Day 1 – Sorong
Arrive at Sorong Airport. Our crew will be waiting outside the arrival hall, they will escort you to the Pearl of Papua. After a 15 minute ride, you will be onboard the vessel, cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before departure, take this time to familiarize yourself with the facilities and make yourself comfortable. Lunch and dinner will be served while heading towards Raja Ampat National Park. Sorong to Penemu is roughly an eleven-hour journey.
- Check Dive at Batu Hitam, time permitting
Day 2 – Fam and Penemu
Spread over nearly 700 square kilometers of ocean, just above the midway point on Raja Ampat’s north-south axis, Fam and Penemu’s vivid coral gardens revel in the nutrient-rich water brought forth from the Dampier Straits. My Reef has excellent fish life and is the perfect way to start your first full day of the expedition.
After completing your third dive, the Pearl of Papua will begin her nine-hour journey to Wayag.
- Climb to Pianemo
- Dive 1: My Reef
- Dive 2: Melissa’s Garden
- Dive 3: Barracuda
Day 3 – Wayag
The Pearl of Papua will moor in front of Mt. Pindito. After completing the first dive you will have the opportunity to hike up to the top so bring your cameras, shoes and a hat – the views are spectaular! Upon descending our speed boats will cruise around the bay exploring hidden areas, thus affording you an up-close view of the spectacular limestone karst formations.
- Climb Mt. Pindito
- Dive 1: Pelagic Rock
- Dive 2: Karang Hitam
- Dive 3: Eagle Rock (West)
Day 4 – Kawe and Waigeo
So many wonderful dives, so little time! As there are a number of exceptional sites in the northern part of Raja Ampat, we will spend a bit more time in this area to properly explore it. Changgo is an outstanding site, it offers a stunning combination of soft corals and sea fans which provides a wonderful backdrop while photographing thick schools of fishes. We will dive at The Passage, this site located at the south coast of Waigeo, here schools of giant trevally, Bumphead parrotfish, and the occasional reef shark can be spotted on the way.
- Dive 1: Changgo
- Dive 2: Eagle Rock (East)
- Dive 3: The Passage (optional)
- Dive 4: Night dive around Waigeo
Day 5 – Yanggefo and Arborek
En route to the Dampier Straits, we will pass the islands of Yangefo and Arborek. Arborek is a small island inhabited by about 130 local Papuans. Here you will have the opportunity to take a more intimate look at their lives as well as explore an authentic village.
There are a few excellent sites in this area. Mayhem is not to be missed, with its vibrant benthic life and a plethora of fish about you are sure to love the dive. This area also boasts a manta cleaning station, Manta Sandy!
- Dive 1: Mayhem
- Dive 2: Citrus Ridge
- Dive 3: Manta Sandy
- Dive 4: Arborek Jetty
Day 6 – Dampier Straits
The Dampier Straits contain some of Raja Ampat’s most action-packed dives. There are a number of wonderful sites in the area, many of which are exposed to and best-dived when the current is running. Encounters with various sharks, Bumphead Parrotfish, schools of Barracuda, Oceanic Triggerfish, and Big-Eyed Trevally are quite common. The sheer number of fish is literally astounding. At times shoals are so thick the sunlight is practically blocked out.
Finally, what better way to end your diving expedition than to have a barbeque on an uninhabited island? The crew will prepare a wonderful meal for you to enjoy as you watch thousands of fruit bats begin their journey to neighboring islands in search of food.
- Dive 1: Blue Magic
- Dive 2: Cape Kri
- Dive 3: Mike’s Point
- Barbeque at the island
Day 7 – Dampier Straits
We can’t get enough of Dampier Straits! Today you will dive at Chicken Reef and Sardine Reef, these dive spots offer an unforgettable diving experience where you may spot huge schools of fishes being stalked by Barracuda and Trevally. And if you’re lucky to even a few Manta Rays!
After completing your second dive of the day, the Pearl of Papua will begin her return voyage to Sorong. It is roughly a seven-hour journey. Upon arriving in Sorong you will have the opportunity to purchase some souvenirs for your family and friends.
- Dive 1: Chicken Reef
- Dive 2: Sardine Reef
Day 8 – Sorong
After breakfast, prepare for disembarkation. Official check-out time is 10 AM. From here you will be transferred to your next destination. Your diving journey has ended and we certainly look forward to welcoming you on board again.
The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip. Divers are recommended to wait for 24hours before flying after the last dive.
Sailing itineraries and daily programs are subject to change due to weather and sea conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations or in response to other factors. Every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned.
