Raja Ampat Explorer (West)

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 in Darwin where we’ll collect you from your hotel and onto a chartered aircraft to Ambon in West Papua. Here we’ll welcome you aboard the magnificent True North with an arrival cocktail as we begin our journey to the Banda Islands.

As we enter the Banda Islands, traditional war canoes will lead us into Banda harbour followed by a guided tour of Banda Neira Island. Then we’ll head off in the adventure boats for a scenic tour or for a snorkel and dive on sunken lava flow. Finish the day by watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand in Fort Belgica overlooking the active volcano Gunung Api.

Today you’ll explore the Fak Fak Coast, starting with either a fishing trip to the Bomberai Peninsula or a scenic tour through the hidden lagoons where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel or dive in the area’s aquarium-like waters. Then, enjoy a refreshing swim under the beautiful Mommon Waterfall where chilling freshwater thunders down lush jungle slopes into the warm waters of the sea. In the afternoon we’ll explore Sebakor Bay and its spectacular system of water-filled caves. Finishing the day with another snorkel or dive before a night of fine cheese and wine back on board.

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.

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 you’ll glide in our adventure boats through the winding channel named after British natural scientist Alfred Russel Wallace. This narrow salt-waterway is a vibrant home for marine life and is lined by a magnificent jungle filled with birds, butterflies, tree ferns and orchids.

Wake to the stunning scenery of Wofoh Island – enjoy a breath-taking dive on the black coral forest, snorkel over the lush coral gardens or simply laze on the gorgeous white sand beach (watch out for falling coconuts). Later in the morning we’ll cruise to the rocky islets of Bougainville Strait and if we’re lucky we can take part in a manta ray convention! Plankton rich currents often attract large numbers of manta rays to Eagle Rock – jump in and have a swim with these gentle giants of the sea. This afternoon we visit the Australian-owned “Atlas South Sea Pearls” pearl farm at Aljui Bay – a chance to learn about the intriguing art of pearl farming and an opportunity to purchase a very authentic reminder of your time in this timeless land. And, we’ll send the fishing parties out in search of the revered mangrove jack – a great fighter and one of the best tasting fish you can catch. For the divers, tonight we’ll offer a night dive on the pearl farm jetty – chock-a-block with all manner of bizarre and beautiful critters ranging from wobbegongs, cockatoo waspfish, hairy ghostpipefish and even Raja Ampat’s endemic walking shark – not to be missed.

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.

Next we visit Ayu, one of the largest atolls in eastern Indonesia. This remote and very beautiful atoll is surrounded by crystal clear water that’s frequently visited by large pods of dolphins. With a sharp outer reef drop and clouds of beautiful fish carpeting the reef walls, here you’ll be able to snorkel and dive at multiple sites, including some deep-water trolling for wahoo, sailfish and tuna. Today you’ll also have the opportunity to visit to the quaint village of Reni.

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!

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