Raja Ampat is located off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua and described as one of the most extraordinary environments on the planet. The main islands of Misool, Batanta, Waigeo and Salawati are surrounded by 1,500 islands with wild beaches and limestone cliffs plunging into aqua seas. Towering karst formations rise dramatically from crystal-clear lagoons, while vibrant coral reefs teem with marine life just below the surface. This remote paradise offers a true sense of escape, remaining untouched and unspoiled, and is ideal for luxury exploration by superyacht.
Day 1 begins as you are met at Sorong airport by the yacht’s crew and transferred to the harbour, a 20–minute drive. Once you have settled in onboard, the yacht will depart Sorong and begin the cruise to the islands of Raja Ampat while you enjoy lunch on deck. If time allows, go snorkelling or try a check dive before you watch the sun go down. Dinner will be served under the stars.
Day 2 begins as you awake to the sound of tropical birds calling from the jungle. Mioskon Bay is a spectacular spot where you can snorkel in the mangroves, or kayak mirror still 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.
Day 3 offers the best chance of spotting a rare Red Bird of Paradise. Your cruise director can accompany you on this jungle hike of around 45–minutes to reach the bird–watching platform, where you can keep your eyes and ears open for signs of this elusive bird. After breakfast, take in the statuesque mushroom islands of Kabui Bay, marking the entrance to a narrow channel of water through which strong currents run with each tide, forming a saltwater river with coral and fish–life.
Day 4 explores a cluster of rocky limestone domes that make up the Penemu Islands. Draped with tiers of green vegetation, the islets encircle a shallow green bay and a walking trail along the rocky hills leads to a look out with magnificent views of the lagoon, its outlying islands, and the ocean beyond. Nearby lie some of the most celebrated snorkelling and diving sites in the area, where turtles float over intricate coral gardens and Manta rays meet large schools of game fish.
Day 5 brings you to the Wayag Islands, an interminable green maze that comprise the most visually stunning scene in Raja Ampat. Wayag offers a spectacular backdrop for water sports and beach time. Climb the island peak behind the anchorage for a panoramic view of turquoise waterways through the rock formations or play castaway among the deserted beaches as the sun melts into another Raja Ampat sunset and the chef cooks up a feast.
Day 6 visits two islands connected by a shallow reef, which makes for a wonderful spot for beach combing, paddle boarding and kayaking. The west coast of Wofoh is also home to one of the most beautiful coral walls in the area, plunging into clear blue water depths with a mixture of soft corals, hard corals and barrel sponges. Schooling surgeonfish and barracuda can be spotted here as well as the elusive unicorn fish.
Day 7 follows Dampier’s tidal surges, which carry planktonic feasts that attract Manta rays near Arborek Island. Spend time diving or snorkelling over the sandy bottom and wait for the mantas to pass, swooping past with curious eyes in an elegant underwater ballet. After lunch onboard, head ashore to Arborek village. Communities in Raja Ampat primarily make their living from sustainable fishing and pearling, with around 18 villages in the region.
Day 8 marks your return to Sorong port. After a final decadent breakfast on deck, your crew will assist you in disembarking the yacht and transfer you back to the airport to catch your flight home.
