Raja Ampat Archipelago Cruise

Welcome to West Papua! You arrive at Sorong Airport, gateway to the Raja Ampat Archipelago. Your driver will welcome you and take you to the port where you can board the wooden Schooner that will be your home for the next days. The crew welcomes you aboard and gives you a tour of the vessel. Settle down in your cabin and get ready for the start of an exceptional cruise. Before casting off, the crew explains the safety instructions and gives you more details about your Raja Ampat cruise. You set off towards Waigeo Island and Kri Island, east of Mansuar Island. At the end of the day, take your first dive into the crystal clear waters surrounded by the rainforests of Yenbuba Bay and explore the local village.

Wake up early to enjoy your first sunrise at sea. In Yenbuba Bay, put on your snorkelling gear and swim with the turtles and colourful fish dancing in the middle of beautiful corals. Relax on the beach of Yenbuba and take a stroll through the village. A little way off, the waters of Cape Kri reveal one of the most varied underwater landscapes of Raja Ampat. You can snorkel again in Saunderek. At the end of the day, visit the village where many local encounters await you. After sunset, head north, crossing the equator into the Northern Hemisphere for a night of navigation to the Wayag Archipelago.

You wake up in the heart of the Wayag Archipelago, one of the most beautiful sites of Raja Ampat, with turquoise blue atolls topped with emerald green karst mountains. It is made up of more than 600 islets and has the largest underwater diversity in the world. You disembark at Wayag Island for a hike to the summit of Mount Pindito which offers a unique panorama of the isolated world around you. In the afternoon, many water activities await you: snorkelling, kayaking or stand up paddling. Underwater, you can meet the majestic manta rays in a secret spot. Night at anchor in a lagoon with unforgettable scenery.

At dawn, you leave Wayag Island in the direction of Kawe Island on your majestic sailboat. Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board before crossing the equator again. You will spend the morning exploring the eastern part of Wayag, swimming and snorkelling. You continue along the island of Kawe and may see dancing manta rays and some carpet sharks (also known as ‘wobbegong’) hiding in the reefs. The captain navigates you south-east to reach Aljui Bay. Mooring and overnight in front of a pearl farm.

This morning, before heading out to sea, you visit a pearl farm to understand the process of growing and harvesting these small gems of the Pacific. The cruise continues towards Wofoh Island to indulge in your favourite activities: swimming, snorkelling and relaxation. Masks and snorkels are enough to admire the coral reefs that stretch as far as the eye can see. Turtles are easy to find in this corner of paradise, so keep your eyes open! Go kayaking to discover deserted white-sand beaches and hidden coves. In the afternoon, head southwest to Maniafun Island where you anchor for the night.

You are still sleeping when the boat sets off to reach the island of Pienemu in time for the first rays of daylight. After a few days of sailing, harmony reigns on the boat and mornings are true moments of grace. You start your day with a little dive and swim through a totally unspoilt underwater world. After lunch, the boat drops anchor near the entrance of a lagoon. Walk around and admire the karst mountains of Pienemu. Underwater or on land, nature is lush and wild. In the afternoon, the cruise continues to Yangello Island in the middle of a peaceful mangrove.

This morning, you go kayaking to explore the mangroves of Yangello. You board your schooner and sail to Arborek Island. Get in the water for some exceptional snorkelling off Arborek where you can expect to meet turtles and grey reef sharks. Take a lunch break in a peaceful village where you meet the locals and experience their timeless way of life. You embark again in the direction of Manta Sandy, a “cleaning station” where manta rays come to be pampered by wrasses. From the ship, you will see them jumping out of the water. The sailboat continues on its way to Mioskon Island.

Wake up gently to the rhythm of the waves. Today, there are several snorkelling spots on the program: Mioskon, Blue Magic, Sardines and other incredible places. This area, known as the Dampier Strait is subject to ocean currents, making the seabed extremely rich and full of intact corals and marine life of all kinds for you to admire. After your exploration of the underwater world, get on board and sail to the ideally-located Friwen Island where you will anchor for two nights and explore the surroundings. From your comfortable sailboat, you can admire the sunset and idyllic landscapes of Raja Ampat while sipping on an aperitif.

Wake up early for a hike in the middle of the jungles of Friwen Island. Enjoy a canoe ride and walking tour with your local guide. Keep your eyes open, you may see birds-of-paradise, a species endemic to West Papua. A snorkelling session awaits you at Mike's Point, part of the Dampier Strait. Located near Gam Island, this spot is famous for the diversity of species evolving in the splendid coral plateau. Return to Friwen Island for a swim around the boat. For your last dinner, the crew prepares a barbecue on the beach. Experience an unforgettable evening under a starry sky.

Today, the boat sails slowly to Sorong. Enjoy your last moments on this exceptional boat. At dawn, take a last dip in the crystal waters of Raja Ampat. You spend the morning  on board exchanging photos and addresses with the crew who accompanied you throughout your cruise in Raja Ampat. Around noon, you leave the boat and set foot on the mainland. It's time to say goodbye to your crew and hit the road with your private driver for your transfer to the airport or hotel. End of our services.