Join veteran Trip Leader Ethan Daniels for an exploratory adventure in the lost world of Raja Ampat! This remote Indonesian archipelago of limestone islands with fringing reefs supports astonishing biodiversity, from technicolor soft corals to rays, blue devils, lionfish, and sea life of every variety imaginable—the abundance is truly mind-bending. We’ve operated wildly popular snorkeling expeditions here for a number of years, and we’ve designed this exploratory itinerary specifically for those interested in returning to this fascinating destination. There’s no better person than Ethan, a marine biologist, for hunting down incredible new snorkeling spots as we travel among the uncharted reefs and islands of the archipelago by traditional Indonesian schooner. Since this is a first-time exploratory adventure with no set itinerary once we sail from Sorong, this adventure is best suited for seasoned, flexible travelers and experienced snorkelers ready for the serendipity of discovery in an impossibly vivid marine ecosystem.

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 2-12
Raja Ampat Exploratory

Travel into remote, rarely visited regions of the Raja Ampat archipelago aboard a traditional Indonesian schooner to discover new snorkeling sites. Depart on Day 12 from Sorong.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 3, Moderate. This is an exploratory journey in and around the Raja Ampat archipelago. The precise itinerary has not been set, and the length of time spent at each location will not be known in advance. It is designed primarily for our past clients who have experienced Raja Ampat with us previously or those with a true spirit of adventure. For a general idea of the daily schedule, our Raja Ampat Snorkeling Expedition and Snorkeling the Misool Archipelago itineraries can serve as a general guideline. 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, fins and a wetsuit (or “skin” to help keep you warm during longer times in the water). Try out your gear in a swimming pool before you go to make sure that it works for you and is comfortable. 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