At anchor in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

The magical isles of Raja Ampat are host to pristine and unusual marine and land ecosystems. Our yacht-based odyssey through the isles of Raja Ampat brings us once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling adventures.

Photo by Ethan Daniels

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Raja Ampat Snorkeling Expedition

Explore One of the Most Pristine Archipelagos on Planet Earth

This Pacific journey offers amazing snorkeling plus the rare opportunity to be among the true explorers of the lost world of Raja Ampat. Six hundred islands spread along the western coast of Indonesia’s West Papua province, Raja Ampat is one of the last wild places in the world, with pristine coral reefs that reflect the immense abundance of the Western Pacific marine ecosystem, from the tiniest bright-colored sea snails to huge pelagic fish. Topside, there are dramatic limestone islands, blue-green lagoons, fantastic birds, and cathedral-like caves. We journey aboard a 100-foot yacht, with evenings in beautiful anchorages—this is a snorkeler’s dream journey! Marine biologist and Trip Leader Ethan Daniels calls Raja Ampat “the epicenter of marine biological diversity.”

Highlights

  • Once-in-a-lifetime expedition to one of the most biologically diverse and remote areas on earth
  • Travel aboard a beautiful traditional double-masted Indonesian craft
  • World-class snorkeling in pristine coral reefs
  • Trip Leader Ethan Daniels, with his incredible knowledge of the Western Pacific ecosystem

Details

  • 12-day trip begins and ends in Sorong, Indonesia
  • 11 nights on board yacht
  • All meals included
  • Snorkeling, 3-5 hours a day, exploring by dinghy, optional hikes

Tour Costs

$5195 (10 members)
$5595 (9 members)
$5995 (8 members)

Single supplement: $600
Internal airfare: $525 (subject to change)

Prices are for 2010 dates

Departures & Leaders

May 11-22, 2010  Ethan Daniels
Aug 31-Sep 11, 2010  Ethan Daniels
Sep 14-25, 2010  Ethan Daniels
Sep 28-Oct 9, 2010  Ethan Daniels

*Download a separate Detailed Itinerary for our Snorkeling the Misool Archipelago departure: April 27 - May 8, 2010.

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
Raja Ampat Snorkeling Expedition route-map

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.