Ring in the New Year in one of the most enchanting destinations in the world. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in a way that you will remember for the rest of your life. Discover the authentic natural splendor of Raja Ampat’s Wayag islands - the beauty of these picturesque karst spires is perhaps only equaled by the brilliant colors and vibrancy of the reefs and the marine life that flourishes below, making it the perfect spot for a magical celebration. Nature has carved these islands into a series of coves and lagoons, narrow channels and inlets, caves, jagged rocks, and shaded, sandy beaches.
Highlights
Enjoy Raja Ampat, home to the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world
Trek the jungle-clad island of Batanta on an adventurous hike
Explore Wofoh's incredible stretches of pristine coral reef
Visit Aljui Bay, home to the fantastic Cendanda Pearl Farm
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your flight arrives in the West Papuan port town of Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. From the airport take a transfer to the harbor where the ship is waiting at anchor. Once settled into your cabin, the cruise director shows you the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures. Ready to start your adventure, weigh anchor and set a southerly course for the Misool archipelago, stopping for a refreshing swim along the way. Then dine alfresco on the main deck while meeting the other passengers and crew and watching the sun set on your first day at sea.
This morning wake to see the sun rise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the Misool archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution,’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides. Spend the day maximizing everything that this fascinating area has to offer by marveling at both the marine wonderland under the water and the magnificent landscape above the surface. Test out your paddling skills in the sea kayaks, watch for birds perched on the rocks, or just sit back and take in the glorious scenery. After a full day of island hopping through this archipelago, spend the night at anchor in Misool’s Tomolol Bay as you celebrate New Year's Eve in style with the crew and plenty of dancing and good times.
Swimming through Tomolol’s mysterious dome-topped cave is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. After an early breakfast, your tenders take you into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel, or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites. The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave. After returning to the ship, use tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric cave paintings, estimated to be anything between 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, flowers and plants, tools and vessels. Overnight, boat cruises north to the island of Batanta.
After days of marine exploration, the jungle-clad island of Batanta offers you a change of scenery and a chance to stretch your legs on an adventurous trek into the island’s interior. Anchor at the foot of Arefi Village, nestled on the north coast of the island, and there find local guides to escort you through the mangrove waters to the start point of your trek. A short walk along the riverbed brings you to the first of two jungle waterfalls complete with a refreshing pool for cooling off. The fit and adventurous may choose to continue the uphill climb along the rocks to where a second, larger cascade awaits. After leaving the wilderness behind, find a nearby spot to swim and snorkel before moving north to the island of Waigeo.
After waking up, before sunrise, follow in the footsteps of the famous naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in a pre-dawn quest to spot the remarkable red bird of paradise, one of the species that Wallace was most anxious to collect. Then enjoy the efforts of your trek through the forest with a rare and privileged sight of the bird’s elaborate courtship dance as the day breaks over the forest canopy. Afterwards, turn your attention from the sky to the sea as the ship makes its way through the Dampier Strait, home to some of Raja Ampat’s premier reefs. With a bit of luck, snorkel among some of the larger specimens of marine life attracted to the strait’s nutrient-rich currents. End your day by mooring off Pulau Arborek in front of Arborek Village. Here, circumnavigate the tiny island by foot and gain a sense of the Asai culture, which is still kept alive by the villagers living in this isolated place.
Another full day of adventure awaits along the convoluted western coast of Waigeo. Begin the morning by exploring Wofoh, three island gems linked together by stretches of pristine coral reef. You can use the tenders or kayaks to navigate the islands, or put your newly-acquired fish identification skills to use in exploring this vibrant reef. Or you may prefer to simply just relax on the beach. In the afternoon move northwards to Aljui Bay, home to the Cendanda Pearl Farm, one of the larger producers of high quality seawater pearls in the region. Pearling is an important industry throughout Indonesia and a number of farms can be seen in the waters of Raja Ampat, where the farmers may grant permission to visit their facilities and receive an explanation of the pearling processes that you have seen during your voyage. In the evening make your way across the equator to the northern hemisphere on your journey to the islands of Wayag.
Few areas in Indonesia can lay claim to such unsurpassed natural splendor as Raja Ampat’s Wayag Islands. The beauty of these picturesque karst spires is perhaps only equaled by the brilliant colors and vibrancy of the reefs and the marine life that flourishes below. Nature has carved these islands into a series of coves and lagoons, narrow channels and inlets, caves, jagged rocks, and shaded, sandy beaches. For those who dare, there are some spectacular but nearly vertical climbs that are rewarded with magnificent panoramas.
The Wayag islands are Raja Ampat’s best. Make the most of this unique region for one more morning, navigating the maze of mushroom-shaped islands, and stopping for swimming and snorkeling. In the afternoon, set your compass to return to the southern hemisphere on your way back to mainland West Papua.
The focus of your last full day at sea is on exploring the best snorkeling spots in Raja Ampat. Start your morning in the bay of Yengeffo where a myriad of birds welcome you in the trees above while you explore the wonders of the marine world below. After a paddle and lunch, make your way back through the Dampier Strait for a snorkel in one of the best snorkel sites in the park. With a bit of luck, hope to swim among some of the larger specimens of marine life attracted to the strait’s nutrient-rich currents. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner and party with the captain and crew.
Day 10: Sorong | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After a quick stop for a final swim and refreshments on one of the nearby islands, make your way back to the harbor of Sorong, arriving around lunch time. Here bid farewell to the ship and her crew. The tenders take you ashore for your transfer to the airport for your onward travel.
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.
$5,750
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Cabin Deck
Cabin Deck. Spacious, air-conditioned twin-share cabins with twin bunks or double beds. Private bathroom with toilet, washbasin, and hot shower.
Notes
- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.75 times the published rate.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
