Route Description - 8 Days/7 Nights North Raja Ampat (Wayag)
Embark on an extraordinary diving adventure aboard the Pearl of Papua, exploring the captivating underwater worlds of Raja Ampat. Your journey begins with a warm welcome in Sorong, followed by a scenic sail to the world-renowned dive sites. Dive into the vibrant marine life of the Dampier Strait, discover the diverse ecosystems of the Penemu Islands, and explore the hidden gems of Kawe Islands and Aljui Bay. Experience thrilling encounters with manta rays at Arborek, snorkel through mangroves at Yanggefo, and conclude your trip with memorable dives at Sardine and Chicken Reef. This expedition promises an unforgettable blend of spectacular diving and breathtaking landscapes, all while cruising through the enchanting Raja Ampat archipelago.
Day One: Sorong
When you arrive at Sorong Airport you will be greeted in the arrival hall, and after collecting your luggage you will be taken to the harbour where the tender boats will take you out to the Pearl of Papua. This will be followed by cabin allocation and boat orientation. When all guests are on board, the Cruise Director will give you a presentation about the Pearl of Papua and diving recommendations. Depending on departure time there maybe an opportunity to have a check dive just outside Sorong Harbour. Lunch and dinner will be served during the sail out to Raja Ampat.
Day Two: Dampier Strait
The first dive is a check dive. Mioskon Island is a great place to do this and still be a world class dive. Here guests can get comfortable with their equipment, buoyancy and refresh some basic skills. The Dampier Strait area has some of the most action packed diving in Raja Ampat and guests can see fish, fish and more fish but it is also the area where the saying ‘No Current = No Fish’ originated from. There are many dive sites to choose from but Cape Kri, Chicken + Sardine Reef, Mikes Point and Mioskon are definitely on the schedule
Day Three: Penemu Islands
Fantastic examples of Raja Ampats diversity. The Penemu Islands are presently a new Marine Protected Area (WWF). You will dive at Reef Bayanggan, Melissa’s Garden which has probably the best complete coral coverage you will ever see and Kerunemo Adik. After your third dive you will go on a tour of The Hidden Bay (includes a trek up Penemu Hill for the amazing views of The Hidden Bay)
Day Four: Kawe Islands and Aljui Bay
After your tour of The Hidden Bay you'll set off for a 12hr drive up to the north of Raja Ampat and dive around the Kawe Islands and Aljui Bay.
Day Five: Yanggefo
After a 12hr drive back down to the south / middle of Raja Ampat you will dive at Yanggefo: Mayhem, Citrus Ridge and Gam Ridge followed by some snorkelling in the mangroves looking for the Archer Fish and seeing the unique corals that grow in front of the mangroves (normally corals grow 100m plus away from the mangroves), followed by a night dive at either of the ridges
Day Six: Arborek
The morning dives are at Manta Sandy where there is a manta ray cleaning station and you'll see both Black / White and all Black Manta Rays come to be cleaned. Third dive is a beautiful coral / fish dive close to Arborek Island where guests can also have a sun set walk on the beach before the fourth / night dive at the village jetty
Day Seven: Dampier Strait
Finishing off your great trip with two shallow dives around Sardine and Chicken Reef before returning to Sorong
Day Eight: Sorong
After breakfast the Cruise Director will escort guests to either the airport / hotel and will assist with checking in.
Notes:
*Cruising itineraries and daily programs are subject to change due to weather / sea conditions and dive site / anchorage availability. Every effort will be made to complete the program as planned and the Cruise Director will update the guests at meal times*