Journey to Raja Ampat: A Reef Odyssey

Welcome to Sorong, the largest city of West Papua, and the departure point for your luxury cruise to the Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat. Arrive to a warm welcome, with private transfer to the Swiss-Belhotel Sorong to wind down and relax, before boarding the Aqua Blu — your long-range explorer yacht. Settle into its many luxury spaces, before sailing to the remote paradise of Mioskon Island. This afternoon, recline in the Aqua Blu Bar with a cocktail in hand as you admire the view over the Indonesian archipelago.

Aqua Blu | Meals: BLD

Awake to the beauty of Mioskon Island reef. Discover an underwater paradise of abundant vibrant marine life on your first dive and snorkel excursion. Feast your eyes on schools of yellow snapper, napoleon wrasse, big grouper, wobbegong shark, pigmy seahorse, and different species of nudibranch. This afternoon, it’s on to Kabui Bay — a labyrinth of limestone islets teeming with wildlife. Explore this waterway by kayak but be sure to have your camera out. Enjoy the tranquil mangrove views and Jurassic islands soaring in the distance. Look out for hawksbill sea turtle, tropical hornbill and birds-of-paradise, and catch saltwater crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks. Return to the Aqua Blu for sundowners.

Aqua Blu | Meals: BLD

Rise to birdsong for an early-morning tender cruise around the karst cliffs of Kabui Bay. Enjoy breakfast while cruising to Cape Kri, which holds the world record for the largest number of species ever recorded on a single dive. Choose to snorkel or dive the coral gardens and keep your eyes peeled for rainbow reef fish, sharks, turtles and manta rays. This afternoon, it’s on to Yangeffo Island, for a dive or snorkel excursion at the Mayhem reef. Alternatively, you might opt for a tender cruise through the mangroves at sunset.

Aqua Blu | Meals: BLD

Cruise to Aljui Bay for an eye-opening visit to a pearl farm; learn how pearls make the journey from oyster to farm, with a glimpse into the skill, time and energy it takes to cultivate these jewels of the ocean. This afternoon, continue to Wofoh Island in the north of the Raja Ampat archipelago. Expect bone-white beaches hedged by lush emerald forest. Whether you choose to dive, snorkel or swim, you’ll get the chance to see a huge variety of marine life from barracuda to unicorn fish to turtles. Lay back and enjoy Aqua Blu’s Beach Club on your very own private beach, with a variety of water sports on offer, or simply sip cocktails as the sun sets.

Aqua Blu | Meals: BLD

Wake up to the fairy-tale panorama of Wayag Island. Gaze upon the grandiose expanse of deep blue ocean where dozens of towering karst islands sprout from the seas. Feast your eyes on limestone islets and lagoons as the sun rises; and jump in for a refreshing early morning swim before a hearty breakfast back onboard. After breakfast you’ll have the chance to spot black tip reef sharks during a snorkelling and diving excursion to Figure Eight Rock and Ranger Station reefs. This afternoon, explore the magical hidden lagoons of ‘Castaway’ beach in a kayak. Back on board recline on the sundeck or relax in the jacuzzi with the magnificent views.

Aqua Blu | Meals: BLD

Discover the oceanic and reef manta rays of Dayang Island. Snorkelers and divers will revel in the close presence of these majestic creatures at the Manta Cleaning Station, where fish, sharks and mantas gather to feed on microscopic fish and a variety of cleaner wrasse. Diving and snorkelling with manta rays is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These majestic creatures can develop a wingspan of up to 29 feet, are the world’s largest rays and are known to be generally benevolent with humans. This afternoon it’s on to Birie Island. Learn about the history and ethnology of Raja Ampat with a cultural excursion to the village of Yensawai, where you’ll enjoy traditional song and dance.

Aqua Blu | Meals: BLD

Rise before the sun to embark on a spectacular nature excursion on tender, canoe and on foot. Explore the wildlife-rich tropical rainforests, rolling hills and river valleys near the villages of Waifoi and Warimak, which lie on the eastern shore of northern Mayalibit Bay. The hiking portion of the trip includes an opportunity to witness rare birds of paradise. For the adventurous, finish with a refreshing swim down the rushing Kali Biru River. This afternoon, get acquainted with the underwater wonderland of Friwinbonda Island with one last snorkel, before departing for your last night onboard, in Sorong.

Aqua Blu | Meals: BLD

Enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard in Sorong before your outbound flight.

Meals: B