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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/PACIFIC

98

“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 Ampat

ONE 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