Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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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,
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
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,
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.
THE CURRENTS AROUND RAJA AMPAT SUPPORT AN EXTRAORDINARY VARIETY OF COLORFUL CORALS, SEA TURTLES, AND FISH—IT ’S THE GREATEST SNORKELING IMAGINABLE! PHOTO: DANIELA DIRSCHERL
FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 104
“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
FRITS MEYST
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
May 20-31
Sep 17-28
Oct 17-28
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