Sailing Raja Ampat: Explore The Frontier of Biodiversity

Sailing Raja Ampat brings you to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Unspoilt, remote and packed with life: Welcome to one of the most extraordinary environments on the planet Raja Ampat, or “four king” lies on the eastern end of Indonesia, in the West Papua province. The archipelago consists of over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals surrounding the four main islands: Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo. On land, the islands’ cultural heritage is very diverse. You will get to know prehistoric cave paintings and relics as well as cave bunkers and a seabed wreckage from World War II. Visitors can trek through the lush jungle, hike to breathtaking view points, see traditional “kampung” life in local villages and visit sea turtle sanctuaries and pearl farms.

Explore the coastal mangrove forests on a sea kayak or simply snorkel in one of the shallow crystal clear waters of the lagoons. The Raja Ampat archipelago is habitat to the largest number of freshwater bird species in the region. Those include hornbills, parrots, lorikeets, marbled frogmouths and the famous paradise bird. A Raja Ampat Cruise is suitable for Divers and Snorkelers alike. Join us on a Raja Ampat Dive Cruise or join a Raja Ampat Expedition as a Snorkeler. Raja Ampat Cruises depart either from Sorong or from Waisai. See here for details how to get to Raja Ampat.

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Raja AMPAT SNorKelling Cruise

A Raja Ampat Snorkelling Cruise will bring you to a Archipelago where a vast majority of Marine Animals lives just under the ocean surface. Sightings of Mantas and other large Marine Animals are common – not only for Divers. Snorkel the shallow Lagoons and Reefs or go more advanced and Drift with the currents through the narrow channels between the Islands. Furthermore, do many of our Phinisi Boat offer further Watersports activities like Stand up Paddle Boarding and Sea kayaking. The Raja Ampat islands of Waisai, Misool, Wayang are not only specular underwater. Many Highlight of Raja Ampat are on Land. Spectacular Bird Watching, breathtaking Viewpoint as well a visit to a local Village offer a diverse blend of Activities for Snorkelers.

DIving on A Raja AmPat Sailing Cruise

Most noteworthy, Diving Raja Ampat boasts with more than 1,320 fish species and 550 coral species! Hence, the expression “Frontier Diving” is often referred to when Diving and Cruising Raja Ampat. Diving in this archipelago really feels like being on the edge of the world! The enormous variety of life in the ocean in Raja Ampat can be staggering. Some areas boast with enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, including wobbegongs.
It is very likely you’ll encounter large groups of manta rays. If you are lucky, maybe you will even spot a pod of dolphins in the water. Keep your eyes open! Raja Ampat features a vast variety of dive site styles, suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike.Walls and slopes, plenty of passages, canyons, caves, underwater ridges as well as WWII wrecks provide magical opportunities for every passionate diver. Exceptional muck diving sites are close to jetties and black sandy slopes. Some Dive sites have strong currents there are also protected lagoons for the less experienced divers. We offer Scheduled Departures as well as Private Boat Charters.

Waigeo boasts a variety of sites and activities – including great locations for SUPing.

Waigeo - the heart of Raja Ampat

Waigeo is the largest of the 4 islands of Raja Ampat and is surrounded by various areas for Snorkeling and Diving as well as Land Explorations. The island, which is the easiest to access among the Raja Ampat archipelago, is the perfect starting point for your Raja Ampat Sailing Trip. There are several areas and smaller islands around Waigeo including Aljui Bay and Yeben in the West, Wofu Island towards the north Gam and Yanggefo toward the south the famous Damier straight and Mansuar towards the south.

Waigeo area offers a broad range of activities and sites in a relatively small area – scuba diving, bird watching, a pearl farm, flying foxes, local villages pristine beaches and lagoons for Kayaking. Especially shorter Raja Ampat Sailing Adventures will focus on the land & sea sites of Waigeo.

Waisai

Most of our the Raja Ampat Sailing Cruises depart from Waisai on Waigeo island. To get there, you simply take a fastboat from Sorong (9am and 2pm) are you are already in the heart of Raja Ampat, making it the ideal location to kick off your sailing adventures in Raja Ampat. We will assist you with your travel to Raja Ampat and airport pick up in Sorong.

Blacktip Reefsharks are frequent visitors.

Dampier Strait

The islands of Waigeo and Gam to the north and Batanta to the south create the strait named after the British adventurer William Dampier, who first sailed through it in 1686. On the middle of this strait lies Mansuar island and Kri Island.The islands are home to tropical birds living in the depths of the jungle; and on the strait itself, attracted by incoming stream along with all the nutrients it brings, aquatic life is very much alive – from beautiful coral formations to a variety of underwater species. World famous dive sites of Dampier Strait include: Blue Magic – with a chance for Oceanic Mantas, Cape Kri, Sardine Reef and Chicken Reef.

Lush Jungle and Waterfall on Batanta Island.

Batanta

The island of Batanta offers fantastic bird watching and jungle scenery during your Raja Ampat Sailing Adventure – Blythes hornbills, palm cockatoos, egrets & various sea eagles returning to roost for the evening. Visit a local waterfall and explore the Bantanta islands offers a variety of Dive sites, including muck diving as well as a WWII plan wreck and some dive sites featuring Manta Rays on a regular basis

Wayag Island

Wayag islands is home to the well-known views of Raja Ampat. This photographer’s utopia features those idyllic mushroom shaped limestone domes, draped in flora surrounded by
waters of blue and green. This site also offers chances to climb limestone peaks, discover hidden coves paddle-boarding through the passageways carved out by the architects of nature. Some great dive and snorkeling sites are in close reach of the lagoon, while the best dive sites in the area are a little off in Quoy, Uranie and Bag.

Wayag – a labyrinth of small islands, inlets and lagoons.

Misool

Blacktip Reef sharks are common sight in Raja Ampat

Salawati

The 3rd largest island in Raja Ampat, Salawati is a serene destination for those looking to unwind and relax. Dive sites are mostly shallow and in small bays or beaches and offer good muck diving and relaxed snorkeling.

Exploring the Mangroves and Reefs on a SUP.