• Professional cruise directors
• Outdoor sleeping facilities
• Complimentary snorkelling equipment and two sea canoes (add SUP)
• Free tea, soft drinks, juices, coffee and mineral water
• Excellent food and snacks (vegetarian and special menus on request)
• Dining in the spacious air-conditioned lounge
• Teak wooden furniture in the lounge, cabins and on the deck
• Spacious sun and semi-covered decks
• Mooring fees
• Fuel surcharge

• Visits to restaurants, museums, galleries etc during the trip
• A fine selection of wines, beer and spirits for sale
• Travel to and from the vessel (including internal/domestic airfares)

What To Expect

While many of you are seasoned travellers, some of you may be unfamiliar with the ways and means of travelling in the remoter regions where we journey. Cruising in eastern Indonesia on a traditional wooden pinisi ship can be an exciting new world for some.

Each cruise is led by professional, multilingual tour leaders who will escort guests in all activities both on land and at sea, answer any questions, provide in-depth daily briefings, and ultimately ensure the smooth running of every aspect of the cruise.

Life On Board

Life on board our ships is one of pure enjoyment, with good food, top-class service and fine company mixed with just the right balance of exploration and relaxation. Whilst on board, guests are immersed in a world of barefoot fun and adventure, with air-conditioned private en-suite cabins, indoor and outdoor social hubs and dining areas, sun decks, a wide selection of Indonesian, Western and Asian cuisine, a full bar, and highly attentive service from our crew, whose smiles and friendly personalities offer an even greater insight into the Indonesian way of life.

Food

Our galleys are staffed with talented individuals who pride themselves on being able to conjure up all manner of dishes and delicacies from across the world, using only the best quality meat, seafood and fresh produce available – with the latter often sourced from local markets and the fishermen we meet along the way. Vegetarian dishes and most special dietary requirements can be accommodated with minimal fuss. Our stewards are on hand all day to serve meals and make sure you have all you need; from cold towels and fresh juices to a full plate of food and an iced drink whenever you need it.

While all non-alcoholic drinks are inclusive, each boat has a full cash bar stocked with local and imported wines, imported spirits and domestic beer, usually at local prices.

Accommodation

Our comfortable cabins are located below decks and offer all the necessary amenities, including double beds or twin bunks, private en-suite bathrooms, lots of natural light, individually controlled air-conditioning, ample storage space, and plenty of electrical and USB outlets.

Each boat also includes a salon, bar, sundeck and outdoor dining areas.

We Respect the Environment

We respect the environment in which we operate and are deeply committed to the integrity and preservation of the Indonesian Archipelago.

We show locals the value of protecting the species they have. For example, whale sharks are under constant threat due to the sky-high value of their fins, but thanks to our visits, local fishermen are paid a healthy fee for spotting the whale sharks and letting you in the water to be up close to them. As a result, the fishermen are very glad to protect these beautiful animals.

We also work with local NGOs on coral restoration projects in the area, and support centres like the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Centre which helps to rehabilitate animals back into the wild and put an end to animal trafficking.

We Support Local Communities

Our motto for these sailing adventures is “Seeing Indonesia through Indonesian eyes”. We hire locals and work with local communities to promote authentic cultural experiences and interactions between tourists and locals to foster mutual understanding and respect.

More than half of our tour guides are women. In Indonesia the workforce is extremely male-dominated, so this is a way for us to break down barriers and create a more inclusive workforce.

We partner with local NGOs working on community development projects. As well as make an effort to bring life-changing water filters, glasses, school books and LED lights to the remote villages we visit. We buy from local fishermen, and vendors and always pay the locals when they treat us to a cultural performance.

We have created a series of three books which are available for sale on our boats. The money from each book sold is entirely invested back in creating new books to distribute to communities we visit. These are just some of the ways we work to offer a responsible and equitable sailing experience.

Domine Eduard Osok Airport Sorong (SOQ)

Domine Eduard Osok Airport Sorong (SOQ)

Itinerary: Explore The Jewels Of Raja Ampat

Day 1

Upon arrival at Sorong airport you are taken to the boat. After a welcome drink, an introduction to your ecological expert Vincent Chalias and a brief safety orientation you begin to settle into your new home for the next ten days. You set a course for the southernmost islands of the Raja Ampat National Park.

After an alfresco lunch, and an introductory briefing on the underwater world you are about to enter into, you stop for your first swim and snorkel of the voyage on one of the many beautiful coral reefs. As you continue south through the night you have pre-dinner cocktails served on the back deck as the sun goes down followed by dinner, a briefing of the next day’s activities and socialising.

Day 2

You wake up at the eastern end of the Misool archipelago, a picturesque chain of jungle-covered limestone islets with spectacular coral reefs offering some fantastic snorkelling.

