Best of Raja Ampat! 3 nights in eco-resort plus 10 night luxury liveaboard Feb. 11-24, 2024

This journey has been created to give you the best of all worlds. Enjoy a 3 night stay in a water bungalow at the  exquisite Papua Explorers Eco Resort followed by a 10 night voyage on the award winning Coralia liveaboard.
it’s a perfect way to explore the mind blowing reefs of Raja Ampat by land and by sea.

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 11, 2024 Upon arrival in Sorong, you will be met by staff from Papua Explorers Eco Resort and transferred to the resort. The private boat transfer to the resort takes approx. 2 1/2 hours

February 11-14, 2024
Your time in Raja Ampat will begin with a three night stay at Papua Explorers Resort located on the island of Gam.
Set in the middle of a lush rainforest Papua Explorers is an intimate and comfortable eco-resort just 10-15 minutes away from the famed snorkel sites of the Dampier Straits..
The deluxe water bungalows have en-suite bathrooms, ceiling fan, mosquito netting and a comfortable seating area. The veranda has direct access to the sea.
Traditional Indonesian cuisine as well as international foods are freshly prepared by the kitchen team.
During our three days at the resort we will have snorkel outings by boat as well as time enjoy the house reef, kayak, explore the local village or indulge in a spa treatment.

 

February 14-February 24, 2024  The morning of the 14th the Coralia liveaboard will meet us at Papua Explorers Resort. We’ll board our vessel  and begin our voyage 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 the best snorkel sites available based on real-time conditions. We will have the flexibility to optimize our snorkel experiences by maneuvering to the most fishy and sheltered areas.

The rhythm of the days on a live-aboard snorkel trip is fun, easy and flexible. During the day we are in protected anchorages. Mornings begin slipping into an underwater wonderland for our first snorkel session.  After lunch and repositioning to a new site we’ll jump back in the water for another session. On some days we’ll have a zodiac or land tour as well. When possible there may be a dusk or night snorkel.  Evenings are spent time enjoying each other’s company and hanging out under the bright stars as we travel quietly to our next amazing snorkel site.
Our snorkel sessions are guided by the knowledgeable Coralia snorkel guides and last approximately 2 hours.  If you get tired you can take a break on a zodiac or return to the Coralia.
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.

This is YOUR trip, you can focus on your passion whether it be photography, in-depth swimming and snorkeling, speaking Indonesian with the friendly crew, or connecting with your fellow passengers. Our adventure-filled days will end watching the sun set 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.

February 24 , 2024 Disembarkation Day. The crew of the Coralia will transfer you back to Sorong airport for your outbound flight.
Garuda #683 departs Sorong at 8:25am and arrives Jakarta at 10:10am

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.
On clear nights we can dine al fresco, under the stars.
There is a massage therapist on board! 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, 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.

RAJA AMPAT EXPEDITION COST BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY:
PRICE $6595 per person based on double occupancy in a Deluxe Cabin on the Coralia/Deluxe Bungalow at Papua Explorers.  
PRICE $7350 per person based on double occupancy in a Master Cabin with balcony on the Coralia/Deluxe Bungalow at Papua Explorers.

This departure is currently sold out. Please contact me if you would like to me waitlist. Shift happens! Contact:  Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com

Maximize your snorkel time in Raja Ampat! Consider adding the preceding February 10-night voyage. Each sailing will focus on exploring different snorkel sites. Special pricing for the additional 10-night voyage on the Coralia (Feb 1-11, 2024). 

Trip costs include:
♦ Transfers to/from Papua Explorers Resort/The Coralia from Sorong airport.
♦ 10 night accommodations on the Coralia.
♦ 3 night accommodation at the Papua Explorers Resort.
♦ $250.00 for Port, fuel and Raja Ampat National Park fees.
♦ All meals, snacks, coffee, tea and drinking water during the 13 night expedition.
♦ All water-based and land-based activities while on board the Coralia.
♦ Two days of snorkel outings at Papua Explorers Resort.

Trip costs exclude:
♦ Airfare.
♦ Gratuities.
♦ Additional hotel nights.
♦ Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
♦ Massages.
♦ Laundry.
♦ Trip cancellation and medical insurance. (essential)

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