Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

T HE CURRENTS AROUND R AJA A MPAT SUPPORT AN EXTRAORDINARY VARIETY OF COLORFUL CORALS , SEA TURTLES , AND FISH — IT ’ S THE GREATEST SNORKELING IMAGINABLE ! P HOTO : D ANIELA D IRSCHERL

Snorkeling Raja Ampat ONE OF THE LAST WILD FRONTIERS ON OUR PLANET

Journey to the heart of the famed Coral Triangle on our off-the-map snorkeling adventure in Indonesia’s remote Raja Ampat archipelago. Extravagant coral reefs shelter a lavish diversity of species here—technicolor soft corals, ghost pipefish, tasseled wobbegongs,

HIGHLIGHTS • Once-in-a-lifetime expedition to one of the most biologically diverse and remote areas on earth • World-class snorkeling above pristine coral reefs • Travel aboard a traditional double-masted Indonesian schooner, enjoy spectacular stargazing, anchor in coves with no one else around DETAILS • 12-day trip begins and ends in Sorong • 11 nights aboard yacht • All meals included DATES Nov 28-Dec 9, 2016 May 7-18, 2017

“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.”

hawksbill turtles, octopus, eight different species of anemonefish—the abundance is absolutely mind-bending! On shore, we’ll explore dramatic limestone islands and watch for rare birds, including the red bird of

FRITS MEYST

from frogfish and opulent lionfish to reef sharks and pygmy seahorses. On Uranie Island, we visit a spectacular beach-lined bay and hike to the summit for a 360-degree view of lush jungle- covered islands. Each evening, we anchor in a serene setting and watch for manta rays gliding around our boat. Days 7-12 Wayag Island / Gam Island At Wayag, a stunning island of jungle-covered rock outcrops, we snorkel through mangroves and among schools of silvery sardines and juvenile reef fish. We’ll search for hawksbill turtles feeding on jellies at Gam Island and enjoy fabulous drift snorkeling near Manta Point. On an island hike, we look for the red bird of paradise, first made known to the Western world by pioneering naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, who made his famous voyage here in 1860. Depart on Day 12.

Vicki G., Oakland CA

May 20-31 Sep 17-28 Oct 17-28

paradise. Our 100-foot Indonesian schooner is a comfortable home base, with evenings spent in exquisite anchorages amid a realm of untouched natural beauty. Days 1-6 Sorong / Penemu / Waigeo / Uranie Islands Boarding our yacht in Sorong, we cruise into the heart of Raja Ampat, one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world. Snorkeling excursions around the isle of Penemu reveal a brilliant spectrum hidden beneath the sea surface,

Oct 31-Nov 11 Nov 28-Dec 9

TRIP COST $5595 (9-10 members) $5995 (7-8 members) $6495 (5-6 members) Single supplement: $1995 Internal airfare: $490 (subject to change) TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Snorkeling, exploring by dinghy, optional sea kayaking

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL PACIFIC@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 104