World Wildlife Fund

Snorkeling the Raja Ampat Archipelago

Aboard the Sea Safari 8

October 10 – 23, 2011

Scientists have determined that the waters surrounding the Raja Ampat Archipelago in Indonesia’s West Papua province have the world’s greatest concentration of marine life for a region of its size. Imagine: More than 1,300 species of fish. Six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles. At least 450 species of reef-building coral. (The Caribbean, by compare, has fewer than 70.) Currents rush coral larvae across the Pacific Ocean to constantly replenish reef ecosystems. Some areas harbor large schools of fish. Others offer regular sightings of large species such as grouper and harmless sharks.

Trip Itinerary

Monday, October 10, 2011: Depart U.S.
Depart the United States on the recommended group flight or independently. Cross the International Date Line and “lose” the day. (Meals aloft)

Tuesday, October 11: Jakarta, Indonesia
Arrive in Jakarta and transfer to your hotel. Later, join your fellow travelers and your guide at a welcome dinner. Sheraton Bandara Hotel (D)

Wednesday, October 12: Jakarta / Sorong
Take a morning flight to the city of Sorong, the gateway to the Raja Ampat Archipelago. Raja Ampat – or “Four Kings” – is off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula and is comprised of four major islands surrounded by 1,500 small islands and cays. In Sorong, board the Sea Safari 8, our home for the next 10 nights, and head northwest en route to the limestone islands of Penemu. (B,L,D)

Thursday & Friday, October 13 & 14: Penemu
Reefs throughout Raja Ampat are among the world’s most pristine. Currents rush coral larvae across the Pacific Ocean to constantly replenish reef ecosystems. Some areas harbor large schools of fish. Others offer regular sightings of large species such as grouper and harmless sharks. Spend two days snorkeling the calm waters between Penemu’s mushroom-shaped rock islands, which harbor miles of hard and soft corals. Explore a shallow lake filled with cassiopea jellyfish and juvenile sharks. Then cruise to the northwest part of Waigeo Island. (B,L,D daily)

Saturday & Sunday, October 15 & 16: Waigeo
Spend two days exploring Waigeo Island, one of the largest in Raja Ampat. The island has the greatest number of land and freshwater bird species in the archipelago. Along the coast, look for white-bellied sea eagles, Brahminy kites, lesser frigatebirds and collared kingfishers. During snorkeling outings, keep watch for Napoleon wrasses, cardinalfish, angelfish and butterflyfish swimming among swaying sea anemones and colorful coral heads. (B,L,D daily)

Monday, October 17: Wayag
Wayag Island, which lies just north of the equator, is remote and thinly populated – ideal conditions for reefs to flourish undisturbed. In the aquamarine-colored waters surrounding these rock islands, look for Moorish idols, triggerfish and juvenile wrasses. You may also see octopi and mantis shrimps here or elsewhere during the tour. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, October 18: Uranie & Kawe
During snorkeling outings in the waters surrounding the vegetation-covered, limestone islands of Uranie and Kawe, keep an eye out for schools of barracuda tagging along with blue tail surgeonfish in the current, silvery trevally glistening from the sun and iridescent parrotfish. At these islands, and throughout the voyage, we’ll also see giant clams anchored on the sea floor. (B,L,D)

Wednesday & Thursday, October 19 & 20: Gam
Spend two days snorkeling at Gam Island and enjoying hikes and birding outings on land. During an early-morning bird watching trek, look for such species as the elusive red and Wilson’s birds of paradise, shining flycatchers and eclectus and thick-billed parrots. We also will visit Yenwapnour, a local fishing village, to meet locals and see traditional ways of life. While snorkeling Gam’s clear waters, keep an eye out for oriental sweetlips, coral trout, glassfish and orange and purple anthias that inhabit the reefs and mangroves of this area. Peering into nooks around sunset may reveal the brilliantly colored mandarinfish. In this area we will take an exciting drift snorkel, floating with the currents through the Kabui Strait between Waigeo and Gam. The Java cownose ray feeds in this passage. Then sail to Mansuar Island. (B,L,D daily)

Friday, October 21: Mansuar & Kri
Enjoy snorkeling at Mansuar and Kri islands. The waters off Kri’s cape are frequented by a huge variety of fish; look for the Queensland grouper as you snorkel along undersea walls. Manta rays congregate at a nearby cleaning station, with gold-banded fusiliers and other fish escorting them. You may even spot green or hawksbill sea turtles or a pod of dolphins. In the late evening, set sail for Sorong. (B,L,D)

Saturday, October 22: Jakarta
Disembark and return to Jakarta. After checking in to your hotel, the remainder of the day is free, including lunch on your own. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner. Sheraton Bandara Hotel (B,D)

Monday, October 23: Depart
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)