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June 18, 2017

Snorkeling the World's Last Wild Frontier

Pacific Wildlife & Natural History Small Ship Cruising Snorkeling & Kayaking

WT’s Asia and Pacific Specialist Explores the Underwater World of Raja Ampat.

I thought I had seen all the underwater world had to offer. After receiving my SCUBA certificate in Komodo, Indonesia, I have dived throughout Australasia, including world-class locations like Sipadan, the Great Barrier Reef, and southern Thailand. But of course, that was before I experienced the diverse islands of Raja Ampat. Set in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat is home to a beautiful array of fish, turtles, rays, dolphins, coral, and other marine life. I was fortunate enough to spend 12 days aboard a traditional Indonesian schooner that brought us into remote bays where we felt like we were the only people in the world! Each day we enjoyed snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and simply taking in the dramatic scenery of the surrounding limestone islands. At night, we relaxed on board, stargazing from the deck and recounting the day’s discoveries in this underwater haven. I can honestly say that snorkeling in Raja Ampat is among the best in the world and hope these photos will inspire you to visit this tropical paradise!

A panoramic view of a tropical seascape shows numerous green, rocky islands scattered in a turquoise and blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky, inviting adventurous explorers to experience the wild frontier of snorkeling in these pristine waters.
Getting a bird’s-eye view of our the coves we explored
A boat's bow with rigging is shown facing a calm, reflective body of water during a tranquil sunset. The sky displays a gradient of blue, pink, and orange hues with distant clouds on the horizon, evoking the serene beauty often sought in wild frontier adventures.
Enjoying the sunset from our boat
A dog sits on a kayak in calm waters, with cloudy skies and rocky islands in the background, embodying the spirit of the wild frontier.
Kayaking with Shanti, the boat dog
A black and green nudibranch with orange-tipped rhinophores and green cerata is moving across a colorful coral reef—an enchanting sight for anyone snorkeling in the world's last wild frontier.
A colorful nudibranch resting on the ocean floor
A clownfish with orange, white, and black coloring nestles among the tentacles of a sea anemone underwater, offering a mesmerizing sight for those snorkeling in this Last Wild Frontier.
A skunk clownfish retreats to his home amid a sea anemone
A snorkeler explores the Wild Frontier, gliding above vibrant orange coral and small fish in crystal clear blue water.
Snorkeling above the technicolor coral reef
A person wearing a hat and shorts sits on a tree branch overlooking a scenic view of lush green islands surrounded by blue water under a clear sky, embracing the world's last wild frontier.
One of our Trip Leaders, Andrea, overlooking the islands of Raja Ampat

—Text by Asia and Pacific Specialist Carolyn Tallman. Photos by Carolyn Tallman and Trip Leader Bob Brunskill. Snorkeling Raja Ampat.

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