Set sail on an unforgettable voyage amongst the islands of Muluku and Raja Ampat - one of the most stunning parts in the tropical world, onboard a luxurious traditional Indonesian sailing ship known as a pinisi. Our experience of coral reefs around the World puts Raja Ampat amongst the best, providing exceptional underwater colour top spot for diversity of fish, soft and hard corals.
There are lots of opportunities to snorkel on these voyages, in warm waters, often crystal clear with opportunities to encounter harmless black tip reef sharks, wobbegong sharks, spadefish, hawksbill turtles, and vast schools of fish. As well as this, you’ll visit one of only 20 mysterious non-stinging jellyfish lakes found worldwide, where you can swim among these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Above the surface, you will be sailing through the iconic landscape of forest-covered limestone karst islets, where every vista is a work of art. The yacht will sometimes sail close to rainforest where Birds of Paradise reside. Here you will be able to step ashore and go in search as they provide mating displays in the forest canopy.
You will also be invited to experience local cultures and traditions, engaging with the welcoming communities that call Raja Ampat their home. Many areas promote sustainability of energy and fishing, as well as efforts to protect wildlife. You will see evidence of cultures here going back 5,000 years, in rock paintings amongst sea cave cemeteries. You will be able to gaze at these as you snorkel.
Doom Island is another place of historical significance that you may visit. This island, which lies close to the West Papua ‘mainland’, became an important regional centre of the Dutch occupation. In the Second World War, it became a Japanese stronghold where the army made cave connections between defensive bunkers.
This journey promises a wonderful blend of natural wonders, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences in one of the best preserved coastal tropical areas left on our planet.
Itinerary
Raja Ampat & Volcanoes of Maluku Sailing Voyage
Please note that these itineraries are subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last minute weather conditions and the decision of the Raja Ampat National Park authority.
Day 1
Step onboard to be guided to your cabin and then receive a safety briefing before leaving the harbour and setting sail.
You first destination will be Mioskon Island – an excellent spot to begin snorkelling. You will stay here through the evening, with the chance to see fruits bats taking to the air in their thousands.
Day 2
Today begins with an early start as you venture to a village on the larger & heavily forested Waisai Island. Here you'll set off in search of the island’s famed birds of paradise.
The Wilson’s Bird of Paradise is one species we can hope to find here. Males are decorated with an electric blue crown and tail, bright red back, yellow neck band and green underparts, all framed in brown. These vibrant birds clear forest floors to create display stages.
Another possible sighting is the Red Bird of Paradise. Males are mostly red, with yellow shoulders, a green head, and two long black tail feathers. They’re known for their elaborate courtship dances and loud cawing, they’re a dazzling spectacle in the treetops.
Once you have been in the forest, you will return to the village. Here you may get a chance to explore the community and the local school.
You will board the boat by mid-morning so that you can have enough time to snorkel at Firwin Island and then visit Alfred Wallace’s 19th Century house in Yenbesir.
Day 3
At Yenuba village, there is a site known as the ‘fishbowl'. This is a site with spectacular marine diversity and should provide a wonderful snorkelling experience.
As you eat lunch onboard, you will be sailing towards Arborek village where there will be a traditional dance and music taking place. A particularly interesting snorkel amongst the reef here will also happen as you could get the chance to swim with Manta Rays.
In the evening, you will have a presentation from an organisation working to help the survival and health of manta populations in this area.
Day 4
Piaynemo will be where you wake up this morning - a location in the very beautiful Fam Islands. Here, you will be able to snorkel after your breakfast and then climb to a viewpoint where you will be able to see the island chain scatted beneath you – water shades from dark blue to turquoise to white of the sand in shallowest water.
This will be followed by a trip to Andau Island - another location where you can hope to swim with Manta Rays.
In the afternoon, the ship will begin to head south on its way to Misool Island.
Day 5
As you awake in the Misool Archipelago, you may awake early enough to catch the sunrise in the unique and beautiful landscape, full of karst islands scattered amongst the water.
Tenders will take you to a cave where you will be able to swim and snorkel amongst the stalactites.
The jellyfish lake will be your next port of call. This is a truly unique experience where you will be surrounded by a mass of stingless jellyfish.
The afternoon will be dedicated to further snorkelling and the chance to see some of the pre-history of the area by entering caves with cemeteries and paintings estimated to go back 3,000-5,000 years ago.
Day 6
Today, the aim is to be snorkelling in the Gorgonian Passage, where there is also a great diversity of marine life for you to observe, with hundreds of fish species and vibrant corals. Above-water, the aim is to take a tender along the island chain through the amazing scenery and to some notable stopping points, with possibilities to kayak, paddleboard and swim.
A night time BBQ will follow your day in the Passage.
Day 7
Another early morning aiming for Katpacol village for another chance to see birds of paradise. The target this time will be the Lesser Bird of Paradise. These are similar in appearance to the Red Bird of Paradise, but they have slightly less extreme face plumage and their two extended tail feathers are thin and a similar colour to the rest of the tail feathers; rather than dark and bold like in the Red Bird of Paradise.
As you finish here and walk back to the village, you may get some time to explore it and visit the local school. In the school, you can learn about the Nature Conservancy and how its work in the village is helping local women with fishing using a technique called sasi.
Day 8
Today, the plan is to be at a small island called Pisang, South from Halmahera Island, where there will be a snorkelling opportunity and a visit to a Bajau sea gypsy village. Here you will be able to see the local culture and way of life.
Lunch will be served as the ship heads west towards Bacan Island.
Day 9
Starting off the west coast of Bacan Island, a hike will take you into the island’s steep forests as you search for Wallace’s Giant Bee and the Golden Birdwing Butterfly. This is a particularly good spot to see parrots, cockatoos, lorikeets and hornbills; as well as mammals like the Cuscus and the Black-Crested Macaque.
Day 10
The ship will aim for the Guraici Archipelago where there are islands with their own white-sand beaches, coral reefs and villages. This is a controlled, conserved area, protecting the amazing species and sites present here. A day in the archipelago will provide options for you to snorkel, swim, kayak and paddleboard amidst this beautiful area; and visit to a local village.
Day 11
In the morning, you will have the chance to see a blacksmith village on Tidore Island featuring a 16th century Spanish fort.
The ship will then begin heading to the village of Dodinga, where Wallace lived at the time he worked out the mechanisms of evolution.
Day 12
On the final day of your itinerary, you will have a tour of Ternate in the morning as well as visit some Portuguese and Dutch forts and Sultan’s Palace, each with great historical significance to the island.
You will then disembark in the afternoon and be transferred back to Ternate airport if you have finished your trip.
Dates
Our price includes
Accommodation in a shared twin cabin
All meals onboard
Soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks
Two items of laundry per day
Towels and linens
Complimentary sarong, cotton backpack and re-usable water bottle
Basic first aid kit
Toiletries inc sunscreen, soap and shampoo
Complimentary beer, wine and selected cocktails with beach BBQ
Port and park fees
Use of facilities onboard inc snorkelling gear, paddle boards and kayaks
Transfers to and from the boat as per the itinerary
Not included
Domestic flights
Other alcoholic drinks
Gratuities
Items of a personal nature (e.g. souvenirs)
Fuel surcharge US$400*
*may be subject to change
