Secrets of the Coral Triangle: West Papua and Raja Ampat cruise

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

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.

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. Here, you can explore colourful coral reefs and encounter an array of tropical fish, providing an unforgettable underwater experience

Mioskon (5 to 25 m) and Blue Magic (8 to 30 m) Starting up-current, you’ll drift toward the site’s spectacular southeastern point through clouds of Yellowtail and Blue-lined Snappers. Mioskon is famous for its 'carpet sharks,' so look closely beneath the overhangs for the camouflaged Tasselled Wobbegong. From the tiny, white Pontohi Pygmy Seahorse hiding on the reef to the sprawling gardens of hard and soft corals, every inch of this site celebrates the incredible marine diversity of Raja Ampat. Blue Magic is an underwater pinnacle that starts around 7 meters and goes down to less than 30 meters. On the top, you will find all sorts of different fish species and several cleaning stations, as you descend you find bigger schools of fish and the larger predator fish, sharks and manta rays in season are common sittings. What to expect: Tasselled Wobbegong sharks (hiding under ledges) and massive schools of Yellow-stripe Snappers. Pontohi Pygmy Seahorses (tiny and white) and various nudibranchs Oceanic Manta Rays (at cleaning stations), Grey Reef Sharks, and Blacktip Sharks. "Tornadoes" of Bigeye Trevally (Jacks) and Pickhandle Barracuda. Bargibanti Pygmy Seahorses on the sea fans. Mayhen ( 7 to 30 m) and Passage (7 to 20 m) Mayhem Reef is a vibrant sea-mountain dive where conditions determine which side you begin on, descending onto the top of the seamount before slowly circling your way upward. The sloping structure is rich with life, and divers are encouraged to check the gorgonian fans for pygmy seahorses while exploring the mid-levels. Marine activity here can be spectacular, with tuna, trevally, yellowtail fusiliers, and the occasional blacktip shark hunting in the blue. The site is especially famous for its wobbegong sharks, as well as cuttlefish and colourful nudibranchs hidden across the reef. Towards the end of the dive, take your time on the shallow top of the seamount, where even more surprises often await. Passage offers a true spectacle that must be seen to be believed. Reaching the narrowest point of only 20m, this is where ocean meets jungle. The water that flows through the channel is drawn in by the tides, bringing nutrients with it and allowing marine life to flourish in the area. The tree canopies and limestone cliffs above the water make it a really beautiful and unique dive. What to expect: Wobbegong sharks and the occasional Manta Ray or Eagle Ray. Incredible density of Fusiliers, Batfish, and Unicornfish that can block your view of the surface. Giant Trevally and Spanish Mackerel hunting the schools.

Cape Kri offers excellent biomass, phenomenal activity and diversity with some interesting currents. It one of the best known sites in Raja Ampat due to the record-breaking 283 species (and growing) recorded in a single dive! Here the top of the reef offers shallow coral gardens interspersed with sandy patches. The drop off is a little further and gives way to a steady sloping reef offering a mixture of both soft and hard corals all the way to 40 meters. What to expect: o Giant Sweetlips (usually in a huddle), Napoleon Wrasse, and Hawksbill Turtles. o Barracuda, Snappers, and Surgeonfish in massive numbers. o Reef sharks are almost guaranteed here.

Galaxy Reef is particularly alive with thousands of schooling Barracudas. Hard and soft corals compete for space on this reef that are bursting with life and colour. Barracuda reef have moderate currents and depth for a relaxed dive and plenty of species including the bicolour angelfish, carpet shark and octopus. Melissa’s Garden, named by Max Ammer after his daughter, it is truly an underwater garden. Three pinnacles sit atop a shallow plateau of glorious hard and soft corals. The slopping reef drops only to 20 meters where it bottoms out to sand. Divers will be able to spot many bright nudibranchs and anemone fish nesting. In deeper parts barracudas and sometimes manta rays. Also known for sightings of the tasselled Wobbegong shark. What to expect: Galaxy Reef (The "Coral Garden") o Incredible health and variety of coral. o Whitetip Reef Sharks and Wobbegongs. o Schools of Anthias and Damselfish that look like "confetti" over the coral. o Leaf Scorpionfish and Ornate Ghost Pipefish. o colourful reef fish (Chromis and Anthias).

From the Jetty you will see schools of sergeant major fish enjoying the crystal clear 30c water. With a depth of 5m and viz so clear you can see the future this is a great place for snorkelling and underwater photography, the slape descents 25m to a sandy bottom. The 7 - 18 m stretch is where the magic happens though. At this depth the water temperature ranges from 28 - 29c and the viz up to a 100m. This is common playing ground for sea turtles, Wobbegong and reef sharks as well as the blue spotted stingray. All sorts of coral can be found here such as funnel, boulder and maze coral, to add a little more colour to the spectrum you will see a big diversity of nudibranchs and colourful striped Angel fish. What else can be spotted: o Large schools of Batfish and Sweetlips that live under the jetty. o A hotspot for Blue-ringed Octopus (rare but possible), Nudibranchs, and Frogfish.

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.

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.

Disembark from the ship, where our tour guide will warmly greet you and escort you to the coach. As we depart from the port, we will make our 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.