Raja Ampat Explorer (East)

Overview

Cruise the breathtakingly beautiful archipelago consisting of more than 1500 islands, cays and shoals. See the exotic Wilson’s bird of paradise, cross the equator and take part in a mantra ray convention! Snorkel through caves and take guided walks through the jungle.

Your adventure begins amidst the tropical charm of Darwin. You will be met at your hotel and take a charter flight to Biak in West Papua. Enjoy a welcome cocktail aboard the True North as we cruise to the Mapia Atoll.

Mapia Atoll is a very remote and exquisite coral atoll seldom visited by tourists. Located north of the equator and lying basically in the middle of nowhere, the atoll presents classic opportunity to indulge in nature’s tropical ocean splendour. Vertical walls rise several thousand feet from the ocean floor and come alive with brilliant soft corals, gorgonians, sponges, myriads of tropical fish and a dense population of green and hawksbill turtles. The area also has an enviable reputation for light game fishing! Snorkel, dive and fish to your hearts content!

Next you’ll visit Ayau – one of the largest atolls in eastern Indonesia. This remote and very beautiful atoll was colonised by Papuan fishermen from Biak Island (to the east) over 100 years ago. The Ayau people are skilled at all means of fishing – from collecting edible worms from the powdery-white sand beaches to spearfishing amidst the coral splendour. The atoll is surrounded by crystal clear water that is frequented by large pods of dolphins. The outer-reef drops sharply to over 1000m and clouds of beautiful fish carpet the reef walls. The adventure boats will be busy as you snorkel and dive at several sites around the atoll or you can head off to the big-blue (outside the Ayau Marine Park) to try your luck at some deep-water trolling. You’ll also enjoy a traditional dance on the island of Miosbekwan – expect some loud drumming!

You’ll hardly believe your eyes as you emerge from your cabin and gaze upon the mind-blowing “karst beehive” islands of Raja Ampat’s “poster child” – the Wayag Archipelago. Enjoy a snorkel on these gorgeous reefs before we take a cruise on the expedition boats through the lagoon.

Wake and look forward to a second day in the Wayags. Another breathtaking day of snorkelling, diving, helicoptering and sightseeing. Plus we’ve got a new activity in mind today as well – get ready for our already-famous “Wayag Beach Party”. Select your place in the sun (or under a shady palm tree) and let the crew entertain with a sumptuous beach picnic and all manner of aquatic toy! Bizarre island formations, an azure sea and sparkling beaches fringed with palm trees in the foreground of dense Papuan jungle – two days in the stunning Wayag’s is never enough.

This morning we continue our adventures at Misool Island. The waters surrounding this island teem with fish life, over-sized sea fans and, feature the underwater caverns of Farondi Island. Take a scenic ride around the spectacular Balbulol island formations or enjoy a second dive at “No Contest” (you’ll soon see why it’s so named) Over lunch we’ll steam into one of the prettiest anchorages in Raja Ampat – the Mesempta Karst Channels. But you’ll have to wait to really soak in the view as we’re off for a unique snorkel/float through the sacred Tomolol cave system – a truly awesome adventure. The Misool Island heli-flight is also not to be missed – you’ll be blown away by the aerial beauty of this region. In the late afternoon join your favourite expedition boat for a ‘drinks and nibbles’ cruise through the beautiful Karst Islands – don’t forget your cameras.

Anchored at the spectacular Fam Group of Islands, today we’ll visit the charming village of ‘Fam’ where we’ll be welcomed by the local school children and you’ll have opportunity to buy some locally sourced coconut oil. The adventure boats will then offer scenic tours around beautiful  Penemu Island which boasts even more opportunity for beachcombing, snorkelling and diving where moray eels, sea snakes and nudibranchs have all been spotted. Then if you’re up for it, take on the 300 uphill steps to the highest peak of Pianemo Island to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Karst Islands.

This morning the shore parties will head into Sawingkrai Village and trek through the jungle to see the magnificent red bird of paradise. Then we’ll adventure to Cape Kri, a long and narrow island that offers  astounding diving and snorkelling. In the afternoon glide in our adventure boats through the winding channel named after British natural scientist Alfred Russel Wallace. This narrow salt water-way is a vibrant home for marine life and is lined by a magnificent jungle filled with birds, butterflies, tree ferns and orchids.

Immerse yourself in the underwater world of the Amsterdam Islands, where crystal-clear waters invite you to explore vibrant coral gardens and an abundance of marine life. Spend the day diving in these pristine waters and discovering the diverse ecosystems that thrive here.

Pulau Num invites you to discover its underwater wonders, with some of the finest diving and snorkelling in the region. Vibrant coral gardens and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish await beneath the surface. Gather on the beach for sunset drinks, soaking in the serene beauty of this idyllic paradise as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson.

You’ll enjoy breakfast on-board before a private car transfer to Biak Airport and your chartered flight back to Darwin.