Route Description - 11 Days/10 Nights Raja Ampat (Misool - Penemu Island)
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Raja Ampat aboard the Pearl of Papua. Starting in Sorong, you'll be whisked away to explore the breathtaking dive sites of Misool, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including iconic sites like Boo Windows and Magic Mountain. Dive into the untouched beauty of the Penemu Islands and discover the stunning underwater landscapes of Wayag. Experience the rich marine biodiversity at Yanggefo, witness manta rays at Arborek, and conclude your adventure in the action-packed Dampier Strait. This itinerary promises a thrilling dive experience across some of Raja Ampat's most captivating and diverse underwater environments.
Day One: Sorong
When you arrive at Sorong Airport our crew will be waiting for you in the arrival hall, after collecting your luggage we will escort you to the harbour where our tender boats will take you out to the Pearl of Papua and our friendly crew will greet you with a cold refreshing towel and drink. This will be followed by cabin allocation and boat orientation. When all guests are on board the Cruise Director will give you a presentation about the Pearl of Papua and diving recommendations. Depending on departure time they maybe an opportunity to have a check dive just outside Sorong Harbour. Lunch and dinner will be served during the sail out to South Raja Ampat (12hrs)
Day Two, Three, Four, Five: Misool
One of the many fascinating diversities of Raja Ampat, with some of the most amazing land scapes imaginable, deep mangroves to ravines and canyons, the Misool Islands have been shaped by the powerful forces of nature, underwater the vibrant variety of colour of the hard corals / soft corals / fish species is wonderful. Diving at the Boo Windows, Nudi Rock, Goa Farundi and Magic Mountain (Reef Bayangan) are just some of the awesome sites you can see
Day Six: Fam and Penemu
More great examples of Raja Ampats diversity. The Penemu Islands very recently became an Marine Protected Area and we spend most of our time here in the M.P.A. Melissa’s Garden has probably the best complete coral coverage you will ever see and no visit to these islands is complete without seeing the Hidden Bay
Day Seven: Wayag (Northern Hemisphere)
After your tour of The Hidden Bay we set of for a 12hr drive up to the north of Raja Ampat and dive around the Kawe Islands and Aljui Bay. The entire Aljui Bay has been leased out by Atlas Sea Pearls and the dive sites include White Arrow, Tear Drop Corner and the infamous Cendana Pearl Farm Jetty. It is also possible to tour the pearl farm
Day Eight: Yanggefo
After a 12hr drive back down to the south / middle of Raja Ampat we will dive at Yanggefo. Here we will dive Mayhem, Citrus Ridge and Gam Ridge followed by some snorkelling in the mangroves looking for the Archer Fish and seeing the unique corals that grow in front of the mangroves (normally corals grow 100m plus away from the mangroves), followed by a night dive at either of the ridges, we will overnight in the mangroves
Day Nine: Arborek
The morning dives are at Manta Sandy where we regularly see the Black / White and the all Black Manta Rays come to cleaned. This famous site now has a line of dead coral where guests line up and watch the show. Third dive is a beautiful coral / fish dive close to Arborek Island where guests can also have a sun set walk on the beach before the fourth / night dive at the village jetty
Day Ten: Dampier Strait
Finishing off your great trip with two shallow dives in the Dampier Strait which has some great action packed fish dives, like Cape Kri and Blue Magic. After your busy diving schedule has come to a sad end we will have a lazy afternoon on Pulau Pasir (Sand Island) before returning to Sorong
Day Eleven: Sorong
After breakfast the Cruise Director will escort the guests to either the airport / hotel and will assist with checking in. Sorry to say that your Pearl of Papua Raja Ampat trip has come to an end and we look forward to welcoming you onboard again.
Notes:
Cruising itineraries and daily programs are subject to change due to weather / sea conditions and dive site / anchorage availability. Every effort will be made to complete the program as planned and the Cruise Director will update the guests at meal times