Trip Overview
Length:
8 day trip / 7 days kayaking
Difficulty:
3 / 5
Price:
2400 Euros
Location:
Raja Ampat, West Papua
Dates:
2023 - Nov 15 to 22
What makes this trip special
- The undisputed centre of marine diversity in the world
- Snorkel with 1200 different species of fish
- View 600 species of reef building coral
- Paddle amongst hundreds of stunning limestone islands and white sand beaches
- Unique cultural experiences
- Experience tropical beach camping
- Five nights in locally run Guesthouses
The Tour
Each day we will paddle to a new destination and explore the wonders of Raja Ampat along the way. We’ll snorkel at every opportunity and take in the marvels of the underwater world. Our guiding team is made up of one western guide and one Papuan guide. Our Papuan guide will teach you about the rich culture and history of the area as well as show you some of the hidden pockets that make Raja Ampat so special.
Meals
The group will enjoy three meals and snacks throughout the day. All meals are provided by the homestays and are generally made up of rice, chicken fish, eggs and greens for lunch and dinner as well as muesli, real coffee and tea for breakfast. The meals are tasty and plentiful.
The Place
West Papua is a region in Indonesia. It’s on the northwest tip of West Papua where the approximately 1500 islands that make up Raja Ampat are situated. The area is untouched and unknown, abounding in pristine tropical beaches, sapphire seas and one of the world’s most spectacular marine habitats.
The Weather
October to February is considered the dry season. Rainfall during the dry season consists of short but intense downpours that can occur during the heat of the afternoon. There is very little wind during these months.
Ocean Conditions
We’ll paddle in very protected waters, generally we expect light winds and no swell.
The Sea Kayaking
With so many islands to explore it feels like you are paddling through a maze of stationary icebergs, each rock formation more bizarre and astonishing than the last. Each paddle excursion is unique, and you will never tire of the view. We paddle through mangrove forests with hidden channels and bays. We will explore bays with thousands of mushrooms shaped limestone islands rising straight from the depths. We will explore coastlines with incredible rock formations and see a variety of the bird life that Raja Ampat has to offer.
The Snorkelling
The snorkelling is world class. Thousands of fish and coral can be seen on each snorkel outing and there are thousands of incredible sites to snorkel during our trip. The snorkel types that exist are: snorkel from the tender, snorkel from the beach, and drift snorkels.
Birds of Paradise Tour
This is a moderate to hard hike of a few hours. The hike takes us through steeper, rocky terrain but rewards us with views of Birds of Paradise as the males dance in the canopy overhead attracting females. This is an early morning hike on our last day of the trip.
What's Included
- 1 nights accommodation in Sorong (Twin Share)
- 6 nights accommodation in Guesthouses (Twin Share)
- Meals for the duration of the trip
- Kayaks and all equipment
- Western kayak guide and Papuan kayak guide
- Ferry transfers to Waisai
- Raja Ampat Marine Entry Permit
What's Not Included
- Meals while in Sorong before and after trip
- Personal tent for 3 nights of camping
- Sleeping pad and sleeping sheet for 3 nights of camping
- Indonesian Visa
- Travel insurance
- Taxi to and from the airport
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1
You will arrive in Sorong and get a taxi to the Swiss Bel Hotel. This is a four star hotel in the heart of Sorong. We will meet at 7.30 pm at the SwissBel Hotel for a trip Briefing.
Accommodation provided. No meals provided.
DAY 2
At 7.30am meet your guide and the group in the lobby, be checked out of your room, bags packed and ready to depart. We will make our way to the Sorong Harbour to board the ferry to Waisai. It is possible leave a bag in storage at the hotel.
Upon arrival in Waisai, we will take a boat to the village of Sapokreng where our kayaks await and our guesthouse has been prepared for us. In the early evening we’ll go for a short paddle along the coast of Waigeo Island, this will allow us to get acquainted with equipment and make any necessary adjustments.
Guesthouse. B-L-D.
DAY 3
We’ll pack and launch the kayaks and paddle to Gam island. We’ll explore small inlets and coves and take time out from paddling to snorkel over reefs. We will make our way to Yenbeser Village After a full day of paddling and snorkeling, we will enjoy the simple pleasures of village life.
Paddling distance – 15 km
Guesthouse. B-L-D.
DAY 4
Paddle Distance 18 km
Guesthouse. B-L-D.
