Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Raja Ampat
Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat Archipelago, a snorkeller's paradise
Paradise found at Triton Bay West Papua
Revelling in the spectacular Raja Ampat sunset  | Rachel Imber
Snorkelling in Raja Ampat  | Rachel Imber
Kiti Kiti Waterfalls cascade into the ocean off the coast of West Papua
Dolphins riding the bow of the boat  | Rachel Imber
Smiling faces Lobo Village, West Papua  | Rachel Imber
Misool Island, Raja Ampat

Papua's Whale Sharks & Birds of Paradise aboard Katharina

Cruise the coast of Papua aboard a traditional Indonesian sailing boat

10 Days from

$8100 USD

Trip Code: STH
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Fuel Surcharge 2026
$200 USD
Fuel Surcharge 2025
$400 USD
Single Cabin Supplement 2025 departures
$5925 USD
Single Cabin Supplement 2026 departures
$6075 USD

Duration

  • 10 Days

Activities

  • 10 days adventure cruising, optional kayaking, snorkelling, SUP and hiking

Accommodation

  • 9 nights aboard Katharina

Meals

  • 9 Dinners
  • 10 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Trip highlights

  • Experience the secretive and seductive dancing of the iconic birds of paradise
  • Cruise the tranquil waters of Raja Ampat
  • Unwind on some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the world
  • Swim with Whale Sharks
  • Snorkel or kayak and explore the marine life beneath the surface
  • Explore the wondrous landscapes and forests of Triton Bay

Overview

Sail through fairy tale landscapes of karst limestone spires, mysterious caves, ancient rock paintings and endless secret coves filled with corals and fish of every colour as we make our way along the coast of West Papua. This trip, aboard a traditional wooden pinisi sailing ship, provides the perfect, comfortable base from which to explore the bays, beaches and islets of Raja Ampat before heading south along the coast of mainland Papua. Hike the forest floor in search of the Wilson’s Bird of Paradise & turn your eyes to the canopy to see the Red Bird of Paradise. Snorkel the warm azure waters or break out the kayaks and paddle boards for some above water exploration. Swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, in Triton Bay and learn more about their unique relationship with local fisherman. Our local Indonesian crew are all expertly trained and passionate about their homeland, there really is no one better placed to share an insight into this fascinating part of Indonesia.

Itinerary

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On the first day of your adventure you will be meet at the airport (or hotel) by your SeaTrek tour leader and taken directly to the boat, which will be at anchor in the bay. After you have settled into your cabin, we will weigh anchor and serve lunch as we head off on our adventure in the direction of Triton Bay, stopping off for a refreshing swim and snorkel along the way on the first of many beautiful coral reefs we will encounter during our cruise. NB* Due to the unpredictability of flight schedules we highly recommend arriving in Kaimana the day before departure. Ask us about pre-tour accommodation options.

Meals: L,D

We will spend the morning cruising through the undisturbed coves, caves, and lagoons before heading north through the Namatote Passage, where there is an impressive collection of ancient cave paintings high up on the cliffs. The afternoon will be filled with more snorkelling, swimming, kayaking and paddling as we relax amidst the beauty of the surrounding jungle covered islands and cliffs.

Meals: B,L,D

Triton Bay is a place of unsurpassed natural splendour, where time and tides have sliced the limestone landscape into tall cliffs and numerous islands separated by lagoons and narrow channels. It is also home to fishermen who collect baitfish and keep them in nets attached to specially built platforms, also known as ‘bagans’. It is these and their fish that attract whale sharks. We will head out in the tenders to see if the sharks are around, and if we are lucky, we will spend a couple of hours in the water with these magnificent creatures. After lunch we will explore the bays and limestone outcrops by tender, kayak, and paddle board as well as swim and snorkel from the beautiful white-sand beaches, before heading west later in the day for an overnight crossing.

Meals: B,L,D

We wake up off the coast of Papua to a most serene and primal scene of a jungle waterfall where a roaring river surrounded by virgin rainforest pours into the sea. Here we will swim and play in the waterfall and the sea as we take in this most tranquil tropical scenery. We will also have the chance to snorkel through the corals on a nearby reef. Later in the day we will continue our journey west, stopping off late afternoon for another swim and snorkel on our way.

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we will visit a local village and meeting the residents, who will welcome us into their village, sharing with us their way of life which consists or fishing and growing nutmeg. Late morning and through lunch we will cruise to a small group of picture-perfect islands, where we will spend the afternoon exploring the beaches and crystal-clear waters and then top it off with a long snorkel over the vibrant reefs. Late afternoon we will weigh anchor and head west for the Raja Ampat National Park.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we wake up in southern Raja Ampat at the island of Misool, a picturesque archipelago of forest-covered limestone islets just teeming with coral reefs that has adventures aplenty on offer. We will swim through a massive and ancient sea cave, adorned with giant stalagmites and stalactites. We will then journey to a small, secret lake inhabited by thousands of stingless jellyfish, where we will snorkel among them. After lunch we will explore the area by ship’s tenders, going in and out of the many bays and inlets looking for birds, and also stopping to see some prehistoric cave paintings said to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. We will have a beach BBQ with the crew as we dance and sing our way through the night before spending a quiet night at anchor.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will have a relaxing day of snorkelling 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. After a full day of fun and relaxation we will head north for our overnight cruise to the island of Waigeo for the first of our bird of paradise encounters.

Meals: B,L,D

Waking before dawn we will be ferried to a local village, where local guides will take us on a trek through the jungle in the hope of finding the beautiful Wilson’s Bird of Paradise perform is mating dance ritual upon the forest floor. On our way back to the boat we will be accompanied by the sounds of the jungle coming to life and we will be sure to spot a number of bird species along the way. After a well-earned late breakfast, we will spend the remainder of the day enjoying snorkelling, swimming and exploring the reefs and islands of the local area by kayak and paddle board.

Meals: B,L,D

Today is our second and final early morning wake up as we head off to see the Red Bird of Paradise, this time high in the canopy of the rainforest. Extremely extroverted show offs, these birds dance and squawk their way around the trees trying to impress the female of the species, making for an incredible show. After returning to the ship and breakfast it will be time for some snorkelling on some of Raja Ampat’s most spectacular reefs in the Dampier Strait. If the tides are in our favour we might get to see some of the area’s larger species of marine life, which are attracted by the currents in these nutrient rich waters. We will end the day at a local inhabited island, where the village kids will show us around their beautiful village and then perform some local folk dances for us. This evening during our journey, we will have a final night celebration dinner and party with the crew.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we will be anchored off a white-sand beach on a small tropical island, where we can swim, paddle board and kayak. After lunch on board we will say farewell to our crew and tour leaders and head to the airport for your onward journeys.

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners
  • twin share cabin accommodation
  • Raja Ampat park entrance fees and boat levies
  • snorkelling equipment
  • use of kayaks and paddle boards
  • local guide and crew
  • airport transfers

Not included

  • international flights to and from the point of embarkation
  • alcoholic & aerated drinks
  • items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
  • tips
  • airport & departure taxes
  • visas
  • travel insurance

About your guide

The all-Indonesian tour leader and crew are highly experienced and competent in the ways of the sea, the islands, and the cultures we visit. They all speak English very well, and are on hand to look after you and ensure you have a very safe and enjoyable time.

Adventure Highlighted Video

Indonesia underwater

Indonesia underwater
Red Birds of Paradise - mating dance
Snorkel with Whale Shark
Adventure in Raja Ampat
Culture of Raja Ampat
Birds of Paradise

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