Wayag Lagoon
Cruise the lagoon in Wayag, a spectacular group of rock islands.
This nine-day cruise showcases the best of Raja Ampat, highlighting the regions hidden jungles, tropical vegetation and dazzling underwater world. Time is spent kayaking, walking, diving and visiting villages to understand this fascinating and eclectic region in greater depth. One of the final frontiers – exploring the Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat is truly travelling off grid.
Cruise the lagoon in Wayag, a spectacular group of rock islands.
Join a dawn search for Wilson’s bird of paradise.
Cross the equator underwater surrounded by huge manta ray.
Visit remote spice islands, steeped in history and birthplace of nutmeg and mace.
Raja Ampat offers a pioneering feel. With very few hotels it’s all about the boats and exploring hidden islets and wildlife, both above and below the waterline. There is still a sense of being somewhere before everyone else – discover spice islands with the help of expert on board guides, view the landscape from cliffs that fall away into the emerald ocean and walk silently in search of birds of paradise.
Day 1
Sorong (on board)
Day 2
Kri Peninsula (on board)
Day 3
The Passage (on board)
Day 4
Penemu Islands (on board)
Day 5
Wayag Islands (on board)
Day 6
Wofoh (on board)
Day 7
Batanta (on board)
Day 8
Return to Sorong
Day 1
Sorong (on board)
Settle in on board before lunch and moving off. Afternoon of snorkelling before drinks and dinner as the sun sets.
Day 2
Kri Peninsula (on board)
Wake up to the sound of chattering birds before a day spent in and around Mioskon Bay on the Kri Peninsula.
Day 3
The Passage (on board)
An early trek to spot the rare Red Bird of Paradise. After breakfast make sail for Kabui Bay, a narrow channel teeming with sea life.
Day 4
Penemu Islands (on board)
Lush emerald islands, surrounded by shallow bays make Penemu the ideal spot for some of the regions most celebrated snorkelling.
Day 5
Wayag Islands (on board)
Home to the most stunning scenery of Raja Ampat, these peaks formations and aqua waters teem with fish and are dotted with deserted sandy beaches. A day of exploring before a beach BBQ
Day 6
Wofoh (on board)
Two connected islands make for a stunning coral wall, home to soft and hard corals, sponges and the elusive unicorn fish. Beachcombing, paddle boarding and kayaking make for a wonderful day.
Day 7
Batanta (on board)
The Dampier Straits attract Manta, curiously swimming around the boat. Visit Arborek Village where they earn a living via sustainable fishing. A valuable insight into local island life.
Day 8
Return to Sorong
Return to Sorong for a final breakfast and onward travels.
With over 1500 islands still unnamed, the Raja Ampat region is remote, undisturbed and relatively undiscovered. Largely off the tourist map this last frontier is famous for those in the know about diving holidays, as the best underwater ecosystem in the world. Fantastic diving, pristine beaches, remote islands and stunning landscapes.
There are plenty of boats to suit both budget and size requirements, but we pride ourselves on building relationships and with that in mind have noted details about a few of our favourites. The yachts mentioned are found in and around Komodo and Bali in our summer months (April – October) before moving to Raja Ampat for the winter. Those feeling intrepid can be part of one-off sailings between the two regions, really enabling a voyage of discovery. Read more below on the various boats.
Aqua Blu is a an incredibly comfortable and modern boat which also hides a fascinating history as the British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle. Dive facilities are excellent and additional comforts include a spa and plenty of space to relax on board. Choose from a range of set departures throughout the year.
SeaTrek operate two traditional phinisi style boats – the Ombak Putih and the Katharina, both beautifully crafted in Indonesia. At 42 metres, Ombak Putih is home to a crew of 14 and made up of 12 comfortable cabins to accommodate up to 24 guests. Katharina, with a crew of 12 and at 38 metres, is slightly smaller than her sister with only six cabins, offering a more intimate experience. Both offer communal areas, excellent equipment for a collection of well executed, innovative and informed set departures, exploring the Indonesian archipelago.
SeaTrek cruises do not offer diving, they focus on snorkelling.
With the ability to take you to remote and hard to reach islands, Tiger Blue, is a meticulously appointed and beautifully crafted traditional timber phinisi – a traditional Indonesian two-masted sailing ship historically and still widely used for local transportation within the Indonesian archipelago. With eight crew including an expedition leader, dive master & chef, sailing through handpicked and often undisclosed diving locations, Tiger Blue is a relaxed and adventurous way of exploring this fascinating region.
Rascal is a 30-metre hand-crafted yacht with five en suite cabins. Designed in the traditional phinisi architecture, Rascal has been fitted with all the mod cons to create an innovative and luxurious onboard experience. From the huge upper deck allowing for plenty of space to relax or watch an open-air film, the delicious menus prepared with clients every whim in mind, to the expert crew who can bring to life every detail of this diverse and fascinating region. Rascal is more akin to a luxury floating villa. Take advantage of Rascal’s Exploration Series, a relationship with Conservation International, working to protect the fragile, at risk ecosystem.
Dunia Baru has a boat and dive manager who manage a crew of 16, hospitality is a way of life to them. The incredibly spacious full beam master suite, alongside the six guest cabins provide ultimate comfort. Packed full of toys, this yacht offers endless fun both on and underneath the water, guarantees to keep everybody happy.
You will find more marine species in the coral reefs of Raja Ampat than anywhere else on the planet – often referred to as the global epicentre of marine biodiversity. There are upwards of 500 coral species and 1000 coral reef fish species, in glorious multi-colour, which can be enjoyed by both divers and snorkellers. Apart from the reefs, this area also has some of the most stunning top-side views in the world. Spot the dazzling birds of paradise, hear the shrieks of the crested cockatoo and unmistakable banana shaped beak of passing hornbills.
Misool is a world class private island hideaway offering exclusive adventure whilst redefining sustainable tourism. Their core belief is to protect and conserve. Misool is back to nature at its most stunning and a stay here directly supports conservation initiatives and provides sustainable employment opportunities to local people. The Misool Foundation has been set up to safeguard the most biodiverse reefs on earth thus spending time at Misool directly supports the ongoing conservation initiatives.
In addition, it is a gorgeous resort, owned and managed by people who are genuinely devoted to the preservation of this beautiful region and its people.
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