Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay Expedition: Indonesia's Coral Triangle

Arrive in Benoa, relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*specific hotel and location to be announced

Arrive in Sorong, your starting point for exploring Raja Ampat. Board your ship, complete embarkation, and settle in before cruising through one of the world's richest marine environments.

Pause at Pulau Numfoor, an oval, coral rimmed island on the northern side of Cenderawasih Bay. The interior is built from limestone and coral terraces topped by tropical forest, with coastal villages around the shore. Numfoor was a major Pacific War air base and the site of a 1944 campaign, a layer of history that still sits beneath the island’s quiet surface.

Pulau Padaidori is one of a cluster of tiny, mostly uninhabited islands and atolls off the northern Papuan coast. This remote stop combines secluded Pacific Rim beaches with a rich, protected marine ecosystem in its calm sapphire waters, where schools of shimmering tropical fish weave amid colourful coral gardens. Mangrove forests shelter snakes and crabs in their twisted root systems and swaying coconut palms decorate white-sand beaches.

Roon Island is cloaked in lush evergreen rainforest. Home to approximately 1,100 members of the Roon tribe, the island offers a captivating adventure with its unique seaside village homes built on stilts. History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the iconic Old Church, which showcases a Bible published in 1898. Birdwatchers might spot birds-of-paradise, cockatoos, and eclectus parrots. Сoral gardens and walls that surround the island flourish with marine life and are ideal for snorkeling

Included Activity
Meet the locals at Roon Island
Roon Island is home to approximately 1,100 members of the Roon tribe. The island offers a captivating adventure with its unique seaside village homes built on stilts. History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the iconic Old Church, which houses a Bible published in 1898. Begin by disembarkation at the village jetty of Jende, where you will be greeted by the village dignitaries, afterward follow the group of traditional music to walk to Old Church where the local culture performance take place. Explore the historic of the Old Church and take a look at the Bible published in 1898. From here our tour is continued to the village hamlet where you will observe how locals process sago, local handicrafts making, and traditional fishery-culture systems. Before returning to the ship, enjoy a coffee break provided by the locals

Pulau Row (or Pulau Rouw) is a remote island where pristine nature, local culture, and World War II history meet. Accessible wreck dives recall the wartime past, when American and Japanese aircraft and vessels sank in these waters. Today, these relics, slowly claimed by the reef, form part of a remarkable underwater landscape. Around the island, Cenderawasih Bay reveals its extraordinary marine world, with diverse fish life, including several species of sharks
 

A signature day in Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia’s largest marine national park. Kwatisore is the bay's most renowned spot for close whale shark encounters. Here, the gentle giants gather beneath local fishing platforms (bagans), drawn by the catch. This unique interaction site offers rare, up-close experiences with resident whale sharks in calm, clear waters, making it a world-class destination for marine wildlife enthusiasts.

Included Activity
Snorkeling With Whale Shark & Kwatisore Village
Discover the extraordinary biodiversity of Cendrawasih Bay, a world-class marine sanctuary situated just one degree south of the equator where the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates converge. Formed from ancient geological structures dating back to the Jurassic period, this bay is a vital part of the renowned Coral Triangle, the planet's richest marine ecosystem, boasting an astonishing variety of coral and sea life. The unparalleled highlight of this journey is an encounter with the magnificent Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) in the southern bay. These gentle giants congregate near local fishing platforms, a fascinating tradition where local fishermen regard the sharks as a symbol of good fortune. Following a safety briefing led by National Park rangers, prepare for a truly unforgettable experience: a chance to swim or snorkel alongside the largest fish in the ocean. After this thrilling morning, return to the ship for refreshment and a leisurely lunch. The afternoon offers a captivating cultural immersion as we visit a local village. You will be welcomed with a traditional group dance and ceremony, followed by the opportunity to explore the community, observe local life, and view authentic handicrafts available for purchase.

Mansinam sits in Doreh Bay near West Papua's coastal capital Manokwari and is tied to the history of Christianity in Papua, linked to the arrival of German missionaries in 1855. Expect impressive local cultural presentations from ritual traditions to dances, including the most interesting Tumbur Tanah Dance from Arfak Mountain tribes. This low-lying coral island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, making it a premier destination for snorkelling with your expert guides.

Start with Zodiac cruising through Kabui Bay’s limestone waterways and the narrow channel between Gam and Waigeo, often called “the Passage”. Follow in the footsteps of naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, who travelled this route in 1860 and wrote about its scenery, which still feels like a river run through karst cliffs and mushroom shaped islands. Dive at world-class sites such as Mioskon, Blue Magic, Mayhem and the Passage. In the afternoon, continue to Pulau Kri for snorkeling and a dive at Cape Kri. Look for manta rays, turtles, nudibranchs and vibrant corals.

