Best of Raja Ampat! 10-night luxury liveaboard trip Feb 14-24, 2025

This journey has been created to give you the best of everything. Phenomenal snorkeling in the epicenter of the Coral Triangle from the award-winning, super-fabulous Coralia liveaboard.

Indonesia is in the heart of the Coral Triangle. 75% of the world’s coral species and a whooping 1,000 species of fish are found here.  Snorkeling in Indonesia is unique not only for the sheer volume of marine life but also due to the variety of accessible marine habitats including vibrant coral gardens, sea mounts and magical mangroves. Raja Ampat is one of the most extraordinary places to snorkel on the planet. If you are an avid snorkeler this is a part of the world you must visit. I have been to Raja Ampat many times and my enthusiasm to return only gets stronger with each visit. Every time I enter the water it’s a different and exciting experience.  The remarkable array of vibrant soft corals, sea fans, sponges and hard coral gardens are stunning.  The prolific marine life includes petite to pelagic aquatic critters.   Fusiliers, butterflyfish, parrotfish, surgeons, bannerfish, triggerfish and squadrons of jacks and barracuda are typical sights. Highlights can include pygmy seahorses, mandarin fish, wobbegong sharks, turtles and majestic mantas.

Where is Raja Ampat? Raja Ampat or “Four Kings” refers to four main islands located off the northwest coast of West Papua: Misool, Salawati, Batan, and Waigeo.  The region stretches over 15,000 square miles.

ITINERARY:

February 14, 2025
Upon arrival in Sorong, we’ll be met by Coralia crew and transferred to the port where we’ll board the lovely Coralia liveaboard. The cabins, the crew and oh my, the food are fabulous. The Coralia will be our home for the next 10 days.  Once we settle in and have an on-board safety orientation, we’ll begin our voyage!

February 14-24, 2025
At sea exploring the wonders of Raja Ampat.
From the comfort of our liveaboard we’ll explore the beautiful shallow reefs and mind-blowing coral and marine life of Raja Ampat.
Raja Ampat has literally hundreds of diverse snorkel sites to choose from.  Each day we’ll travel to optimal sites available based on real-time conditions. The advantage of liveaboard travel is the ability to relocate to fishy, sheltered snorkel sites with good visibility.
The Coralia has four excellent snorkel guides who will be in the water with us, eager to point out cryptic critters and other underwater wonders.

The rhythm of the days on a live-aboard snorkel trip is fun and flexible.  Perhaps you’ll want to start your day watching the sunrise and stretching on the upper deck. After a breakfast of mouth-watering goodies we’ll have a snorkel briefing and slip into the water for a leisurely morning snorkel.  After lunch and time for a rest we’ll jump back in the water and explore a new underwater wonderland.
Each guided snorkel session lasts approximately 2 hours. Any time you you want to take a break there will be a skiff nearby where you can take a rest or return to the Coralia. When possible there may be a dusk or night snorkel.
Our day to day itinerary will vary to make sure we are at the best site at the best time.  It’s all about maximum exposure to discover a variety of marine life in the best possible conditions. On some days we’ll have the opportunity for beach time or a zodiac tour.

The atmosphere on board is relaxed and casual.  This is your trip, you can focus on your passion whether it be photography, swimming, snorkeling, speaking Indonesian with the friendly crew, or connecting with your fellow passengers.
Some travelers are quite content to spend hours on board enjoying the scenery and reading a book. That’s okay too!
Our adventure-filled days will end watching the sun set, dinner under the stars and looking forward to what the next day will bring.

Personally, one of my favorite things about being at sea is the feeling of being so present. It’s one of the few times in my life I’m not preoccupied with the past or the future. Time seems suspended and it’s all about being in the here and now, fully immersed in beauty and nature.

OUR YACHT:
This expedition takes place on the elegant and comfortable Coralia liveaboard yacht.

The Coralia is 157 x 30 feet.  There is ample deck space to enjoy the view, dine, or simply relax.
The spacious sun deck and lounge areas have comfy sofas and loungers. There is an indoor air-conditioned dining room.
The chef uses as much fresh local produce as he can, including fresh seafood. Healthy buffets can be tailored to any diet requirements.
For those who like to indulge, the fresh baked bread, luscious cinnamon rolls and dare I say, donuts….are incredible!
Weather permitting, we can enjoy our meals al fresco on deck. It’s enchanting to dine at night under the stars.

You’ll be happy to hear there is a massage therapist on board that gives great massages on the upper deck.
Free WiFi is provided depending on the local cell phone reception.

The Coralia has eight spacious cabins that offer abundant comfort and style.
The four air-conditioned Deluxe cabins are located on the lower deck and have port holes.  The spacious en-suite bathrooms have warm freshwater showers, reef-safe bath products,  fluffy towels and hairdryer. The deluxe cabins are furnished with either a king bed plus a single or two lower beds, a sofa  and closet.  A safety box, regular and USB charging stations are provided.

The four Master cabins on the main and upper deck feature king size beds, a sofa and closet. A door opens to your private balcony with a sun chair and outside sofa. The spacious en-suite bathrooms have warm freshwater showers, fluffy towels and hairdryer.

February 24, 2025
Morning disembarkation in Sorong. Transportation to the airport is provided and you are available to fly out anytime of day.

RAJA AMPAT EXPEDITION COST BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY:
PRICE $6525 per person based on double occupancy in a Deluxe Cabin on the Coralia.
PRICE $7325 per person based on double occupancy in a Master Cabin with balcony on the Coralia.
This departure is sold out. Contact Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com to be added to the waitlist.

Trip costs include:
♦ Transfers to/from the Coralia from Sorong airport.
♦ 10 night accommodations on the Coralia.
♦ $315.00 for Port, fuel and Raja Ampat National Park fees.
♦ All meals, snacks, coffee, tea and drinking water during the 10-night expedition.
♦ All water-based and land-based activities while on board the Coralia.

Trip costs exclude:
♦ Airfare.
♦ Gratuities.
♦ Additional hotel nights.
♦ Alcoholic beverages.
♦ Massages.
♦ Laundry.
♦ Trip cancellation and medical insurance. (essential)
♦ Carrier imposed fuel surcharges.

The Coralia crew set such a high bar for future liveaboards…We loved our cabin and the food was out of the ballpark! We didn’t want to leave!
-Joan and David Little

“This is the best coral I have experienced and the marine life was varied and plentiful.
The trip was as close to perfect as I could imagine. Amazing coral and fish and wonderful crew and snorkeling companions. I loved every minute of it.”
-Helen Glasgow

“Wendy, you are a marvel. (10+) I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all you do to make the trip run smoothly. I know you love being in the water. And always with a big smile and gentle laugh carrying that joy forward in every conversation, your intention to make our time just as memorable and enjoyable. It works!”
-Flo McAlary

I hope you will be able to join me on this exceptional journey to experience the beauty and wonders of Raja Ampat!

 

 

 

 

 

Wendy Simon
CEO/and Fellow Snorkel Addict
Snorkeling Etc. Inc.
Santa Cruz, CA.
831 254-5001
Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com