Papua's Whale Sharks and Birds of Paradise

Board the Katharina in Kaimana and settle into your cabin to begin your expedition.

Explore Triton Bay, where limestone cliffs, islands, lagoons, and narrow channels create a striking coastal landscape. Cruise through the Namatote Passage to view ancient cave paintings high on the cliffs. In the early morning, head out by tender to look for whale sharks near the traditional fishing platforms known as bagans. If conditions are suitable and the whale sharks are present, you may have the opportunity to spend time in the water with them. Later, take a short walk through the rainforest to a jungle waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

You have the chance to swim with wild dolphins, and also enjoy some spectacular snorkeling and beach time on a remote white-sand beach. Experience a most serene and primal scene of a second jungle waterfall, where a roaring river pours directly into the sea. Here you will swim and play in the waterfall as you take in this most tranquil tropical scenery.

Enjoy more relaxing time snorkeling on the reefs, exploring the inlets and local areas by paddle board and kayak, or swimming and sunbathing from the white sand beaches of this beautiful piece of paradise. Visit the Pisang Islands, a small group of picture-perfect islands, where you will spend the morning exploring the beaches and crystal clear waters and vibrant reefs with your snorkels. On the mainland of Papua, where you will visit a local village and meeting the residents, who will welcome you into their village, sharing with you their way of life which consists or fishing and growing nutmeg.

Visit a locally initiated program where the villagers are replanting mangroves into their coastal areas to prevent erosion and to provide safe environments for
juvenile fish to thrive. You will get hands on and plant a few of them for yourself and hear from the founder of the project. Snorkel on a nearby reef and visit a traditional village, where the locals will perform some traditional song and dance for you. Bring your dancing shoes because you will be invited to join in. Trek to a viewpoint high above a aquamarine lagoon that overlooks a picturesque limestone karst chain of islands.

Take an early morning trek in the jungle to see the Red Bird of Paradise and the Wilson’s Bird of Paradise in their jungle home as they perform their mating rituals
in the trees and on the forest floor. Visit small islands for some fantastic snorkeling and beach time, swimming, paddling and kayaking. You will explore the jungle clad coastline by dinghy enjoying the scenery and looking for birds before enjoying cocktails on the upper deck waiting for the hornbills flying back to their roosting trees.

On the last day of your adventure, the ship is anchored in Sorong. Say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers before making your way to the airport or your hotel for the next phase of your journey.