GEORGETTE DOUWMA
Head off the map with us to Indonesia’s far-flung Raja Ampat
archipelago, one of the last wild places on the planet and a realm
that few travelers have experienced. The snorkeling here is mind-
boggling as we explore an underwater universe of extravagant coral
reefs that support an astonishing diversity of species—technicolor
soft corals, ghost pipefish, tasseled wobbegongs, hawksbill turtles,
octopus, and eight different species of anemonefish. Above the
water’s surface, we’ll relish Raja Ampat’s dramatic limestone islands,
dazzling aquamarine lagoons, and rare birds, including the red bird
of paradise. Our home away from home is a 100-foot traditional
Indonesian schooner, with evenings spent in remote anchorages
savoring the unspoiled beauty of our surroundings.
Days 1-3
Sorong / Penemu
Boarding our yacht in Sorong, we
cruise into Raja Ampat and discover
its unusual marine and terrestrial
ecosystems, from shallow bays
with rare shrimp gobies, octopus,
nudibranchs, and “twilight zone”
critters, to limestone rock islands
undercut by the sea and covered
with tunicates, sponges, and corals.
Our snorkeling adventures 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.
Days 4-6
Wayag Island / Uranie Island
At Wayag, a stunning island of jungle-covered
Our Raja Ampat journey brings you the most incredible snorkeling adventures on the planet.
PHOTO: JURGEN FREUND
DIANA HIMMELSPACH
ETHAN DANIELS
FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR PACIFIC TRIPS, VISIT
WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/PACIFIC98
“There are not
enough words
to describe this
trip. It was so
amazing—lots of
laughter and fun
out of the water
and the snorkeling
was beyond belief.”
Tanis D.
Noosaville Australia
rock outcrops, we snorkel through
mangroves and among schools
of silvery sardines and juvenile
reef fish. 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. In the
evenings, we anchor in a serene
setting and watch for manta rays
gliding around our boat—it’s a
magical experience.
Days 7-12
Waigeo Island / Gam
Island
We navigate into Alyui Bay on
Waigeo Island, exploring by dinghy
in forest-lined inland waterways.
We 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.
Snorkeling Raja AmpatONE OF THE WILD FRONTIERS ON OUR PLANET
HIGHLIGHTS
• Explore one of the most biologically
diverse and remote areas on earth
• World-class snorkeling above pristine
coral reefs, spectacular stargazing
at night
• Travel aboard a traditional double-masted
Indonesian schooner, anchoring in coves
with no one else in sight
DETAILS
• 12-day trip begins and ends in Sorong
• 11 nights aboard yacht
• All meals included
DATES
Nov 28-Dec 9, 2017 Oct 16-27
May 7-18, 2018
Oct 29-Nov 9
May 20-31
Nov 11-22
Sep 20-Oct 1
Nov 24-Dec 5
Oct 3-14
TRIP COST
$5695 (8-10 members)
$6095 (7 members)
$6595 (6 members)
Single supplement: $1995
TRIP LEVEL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Snorkeling, exploring by dinghy, optional
sea kayaking