The Raja Ampat Islands are an Indonesian archipelago off the north west tip of Bird's Head Peninsula in West Papua. Comprising of hundreds of jungle-covered islands, Raja Ampat is known for its beaches, bright coral reefs rich with marine life, ancient rock paintings and caves. It is also the only home of the endangered red bird-of-paradise. Described by some as "the world's most beautiful islands" this remote, undisturbed archipelago bursts with colour and is a true nature lover's paradise. Experience all of this whilst enjoying the hospitality you will receive onboard your private chartereed phinisi. The following is an example itinerary only to give you a flavour of what to expect. Raja Ampat charters are a minimum of 7 nights, but the longer you can spare, the better to really explore this extraordinary region and find the hidden gems on the more remote islands. You can visit our portfolio of luxury phinisi charters HERE.
CLASSIC RAJA AMPAT
HIGHLIGHTS
- Cruising one of the remotest destinations in the world.
- Uninhabited islands for hiking and private picnics.
- Some of the world's best diving and snorkelling.
- Local tribal culture in the land that time forgot.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Embark in Sorong
You will be met at Sorong airport by the yacht's crew and transferred to the harbour, approximately a 20-minute drive. Once you have settled in onboard, your private charter phinisi will depart Sorong and begin the cruise to the islands of Raja Ampat while you enjoy lunch on deck. If time allows, go snorkelling or try a check dive before you watch the sun go down. Dinner will be served under the stars.
Overnight: Private charter phinisi
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Day 2 Moskon Bay
This morning, you'll awake to the sound of tropical birds calling from the jungle. Mioskon Bay is a spectacular spot where you can snorkel in the mangroves, or kayak mirror still waters along the verdant coastline. Famed for its fish-life and coral slopes, the Kri peninsula offers some of the most exquisite underwater vistas in Raja Ampat.
Overnight: Private charter phinisi
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Day 3 Kabui Bay
Rise at dawn for the best chance of spotting a rare Red Bird of Paradise. Your cruise director can accompany you on this jungle hike of around 45-minutes to reach the bird-watching platform, where you can keep your eyes and ears open for signs of this elusive bird. After breakfast, take in the statuesque mushroom islands of Kabui Bay, marking the entrance to a narrow channel of water through which strong currents run with each tide, forming a saltwater river with coral and fish-life.
Overnight: Private charter phinisi
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Day 4 Penemu Islands
A cluster of rocky limestone domes makes up the Penemu Islands. Draped with tiers of green vegetation, the islets encircle a shallow green bay and a walking trail along the rocky hills leads to a look out with magnificent views of the lagoon, its outlying islands, and the ocean beyond. Nearby lie some of the most celebrated snorkelling and diving sites in the area, where turtles float over intricate coral gardens and Manta rays meet large schools of game fish.
Overnight: Private charter phinisi
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Day 5 Wayag Islands
Your island today offers multiple diving and snorkelling opportunities. The sea teams with a mix of hard coral, barrel sponges and colourful corals home to bright tropical shoals. The calm surrounding waters are ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding while the islands' gorgeous white sand beaches are the perfect location for sundowners and a barbecue dinner.
Overnight: Private charter phinisi
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Day 6 Coral Reefs of Wofoh
Here, two islands are connected by a shallow reef, which makes for a wonderful spot for beach combing, paddle boarding and kayaking. The west coast of Wofoh is also home to one of the most beautiful coral walls in the area, plunging into clear blue water depths with a mixture of soft corals, hard corals and barrel sponges. Schooling surgeon fish and barracuda can be spotted here as well as the elusive unicorn fish.
Overnight: Private charter phinisi
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Day 7 Dampier Strait
Dampier's tidal surges carry planktonic feasts that attract Manta rays near Arborek Island. Spend time diving or snorkelling over the sandy bottom and wait for the mantas to pass, swooping past with curious eyes in an elegant underwater ballet. After lunch onboard, head ashore to Arborek village. Communities in Raja Ampat primarily make their living from sustainable fishing and pearling, with around 18 villages in the region.
Overnight: Private charter phinisi
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Day 8 Disembark in Sorong
This morning, the yacht will return to Sorong port. After a final decadent breakfast on deck, your crew will assist you in disembarking the yacht and transfer you back to the airport to catch your flight home.
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Depart
INCLUSIONS
- Private charters include all meals and soft drinks.
- All the boats in Red Savannah's Indonesian portfolio are able to offer diving to certfied divers, and will provide snorkelling equipment.
- Park entrance fees are usually included in the boat charter price, but may vary from boat to boat.
- Full crew including captain, cruise director, chef and various deckhands. Most boats will include a professional dive instructor and some will include a masseuse.
EXTRAS
- Flights to and from Sorong.
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Crew gratuities (usally 5-10% of the charter price is expected).
- Alcoholic drinks.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
BOOKING NOTES
- Please see our portfolio of phinisis for private charter, and we also have access to many more boats not currently on our website.
- Raja Ampat cruises are a minimum of 7 nights.
- A private charter can be booked as part of a larger itinerary to include more of Indonesia. Please speak to our Southeast Asia expert, Melissa Matthews, for more information.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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