Welcome to your Raja Ampat expedition—where pristine limestone islands harbour 75% of all known coral species, and every day reveals marine biodiversity unmatched anywhere on our planet.
Over the next 13 days, you’ll snorkel above coral gardens protecting 1,800 reef fish species while exploring over 1,500 islands rising dramatically from crystal-blue waters. This isn’t marine observation—you’ll swim beneath freshwater waterfalls cascading directly into the sea, walk through living museums of spice trade history where nutmeg was once more valuable than gold, and search for remarkable birds of paradise in pristine rainforests crowning limestone karst formations.
Each morning brings new discoveries across four million hectares encompassing the heart of the Coral Triangle—Earth’s most biodiverse marine region. You’ll navigate inside spectacular volcanic calderas, explore colonial forts where global powers once fought for spice trade control, and snorkel pristine reefs where the Indonesian Throughflow creates the strongest ocean currents on Earth, nourishing spectacular marine life through constant circulation of eggs and larvae.
From swimming among coral species representing three-quarters of Earth’s known varieties to connecting with communities maintaining traditional lifestyles across the remotest frontiers, every encounter reveals why Raja Ampat represents our planet’s ultimate marine sanctuary. Our small expedition community of just 30 guests ensures intimate access to environments where larger vessels cannot venture, whether you’re exploring hidden lagoons or learning traditional fishing techniques from local communities.
This is expedition travel to Earth’s final marine frontier: pristine, educational, and utterly extraordinary. Your Raja Ampat adventure begins and ends in Timor-Leste.
Day-by-Day Adventures
Dili, Timor Leste
- Colonial heritage and marine environments
Board Paspaley Pearl in South-east Asia’s youngest nation, where Portuguese colonial heritage creates distinctive character. Visit the iconic Cristo Rei statue while our expedition team prepares you for encounters with Earth’s richest marine environments across the legendary Spice Islands and Raja Ampat archipelago.
DAY 1
At Sea
- Historic Island Adventure
Connect with expedition community during our crossing toward historic Maluku islands as marine biologists prepare you for extraordinary underwater encounters. Learn about coral reproduction, fish behaviour, and Indonesian Throughflow creating strongest ocean currents nourishing Raja Ampat’s spectacular marine life through constant circulation.
DAY 2
Kei Islands, Maluku
- White sand beaches and remote islands
Discover pristine white sand beaches on remote islands where local oral histories trace ancestral roots to Bali during Majapahit empire expansion. Join traditional welcome performances while exploring idyllic beaches where your expedition group represents the only human visitors, sharing paradise with communities welcoming us warmly.
DAY 3
Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon
- Freshwater and coral reefs
Experience the extraordinary phenomenon of freshwater cascading directly from cliff faces into the ocean on West Papua’s remote peninsula. Swim under falls where chilled freshwater meets warm ocean currents while surrounded by pristine rainforests and vibrant coral reefs creating remarkable ecological contrasts.
DAY 4
Raja Ampat
- 5 DAYS IN MARINE EXCELLENCE
Spend five extraordinary days exploring Earth’s richest marine environment, where 1,500 islands harbour 75% of all known coral species alongside 1,800 fish species. Navigate limestone karst formations, snorkel pristine reefs, search for birds of paradise, and connect with traditional communities across these untouched frontiers.
DAYS 5-9
Banda Neira, Maluku
- SPICE TRADE HISTORY UP CLOSE
Walk through living spice trade history on an island where the demand for nutmeg drove European powers to undertake dangerous voyages around the world. Explore Fort Belgica and colonial remnants while learning how modern Bandanese maintain cultural continuity through traditional rituals against volcanic landscape backdrops.
DAY 10
Ambon, Maluku
- CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL JOURNEY
Discover an island shaped by centuries of colonial conflicts, from Portuguese arrival to the infamous Amboyna massacre. Tour Dutch East India Company forts and ANZAC War Cemetery while experiencing how this resilient community transformed historical challenges into cultural celebrations, earning UNESCO Creative City recognition.
DAY 11
At Sea
- Marine encounters and underwater diversity
Reflect on extraordinary marine encounters during our return crossing toward Timor-Leste. Join enrichment sessions processing remarkable underwater diversity witnessed across Earth’s richest coral reef ecosystems while understanding conservation efforts protecting these fragile marine environments for future generations to experience.
DAY 12
Departure dates
Ocean Double/Single Stateroom
$20,995
Ocean Twin Stateroom
$21,995
Ocean Stateroom
$24,995
Horizon Suite
$29,995
Pearl Suite
$33,995
Prices are in AUD$ per person based on twin share. Single supplement pricing is available on application. *Sole occupancy of stateroom #107 attracts no single surcharge.
Ocean Double/Single Stateroom
$20,995
Ocean Twin Stateroom
$21,955
Ocean Stateroom
$24,995
Horizon Suite
$29,995
Pearl Suite
$33,995
Prices are in AUD$ per person based on twin share. Single supplement pricing is available on application. *Sole occupancy of stateroom #107 attracts no single surcharge.
Ocean Double/Single Stateroom
$20,995
Ocean Twin Stateroom
$21,995
Ocean Stateroom
$24,995
Horizon Suite
$29,995
Pearl Suite
$33,995
Prices are in AUD$ per person based on twin share. Single supplement pricing is available on application. *Sole occupancy of stateroom #107 attracts no single surcharge.
Download Itinerary
