Hidden Lagoons, Endless Reefs & Manta Rays

Located in a remote area of West Papua lies Raja Ampat, translated to The Four Kings, truly one of the jewels in Indonesia’s crown. A multifaceted gem where mysterious lands and legends meet an unrivaled underwater paradise. Raja Ampat National Park is an expansive network of islands, with the four main islands being Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and
Misool. The vast waters of Raja Ampat are known to have one of the highest concentrations of marine biodiversity in the world, and it’s a stunning masterpiece of vibrant corals and a wide array of sea life. For some, the underwater world pales compared to the bounty available on land, a birdwatcher’s paradise, and exotic culture. Traveling to Raja Ampat is a journey unto itself, but it is well worth it!

Itinerary Sample

DAY 1: Sorong

Upon arrival at the Sorong airport, you will be met by the crew and transferred to the harbor, at approx. 20 - minute drive. You’ll have to settle in before we depart to cruise onward to the islands of Raja Ampat. Lunch will be served on deck. If time allows, we will stop for snorkeling or try a check dive before serving sundowners to the backdrop of a magnificent sunset. Tonight dinner will be served under the stars.

DAY 2: Kri Peninsula

This morning, you’ll awake to the calls of tropical birds as they, too, are preparing for their day. Mioskon Bay is a spectacular spot where you can snorkel in the mangroves or kayak on mirrored waters along the verdant coastline. Famed for its fish life and coral slopes, the Kri peninsula offers some of the most exquisite underwater vistas in Raja Ampat. Nearby, the island of Mansuar is home to a village where you can head ashore for a glimpse of local culture.

DAY 3: The Passage

Rise at dawn for the best chance of spotting a rare Red Bird of Paradise. Your cruise director, Arie, will accompany us on our jungle hike to the bird-watching platform, where we will have the opportunity to view these elusive birds and other aviary species. After breakfast, we will have time to take in the statuesque mushroom islands of Kabui Bay. These islands mark the entrance to a narrow water channel in which strong currents run with each tide, forming a saltwater river with plentiful coral and fish life.
 

DAY 4: Penemu Island

Today we explore the beautiful Penemu Islands - a cluster of rocky limestone domes draped in lush vegetation. These islets encircle a shallow bay and a walking trail that winds around the rocky hills to a lookout offering a panoramic view of the outlying islands and the ocean beyond. Nearby lies some of the most outstanding snorkeling and diving sites in the area. These nutrient-rich waters are home to a wide array of marine life and intricate coral gardens, including sea turtles, manta rays, and large schools of game fish.

DAY 5: Wayag

The Wayag Islands are an interminable maze of lush green peaks rising from multi-hued azure water - the quintessential landscape of Raja Ampat. Wayag offers a spectacular backdrop for water sports and beach time. Climb the island peak for a panoramic view of turquoise waterways or the ultimate downtime on one of the deserted beaches. Both are ideal spots to view the sun melt into the horizon.

DAY 6: Wofoh

Today we anchor in Wofoh, two islands connected by a shallow reef, the idyllic spot for beachcombing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Wofoh is also home to a magnificent coral wall that plunges into the crystal blue water offering stunning views of brightly colored sea life darting between barrel sponges and multicolored soft and hard corals.
 

DAY 7: Arborek

Today we explore the waters near Arborek Island, where majestic Manta Rays gather to feast on the plankton-rich waters carried on the tidal surges from the Dampier Strait. We will spend time diving or snorkeling over the sandy bottom while keeping a lookout for gliding mantas feasting in a wonderous and elegant underwater ballet. After a delicious lunch on board, we head ashore to explore Arborek village, one of only 18 small villages found throughout Raja Ampat.

DAY 8: Mansuar

A new day of discovery awaits at Mansuar Island. This morning the crew transfers you to the idyllic snorkeling and diving in waters where we have the opportunity to encounter turtles and mantra rays. In the afternoon, the crew will escort you on shore to visit a local village where we learn of their daily lives in this remote locale. Later this afternoon, we will have time to enjoy sundowners as the Aliikai Voyage sails to Batanta.
 

DAY 9: Batanta & Dayang Island

Today we explore the natural beauty of Batanta Island, the smallest of the 4 major islands of Raja Ampat. After breakfast, we embark on an island trek to the northern coast to cool off at two jungle waterfalls. The trek takes us along riverbeds, where we have the chance to spot endemic birds and wildlife. After lunch, we head to Dayang Island, where we dedicate the afternoon to relaxation and water activities. Enjoy our last Raja Ampat sunset surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. In the afternoon, Aliikai Voyage embarks on a crossing to Sorong where we will arrive in the night.
 

DAY 10: Soromg

After a final decadent breakfast on deck, our crew will assist you in disembarking Aliikai and transfer you back to the airport to catch your flight home.

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

Marine Life: At least 75 percent of all coral species can be found in Raja Ampat, divers can expect a range of topography from soft corals and sea fans, to hard corals, seagrass beds, mangroves, shallow reefs, deep drop-offs, caves, black sand, and white sand. Giant manta rays, sea turtles, sharks, cuttlefish, pipefish, various seahorse species, and massive schools of reef fish are the norm, plus the delightful wobbegong sharks and epaulet sharks inhabit these waters too.

p>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.