Pulau Penemu, or Piaynemo Island, is the main island of the Fam Islands archipelago. Famous for its panoramic viewpoint reached via 300 wooden steps, it offers views over karst islets at Hidden Bay and a star-shaped lagoon. The largely uninhabited island features diverse landscapes like rolling hills, limestone cliffs and karst formations like Pencil Rock. Vibrant coral gardens and rich marine life are perfect for snorkelling.

Fam is a quieter corner of Raja Ampat, with time ashore and warm village welcomes, then back to the water for reef snorkeling. Dive on Galaxy Reef, where schooling barracuda gather over hard and soft corals, and Melissa’s Garden, a shallow coral plateau with pinnacles and a lot of small life.  In the afternoon at Mansuar, dives will focus on the reefs and jetties. Yenbuba Jetty is a clear water slope that suits easy snorkeling and underwater photos, with chances of turtles, reef sharks, and dense coral close to the jetty
 

Pulau Mansuar is a long, high ridge of limestone covered in jungle, fringed by rich coral reefs that connect it to nearby Kri Island. Three villages line its northern coast, while a fourth village sits midway along the southern shore. The island is home to just over 100 people living in traditional houses with leaf roofs.


Nestled in the vibrant heart of Raja Ampat, this small island packs a punch with crystal-clear waters teeming with some of the richest marine biodiversity on Earth. From colorful coral gardens to schools of exotic fish, every swim reveals a new wonder. Above water, the island’s lush greenery and serene beaches offer a perfect escape into nature’s untouched beauty.

Misool is known for steep limestone outcrops, caves, mangroves, and bright reef shallows. Expect Zodiac cruising through karst channels, with time for snorkeling in sheltered water. Yapap and Balbulol Lagoon bring calm, glassy lagoons that are well suited to short kayak paddles between the islets, plus swimming and photography in clear turquoise shallows.

Pulau Misool, a remote island in Raja Ampat, showcases wild beauty with white-sand beaches and lush hills. A highlight is Yapap, a secluded lagoon surrounded by towering limestone karsts. Known for its glassy turquoise waters and white-sand seabed, it's ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and photography. Its serene atmosphere makes it a peaceful escape from more crowded spots.

Included Activities
Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team - Pulau Misool
Swim in Lenmakana Lake (take your mask) and witness a sea of stingerless freshwater jellyfish. Or Snorkel amongst the limestone landscape to discover some of the best nudibranchs, clams and shrimp.

Zodiac Cruise with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team - Pulau Misool
Characterized by its spiky karst limestone formations, pristine coral reefs, and lush mangrove forests, Misool is a sanctuary for biodiversity both above and below the waterline. Zodiac cruise with your onboard experts to discover this surreal landscape.

Arrive in Sorong in the early morning for disembarkation, with the reefs and islands of Raja Ampat still fresh in mind. Take a last look at the water and the jungle edged coastline as you step ashore, then continue onward with the sense of having reached one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet.

Included Activity
Discover Sorong and its culture
4 hours
Disembark from the ship, where your tour guide will warmly greet you and escort you to the coach. As you depart from the port, you will make your way through Sorong City, giving you the opportunity to observe the daily activities and authentic atmosphere of the local community. The journey continues toward the protective forest located on the outskirts of town. Our next stop is Taman Wisata Alam Sorong, a natural sanctuary where you will explore the rich flora and fauna unique to the region. This park serves as an important center for scientific research and conservation, dedicated to preserving the remarkable biodiversity of West Papua. It plays a vital role in studying local ecosystems and promotes sustainable tourism practices that support long-term environmental protection. After your visit, reboard the local bus and continue to the Papuan community houses. Upon arriving at Rumah Etnik Sorong (also known as the Sorong Ethnic House), you will discover a cultural landmark that celebrates the diverse ethnic traditions of Papua, both from the coastal and inland regions. This traditional-style house highlights the distinctive architecture, customs, and heritage of various indigenous Papuan tribes, offering meaningful insight into their lifestyles, rituals, and cultural identity. In addition to its cultural exhibits, Rumah Etnik Sorong often hosts traditional performances, community events, and exhibitions. It serves as an important venue for preserving and promoting the artistic expressions and ancestral practices of Papua’s indigenous communities, while also educating visitors about the region’s rich cultural diversity. Guests will also have the chance to browse a selection of locally crafted handicrafts, accessories, and traditional clothing.