You spend the day exploring the many inlets, bays, and beaches with some trekking, swimming, and of course snorkelling.  Vincent Chalias teaches you about the natural forces that have shaped this amazing place and the types of things to look for in the special environment. You break out the kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for some seaborne adventuring fun.

After a full day of island and water activities, Vincent and your tour leader give you the nightly briefing including a natural world presentation that will focus on the unique environments you will be visiting the next day. You spend a quiet night at anchor under the stars.

Day 3

After an early breakfast, your day starts with a swim and a snorkel through a giant dome-roofed sea cave filled with massive stalagmites and stalactites, one of the area’s most otherworldly experiences.

You then move on to the mysterious stingless jellyfish lake, one of only 20 in the world, literally a pool of evolution where these amazing creatures exist. You carefully swim amongst the many beautiful and stingless animals.

Using tenders, you will visit some mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric cave paintings, estimated to be anything between 3,000 to 5,000 years old, depicting various human figures and huge human hands, fish and flowers.

Day 4

You try your best to see the Lesser Birds of Paradise in the wild, an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to see them. Vincent Chalias will explain their seductive dance. You rise early and walk through the forest to hopefully see the birds as they dance around in their ‘lekking’ trees performing as if their life depends on it.

In the afternoon, an underwater exploration takes place as you snorkel around one of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs. Schools of fish hanging out in clear blue water and walls adorned with colourful sea fans. Test your improving spotting skill by finding surprising creatures in the shallower areas. Vincent Chalias will reveal the amazing life stories of many of them.

Late in the afternoon, you watch the sunset while sailing north to Batanta Island.

Day 5

You visit the island of Batanta, depending on the tides and luck, a potential chance to see mantas as well as a chance to see new scenery. You enjoy a chance to stretch your legs with an adventurous jungle trek where Vincent Chalias will tell you about the many birds, butterflies and special insects found here.

You start the day with a slow cruise through a dense mangrove ecosystem followed by a short walk through the forest to the first of two waterfalls, where you swim and cool off. The more energetic of the group can keep heading upriver where a second, larger cascade awaits.

After returning to the boat and having lunch, you go snorkelling and get the paddle boards and kayaks in the water, before heading north later in the afternoon and overnight cruise to a beautiful group of islands.

Day 6

In the morning, you visit a pearl farm tucked away in a protected, deep-water cove and tour the facilities to learn how this precious commodity is produced and harvested. Pearling is an important industry and employs many people in the area.

You spend the afternoon snorkelling and kayaking amongst three small islands linked together by pristine coral reefs, or you can simply choose to relax on the beach.

Day 7

In the morning you explore a small group of limestone islands filled with coves and beautiful reefs. After breakfast, you go ashore for a short climb to a vantage point where you survey your beautiful surroundings, before heading out to snorkel on the beautiful reefs.

During lunch, you head to a small island located between Gam and Mansuar where the currents bring rich nutrients to the coral reefs. The three famous jetties offer an abundance of underwater life scenery – schools of fish, the shy black tip reef sharks, the elegant spadefish and the magnificent giant clams.

Day 8

Central Raja Ampat stores many magical underwater gems. You explore some of them.

Starting with a visit to a local village in central Mansuar island which promotes sustainability through its education centre, solar-powered street lights, and sustainable fishing practice through local community effort. Its house reef offers an abundance of marine life which is why you spend the rest of your morning snorkelling here and if lucky, see a wobbegong shark.

Another underwater adventure awaits in the afternoon as you make your way to the eastern point of Mansuar. Famous for its school of big fish, you can see humphead wrasse and a school of giant trevally swimming next to each other, maybe greeted by the resident hawksbill turtle. You should be able to keep Vincent Chalias very busy with questions after being in this amazing pool of life.

Tonight, you have a beach BBQ and party with the crew under the stars.

Day 9

Today sees an early start as you head off into the forest in search of the incredible Red Bird of Paradise. The walk takes about 40 minutes, and as you arrive at the bird site at dawn, if you are lucky, you will see the incredible mating displays of these birds in the canopy of the rainforest. This is a David Attenborough moment if ever there was one.

You walk through a colourful local village and meet the people who call this wonderful corner of paradise home and see how they live their daily lives.

Back on the boat, you head off for some more great snorkelling in the famous wall on the east of Gam island where you can surely find something that will stump Vincent Chalias’s amazing knowledge of the marine world. You then sail overnight to an island nearby Sorong.

Day 10

You wake up anchored in Sorong and have one last hearty breakfast on board before venturing on your very last adventure in Doom Island with traditional transportation called Becak. During the First World War, the island served as an administrative centre of the Dutch Empire administration in West Papua and continued to become the core of Sorong for some time before the city grew in mainland Papua.

