By Liveaboard Yacht in the World's Most Biodiverse Marine Habitat
Snorkeling Raja Ampat
Overview
Head off the map with us into the Raja Ampat archipelago, one of the most phenomenal snorkeling destinations on the planet, renowned for pristine reefs and an astonishing range of marine life. And the setting is jaw-droppingly beautiful. We've chartered our 100-foot Indonesian liveaboard schooner to get you to the best spots in these islands, where shallow reef systems make for idyllic snorkeling. We'll snorkel in amazing ecosystems, from shallow bays with rare shrimp gobies to underwater limestone rock islands covered with corals. We'll also explore the jungle-draped limestone islands themselves, with their aquamarine lagoons and rare birds. Experience this perfect paradise in the Coral Triangle — in WT style!
Arrive: Sorong, Indonesia
Depart: Sorong, Indonesia
Highlights
- World-class snorkeling with an expert Trip Leader in the beauty of the Coral Triangle
- Kayak, beachcomb, or birdwatch on remote beaches
- Travel aboard an Indonesian liveaboard schooner
- Experience a “dream island” setting of jungle-covered rock outcrops and waters of every imaginable shade of blue and green
- Look for the endemic red bird-of-paradise on Waigeo Island
Itinerary
Please be aware that this itinerary is designed to be flexible. Although we will visit all the places listed on the itinerary, we rarely follow the schedule as described exactly due to weather, tides, preferences of trip members, and other factors. Come prepared to be flexible!
Boarding our boat in Waisai, near Sorong, we sail into the Dampier Strait to snorkel on Friwinbonda Island, where the hard coral reefs teem with reef fish. Our small group size—maximum 10 travelers—means you'll have a personalized experience both above and below the water, and you can snorkel at your own pace. En route to Mansuar Island, we have our first chance to snorkel over soft corals with large schools of barracudas and turtles. On the island of Penemu, our idyllic anchorage is in a turquoise bay surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs.
We sail to absolutely stunning Wayag, which has the ultimate “dream island” setting of jungle-covered rock outcrops and waters in every imaginable shade of blue and green. This is a good place to drift-snorkel along the lagoon channels, beachcomb on the deserted white-sand beaches, and tour the hidden lagoons by dinghy in search of orchids, juvenile sharks, and rays. From our anchorage at Uranie, we make an optional short scramble to the top of the island for a spectacular 360-degree view of Raja Ampat's crystalline waters. There are plenty of opportunities to kayak, beachcomb, or birdwatch on the outer beaches of the bay.
At Alyui Bay, on the west side of Waigeo Island, we enter the mysterious world of invertebrates as we drift through forest-lined waterways. Our morning snorkel in Spooky Channel (so named because of the towering limestone walls on either side) is a drift through an abundance of soft corals and sea fans. We'll enjoy the tropical sunsets, listening to the chorus of parrots, hornbills, and herons as they return to rest at night.
Cruising the lagoons, we explore mangroves and snorkel the passage separating Waigeo and Gam Island, which was first discovered by the British naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace, who visited this area in 1860 and is one of the “forgotten fathers” of the theory of natural selection and evolution. From 1854 to 1862, Wallace traveled through Indonesia and Malaysia and collected large numbers of previously unknown species. The islands of Waigeo and Batanta are home to the Wilson's bird-of-paradise and the red bird-of-paradise, both endemics, as well as hundreds of other bird species. Lorikeets, parrots, kingfishers, eagles, and hornbills are commonly seen. We return to the Dampier Strait for an outstanding last day of snorkeling on the incredibly healthy coral reefs of Cape Kri and Yembuba, home to an abundance of schooling fish, reef sharks, and turtles. Depart on Day 12 via Sorong.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. You need to be comfortable snorkeling in a variety of conditions, including drift snorkels and occasionally against strong currents. While snorkeling is usually at your own pace, it is sometimes necessary to be able to keep up with the group.
Average Day
Review Trip Level Details
- 4-6 hours snorkeling
- 3-4 hours sailing
- Occasional kayaking, paddle boarding, and short-moderate hikes
- Day 4: 4-5 hours snorkeling, including 2 hours in an area with extremely strong current, 3-4 hours sailing, and 1 hour hike
Raja Ampat is near the Equator and has a warm tropical climate, with year-round temperatures in the low 80s and occasional rain showers. Water temperatures range from 78 to 84°F.