DAY 5
We’ll wake at dawn in order to paddle into Besir Bay to catch the sunrise as it lights up the limestone islands. Mornings in Raja Ampat are fantastic as the birds come to life. Their calls fill the sky as you quietly paddle the maze of islands. These limestone islands are home to many bats, and we will discover the Besir Bay Bat Cave as we explore these myriad of limestone islands.
Guesthouse. B-L-D.
Distance: 15 km
DAY 6
Today we will cross Manta Sandy, a sandy open channel that boasts Manta Rays feeding. We will take our time during the crossing, hoping to catch a glimpse of these graceful giants. We will arrive at a tiny island between Kri and Mansuar Islands. With incredible snorkeling out front, a beautiful village across the way, there is lots to do with the rest of our day.
Distance: 18 km
Camping. B-L-D
DAY 7
We’ll paddle along the coast of Kri Island, reputed to have some of the best snorkeling in Raja Ampat we’ll explore it’s underwater world before paddling over to Friwin Island for lunch. After checking into our homestay we’ll paddle over to Friwin Wall for another memorable snorkeling opportunity. Friwin wall boasts thousands of colorful fish and coral.
Distance: 18 km
Guesthouse. B-L-D
DAY 8
Early start today, we’ll pack our kayaks and enjoy our last paddle back to Sapkoreng Village. We’ll return the kayaks and paddling gear before hopping on a boat for the return trip to the ferry. We’ll arrive back in Sorong by about 4.30pm. It’s encouraged that guests spend this evening in a hotel but it is possible to fly out in the evening.
Distance: 9 km
B-L
Accommodation
We’ll spend 1 night in 3 star hotel in Sorong and six nights of the trip in local guesthouses. These are run by local families who provide the rooms, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most families do not speak English. The guesthouses are very comfortable but basic. Each one is a little different but they are all traditional huts made with materials locally sourced. Many of them are built over or near the ocean providing an incredible atmosphere as well as a cool place to sleep. Some have private bathrooms and some are shared. All have a bed with a comfy mattress and pillows as well as a mosquito net. Participants are expected to bring their own sleeping sheet. Rooms are twin share with one queen bed or two single beds per cabin. Meals are traditional Indonesian fare with fresh fish or chicken, rice and noodles, and a variety of vegetables and fruits. As well as muesli for breakfast with real coffee and tea. The Meals are tasty and plentiful.
All Guesthouses have a toilet and fresh water showers.
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Photo Gallery
Route Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the meals like on the camping trips?
How much rain will we encounter on our trip?
What sort of winds will we encounter while paddling?
Will we encounter Swell during the trip?
What is the average air temperature in Raja Ampat?
What is the average ocean Temperature?
What is the average humidity levels?
Will the trip be cloudy or sunny?
What sort of kayak will we be paddling?
What kind of paddles will be used?
What kind of kayak sprayskirts will we be using?
What kind of PFDs will we be using?
What is a typical day like on the trip?
What sort of distances will we paddle each day?
How many hours will we paddle each day?
Should I bring a snorkel?
What should I expect in terms of water temperature?
Should I bring a stinger suit?
What type of snorkel outings will we have?
Will we visit any traditional villages along the way?
Is there a dress code in the villages?
Are there opportunities to buy anything in the villages?
Is there anything I can bring to give to the villages and the people?
Are there mosquitos on land?
Are there mosquitos?
Are there sharks and are they dangerous?
Are there crocodiles?
Is there malaria in Raja Ampat?
Trip Reviews
Wendy Arnott
Chris Pavich, AU
Di Hoopert, AUD
In 2 words…….absolutely fabulous ! ! It was everything I could have expected & more. The snorkeling was some of the best I have experienced, esp the number & variety of fish. Compared to the conditions I am use to here the kayaking conditions were idyllic, very little wind, swell, current or chop. Angela, our guide was the ultimate skilled professional & a top person into the bargain, very social & friendly, always helpful, cheery & positive. She went to great lengths to accommodate my dietary requirements & always provided a variety of nutritious meals, despite the remoteness & conditions. I have already recommended this trip to many people.
Marla Moon, US
Our experience paddling Raja Ampat with Angela was beyond amazing, beyond any fantasy imagined.
Application Form
Once you’ve filled out our online application form we will contact you within 24 hours. Our follow up email will include the detailed trip notes.
We’ll also send you a medical form. This helps us make any necessary preparations, it does not exclude you from the trip. To secure the booking we require a 1000 Euro deposit for each person. If you’d prefer to contact us directly we can be reached at info@expeditionengineering.com or at +12502662515
We’d be happy to discuss different trip options and help you find the perfect expedition holiday.
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