Epic Raja Ampat - 2025

In partnership with the non-profit organisations, Planet Deep and Oceanic Society, this collaborative expedition will explore the beautiful reefs of Raja Ampat. Located in Indonesia's West Papua Province, the Raja Ampat Archipelago is at the heart of the most biodiverse marine region on Earth - the Coral Triangle. Largely unexplored by scientists until recently, new marine species are being discovered here on a regular basis. Coral reefs in Raja Ampat are not only the world's most biodiverse, but they are also some of the most pristine. More than 550 species of hard corals and more than 1,500 species of fish have been recorded here.

This 12-day luxury cruise aboard the boutique ship, Fenides, a 134 foot Phinisi styled motored schooner will take you on an exploration of this remote archipelago. Selecting ideal snorkeling and dive sites daily, you depart from Sorong and head West through the Dampier Strait where you will spend time exploring the central and northern waters of Raja Ampat, snorkeling, diving, spotting cetaceans and seabirds, and learning about this truly breathtaking part of the world and the wildlife within it.

In addition to the hours spent snorkeling/ diving, you will explore some of the larger islands of the region including Waigeo and Wayag, whose lush green forests are inhabited by many species of birds and plants.

One of the most exciting and unique elements of these 12 days is that the expedition has a ‘science’ focus, and there will time spent spotting, following and monitoring various whale and dolphin species, and their behaviour.  All this is accomplished in addition to our in water time, not at the expenses of it.

Deepwater passageways between the Raja Ampat islands shallow water reefs provide perfect habitat for cetaceans. Under the guidance of Planet Deep’s cetacean biologist, Benjamin Kahn, your group will keep an eye out for sperm whales, Bryde's whales, pilot whales, false killer whales, and dolphins.  You will work together with professional conservationists on a mission to better understand the cetaceans that use this unique corner of the world.