The cook on board prepares simple and tasty meals, a mix of Asian and Western styles with seafood and plenty of fruit and vegetables. There is bread and fruit available for breakfast, as well as eggs on request. Lunch and dinner are served as a group, and snacks are available. There are plenty of vegetarian options.
Transportation to/from the ferry is in an air-conditioned van. The ferry to/from Waisai is air-conditioned and takes about 2 hours. During the snorkels and land excursions, we will take a small dinghy to each site. The dinghy will always stay with the group so that you can return to the boat at any time.
The seas are generally calm in Raja Ampat, but unexpected squalls or high winds can create rough ocean conditions at any time. There is a higher chance of rough seas on Days 4 and 6 when our crossing takes place in the open ocean. The remainder of the sailing is in much more protected waters, and sea sickness is typically not a problem.
The Raja Ampat journey takes place in an extremely remote and uninhabited archipelago in the Pacific. In the case of serious illness or injury, medical attention and swift evacuation are not available. Once we sail from Sorong, we are far away from towns and medical facilities. In the case of serious illness or injury, we will make every effort to reach medical facilities as soon as possible, but be aware that it may take the boat days to return to the port of Sorong. If you have health or medical issues of concern, please discuss them with your physician before considering this trip.
Client Testimonials
"I had a wonderful time on this trip. The snorkeling was exceptional and the boat was great!"
Adele G.
Oakland, CA
"Thank you, Wilderness Travel, for putting together this wonderful experience. Our trip leaders made every minute count. We appreciated all the planning it took to juggle the tides, the winds, and the calendar to make sure we immersed in as many habitats as possible."
Alice L.
Pahoa, HI
"Raja Ampat is not just a snorkeling destination. This is nature at its mind-blowing best. You don't have to settle for watching the Blue Planet on TV, you can live it every day while onboard and then understand why we need to save it."
Allene W.
Honolulu, HI
"A very organized and comfortable way to enjoy an experience in an exotic place we would never visit on our own."
Annette C.
Eureka, CA
"I was awestruck by the beauty I saw. I felt for the first time in my life that I had been honored to see the world as it was in its beginning. Certainly a life-changing experience."
Betty-Lynn W.
Westport, CT
"I feel like I've experienced the best snorkeling the world has to offer—and who know how much longer we'll have coral reefs to enjoy."
Carrie B.
Oakland, CA
"This was one of the best WT trips that I've had, and I have done quite a few. Being on our ship, the Shakti, was a wonderful experience—made all the more so by the care of the crew, Andrea, Bob and Di."
Catherine R.
Grand Junction, CO
"As well-traveled as I am, I marvel that there are still special places like Raja Ampat out there that are a privilege to visit."
Chuck P.
Chicago, IL
"Once again I was sailed off to Shangri La where time has no meaning and only the beauty of the moment surrounds. That is Raja Ampat to me and no one could dream of a more ideal trip."
Claire H.
Austin, TX
"Absolutely wonderful. The perfect way to enjoy this beautiful part of the world."
Connie P.
New York, NY
"This is the ultimate snorkel trip—the fauna are in perfect balance so you see a large number of incredibly rare species. This isn’t a vacation, it’s a privilege."
David S.
East Peoria, IL
"We had a memorable lifetime adventure on this trip, with incomparable snorkeling, beautiful scenery, and a boatful of nice people."
David W.
Honolulu, HI
"It was a fabulous trip. What a unique opportunity to see such a pristine coral reef! I will likely go again."
DeAnn C.
Cazenovia, NY
"The trip was fabulous and I have just now signed up for the May 2019 trip with my niece!!!"
Diane K.
Riverside, CA
"Raja Ampat is the most beautiful snorkeling place in the world. Bountiful, rich with life and diversity. Can’t be beat!"
Dianne L.
Fairfax Station, VA
"I loved the trip and have never been disappointed with Wilderness Travel."
Heather W.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
"This was an incredible trip. Raja Ampat is so remote and stunning."
Hilary M.
Boulder, CO
"Swimming with a manta ray, the phantasmagoria of color under water, awaiting the dawn and the bird of paradise—awesome!"
Inge K.
Concord, MA
"This is the third time I’ve been to Raja Ampat/Misool with WT and I hope to go again. It’s a snorkeler’s paradise, made even better by Trip Leader Ethan Daniels and the boat staff."
