What Makes WT’s Raja Ampat Special?
Nearly 20 Years of Experience in Raja Ampat – We pioneered small-group journeys in this remote region and are the experts at finding the best shallow reefs, constantly adjusting our daily schedule for changes in weather, tides, and currents.
Groups Limited to 10 Travelers – You’ll have an intimate and personalized experience both above and below water.
Cruise in a Traditional Indonesian Schooner – She is small enough to navigate into remote bays but still provides all the comforts needed—including air conditioning, en suite bathrooms, cold drinks, and space on deck to relax.
Expert Naturalist Trip Leaders – Our Trip Leaders have been living and working in Indonesia for decades and their passion for this remote world is infectious!
Commitment to Conservation – WT offsets all carbon emissions for your trip and donates a portion of the trip proceeds to Bye Bye Plastic Bags.
Overview
Head off the map with us into the Raja Ampat archipelago, one of the most phenomenal snorkeling destinations on the planet, renowned for pristine reefs and an astonishing range of marine life—and the setting is jaw-droppingly beautiful. We’ve chartered a 100-foot Indonesian schooner to get you to the best spots in these islands, where shallow reef systems make for idyllic snorkeling. We’ll snorkel in amazing ecosystems, from shallow bays with rare shrimp gobies to underwater limestone rock islands covered with corals. We’ll also explore the jungle-draped limestone islands themselves, with their aquamarine lagoons and rare birds. Experience this perfect paradise in the Coral Triangle—in WT style!
Raja Ampat is not just a snorkeling destination. This is nature at its mind-blowing best. You don't have to settle for watching the Blue Planet on TV, you can live it every day while onboard and then understand why we need to save it.
— Allene W., Honolulu, HI
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Sorong, Indonesia / Waisai / Dampier Strait / Penemu
Boarding our boat in Waisai, near Sorong, we sail into the Dampier Strait to snorkel on Friwinbonda Island, where the hard coral reefs teem with reef fish. Our small group size—maximum 10 travelers—means you’ll have a personalized experience both above and below the water, and you can snorkel at your own pace. En route to Mansuar Island, we have our first chance to snorkel over soft corals with large schools of barracudas and turtles. On the iconic island of Penemu, our idyllic anchorage is in a turquoise bay surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs.
Days 4-6
Wayag Island / Uranie Island
We drift-snorkel along the channels at stunning Wayag and explore the hidden lagoons by dinghy in search of orchids, juvenile sharks, and rays. From our anchorage at Uranie, we make an optional short scramble to the top of the island for a spectacular 360-degree view of Raja Ampat’s crystalline waters. Later, there are plenty of opportunities to kayak, beachcomb, or birdwatch on the outer beaches of the bay.
Days 7-8
Alyui Bay
At Alyui Bay, we enter the mysterious world of invertebrates as we drift through forest-lined waterways. We’ll enjoy tropical sunsets in this scenic bay, listening to the chorus of parrots, hornbills, and herons as they return to rest at night.
Days 9-12
Waigeo Island / Gam Island
Cruising the lagoons, we visit mangroves and snorkel the passage separating Waigeo and Gam islands, first discovered by the British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, one of the “forgotten fathers” of the theory of natural selection. The islands of Waigeo and Batanta are home to the magnificent Wilson’s and red bird-of-paradise, both found only here. Depart on Day 12 via Sorong.
Snorkeling Raja Ampat