During the Second World War, Japanese forces occupied and fortified the island, building a network of tunnels and bunkers. The island was attacked by American and Australian aircraft throughout the war. Following the war, a fishing station was briefly established on the island before it was moved to Manokwari.

After the adventure, you bid farewell. The tenders take you ashore for your transfer to the airport.

Everyone tends to dress very casually, so choose clothes that are comfortable for walking/trekking and suitable for wearing on the boat.

Clothing

The tropical climate means you can safely leave all of your warm weather gear at home. Bring cool cotton t-shirts and shorts. We cruise during the dry season in each of the regions that we visit but rain is always a possibility so bring a lightweight waterproof jacket. It can sometimes be a bit windy on the boat and this will also help keep you warm. Likewise, a lightweight fleece could be useful for pre-dawn trekking or if there is a cool wind on the boat – even if you don’t need it onboard, it will be useful for the plane.

We are respectful of the local cultures and customs – bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees for village visits. Finally, you might want to bring at least one smart-casual outfit for sunset cocktails and evening meals on the boat.

Ladies: beach throw-overs, kaftans and sarongs are always useful; choose fabrics that dry easily. Also, bring a lightweight sundress or two – the boat offers a great setting for a photo shoot, live it up!

Sun Protection

You’ll be spending plenty of time out in the scorching tropical sun, so be sure to pack sunscreen with a high enough SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays, which are stronger in the water, and some sun-protective clothing as well.

Cover-ups, sarongs, sun shirts, and other such clothing will ensure that you come back from your trip with just happy memories and photographs – and not sunburn. A good hat is essential; a wide-brimmed hat or cap will keep the strong equatorial sun off your face and neck. Sunglasses keep your eyes protected. A strap to hold your glasses can be a good idea for more active adventures. Just in case you fail to avoid getting sunburnt, bring an aloe-based lotion to soothe burned skin.

Footwear

Pack comfortable trainers, trekking sandals, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for hikes and walks. Bring socks to wear inside your walking shoes to avoid getting blisters. Many travellers appreciate the added stability of a walking stick or hiking pole; lightweight telescopic poles are easy to pack. You might also want waterproof sandals or reef shoes for wet landings and water activities. Flip-flops are great for the beach but it is standard practice to go barefoot on the boat.

Bags

A day backpack is essential on day hikes to carry things such as your water bottle, camera, binoculars, and rain jacket. We will provide you with a metal water bottle, which can be refilled as often as required. A waterproof wet/dry bag is a good idea for gadgets like your phone or camera.

Swimwear

Don’t forget your swimsuit/bikini/shorts/trunks/Speedos —and preferably more than just one swimsuit, so that one or two can be drying while you are wearing another. Luckily, swimsuits and/or swim trunks don’t take up too much space in your luggage. The water is warm but a rash guard (or a wetsuit) will protect you from the sun, abrasions and stings.

Skin and Hair Protection

Ladies, it’s important that you take good care of your skin and hair. The sun, seawater and salty air may be beautiful to experience but it can be tough on your body and will wreak havoc on your locks. Bring moisturising lotion to soothe skin parched by the sun and the saltwater; bring a leave-in conditioner to detangle your hair with ease because the water, mask, and hair ties will leave it in knots. Also consider bringing a scarf or headband to hold back unruly hair, or hair ties/pins to keep your hair off your face and therefore prevent water seeping into your mask.

Note: Your cabin is outfitted with towels, shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

Camera Equipment

If you are a photo enthusiast bring all of the camera and video equipment that you will use as you can expect exceptional opportunities for photography. If you prefer the ease of a point & shoot, bring that. If you want to take underwater photos you might want to invest in a waterproof camera or waterproof housing to capture photos of the incredible marine life.

It’s a good idea to bring a spare memory card; our cruises explore remote regions where memory cards cannot be purchased.

Electronics

The voltage on board is 220 volts. There are several electric sockets and USB charging ports in each cabin suitable for European-type plugs, but we do have a selection of adaptors for non-European-type plugs. Additional sockets are located in the saloon, where we have a dedicated area for the charging of electronic devices and cameras.

Miscellaneous Items

Snorkels, masks & fins in all sizes are provided onboard. If you are an avid snorkeller, you may prefer to bring your own mask & snorkel. If you’re new to snorkelling, you might want to consider purchasing a full-face snorkel mask to bring with you, it’s an easier option for beginners.

Even if you think that your stomach is rock-solid, a squall could turn up and make you feel sick. Sea-sickness tablets are provided on board but you may have a preferred brand, in which case bring your own.

You’ll find reference books and paperback novels on board. However, books of your choice or an e-reader will come in handy for down hours.

There is a comprehensive wilderness first aid kit on board but remember to bring any personal medications.

Essential items should be packed in your carry-on luggage. Medications, corrective lenses, spare underwear, cameras and documents should not be checked in case your bag does not arrive with you.