Jeanne H.
Orinda, CA
"We thoroughly enjoyed Our trip to Raja Ampat. It was the most beautiful snorkeling we ever experienced—a trip of a lifetime for us!"
Joe F.
Lindenhurst, IL
"A truly great trip—one of the best I’ve ever taken."
John W.
Forth Worth, TX
"This was the trip of a lifetime for us! Staying on the boat was fantastic. It wasn't camping, but it had some of that rustic, romantic feel—What a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of Raja Ampat. The snorkeling was unparalleled. We explored two different reefs every day and each was spectacular. The soft coral snorkel was particularly awe-inspiring. I've been snorkeling for many years and have never seen anything like the corals and animals we saw on this trip. The guides were fabulous, pointing out animals and plants I would never have seen on my own. I really enjoyed the company of the other guests as well as the guides and crew. If it weren't so far away, I'd go again next week!"
Karen H.
Mission Viejo, CA
"This was an amazing trip, absolutely the best 12 days I’ve ever experienced."
Karen R.
Santa Fe, NM
"A lifetime experience in this exquisite part of the world, so removed from civilization as we know it."
Laura W.
Honolulu, HI
"This is a truly wonderful snorkeling adventure in a beautiful place with a very experienced guide. It is the trip of a lifetime for people who like to snorkel."
Leslie J.
Winnepeg, Canada
"If lots of snorkel and swim time is your goal, this trip is for you. I have snorkeled all over the world and this trip itinerary is truly fabulous with the different sites chosen with a lot of thought and the the safety boats and crew providing impeccable service to all the guests, no matter what their experience."
Liz B.
Arroyo Grande, CA
"Tremendous trip. It met or exceeded all my expectations; I would recommend it very highly. Environmentally, the area visited is of world-wide significance and this value was respected throughout the trip—right down to being alert to unintended minor damage to reefs that might be caused by less skilled snorkelers."
Maurice W.
Seattle, WA
"This was a mind-blowing experience for me. I've been a diver for many years and have never seen anything like what we saw on this trip. Other areas in the world where I have dived or snorkeled don't even come close to Raja Ampat."
Patrick T.
Danville, CA
"This was a great snorkeling experience. We got to see 22 different reefs—lots of variety—and didn't see any other boats for 8 days—truly amazing."
Paula S.
Sedro Woolley, WA
"All WT trips are good and often great, but superlatives aren't sufficient for this trip."
Peter W.
Berkeley, CA
"We love to snorkel and this is the best in the world. The fish are incredible—a super underwater experience."
Rick L.
East Falmouth, MA
"A superb trip and extremely good value."
Robert B.
Reseda, CA
"Very well organized and executed by a most competent leader. I have participated in years of SCUBA live aboard and land-based trips and Din's demeanor and personal attention beats all. Even though it was billed as a snorkeling trip you come away feeling like it was a lot more."
Ronald D.
Los Gatos, CA
"Stunning trip and great to have an experienced trip leader who is flexible and knowledgeable of the conditions of the area to ensure we got the best possible experience."
Sandy T.
Christchurch, New Zealand
"I loved this trip. Din, my fellow travelers, crew made it a great experience."
Shelly A.
New Haven, CT
"The awareness of just how remote we were and the raw beauty of the surroundings seemed like a dream to me! There were moments on this trip that truly filled my soul."
Susan F.
Sausalito, CA
"The remoteness of the region and the colors of the sea, coral, and fish are beyond words!"
Susan K.
Goleta, CA
"I've gone on at least 12 group trips, and this was one of the very best. I highly recommend that people go to Raja Ampat soon since the coral is still living and beautiful here, unlike most places in the world. I can truly say that I have never been as relaxed as I was on this journey; it was hard coming back to reality! I can't rave about this trip enough—10 out of 10!"
Susan S.
Chicago, IL
"There are not enough words to describe the trip. It was just amazing and I loved every minute. Lots of laughter and fun out of the water and the snorkeling was beyond what I expected. I would love to go back."
Tanis D.
Noosaville, Australia
"The beauty of Raja Ampat has to be seen to be believed. It’s hard to imagine that there is a place so remote, pristine, and beautiful left on the planet."
Vicki G.
Oakland, CA
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.