| Cost From: | $5195 |
|---|
| Length: | 12 days |
|---|
| Activity: | Small Boat & Yacht Cruising, Snorkeling, Wildlife & Natural History, Sea Kayaking |
|---|
| Difficulty: |
|
|---|
A stellar trip! Beautiful snorkeling, great scenery—it doesn’t get any better.J. Herbert—Orinda CA
By adding trips to your “Wish List” (above), you can easily make a side-by-side detailed comparison of as many trips as you like.
Misool and the southernmost islands of Papua’s Raja Ampat are the center of the famed “Coral Triangle,” center of marine biodiversity in the Pacific. Dozens of limestone islands lie scattered through this seldom-visited archipelago, offering dreamlike scenery, fantastic coral reefs, and an exhilarating snorkeling odyssey aboard our traditional Indonesian 100-foot yacht. From hawksbill turtles to octopus, seastars, and sponges, the extravagant array of bizarre invertebrates, fish, and reptiles is truly mind-bending in Misool’s cobalt-blue waters. With Trip Leader Ethan Daniel’s fascinating daily talks on the coral reef ecology and marine biodiversity of Misool, and evenings in the most beautiful anchorages imaginable, we enjoy a still-mysterious frontier with a staggering abundance of marine life including species yet to be cataloged. This is a true expedition to a magical world!
$5195 (10 members)
$5595 (9 members)
$5995 (8 members)
Single supplement: $600
Internal Airfare: $525 (subject to change)
Prices are for 2010 dates
Apr 27-May 8, 2010 Ethan Daniels
*Download a separate Detailed Itinerary for our Raja Ampat Snorkeling Expedition departures: May 11-22, August 31-September 11, September 14-25, September 28-October 9, 2010
Reading list, click here.
Arrive in Sorong and embark aboard our yacht into the Misool Archipelago, with its hundreds of tufted and craggy limestone outcrops. At Wagmab Island, we slip into the water for our first snorkeling session and explore by kayak and dinghy. Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy consider Misool to harbor the world’s richest marine ecosystems.
We explore the coral reefs that grow off Fiabachet Island and enjoy one of the ultimate snorkeling experiences on the planet. Later we encounter the mesmerizing marine ecosystems of East Kali and tropical frontier of Pele, a small group of islands where we kayak in the calm waters near our anchorage. At Len Makana, a staggering abundance of marine life provides the backdrop for our day's adventures. This remote outpost of marine diversity will astound even the most seasoned snorkeler.
Kayaking among the hidden coves and emerald bays of Len Kafal brings further insight into the geology and biological diversity of the area. Below the craggy cliffs of this island, we slip into the water to observe vivid soft corals in shades of purple, pink, and red. We also explore the East Misool passage amid a maze of mushroom-shaped islands and visit a fantastic cavern that opens into a jungle-topped island.
At the northernmost point of our trip, in Kabui Bay off Waigeo Island, we drift-snorkel through a wonderland of giant sea fans and soft corals with lush forest overhead. We also have the opportunity to explore the exotic bay’s many sandy beaches. On Day 12, we awake in Sorong’s lively harbor, bid farewell to Ethan and our crew, and depart on homeward-bound flights.
This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure
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.
