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10 Days$7550USD

Activities
  • 10 days adventure cruising, optional kayaking, snorkelling, SUP and hiking
Accommodation
  • 9 nights aboard Katharina
Meals
  • 9 Dinners
  • 9 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts
1
Discovery and Cruising
 
 

Trip highlights


  • Cruise the tranquil waters of Raja Ampat
  • Unwind on some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the world
  • Relax at overnight moorings amongst the islands
  • Snorkel or kayak and explore the marine life beneath the waves
  • Savour delicious meals prepared fresh by your personal chef

The picture perfect Raja Ampat is an Indonesian archipelago comprising hundreds of jungle-covered islands. This trip, aboard a traditional wooden pinisi sailing ship, provides the perfect, comfortable base from which to explore the bays, beaches and islets of this tropical island paradise. Swim and snorkel the warm azure waters or break out the kayaks and paddle boards for some above water exploration. With over 75 percent of the world’s known coral species, more than 1,300 species of coral reef fish, five species of rare and endangered sea turtles, and 13 marine mammal species these abundant waters offer some of the world's best snorkelling. On land hike the jungle forests in search of the Red Bird of Paradise, whose stylised mating dances are word renown. Our local Indonesian crew are all expertly trained and passionate about their homeland, there really is no one better placed to share an insight into this fascinating part of Indonesia.

Trip Code: STA

You will be greeted by your tour leader at Sorong airport (or hotel) in the morning and taken to the boat, and after settling into your new home for the next ten days we will set course for the southernmost islands, part of the Raja Ampat National Park. After an alfresco lunch, we will stop for our first swim and snorkel on a coral reef, before continuing on our way south. Pre-dinner cocktails will be served on the back deck as the sun goes down and brings an end to our first day as we cruise on through the night. NB* Due to the unpredictability of flight schedules we highly recommend arriving in Sorong the day before departure. Ask us about pre-tour accommodation options.

Meals:  L,D

Today we wake up at the eastern end of the Misool archipelago, a picturesque chain of jungle-covered limestone islets with spectacular coral reefs offering some fantastic snorkelling. We will spend the day exploring the many inlets and bays and beaches with some trekking, swimming and snorkelling. We will also break out the kayaks and paddle boards for some seaborne adventuring. After our full day of island-hopping we will spend a quiet night at anchor under the stars.

Meals:  B,L,D

After an early breakfast, our day starts with a swim and a snorkel through a giant dome-roofed sea cave filled with massive stalagmites and stalactites, undoubtedly one of the areas most memorable experiences. We will then move on to the mysterious stingless jellyfish lake, one of only 20 in the world where these amazing creatures exist and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals. Using our tenders, we will visit some mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric cave paintings, estimated to be anything between 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human hands, fish and flowers.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will try our best to see the Lesser Birds of Paradise in the wild, an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to see them. We will rise early and walk through the forest to hopefully see the birds as they dance around in their ‘lekking’ trees. In the afternoon, an underwater exploration will take place as we snorkel around one of the best coral reefs in the world. School of fish hanging out in the deep and colourful sea fans sticking out of the wall. Late in the afternoon, we will be watching the sunset while sailing our way to Batanta island.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today, the island of Batanta offers us a change of scenery and a chance to stretch our legs with an adventurous jungle trek filled with birds, butterflies and insects. Starting at a local village, our guides will lead us through the forest on a short walk to the first of two waterfalls, where we can swim and cool off. The fitter of the group can keep heading upriver where a second, larger cascade awaits. After getting back to the boat and having lunch, we will go snorkelling and get the paddle boards and kayaks in the water, before heading north later in the afternoon and overnight cruise to a beautiful group of islands.

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning, we will visit a pearl farm tucked away in a protected, deep water cove and tour the facilities to learn how this precious commodity is produced and harvested. Pearling is an important industry and provides employment for many people in the local area. We will spend the afternoon snorkelling and kayaking amongst three small islands linked together by some pristine coral reefs, or you can simply choose to relax on the beach.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning will explore a small group of limestone islands filled with coves and beautiful reefs. After breakfast, we will go ashore for a short climb to a vantage point where we can survey our beautiful surroundings, before heading out to snorkel on the beautiful reefs. During lunch we will head to a small island located between Gam and Mansuar where the currents bring rich nutrients to the coral reefs. The three famous jetties offer so much underwater life scenery – schools of fish, the shy black tip reef sharks, the elegant spadefish and the magnificent giant clams.

Meals:  B,L,D

Central Raja Ampat stores many magical underwater gems. Today, we will be exploring some of them. Starting with a visit to a local village in the central of Mansuar island which promotes sustainability through their education centre, solar-powered street lights, and sustainable fishing practice through local community effort. Its house reef offers an abundance of marine life which is why we will spend the rest of our morning snorkelling here and if we’re lucky, maybe catch sight of a wobbegong shark. Another underwater adventure awaits in the afternoon as we make our way to the eastern point of Mansuar. Famous for its school of big fish, you can see humphead wrasse and school of giant trevalley swimming next to each other, maybe greeted by the resident hawksbill turtle. Tonight, we will have a beach BBQ and celebrate with the crew under the stars.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today sees a super early start as we head off into the forest in search of the incredible Red Bird of Paradise. The walk takes about 40 minutes, and as we arrive at the bird site at dawn, if we are lucky, we will see the incredible mating displays of these birds in the canopy of the rainforest. This is a David Attenborough moment if ever there was one. We will then walk through a colourful local village and meet the people who call this wonderful corner of paradise home and see how they live their daily lives. Back on the boat we will head off for some more great snorkelling in the famous wall on the east of Gam Island before we sail overnight to an island nearby Sorong.

Meals:  B,L,D

We will wake up anchored in Sorong and have one last hearty breakfast on board before heading on our very last adventure to Doom Island with traditional transportation called Becak. During the First World War, the island served as an administrative centre of Dutch Empire administration in West Papua and continued to become the core of Sorong for some time before the city grew in mainland Papua. During the Second World War, Japanese forces occupied and fortified the island, building a network of tunnels and bunkers. The island was attacked by American and Australian aircraft throughout the war. Following the war, a fishing station was briefly established on the island before it was moved to Manokwari. After our little adventure, we will bid farewell to the ship and her crew. Our tenders will take you ashore for your transfer to the airport for your onward travel.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners
  • twin share cabin accommodation
  • Raja Ampat park entrance fees and boat levies
  • snorkelling equipment
  • use of kayaks and paddle boards
  • local guide and crew
  • airport transfers

  • international flights to and from the point of embarkation
  • alcoholic & aerated drinks
  • items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
  • tips
  • airport & departure taxes
  • visas
  • travel insurance

About Your Leader

The all-Indonesian tour leader and crew are highly experienced and competent in the ways of the sea, the islands, and the cultures we visit. They all speak English very well, and are on hand to look after you and ensure you have a very safe and enjoyable time.


Cabins


Departure dates


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Priceper person from

$7550USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Fuel Surcharge 2024/2025USD$400
  • Single Cabin Supplement 2024 departuresUSD$5665
  • Single Cabin Supplement 2025 departuresUSD$5925
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Jewels of Raja Ampat aboard Katharina trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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