This amazing journey offers world-class snorkeling as well as a 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, dazzling aquamarine lagoons, and fantastic birds including the endemic red bird of paradise. With our veteran marine biologist and Trip Leader, either Ethan Daniels or Lee Goldman, we voyage aboard a 100-foot yacht, with evenings in idyllic anchorages near wilderness islands—a snorkeler’s dream journey!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Day 1
Sorong, Indonesia

In Sorong, we board our traditional Indonesian sailing vessel and cruise into the heart of the Coral Triangle to Raja Ampat, possibly the richest coral reef ecosystem in the world. An international team of biologists in 2001 recorded 450 species of hard corals and over 950 species of reef fish in Raja Ampat.

Days 2-6
Penemu / Waigeo / Uranie Islands

We explore on foot in the low limestone isle of Penemu and by dinghy in the forest-lined inland waterways. From our North Waigeo anchorage, we snorkel the rich Alyui reefs and at Uranie Island, where our anchorage is in a spectacular beach-lined bay, we make a short scramble to the top of the island for a spectacular 360-degree view of Raja Ampat’s beautiful mushroom-shaped rock islands. On one island, we visit a pearl farm to see how pearls are seeded and grown. The lush interior of Raja Ampat is known for its wonderful avian life, and we awake each dawn to a chorus of bird calls. Lorikeets, parrots, kingfishers, eagles, and hornbills are commonly seen here. Each evening we anchor in a serene setting of turquoise waters and green islands, 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 water in every imaginable shade of blue and green, we explore 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 Kri. 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, who made his famous voyage here in 1860. 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 Asian and Western styles with plenty of seafood. Note: Vegetarians who do not eat seafood may find their choices somewhat limited.

Explanation of Trip Levels