Raja Ampat Adventure

Let's get the party started with a meetup today around 4pm for drinks and snacks at the Samaya Resort at Seminyak and go over the plan.

This gives us the opportunity to get to know each other and discuss life on board the Prana.

You will need accomodation in Bali tonight.

You have the day free today to chill out, grab those items you may have forgotten for the trip etc.

The most important part is to be at Bali Airport, Domestic terminal by 6pm to board our 8pm flight to Sorong via Jakarta.

We're not going to lie, this flight involves a 2 hour transit at Jakarta airport and we take the midnight "red eye" flight for four hours to Sorong.

Because of the time differences we arrive in Sorong around 6.30am.

But here's the good news . . . 

From the airport we go straight to Prana for breakfast and then you're all off to your cabins for a sleep as it is a 5 to 6 hour sail to get our clearances for the Raja Ampat Marine Park. 

In summary, today is really about boarding our flight tonight. All the action takes place tomorrow. You will not need accomodation TONIGHT but you might like a late check-out from your hotel.

We arrive early this morning but the good news is our boat is waiting so it's off to the harbour, board The Prana and have breakfast on board then settle in to your cabin for a morning power nap while we set sail to Mioskon - the gateway to the jewel-like islands of Raja Ampat.

It is a bit of a sail to get there so relax with a massage on deck, cooled by the gentle sea breeze or recline on one of the many day beds with a good book. Lie back and embrace the freedom of the ocean and enjoy being waited on by our discreet staf.

While Prana does our harbour clearances we can do some exploration of the blue river. A spectacular river of cool clear water which is a reward after a short hike to get there.

Not a bad way to start the trip and refresh after your "Power Nap" from last nights flight.

This morning we arrive at the islands of Yenbuba and Cape Kri.

After a delicious breakfast, the day will be ruled by ocean activities: snorkelling, diving, wakeboarding, water skiing and paddle boarding.

Cape Kri is exceptional as it home to a huge amount of diverse marine life for us to see. There are abundant untouched corals gardens and sea fans that serve as homes for large schools of colourful small fish.

But it's not all water sports today - we visit a local village and learn about their traditional ways and lifestyles.

We set sail to Pyanemo in the evening and witness a spectacular sunset framed by the dense green of the jungle and the turquoise ocean. Sip signature cocktails and then sit down to a delicious feast.

Today we are explore Piaynemo which is home to aa sprawling chain of densely forested islands.

We have most of the day to make the most of this tropical wonderland. Some incredible snorkelling spots, chances for diving and a very cool beach village to visit.

After lunch we head off to some hidden lagoons for swimming, snorkelling or a stand up paddle board if you want.

A short trek takes us to an iconic view point and some great photographs that capture this part of the world.

If you fancy a night dive/snorkel then we have a great spot for that too.

Get up early and take one of the tenders to the island to climb the peaks of Wayag and survey the iconic limestone outcrops from above.

This is the poster child of Raja Ampat filled surreal conical shaped karst islands scattered in an emerald sea.

Enjoy a delicious fusion lunch and then choose between snorkelling, diving, kayaking or paddle boarding. This is a marine sanctuary so we cannot indulge in some of the water sports as we must respect the ocean here. Limestone cliffs, rugged outcrops, pinnacles, unspoilt rainforest and virgin white sandy coves await your pleasure. Spot dolphins and manta rays in the thriving ecosystems of this incredible destination.

To bring this outstanding day to close we cre- ate a cocktail party on the beach around a roaring bonfire. Tell tales of the wildlife you’ve seen while watching billions of stars light up the night sky.

As we cross the equator on our way back we visit Wofoh, one of the most extraordinary places on earth.

After some "equatorial crossing rituals" we can launch kayaks or take a tender to explore the beautiful bay. This spot is just outside of the National Park so all the watersports are once again at your disposal. The diving here is also unbelievable with end less coral gardens and a high species count.

If time and tide permits we may be able to sail to Aljui bay and visit a pearl farm - finger's crossed.

We spend the morning in Yangefo dive or snorkel amongst the plentiful tur tles, stingrays and schools of snapper and fusilier fish. After a lovely lunch, we set sail to the small yet beautiful island of Arborek.

The local people in Arborek are very welcoming and industrious, creating unusual handicrafts from sea pandan leaves. They live as they have done for thousands of years and are just one of many indigenous tribes within the region.

There is also the opportunity to visit Wallace's Hut - it was from here that Wallace wrote his famous letter to Charles Darwin suggesting that animals evolve to their conditions and thus prompted Darwin to complete his "Origin of Species" (before Wallace beat him to the punch).

Wallace was a remarkable scientist and was responsible for identifying the "Wallace Line" proving that marks the border between Australia and Asia with animals and birds on the Bali side of Asia being, well, Asian and those East of Bali are uniquely Australian. You can read more about Wallace here.

Return to the boat to be engulfed in luxury, take a massage in the spa before sunset drinks and light supper. The pier offers a great spot for a night dive where you will be engulfed in a glittering array of spectacular coral fans and walls of fish, just below the surface.

During the night we make the sail to Matan Island. This beautiful tropical island is just a short hop to Sorong for our flight home.

Spend the morning having one last swim, dive or snorkel or just relax on the white sand beach.

We arrive in Sorong around lunch time and will spend the night at the Aston Hotel.

There's nothing remarkable about Sorong (we call it "So Wrong") - but spending the night here means we have created time up our sleeves if the Prana is delayed for any reason. More than that, it means we can take more time today to enjoy the morning and time on Prana.

Check out of the hotel and fly return to Bali.

We take the morning flight from Sorong to Bali and should arrive in the afternoon there.

You will need accomodation in Bali tonight.

Surrounded by luxury, this is the world's largest Phinisi - a Traditional Indonesian Boat. Featuring 9 luxury cabins with ensuites, aircon and mod cons. Plus a day spa, dive shop - and 1,000 sq m of deck space - we are doing this trip in style

Here are the specs for this incredible Boat: