Trip Overview
Length:
12 day trip / 10 days kayaking
Difficulty:
2 / 5
Price:
From $5500 USD p/p
Location:
Raja Ampat, West Papua
Dates:
2023
Nov 26-Dec 7:Full
Dec 10-19: 10 Day trip 3 cabins available
2024
Jan 19-30: 5 Cabins available
Feb 3-14 5 Cabins available
What makes this trip special
- The undisputed centre of marine diversity in the world
- 12 days aboard a 4 star yacht with luxuries of the modern world
- Experience both the southern and northern islands of Raja Ampat
- Snorkel and dive with 1200 different species of fish
- View 600 species of reef building coral
- Experience the remote setting of Misool Island
- Choose to sea kayak, dive or snorkel on three excursions per day
- Unique cultural experiences
- Cathedral sized caves
The Tour
This trip allows guests to see the highlights of both Southern and Northern Raja Ampat, with the freedom and comfort of a liveaboard. From the moment you land in Sorong to the moment you take off, you do not have to worry about a thing. Your guides and yacht crew will take care of all safety matters and logistics.
The first week will be spent in the Misool Island Chain where very few outsiders have explored. The second week will be spent exploring the highlights of the northern end of Raja Ampat. You choose if you want to kayak, dive, snorkel, or SUP. During the trip we will kayak, snorkel or dive up to three times each day. Our luxury home will act as a floating base camp and will transport us in total comfort from one stunning area to the next.
The Place
The island of New Guinea sits just below the equator, bounded by the Pacific Ocean in the north and the Arafura Sea in the south. Raja Ampat can be found on the northwest tip of West Papua. Approximately 1500 limestone islands make up Raja Ampat. The area is untouched and unknown, abounding in pristine tropical beaches, sapphire seas and one of the world’s most spectacular marine habitats.
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The Weather
October through to February is considered the dry season. Rainfall consists of short but intense downpours that can occur during the heat of the afternoon. Winds are general very light during this season.
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 Diving
The diving in Raja Ampat is reputed to be the best in the world. With 42 endemic reef fish, numerous endemic sharks, as well as thousands of colourful soft and hard coral, each dive outing is unique and outstanding. Dives vary from calm water dives, to diving underneath sea arches, diving with currents, drift dives and diving from a boat. Two dive masters will guide each dive.
The Snorkelling
The snorkelling is also 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. We will snorkel from the tender, snorkel from the beach, and participate in drift snorkels.
The Stand Up Paddle Boarding
We have two Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP’ing) available for guests to use during the trip. SUP’ing is an incredible way to view the coral reefs from above the water. The perspective from a SUP allows you to see all the green and blue hues of the water, see the fish swimming below and see all the colors of the coral.
What's Included
- 11 nights accommodation onboard
- Meals on yacht
- Kayaks and all equipment
- Stand up paddle boards and equipment
- Two dive masters
- Kayak guide
- Port transfers at the start and end of trip
- Raja Ampat Marine Entry Permit
What's Not Included
- Dive equipment (can be rented from yacht)
- Snorkel equipment (can be rented from yacht)
- Meals while in Sorong before and after trip
- Hotel accommodation in Soron
- Alcoholic beverages
- Indonesian Visa
- Travel insurance
- Airfares
Trip Itinerary
Your adventure with us will begin as soon as you touch down at the airport in Sorong. You wont have to worry about a thing as we will pick you up from the airport and take you to the yacht, where you can rest and relax from your travels before we begin kayaking, diving and snorkelling.
DAY 1
We will pick you up from the airport and transport you directly to the yacht.
Once everyone has arrived, we will meet the crew, have a safety briefing and set sail for the southern end of Raja Ampat. We will cruise all night long in order to arrive at our destination, Misool Island.
DAY 2
We will awake on the southeastern tip of the Misool Island Chain. We will spend the morning and afternoon outtings kayaking and diving Balbulol Island.
DAY 3
We will have a short transfer to Farondi Island and spend both morning and afternoon excursions exploring Farondi Island. Incredible lagoons, mangrove passages and caves will be ours to explore!
DAY 4
We will have a short cruise to the next island in the Misool Island Chain, Lenkafal. We will be dropped off at the southeastern tip of this island and spend a longer outing exploring the many nooks and crannies of Lenkafal Island. We will join the yacht in time for lunch. We will spend the afternoon exploring the rest of Lenkafal Island via kayak and snorkel.
DAY 5
A short cruise will bring us to the “Thousand Temple Islets” where we will spend the days outtings exploring thousands of intricate islands, of all shapes and sizes. We will paddle over shallow reefs and deep lagoons, under archways and through hidden passages in the limestone rocks.
DAY 6
Today we will explore an incredible cathedral like cave by kayak, stand up paddle board or flippers. This is the most amazing cave Raja Ampat has to offer. The afternoon will see us making our way north to the Northern Islands of Raja Ampat.
DAY 7
We will wake up in the Fam Group and have two kayak and dive outtings in this island archipelago. We will have the opportunity for a short hike to a 360 degree lookout of the surrounding area. Tonight we will cruise to the very northwestern corner of Raja Ampat.
