Here’s why Raja Ampat & West Papua should be your next tropical getaway

Raja Ampat and the nearby islands of the Indonesian archipelago are a melting pot of culture, history and nature. We invite you to learn more about our all-new expedition to West Papua aboard our brand-new ship the Sylvia Earle, as we cruise to Raja Ampat to discover these remarkable landscapes, home to arguably the most diverse marine life in the world.

Top 5 facts to know before you go

Where is Raja Ampat?

Raja Ampat is an archipelago located in the north west of the West Papua Province in Indonesia. Located in the ‘Coral Triangle,’ Raja Ampat archipelago has been described as a marine ‘species factory’.

What is the time in Raja Ampat right now? Compare time zones.

How do I get to Raja Ampat & West Papua Islands?

You can explore endlessly on the Raja Ampact & West Papua Islands expedition, setting sail 21 September 2022. For 14 days, reward yourself with a truly transformative, exciting and immersive getaway onboard the Sylvia Earle.We will explore the wonders of the Coral Triangle and Misool Marine Reserve – included in Dr. Sylvia Earle’s list of Hope Spots, ‘special places that are scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean.’

Our voyage starts in Denpasar, capital of Bali, Indonesia. Join us on an included, morning charter flight to Biak, where our vessel the Sylvia Earle awaits.

We drew on decades of collective experience to map out the Sylvia Earle: purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, this allows the ship to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently, and with expansive observation decks to bring you closer to the environment, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials, the Sylvia Earle offers the perfect base camp for adventures in some of the wildest and remotest regions of the world.

What is Raja Ampat famous for?

Believed to contain the most biodiverse marine habitat on the planet, the waters surrounding Raja Ampat are home to 600 species of hard coral and 1,500 types of fish – more than anywhere else in the world – which makes for exceptional diving and snorkelling experience. You could spend four days exploring the coral reefs and shoals, limestone formations and rainforests of this hidden gem.

Immerse yourself in the picture-postcard scenery, both above and below the water, and encounter a natural treasure widely considered the ‘Amazon of the Seas,’ where six out of the seven species of sea turtles can be found! With 75 percent of the world’s coral species and over 1,500 species of tropical fish found here, it is a paradise for divers and snorkelers.

What to do in Raja Ampat & West Papua Islands?

Where should I dive?

Raja Ampat

Established in 2005, The Misool Marine Reserve encompasses a 300,000-acre protected area. Prohibition of unsustainable practices has resulted in a 250% increase in fish biomass (2007 – 2013) – an incredible story of how the ocean’s ecosystems can heal once they’ve been fully protected and left alone to recover. Discover this Reserve along with the Mission Blue Hope Spot and Wayag, Waigeo and Gam Islands.

Roon Island

Dive among the colourful shallow reefs in Numamuran Strait, where the jungle meets the reef, and where we search for branching corals and cushion stars. At the southern end of Roon Island, divers might see Hawksbill and green turtles, barracuda and surgeonfish, and where a Japanese Zero fighter aircraft, a relic from World War II rests on a shallow coral slope.

Manokwari

Manokwari is a small coastal town that offers beautiful beaches and bays to explore. Divers and snorkellers can explore the clear blue waters surrounding the nearby islands of Lemon, Raimuti and historic Mansinam, which features fascinating World War II shipwrecks.

Ahe Island

Visit Ahe Island, where the coral reef ecosystem is part of the Coral Triangle. Here you can again swim, snorkel, kayak and dive to enjoy the remarkable marine wildlife and stunning scenery.

Join us on our all-new expedition to exotic West Papua

With Special Guests Jett & Kathryn Britnell

On the inaugural expedition, we are excited to welcome Jett & Kathryn Britnell – leading underwater, wildlife and expedition photographers, explorers, writers and public speakers .They have more than 30 years of scuba diving photojournalism and travel writing experience.

Jett is an Ocean Artists Society Member and has recently been appointed the Canadian Chapter Chair for The Explorers Club, whilst Kathryn has been elected a Fellow into The Explorers Club in New York City, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society in Ottawa and the Royal Geographical Society in London.

Setting sail 21 September 2022, secure a limited spot and don’t miss out on this transformative opportunity!