration by dinghy, and beachcombing. On any trip of this nature, however, it is impossible to predict what the weather will have in store and activities often vary with each day. Because the primary focus of the trip is snorkeling, we require that trip members know how to swim, and we strongly recommend you bring your own good quality, well-fitted equipment with you, including mask, snorkel, and fins. Try out your gear in a swimming pool before you go to make sure that it works for you and is comfortable. There is ample time for both scheduled snorkels and free snorkeling, and for the most part the water time is “at your own pace.” We will have a “refresher” snorkel in calm waters at the beginning of the trip, and there will be several drift snorkels (with some current) during the trip. We usually have two to three snorkeling adventures each day, and we also have shore excursions on various islands with optional hikes. Our shore landings are either “dry” (where there are rocks or wooden piers to step onto when you disembark from the dinghy) or “wet” (which involves stepping out of the dinghy and wading to shore). Kayaking experience is not necessary, and we have the option to use our inflatable kayaks on a few occasions throughout the trip. The cook on board prepares simple and tasty meals, a mix of Indonesian and Western styles with plenty of seafood. Note: Vegetarians who do not eat seafood may find their choices somewhat limited.

Explanation of Trip Levels