DAY 8
We will wake up in Wayag, just north of the equator and paddle through the maze of uninhabited islands that make up this group. We will experience beautiful whitesand beaches and coral reefs just meters from the shoreline. Paddlers can circumnavigate the limestone islands that look like mushrooms sprouting from the sea. For those looking to stretch their legs, a hike to the top of one of the islands provides exceptional views of the archipelago. While diving, expect a variety of coral and large schools of fish.
DAY 9
To Equator Island! This island not only provides the opportunity to kayak across the equator but is part of a group that features hidden lagoons and gorgeous beaches. We will then head to Aljui Bay and have a tour of one of the pearl farms that thrive in this area. There is opportunity here for guests to purchase pearls from this pearl farm. We will also have a kayak and dive outing in this beautiful bay.
DAY 10
We will head to the southern shoreline of Gam Island and paddle into Mangrove Lagoon, we’ll wind our way through the mangrove fingers, eventually reaching three inland marine lakes. Here, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for dugongs, up to twelve have been reported to live in the area. On the other side of the lakes we’ll enter a new set of mangrove fingers which eventually lead us back to the open ocean where we’ll meet the yacht.
DAY 11
Today we will explore Kabui Bay and wind our way through hundreds of limestone islands. A maze of islands and passageways will have us paddling in a circle route to meet the ship where it dropped us off. We will explore one island that has ancient petroglyphs on the rock faces. Tonight we head back to Sorong, enjoying our last group dinner on board.
DAY 12
Morning arrival into Sorong. Enjoy a farewell breakfast before packing up and bidding goodbye to the boat crew. The trip concludes with a transfer to the airport.
End of Trip
We arrive into Sorong in the early hours of Day 12. It would be best to book flights that depart Sorong after 11am.
The Yacht
The Live-aboard vessel we use on this trip is called Jakare. She is a sailing ship built in 2016 in traditional South Celebes Phinisi Style. It is made of several tropical wood species including teak, ironwood and merbau. The ship is modernly equipped and stylishly decorated. The boat is 35 meters long and 7.5 meters wide, there is plenty of space. It has been specifically designed with comfort in mind. She is a luxury floating home that feels more like a hotel than a boat.
Click here for 3D tour of the Yacht
Key Features
- Tastefully appointed cabins that feature individually controlled air conditioning and private ensuites
- 1 Large Suite, with a huge rear window
- Two large decks for lounging and cocktail hour
- A huge dining area for meals and relaxing
- A covered open air lounge with cushions and bean bags
- 2 Tenders available for diving and snorkelling outings
- Diving Compressor and diving equipment
- Stand Up Paddle Boards
- A full fleet of good quality, expedition style kayaks. Singles and doubles available, all with rudders and bulkheads.
The Dining Space
The rear dining area is an amazing space, it’s completely open concept with large tables and comfortable seating for up to 14 people. It’s sheltered but has open sides which allows a breeze to blow through the space and means you can take in the scenery while enjoying your meals.
Lounge Area
Immediately behind the dining area is a large sheltered lounge with cushions and bean bags. This space also benefits from the open sides and is the perfect place to relax or read a book.
The Foredeck
The foredeck is primarily used as a place to get ready for an outing. All dive, snorkel and kayaking gear is stored here. Guests can get ready under the shade of a huge awning. There is also a large table which provides the perfect place to conduct briefings before an outing.
Cabins
There are 3 types of Cabins onboard Jakare. The two cabins in the bow are perfect single travellers. They feature 2 single beds.
The midship cabins feature 1 double bed and 1 single bed. These two cabins work well for couples but can also be used by single travellers. The rear cabin is the largest cabin and features a queen sized bed as well the ability to use a small separate cabin with 2 single beds. It has a large window which opens up fully allowing unbelievable views and a nice airy feeling to the cabin.
All cabins have a private ensuite with toilet, shower and sink. They all have individually controlled air conditioning units as well as small fans.
Rear Cabin – Suite
- Fully equipped with toilet, sink and hot shower
- Air conditioning
- Huge rear window
- Large number of cabinets and closets
- Queen sized bed
- 2 single beds available for families
Cabins 3 and 4 – Superior Cabins with space for up to 3 people.
- Fully equipped with toilet, sink and hot shower
- Air conditioning
- Large number of cabinets and closets
- 1 Double Bed and 1 single bed
Cabin 1 and 2 – Twin Cabins
- Fully equipped with toilet, sink and hot shower
- Air conditioning
- Large number of cabinests and closets
- 2 Single Beds
Sun Decks
There are also 2 large sun decks which is the perfect place for a morning yoga session or a sunset cocktail
Photo Gallery
Route Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the meals like on the liveaboard 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?
Will we paddle in any larger swell conditions?
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?
Can you explain the type of paddling outings we will have?
How many hours will we paddle each day?
What sort of distances will we be paddling?
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?
Where does the boat anchor at night?
Does the boat move locations at night?
Who are the crew on the boat?
Are there mosquitos on the boat?
Are there sharks and are they dangerous?
Are there crocodiles?
Is there malaria in Raja Ampat?
Trip Reviews
Kieth Aubrey
Ellen Pickard
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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