Indonesia: Raja Ampat Expedition
The last paradise on earth — diving, snorkelling, and pristine wilderness
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Embarkation
- Sorong (Sorong Marina)
- Disembarkation
- Sorong (Sorong Marina)
- Best season
- October – April
- Total distance
- 180 NM
Overview
Raja Ampat — the 'Four Kings' — is widely regarded as the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth. Located in the remote waters of West Papua, Indonesia, this archipelago of over 1,500 islands harbours 75% of all known coral species and more fish species than anywhere else. A yacht charter here is a true expedition into the last great wilderness.
Highlights
- Misool's limestone karst islands
- Wayag's iconic viewpoint
- Manta ray cleaning stations
- World's highest marine biodiversity
- Arborek village homestay
- Bioluminescent plankton
Day by day
Day 1: Sorong — Gateway to Raja Ampat
Sorong
Morning: Arrive at Sorong Airport and transfer to the marina. Board your expedition yacht and meet the dive team.
Afternoon: Cruise into the Dampier Strait as the captain briefs you on the week ahead. Check-dive at a nearby reef to test equipment and adjust buoyancy.
Evening: Dinner aboard as the yacht anchors in the strait. The bioluminescent plankton in these waters creates a magical light show after dark.
Day 2: Kri Island — Biodiversity Capital
Sorong → Kri Island · 25 nm
Morning: Cruise to Kri Island, home to the world record for fish species counted on a single dive (374 species). Dive Cape Kri, one of the planet's greatest dive sites.
Afternoon: Snorkel the house reef at Kri Eco Resort — the coral gardens here are extraordinary even at the surface. Spot wobbegong sharks, pygmy seahorses, and mantis shrimp.
Evening: Dinner aboard anchored in the calm waters between Kri and Mansuar islands.
Day 3: Misool — Limestone Paradise
Kri Island → Misool · 50 nm
Morning: Cruise south to Misool, the most remote and spectacular of the Four Kings. The limestone karst islands rising from turquoise lagoons are otherworldly.
Afternoon: Dive Boo Windows and Nudi Rock — walls covered in soft corals, sea fans, and nudibranchs. Explore the hidden lagoons by tender.
Evening: Anchor in a hidden lagoon surrounded by mushroom-shaped limestone islands. Dinner aboard in this surreal setting.
Day 4: Misool — Manta Rays
Misool → Misool South · 12 nm
Morning: Visit the manta ray cleaning stations at Magic Mountain — watch giant oceanic mantas glide past at arm's length.
Afternoon: Explore the ancient rock art in the caves of Misool — hand stencils dating back thousands of years. Snorkel the pristine reefs.
Evening: Night dive to see the reef come alive — hunting octopus, Spanish dancers, and bioluminescent creatures.
Day 5: Wayag — The Iconic View
Misool South → Wayag · 55 nm
Morning: Cruise north to Wayag, the most photographed location in Raja Ampat. The journey passes through stunning island scenery.
Afternoon: Climb to the Wayag viewpoint for the iconic panorama — hundreds of mushroom-shaped limestone islands in a turquoise lagoon. Kayak through the islands and snorkel with baby blacktip reef sharks.
Evening: Dinner aboard in the Wayag lagoon — arguably the most spectacular anchorage on the planet.
Day 6: Arborek & Pianemo
Wayag → Arborek · 30 nm
Morning: Cruise to Pianemo, a smaller version of Wayag with equally stunning views. Climb the viewpoint and kayak the lagoon.
Afternoon: Visit Arborek village, a traditional Papuan fishing community. The villagers welcome visitors warmly. Snorkel the jetty reef — manta rays are regular visitors.
Evening: Cultural evening with traditional Papuan dancing and music arranged by the Arborek community. Dinner aboard.
Day 7: Dampier Strait & Farewell
Arborek → Dampier Strait · 8 nm
Morning: Final morning dive at Manta Sandy or Blue Magic — two of the Dampier Strait's legendary dive sites. Say farewell to the mantas and the reef.
Afternoon: Cruise back to Sorong. Debrief with the dive team and review underwater photos and videos.
Evening: Farewell dinner aboard. Disembark the following morning for your flight from Sorong.
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