RAJA AMPAT ULTIMATE

The legendary Raja Ampat area has long been thought of as the “last frontier”. A sense of peacefulness surrounds you when exploring the area: one of the last, rare untouched places on earth. Our usual trip, which visits the South (Misool and satellites ) and the center part (Dampier Strait) is an unforgettable experience: outstanding Scuba diving into one of the planet’s best spots, sea kayaking into a constellation of sapphire blue-water lagoons fringed by rainforests, bird-watching opportunities, hiking to stunning viewpoints and finally encounters with the local inhabitant of these islands.

Our adventure will begin in Sorong where you are awaited on our vessel before 12 noon, and will end up in Sorong as well where we will disembark before 12 noon. We organize your pick up and drop off at the airport or at your hotel.

THE DIVING:

The abundance of sea life, both fixed fauna such as corals and gorgonians along the lush reef, as well as the stunning quantity and diversity of fish swimming above is just astonishing. The dive sites’ underwater topographies are also varied and interesting, filled with dramatic pinnacles, long ridges, walls, hidden caves, rock formations,
azure lagoons, and much more. The fauna ranges from the tiny Pygmy Seahorse to the oceanic manta ray. Raja Ampat’s signature is the huge schools of fish: clouds of fusiliers that attract predators like tunas and trevallies, barracudas, schools of the inquisitive spadefish, schools of sweetlips, groups of bumphead parrotfish, napoleon wrasses, etc. Reef sharks are very much present on the reefs; the carpet shark or Wobegon is ubiquitous, laying on a coral or under a rock behind a cloud of glassfish. The walking shark (Epaulette shark) can often be seen during night dives. Mantas are often seen on three different dive sites. The Wallacea typical “Raja Ampat ultimate” 9-day trip covers the area of Misool in the South and the Dampier Strait. We then choose the dive sites according to the prevailing conditions during the trip. A minimum of 27 dives (3 dives per day) is offered during the trip, including at least 5 night dives.


SNORKELING:

Our trips are open to snorkelers. Most of the dive sites offer great snorkeling opportunities with a lot to see in shallow waters, and we offer specific guidance for snorkelers.

ITINERARY & NAVIGATION :

The map shows the general cruise itinerary. It can slightly vary depending on weather conditions, currents, visibility, and tides. Distances are not long: there are only two overnight crossings and the other navigations take place between dives or in the early morning. We usually start the trips by going South and then making
our way up to the North.

• MISOOL :
  Misool is excellent for taking wide-angle shots, encounters with mantas, and massive schools of fish. The underwater topography is predominantly rocky with ridges and rock formations. The colorful reefs display an abundance of soft corals and huge gorgonians. Macro subjects are plenty as well: pygmy seahorses, tiny crabs, nudibranchs,
  and other rare photogenic life are everywhere.
• FAM - PENEMU :
  We spend one day on these islands between the North and the South area. The dives include the site “Melissa Garden” which has the best coral garden of the Raja Ampat and “My Reef” well known for its barracuda school and numerous Wobbegongs.
• DAMPIER STRAIT :
  We usually spend one or two days there to visit its famous dive sites around Kri with their impressive amount of fish.
  
  

Day 1: Greetings at Sorong airport, Transfer on board. Welcome drink and briefing. Departure to Misool at noon.

Day 2: 4 Dives in the area of Daram islands.

Day 3: 4 dives in the area of Fiabacet, Southeast Misool.

Day 4: 3 dives in the area of Fiabacet, Southeast Misool.

Day 5: 4 dives in the area of Wayilbatan.

Day 6: 3 dives in the area of Farondi, then Navigation to Fam-Penemu islands.

Day 7: 4 dives in the Fam area, then navigation to Dampier Strait.

Day 8: 4 dives in the Dampier strait area.

Day 9: 1 or 2 dives in the Dampier Strait area according to the following day flight schedule.

Day 10: Check out and transfer to Sorong airport before 12 noon.

(*) the itinerary description provided by the boat operator.

The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip. Divers are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after the last dive.

Sample itineraries and maps are for illustrative purposes only. The exact route and sites visited are subject to change based on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics and are at the Captain's discretion.