Raja Ampat’s Birds of Paradise & Wildlife
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This wildlife cruise, on board a handsome yacht, takes you to remote Indonesian islands in search of their eye-catching birds-of-paradise, rare mammals, frogs and their equally enchanting coral reefs, sharks and dolphins.
Few birds fire the imagination like the remarkable birds of paradise. The incredible diversity of life that exists both above and below the water in the spectacular Raja Ampat archipelago is what makes this exotic destination so exciting.
Since 18th century reports first reached Europe of the mesmerising courtship dances of the extraordinary birds-of-paradise, they have been high on any naturalist’s list of most coveted wildlife. However, of the more than 40 known species distributed from the Maluku Islands (Moluccas) to eastern Australia, most are either restricted to inaccessible highland areas of New Guinea or are found on remote islands. Seeing them has always been a major challenge.
Until now. What better way to see the endemic birds of paradise of the Raja Ampat and Maluku archipelagos (Indonesia) than by island-hopping on a comfortable traditional Indonesian phinisi sailing vessel? Even better, why not combine the spectacular scenery and birds of these little-visited islands with snorkelling on many of their spectacular reefs and also seeking out other marine life and some rare endemic mammals?
This exceptional tour offers this combination: birds-of-paradise shimmering in the crown of tropical rainforests, whale sharks, dolphins, turtles and vibrant marine fish shimmering over tropical reefs, unique mammals such as Waigeo spotted cuscus and blue swallowtail butterflies. Avian highlights will include the extraordinary leks of the Wilson’s, red and lesser birds-of-paradise, in addition to many other rare and stunning birds such as claret-breasted fruit dove, Blyth's hornbill, sulphur-crested cockatoo, eclectus parrot and glossy-mantled manucode.
Read Product Manager Ian Loyd's blog on this remarkable Indonesian wildlife cruise.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Depart the UK
Depart from London Heathrow to Dubai International Airport.
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Day 2: Fly to Jakarta
Today you fly to Jakarta and on arrival you have day use of a room at a hotel near the airport.
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Day 3: Fly from Sorong to Kaimana
Very early in the morning (shortly after midnight) you board a flight via Sorong to Kaimana, where you're transferred a short distance to a comfortable hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest and relax.
Accommodation: Kaimana Beach Resort, 1-night
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Day 4: Board yacht & set sail for Triton Bay
This morning you transfer to your base for the next nine nights, Katharina yacht, while you explore the Raja Ampat archipelago. Today you enjoy the first of many swims and snorkels over the healthy coral reefs in the clear, azure waters where you can admire the abundant marine life. You may also observe your first birds of this famed region, such as cockatoos or the impressive Blyth's hornbill, in the canopy of a forested island.
Accommodation: Katharina yacht, 9-nights
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Days 5-12 : Exploring West Papua & Raja Ampat
The exact route during your voyage remains flexible, with each day guided by weather, wildlife opportunities and sightings. This allows the captain and guides to make the most of conditions and any special encounters with nature along the way.
You can explore the spectacular landscapes of Triton Bay, where limestone cliffs, islands, lagoons, and narrow channels are surrounded by lush rainforest. Look for ancient rock paintings high on the cliffs and visit jungle waterfalls, with opportunities to swim in their cool waters.
One of the great wildlife experiences here is the chance to snorkel with whale sharks. Local fishermen collect baitfish in nets suspended beneath traditional bagan platforms, attracting whale sharks to feed. Setting out in the early morning, you may be fortunate enough to spend time in the water alongside these magnificent creatures, with dolphins and seabirds also possible.
Continuing north, there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel over vibrant reefs, relax on remote white-sand beaches and explore by paddleboard, kayak, or tender. You may visit the Pisang Islands, with their crystal-clear waters and colourful reefs, before reaching Misool, where jungle-clad limestone karsts shelter secluded coves, coral gardens, and channels. There may also be a chance to see ancient rock art and swim among stingless jellyfish in a forest-fringed marine lake.
Wildlife encounters can be wonderfully spontaneous, with possibilities including dolphins, manta rays, turtles, sharks and an extraordinary variety of colourful reef fish. You may also visit remote villages, experience traditional song and dance and learn about community-led conservation, including a locally initiated mangrove restoration project.
Further north, trek to a viewpoint overlooking the aquamarine lagoons and limestone islands of Piaynemo, before continuing towards Waigeo Island. Here, a dawn forest walk offers some superb birdwatching, with the chance to search for forest birds including Wilson’s bird-of-paradise and red bird-of-paradise. From within the forest canopy, you may be fortunate enough to watch these spectacular species perform their elaborate courtship displays and admire their extraordinary ornamental plumage.
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Day 13: Return to Jakarta & depart
This morning you arrive back in Sorong Harbour. After saying your farewells, you transfer to the Sorong Airport to board your flight back to Jakarta, where you can take the shuttle to your nearby airport hotel to rest. Returning to the airport in the afternoon, check in for your flight back to the UK.
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Day 14: Arrive UK
Please note: This itinerary is based on both flight schedules and bird-of-paradise lek sites at the time of planning which are subject to change.
Key info
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 14 days from £8,395 pp
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 12 days from £6,595 pp
- Single supplement: On request – please contact us.
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Trip type:
Voyage
- Group Size: 10–12
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Group Departures:
Make a booking request or enquire:
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Included in the price/package:
- All accommodation
- Most meals
- Transfers
- Guided excursions
- Services of local guides and drivers
- National park fees
- Conservation fund contribution
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Activities available:
- Snorkelling
- Request a Detailed Itinerary
- Send an Enquiry
Departures
Choose your preferred departure date below, then make a booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
Tour Reports
Find out more about the day-to-day sightings and wildlife activities on our group tours from our expert naturalist leaders.
Featured location:
Raja Ampat
Remote, wildly beautiful and rich in marine life, Raja Ampat is the crown jewel of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle. A maze of jungle-clad limestone islands rising from turquoise seas, it offers world-class snorkelling, rare birds-of-paradise, pristine reefs, and some of the planet’s highest recorded marine biodiversity. Find Out More about {acc:title}
- Where: West Papua
- Ideal for viewing: Wilson’s bird-of-paradise, red bird-of-paradise, manta ray, whale shark, hawksbill turtle
- Excellent for: Birdwatching
This itinerary is available on the following
cruise vessel:
Katharina
EXPEDITION VESSEL
Sail through Indonesia’s island-studded seas aboard Katharina, a traditional wooden Phinisi accommodating just 12 guests. Explore vibrant reefs, remote villages and unwind on sun-warmed decks on this intimate, characterful vessel, designed for adventures in some of the world’s richest marine environments. Find Out More about Katharina
