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 in an ethereal underwater universe. 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 with us!
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 head out for snorkeling adventures in amazing ecosystems, from shallow bays with rare shrimp gobies and nudibranchs to underwater limestone rock islands covered with tunicates, sponges, and corals. Sailing into the Dampier Strait, we snorkel on Friwinbonda Island, where the hard coral reefs teem with reef fish. En route to Mansuar Island, we have our first chance to snorkel over soft corals with large schools of barracudas and turtles. On 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 lagoon 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.
Days 7-8
Alyui Bay At
Alyui Bay, we enter the mysterious world of invertebrates as we drift through forest-lined waterways. We 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 and evolution. The islands of Waigeo and Batanta are home to the magnificent Wilson’s bird-of-paradise and the red bird-of-paradise, both found only here, as well as hundreds of other colorful bird species. Depart on Day 12 via Sorong.
Snorkeling Raja Ampat
