Enjoy a 14-day voyage to West Papua's tropical archipelago. Embark the Sylvia Earle to discover Raja Ampat and the nearby islands of the Indonesian archipelago, a melting pot of culture, history, and nature. Discover the influence of Melanesia, Islam, and the Portuguese explorers and Dutch traders who ventured to the ‘Spice Islands’ in search of highly–prized spices such as nutmeg. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat is also a marine biodiversity hotspot. 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 snorkellers. Enjoy guided walks through the rainforest where you may catch a glimpse of Birds-of-Paradise, and in Banda Neira, explore Fort Belgica, a fortress built by the Dutch in the 16th century to ward off marauders.
Highlights
Snorkel and dive among the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems in Raja Ampat
Experience Swimming amongst whale sharks in Cenderawasih Marine National Park
Witness endemic Birds-of-Paradise in Arfak Mountains
Explore Fort Belgica, largest remaining European forts in Indonesia
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Upon check-in at Novotel Hotel Denpasar Airport, reception staff provides you with Aurora Expeditions cabin tags. Please fill out the luggage tags clearly, showing your name and cabin number to allow us to deliver your luggage to your cabin ahead. At our voyage briefing, enjoy a welcome drink and meet fellow expeditioners, before spending the night in preparation for your charter flight to Biak.
Accommodation: Novotel Hotel Denpasar Airport
Day 2: Biak | Embark
1 Dinner
Board a morning charter flight to Biak to embark the Sylvia Earle. Explore the powdery white-sand beaches and sparkling waters in the waters of the Schouten Islands. Separated by a narrow mangrove-lined channel, these forest-covered islands boast the highest rate of endemic species in Papua. Birders hope to strike off their list a rare and endemic species. Kayak offshore pristine cays and snorkel among coral reefs. Discover a cave that was home to some 5,000 Japanese during World War II, and search for remnants of where American and Japanese military forces clashed. While sipping a sunset cocktail, meet your expedition team and crew at a beach barbecue welcome dinner.
The longest and widest river in Indonesia, the Mamberamo river is often called the Amazon River of Papua. Flanked by tropical rainforest that is inhabited by a rich diversity of wildlife, explore the area near the mouth of the Mamberamo River where it meets the Bismarck Sea, searching for wildlife and visiting a local village hike in the forest and learn about local plants and wildlife.
Dive and snorkel among the colorful shallow reefs in Numamuran Strait, where the jungle meets the reef and where we search for branching corals, boulder coral colonies, and cushion stars. Paddlers may glimpse dugongs—relatives of manatees that graze on seagrass. At the southern end of Roon Island, divers and snorkelers 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.
The Cenderawasih Marine Park covers more than 15,000 sq. km / 5,790 sq. mi of marine and coastal habitat, featuring some of the finest and most extensive coral reefs found anywhere in the world. The marine park is renowned for its diversity of coral reef fish species, where some 1,040 species, including multiple species of butterflyfish, angelfish, damselfish, parrotfish, rabbitfish, and anemone fish. In Cenderawasih Marine Park, you have the chance to experience swimming with iconic whale sharks, the world’s largest fish that can reach a size of 12 m / 39 ft. These enormous gentle creatures congregate near local fishermens’ Bagan (traditional hand-made floating rafts), where they feed on fish that have escaped the fishermens’ nets. Experience a close encounter with these inspiring creatures.
The capital of West Papua Province, Manokwari, and the nearby majestic Arfak Mountains offer outstanding land and sea-based activities. The Arfak Mountains is one of the world’s premier birdwatching destinations and features an incredible variety of endemic plants and birds. After a pre-dawn start, arrive in the Arfak Mountains and divide into small groups where we quietly sit and watch the displays of some of the region’s most iconic birds including numerous species of Bird-of-Paradise and the Vogelkop Bowerbird.
Manokwari is a small coastal town that offers beautiful beaches and bays to explore. Divers and snorkelers can explore the clear blue waters surrounding the nearby islands of Lemon, Raimuti and historic Mansinam, which features fascinating World War II shipwrecks.
Located in the ‘Coral Triangle,’ Raja Ampat archipelago has been described as a marine ‘species factory’ and a Mission Blue Hope Spot. 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 snorkeling experience. Spend four days exploring the coral reefs and shoals, limestone formations, and rainforests of this hidden gem. Some of the islands to explore include Wayag, Waigeo, Gam, and Misool Marine Reserve, another Mission Blue Hope Spot.
Established in 2005, The Misool Marine Reserve encompasses a 300,000-acre protected area. Fishing, collecting turtle eggs, reef bombing, cyanide fishing, netting, or shark finning are not permitted here. In a scientific survey conducted between 2007 and 2013, prohibition of the activities listed above has seen a 250 percent increase in fish biomass. On some key sites, recovery surpassed 600 percent – an incredible story of how the ocean's ecosystems can heal once they've been fully protected and left alone to recover.
Ambon is the capital city of Maluku, one of Indonesia’s oldest provinces, and is famous for its abundant natural resources, especially spices. On a guided tour of Ambon, learn of its history during Dutch rule and visit the Australian World War II memorial. In the afternoon, swim, snorkel, dive or kayak at Namalatu Beach.
The story of the Banda Islands is mostly related to the trading of spices. As nutmeg was an expensive luxury item in Europe, controlling the production of nutmeg and mace was a major motivation for the Dutch conquest of the islands in the 1620s. On Banda Neira, explore the local market famous for its spices, stretching along the road next to the pier, and the nutmeg plantation close to the harbor. Enjoy a guided tour of impressive Fort Belgica, built by the Dutch East India Company to protect their monopoly of the nutmeg trade.
As you cross the Timor Sea, enjoy some final lectures from a team of experts and celebrate the end of a thrilling expedition discovering West Papua and the Spice Islands at a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Day 14: Darwin | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Bid a fond farewell to your fellow travellers as you disembark in Darwin to continue your journey.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Aurora Stateroom Triple
22.67m2 (244ft2) - There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
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Aurora Stateroom Superior
19.9m2 - 20.8m2(214.2ft2 - 223.9ft2) - Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
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Balcony Stateroom C
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 11 Balcony Stateroom C cabins - most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
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Balcony Stateroom B
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 17 Balcony Stateroom B Cabins - standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
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Balcony Stateroom A
19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)- 23 Balcony Stateroom A cabins - premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
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Balcony Stateroom Superior
29.2m2 - 35.2m2 (314.3ft2 - 378.9ft2) - Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
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Junior Suite
Up to 41.6m2 (447.8ft2)- 4 Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
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Captain’s Suite
43.8m2 (471.5 ft2) - Captain's Suite - the largest of all our rooms, will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Initial deposit is $2,500 plus $250 USD deposit for any activities at the time of booking, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 Days prior to departure by Only Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
13 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner
Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner