Raja Ampat Central and Misool

A Raja Ampat Cruise takes you to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Unspoiled, remote and packed with life. Welcome to one of the most extraordinary environments on the planet. World-class snorkelling and diving, sea kayaking and SUPing through Lagoons surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, breathtaking viewpoints, birdwatching, cultural visits and Nature Hikes – Raja Ampat offers a broad variety of activities.

All private trips can be customized in terms of itinerary, sites and activities with your Cruise Director on board, taking into consideration weather and ocean conditions. The following itinerary is meant to give you a feel for the different areas of Raja Ampat Cental and Misool.

Departure Wasai to Mioskon | Day 1

Welcome to the “4 Kingdoms”. After a short fast boat transfer to Waisai from Sorong your cruise will depart directly in the heart of Raja Ampat. Enjoy welcome drinks, meet the crew, listen to a safety briefing and get settled onboard. Just a short navigation away lies Mioskon island – the perfect site for your first diving or snorkeling sessions in Raja Ampat. Towards sunset, see thousands of Flying Foxes, large migrating fruit bats, ascending for their nightly hunt.

Explore Dampier Strait | Day 2

Dampier Strait is a true beauty with its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, iridescent reefs, and a backdrop of lush rainforest. The strait that flows between Waigeo and Batanta is rapidly becoming known as having some of the most spectacular diving and snorkeling in Raja Ampat as a result of the nutrient-rich ocean currents passing through. Blue Magic offers the chance to see the 6-9 m Oceanic Manta Rays. The area also offers various land excursions into the jungle and Mangroves. The chance to get up early to see the Birds of Paradise perform their morning ritual.

Gam Island to Penemu | Day 3

An early morning’s navigation brings you to the stunning Mangrove Anchorage in the passage of Gam and Yanggelo . Here you will experience some of the most stunning dive & snorkeling sites in West Waigeo – covered in Raja Ampat’s signature orange soft corals. The mangrove-edged bay is ideal for relaxed snorkeling or sea kayak exploration. Continue towards Penemu in the afternoon.

Rock Islands of Penemu | Day 4

A cluster of rocky limestone domes makes up the Penemu Islands. Draped with tiers of green vegetation, the islets encircle a shallow green bay. A walking trail along the rocky hills leads to a spot with magnificent views of the lagoon, its outlying islands, and the ocean beyond. Take out the dinghy to discover the lagoons and limestone scenery at sunset, or jump on a paddleboard or kayak to enjoy the waters at your own pace.

Penemu and Fam Islands | Day 5

The next day will lead you towards Melissa’s Garden – an extraordinary site famous for its amazing display of hard coral fields. This place is home to one of the largest population of fish in the area. Especially during a brisk current, you can see an enormous parade of fish and marine animals. After, venture out to some of the most celebrated snorkeling and diving sites in the area, where turtles float over intricate coral gardens and Manta rays meet large schools of game fish congregating in nutrient-rich currents. Early morning sail towards Wayag and crossing the equator

Magificient Misool | Day 6 & 7

Welcome to Misool – this chain of tiny islands in the southeast of the main island creates a network of hidden coves, thriving lagoons, impressive cliffs, striking caves, photogenic limestone overhang, mangrove corridors and stretches of sparkling beaches. The area is also a controlled MPA of 1220 Square kilometers and a role model for conservation in partnership with the local community.

More Misool | Day 8 & 9

The islands around Misool are grouped into several island clusters: Balbulol, Daram Wayilbatan, Yilliet –each satellite island group offers a full-day itinerary with several sites. Therefore, the places mentioned in this itinerary are just examples and there are plenty of alternatives. Regardless of the exact sites chosen, Misool is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.

Batanta | Day 10

The island of Batanta is the smallest iof the “4 Kings” that make Raja Ampat. Strong currents run back and forth along Batanta’s North and South shores and attract various marine creatures. Batanta offers a variety of sites for diving and snorkeling, some feature Manta Rays regularly – others are said to be the best Muck-Diving in Raja Ampat. Above the surface, witness some of the most spectacular birds and butterflies inhabiting the lush jungle. Sunset cruise to Dampier Strait.

Goodbye in Wasai | Day 11

After a final breakfast on board, bid farewell to the ship and her crew as the tenders deliver you back to port for a transfer to the airport or hotel.

Itinerary

Please note, this is a sample itinerary. Each Cruise is different and the detailed day-to-day itinerary and sites will be tailored to suit guests’ preferences as well as weather and ocean conditions. Private Charters are more flexible in the itinerary compared to scheduled Cruises. Your Cruise Director will work with you on the detailed day-to-day planning onboard.