Intrepid Raja Ampat Sailing Expedition

• With extraordinary biodiversity, Raja Ampat is one of the few places on the planet where you will see such a wide range of marine life in their natural habitat
• Located in the great Coral Triangle between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Raja Ampat offers a snorkelling experience like no other. We’re talking views on par with those of a diver’s
• The reefs of Raja Ampat are in a perfect condition, with many giant corals, purple corals, and sea squirts, hard coral tables, deer antler corals, green and brown moose antler corals
• The people of Raja Ampat are lovely and welcoming, not to mention model conservationists and artisans. Join them in their culture for a day at the delightful Arborek Tourist Village
• Half the fun of this trip is the boat you’ll be sailing in – in the style of a traditional Melanesian outrigger

Day 1: Sorong (West Papua)

Located at the ‘beak’ of West Papua’s Bird’s Head Peninsula (or Doberai Peninsula), Sorong is where your trip begins. It’s the largest town in West Papua and the gateway to the islands of Raja Ampat (Pulau Raja Ampat). Those arriving earlier should check out Stone Hill for a panoramic view of the town – it’s dotted with remnants of Dutch colonial houses and is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Also consider visiting Sapta Ratna Pagoda, a local Buddhist temple.

Days 2-6: Palau Raja Ampat

Sit back and relax as we begin our sailing adventure around Raja Ampat’s delightful islands. The following itinerary for the next few days won’t be 100 % set in stone. We’ll keep a flexible approach to what we visit and when, based on weather and other factors. Half the fun of sailing, of course, is the spontaneous element and the fact that each day is unique.

Pulau Waigeo
In Waisai climb aboard your new home for the next seven days – the Big Kanu. Based on a traditional Melanesian outrigger canoe, the trimaran is the perfect vessel for sailing the shallow waters of the archipelago.

Kabui Bay
Scattered throughout Kabui Bay are karst formations, many of which rise dramatically from the sea and are covered in thick tropical vegetation. Some have wooden jetties which allow easy access for a closer look.

Pulau Gam
Famous for its white sandy beaches and pristine forests, Gam offers calm, shallow waters that were made for snorkelling. Take a stroll along the beach or, better yet, trek to one of the higher points of the islands for some birdwatching. A highlight of Gam is to visit a local village and meet the friendly people there.

Pulau Wayag
Wayag is the Raja Ampat poster child – if you see an image of Raja Ampat it’s probably of this place. Here you will have a little circular beach spot where most other boats dare not go, and can set up your own dining table among the trees on the edge of the white sandy beach (about six metres from the boat).

Alyui Bay
If you thought the snorkelling was good up to this point, it’s about to go above and beyond. Snorkellers here get an underwater experience that’s almost on the level of diving.

Pulau Arborek
A small island you can walk around in less than an hour, Palau Arborek is home to the Arborek Tourist Village – a friendly, hospitable community known for its handicrafts.

Dampier Strait
The Dampier Strait is where the Indonesia Throughflow runs – an ocean current that delivers upper ocean waters from the north east Pacific Ocean to the south west Indian Ocean (where most currents flow north to south). It’s the largest movement of water in the world.

Pulau Friwen
As you approach the small island of Friwen, don’t be surprised if you’re met by a welcoming party of children. Join them on the tree swings or go for a wander through the small village.

Day 7: Friwen – Waisai

As your sailing adventure draws to a close, make your way slowly back to Waisai. There will be time for one last swim and a snorkel before we find a quiet bay in which to moor for the night.

Day 8: Sorong

Have a final breakfast on board, then say ‘Selamat tinggal’ to the crew and get ready to board the 9 am ferry back to Sorong.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.