Climb the dramatic limestone peaks of Wayag, kayak through tropical mangroves, and relax on one of the many untouched white sand beaches.
Incredibly remote and almost completely undisturbed by humans, the islands and cays of Raja Ampat are considered by many as the most beautiful in the world. Renowned for its amazing diversity of marine life, the archipelago boasts some of the richest coral reef eco- systems on earth. The islands’ jungles are home to rare birds of paradise, with treks to watch their early morning dances a highlight of any trip to this tropical paradise.
"What an amazing trip! It was spectacular in every way … We were blown away by the scenery that we saw as soon as we left Sorong … Simply perfection" - Client, Raja Ampat Set Date Departure, March 2019
At the intersection of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, fed by nutrients from deep sea currents Raja Ampat teems with life. Coral reefs (some of the most colourful in the region), blue-water drop-offs, mangrove flats or even seagrass beds are all dive opportunities with the chance to swim with Manta Rays, Green Sea Turtles, Indian Lionfish, Large Wrase and several species of shark.
The karst pinnacles of Wayag make for a great climb whilst admiring the diverse fauna on route before reaching spectacular views like no other of the rich limestone outcrops. Kayaking through small canals in the mangroves, relaxing on white sandy beaches or admiring dramatic views, all enable visitors to be awed by the region’s spectacular unspoilt natural beauty.
Just one of many endemic species in the region, the rare red birds of paradise perform their ritualistic dances in the depths of the jungle in the early morning – a trek to find them starts at dawn and is also a good opportunity to meet with some the local indigenous communities. From pre-historic hand paintings to a modern pearl farm, man’s impact here has been low-key and minimal.
Raja Ampat is located off the northwest tip of the Bird’s Head Peninsular on the island of New Guinea in Indonesia’s West Papua province. The archipelago comprises over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo.