Our supplier’s mission is to provide the best experience possible for our guests given the current conditions and when unexpected opportunities for adventure may present themselves along our cruise routes. Sometimes weather conditions, tides or other local factors dictate that we need to vary from the published route, and at times there are special opportunities to explore and discover new locations, events and activities. These explorations will always be a definite enhancement to the published itinerary and will be undertaken after discussion and agreement among guests. Ultimately, the boat captains and your tour leader will make decisions to maximize trip safety and your overall enjoyment, so please come prepared to be flexible!
Your Itinerary
Day 1 -
Your flight will arrive in the West Papuan port town of Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. From the airport we will transfer you to the harbour where the Ombak Putih or Katharina will be waiting at anchor. Once settled into your cabin, your cruise director will familiarise you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures. Ready to start our adventure, we will weigh anchor and set a southerly course for the Misool archipelago, stopping for a refreshing swim along the way. We will then dine alfresco on the main deck while meeting the other passengers and crew and watching the sun set on our first day at sea.
Day 2 -
Today, your journey begins at the eastern edge of the Misool archipelago, a breathtaking series of lush limestone islands enveloped in dense jungle. The archipelago boasts awe-inspiring coral reefs, creating a haven for snorkelers like you, seeking unforgettable underwater experiences.
Throughout the day, you’ll immerse yourself in the exploration of numerous inlets, bays, and beaches. Trekking through the verdant landscapes, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and embarking on thrilling snorkeling excursions will be among the highlights of your adventure. Additionally, you’ll embrace the spirit of adventure by venturing out on kayaks and paddleboards, gliding through the shimmering sea.
After an exhilarating day of hopping between islands, you’ll embrace tranquility as you drop anchor under a blanket of stars. It will be a serene and peaceful night, where you can bask in the enchanting beauty of your surroundings.
Day 3 -
After enjoying an early breakfast, your day begins with a thrilling swim and snorkel through a magnificent dome-roofed sea cave adorned with colossal stalagmites and stalactites. This remarkable experience is undoubtedly one of the most memorable in the area.
Next, you’ll embark on a journey to the enigmatic stingless jellyfish lake, one of only 20 such lakes in the entire world. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to swim among thousands of these incredible creatures, creating a truly mesmerizing encounter.
Using the tenders at your disposal, you’ll venture to intriguing locations, including mysterious skull cairns nestled within sea-cave cemeteries. These ancient sites hold a sense of mystery and intrigue, offering glimpses into past civilizations. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to explore prehistoric cave paintings estimated to be between 3,000 to 5,000 years old. These captivating artworks depict various human figures, colossal human hands, as well as mesmerizing depictions of fish and flowers.
Day 4 -
Today, you will have the opportunity to witness the remarkable beauty of the Lesser Birds of Paradise in their natural habitat—a truly unforgettable experience for anyone fortunate enough to encounter them. Setting off early, you will embark on a forest walk, eagerly hoping to catch a glimpse of these magnificent birds as they gracefully dance around their “lekking” trees.
In the afternoon, you will embark on an exciting underwater adventure, exploring one of the world’s most breathtaking coral reefs. As you snorkel, you’ll be mesmerized by the sight of vibrant schools of fish gracefully navigating the depths, while colorful sea fans adorn the walls, creating a mesmerizing underwater spectacle.
As the day progresses, you’ll find yourself sailing towards Batanta island, with the late afternoon offering a picturesque setting to witness the breathtaking beauty of the sunset. With the wind guiding your journey, you’ll be able to relax and appreciate the tranquil ambiance as the sun paints the sky in hues of orange and gold.
Day 5 -
Today, the captivating island of Batanta invites you to embrace a change of scenery and embark on an exhilarating jungle trek. As you venture through the lush forest, a symphony of birdsongs, vibrant butterflies, and intriguing insects will accompany your every step.
Starting from a local village, knowledgeable guides will lead you on a short walk, unveiling the enchanting beauty of the jungle. Your first stop will be at a picturesque waterfall, where you can take a refreshing swim and immerse yourself in the cool waters. For the more adventurous and physically fit members of the group, the journey continues upriver, where a larger cascade awaits, ready to mesmerize you with its grandeur.
Returning to the boat after the trek, a well-deserved lunch awaits. Once fueled up, it’s time to dive into the underwater wonders as you indulge in a snorkeling adventure. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to take the paddleboards and kayaks out onto the shimmering waters, allowing you to explore the surrounding beauty from a different perspective.
Later in the afternoon, the boat will set course towards a stunning group of islands located to the north. As the day transitions into evening, you’ll have the pleasure of embarking on an overnight cruise, surrounded by the tranquil allure of the sea, en route to these breathtaking islands.
Day 6 -
In the morning, you will have the opportunity to visit a hidden pearl farm nestled within a protected cove with deep waters. As you embark on a guided tour of the facilities, you will gain insights into the fascinating process of pearl production and harvesting. Pearling serves as a significant industry in the area, offering employment opportunities to the local community.
