RAJA-AMPAT SNORKELING EXPEDITION

After a welcome Mocktail and the safety briefing, the crew will weigh anchor and the Captain will set sail towards Waisai.

During this first navigation you will take possession of your cabins, prepare your snorkelling equipment, your cameras, and also socialise with the crew and other passengers. If the weather permits, you can do a first snorkelling dive to familiarise yourself with your equipment, regain your feelings in the water, and for the first time admire the Raja Ampat underwater world!

First of a long list of sumptuous sunsets, dinner and night on board near Waisai.

We will spend our second day west of the Dampier Strait which is home to some of the most beautiful Snorkeling sites in the central Raja-Ampat. The area is bordered by islands with dense and lush vegetation. Depending on the conditions, we will explore Friwen, a very beautiful island lined with coconut palms and surrounded by a magnificent reef. The island’s northern part includes a small but colourful underwater wall of hard and soft corals, magnificent gorgonians and lots of reef fish. Beautiful vision to start your stay aboard the Wisesa in a good mood!

At high tide we will visit the mangroves of Gam island, wherein this maze of vegetation you will keep your eyes open to observe tropical birds including toucans and cockatoos. If you can’t see them, you will surely hear them!

Back on board for a hearty lunch we will sail to the island of Yangeffo, in the afternoon where we will snorkel on a site called ‘Citrus Ridge’. Imagine all the colours of citrus fruits, an explosion of yellow, orange, pink, purple and green corals that drape this sloping reef, home to a wide variety of marine life, sharks and barracudas are often seen here, we used to call this place the aquarium.

Early in the morning, the Wisesa will drop anchor next to a hidden treasure: the island of Yeben. Known for its transparent waters,Yeben hosts magnificent white sand beaches lined with lush vegetation and one of the most beautiful Acropora-type hard coral formations. Snorkelling here is impressive because among these beautiful underwater landscapes full of life, many reef sharks like to patrol. You will also enjoy the pristine beach of Yeben before returning to the Wisesa.

During lunch time, the Wisesa will sail to Wofoh Island, another eden. Made up of two beautiful little islands connected by stretches of coral reef where the beaches are pure white. Palm trees and dense vegetation are lining the white sand and drawing a perfect coastline for a relaxing beach stroll.

But the real charm of Wofoh lies under the sea. On the west coast of the island, there is a snorkelling site consisting of a coral wall that goes down to 40 metres. Here, in the shallow waters, you will see colourful hard and soft corals, schools of surgeonfish, yellowfin barracudas, reef sharks and, if you are lucky, unicorn fish!

You will then enjoy a sumptuous sunset on Wofoh beach before a good dinner aboard the Wisesa. Then we will start our night navigation towards Wayag, Raja Ampat’s gem!

The most beautiful landscape of the Raja Ampat archipelago is undoubtedly offered by the uninhabited and incredibly picturesque Wawag island, where the Wisesa will drop anchor very early in the morning after crossing the equator. This maze of karst islets rising like mushrooms from the sea is the icon of Raja Ampat, also known for its pristine beaches and extraordinary underwater life.

On this day’s program, the bravest will climb one of the peaks to admire the most breathtaking view of Raja Ampat.

You can also go canoeing or “Stand-up-paddle” alone. You will then navigate without the sound of an engine in crystal clear waters in the heart of a magical panorama, where all shades of blue are represented. Of course, we will also organise snorkelling to observe the abundance of marine life. The waters of Wayag attract many Rays, Manta, Mobula, Eagle Rays, but also many Reef Sharks, and all kinds of fish. Thus, snorkelling around its islets is always impressive.

At the end of the day, the Wisesa will leave for overnight navigation towards the island of Pyanemo.

Early in the morning, the Wisesa will drop anchor near the island of Pianemo. After a hearty breakfast we will start the day with a short hike on the island to contemplate another of the most beautiful and emblematic landscapes that Raja Ampat has to offer : a unique star-shaped lagoon!

Back on board, we will prepare for our first snorkelling of the day around Rufus Island, a beautiful ring- shaped islet that hides a marine lake at its heart. During this snorkelling you will observe many species swimming near the surface. You can also explore shallow caves lined with colourful corals, and underwater tunnels that communicate with the inner lake, all offering breathtaking underwater landscapes!

You will then enjoy the famous site of “Melissa’s garden”, which made its reputation thanks to the incredible quantity of fish, and one of the most beautiful hard coral gardens in Raja Ampat. Whether we are talking about flora or fauna, the “Garden of Melissa” will certainly be one of the “highlights” of your cruise. ! This site is always a surprise!

For the bravest, night snorkelling will be possible in the region to observe nocturnal species such as strange mollusks or small animals which for some look like aliens. Dinner and overnight on board.

We will start our navigation early in the morning to reach the great reef of Arborek, the best place to swim with Manta rays. Between the sites of “Manta Ridge” or “Manta Sandy”, the chances of observing these majestic animals are very high. Drift along the reef to reach an underwater stopover and wait there for the beauties to begin their ballet above a cleaning station where cleaner fishes are busy working on these giants of the seas. After these snorkelling full of emotions, the Wisesa will head towards the picturesque village of Saundarek, in the south of the island of Mansuar. We will meet the inhabitants for the immersive experience of enjoying the joy of the children and the welcoming warmth of the elders.

We will also snorkel under the village pier where, despite the human proximity, the diversity of species here is exceptional! Trevallies, Giant Groupers, Fusiliers, Large Humphead Parrotfish, Large Humphead Wrasse, White and Black Tip Reef Sharks, Green Turtles, etc…

The inhabitants of Saundarek make it a point of honour to respect nature and have decided not to fish nearby, which explains why the marine life is so abundant and used to the presence of men. A true paradise for underwater photographers!

Dinner and overnight on board in Saundarek Bay.

Early in the morning, we will do the last Snorkeling in front of the emblematic village of Yenbuba (we save the best for the end). The density and variety of fish here are breathtaking ! Follow a sloping reef full of beautiful coral formations on one side, and huge schools of fish on the other.

Many reef sharks also like to patrol these waters.

The Wisesa then relocate to Rabia in the south of the large island of Waïgeo for a trek in the humid tropical forest and reach the “Blue River” which bears its name so well. In this landscape of lush vegetation, the color of the water of this river is a unique blue, and simply idyllic. You can swim in these cool waters, observe tropical birds and the majestic trees that line the path.

Back on board, you’ll prepare for a last sunset and dinner near Waisiai.
Later in the evening the Wisesa will begin its last navigation of the cruise towards the port of Sorong.

After a last souvenir photo with the crew, it will be the time to say goodbye…

Our team will transfer you to Sorong Airport where you will fly to your next destination.

We will meet again soon !