As the day progresses, the afternoon will be filled with delightful water activities. You can choose to explore the underwater wonders by snorkeling, marveling at the vibrant marine life thriving around three interconnected small islands adorned with pristine coral reefs. Alternatively, if you prefer a more leisurely experience, you can opt to relax on the picturesque beach, soaking in the sun and embracing the serenity of the surroundings.
Day 7 -
This morning, you will have the opportunity to explore a captivating cluster of limestone islands adorned with secluded coves and breathtaking reefs. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will venture ashore for a short climb to a vantage point, granting you a panoramic view of the stunning surroundings. From this elevated position, you will be able to admire the beauty of the landscape before embarking on an exciting snorkeling adventure, exploring the vibrant reefs beneath the surface.
During lunchtime, the boat will take you to a small island nestled between Gam and Mansuar. This island benefits from nutrient-rich currents, creating an ideal environment for thriving coral reefs. The three renowned jetties in the area offer a mesmerizing underwater spectacle, teeming with a diverse array of marine life. Prepare to be enchanted by the sight of vibrant schools of fish, the elusive black tip reef sharks, the graceful spadefish, and the majestic giant clams that add a touch of splendor to the underwater scenery.
Day 8 -
Central Raja Ampat holds a trove of magical underwater treasures, and today, you will have the opportunity to explore some of them.
To begin, we will visit a local village situated in the heart of Mansuar Island. This village is dedicated to promoting sustainability through various initiatives, such as an education center, solar-powered street lights, and sustainable fishing practices driven by the local community. The house reef surrounding the village is teeming with marine life, making it the perfect spot for our morning snorkeling adventure. Keep your eyes peeled, as you may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a wobbegong shark, adding a touch of excitement to our exploration.
In the afternoon, another thrilling underwater adventure awaits as we venture to the eastern point of Mansuar. This area is renowned for its mesmerizing school of large fish, including the impressive humphead wrasse and the majestic giant trevally. These magnificent creatures often swim side by side, and if we’re lucky, we may even be greeted by the resident hawksbill turtle, adding to the enchantment of the experience.
As night falls, we will indulge in a beach BBQ and celebrate with the crew under the twinkling stars. It will be a memorable evening, filled with delicious food, joyful camaraderie, and the serene beauty of our surroundings.
Day 9 -
Today, you have a super early start as you embark on an exciting adventure in search of the magnificent Red Bird of Paradise. The journey takes you deep into the enchanting forest, and after a 40-minute walk, you will reach the bird site just as the dawn breaks. If luck is on your side, you will witness the awe-inspiring mating displays of these birds amidst the lush canopy of the rainforest. It’s a moment reminiscent of a scene from a David Attenborough documentary, and one you won’t want to miss.
After the mesmerizing bird encounter, you will continue your exploration by walking through a vibrant local village. Here, you will have the wonderful opportunity to meet the people who call this corner of paradise their home and gain insight into their daily lives. It’s a chance to connect with the local community and experience the rich cultural tapestry that thrives in this region.
Returning to the boat, your journey continues to the famous wall on the eastern side of Gam Island, where more incredible snorkeling adventures await you. Immerse yourself in the underwater realm, marveling at the diverse marine life that inhabits these crystal-clear waters.
As the day winds down, the boat will set sail for an island located nearby Sorong. This overnight journey allows you to relax and unwind while embracing the serenity of the sea, as you make your way to your next destination.
Day 10 -
You will wake up anchored in Sorong, ready to embark on your final adventure aboard. Before bidding farewell, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast on board, savoring the last moments of your voyage. Today’s adventure takes you to Doom Island, where you will experience a unique mode of transportation known as Becak. This traditional form of transport will allow you to explore the island and its fascinating history.
Doom Island played a significant role during the First World War as the administrative center of the Dutch Empire in West Papua. It later became the core of Sorong before the city expanded to the mainland. During the Second World War, the island was occupied by Japanese forces, who constructed tunnels and bunkers as part of their fortifications. The island faced repeated attacks by American and Australian aircraft throughout the war. After the war, a fishing station was briefly established on the island before being relocated to Manokwari.
After your adventure on Doom Island, it will be time to bid farewell to the Ombak Putih and its dedicated crew. The tenders will transport you ashore, where you will proceed with your transfer to the airport for your onward travel.
As you conclude your journey, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences, memories, and friendships forged during your time aboard the Ombak Putih. Cherish the beauty of the places you’ve explored and carry the spirit of adventure with you on your continued travels.
Details: -
Cost for the 10 days/9 nights nights is from £5700 per person based on 2 sharing a double cabin . Includes a cruise on All Inclusive basis (alcoholic drinks extra) with all activities included.
Note: The price of this cruise does not include any domestic airfares. The best way is to arrange flights to Jakarta or Bali from where we can organise your domestic flights to Sorong. The overall cost of the flights will start from around £985 per person. We are happy to assist you with arranging the accommodation in Bali or Jakarta.
What's included?
Included:
- Prices start from £5,700 per person
- Cruise on Full Board basis (alcoholic drinks excluded)
- All on board and off board activities
- All Taxes
- Service charges
- Park fees
- Water sports
- Extra US$400 Fuel Surcharge Applies
- All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
