A Family Cruise in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Archipelago

Your cruise in Raja Ampat really gets underway today. These lesser-known wonders of Indonesia are located in the Coral Triangle between Indonesia, the Philippines and New Guinea. Made up of over 1000 small islets covered in lush vegetation and almost uninhabited islands, the archipelago is a marine sanctuary and one of the most beautiful diving sites in the world. Beneath the waves, you’ll find over 1,600 species of fish and 600 species of coral.

Your first stop is the island of Penemu, where you can discover incredible underwater life either by diving or with a mask and snorkel. On the surface, you can also try out wakeboarding, water skiing and kayaking (perfect for energetic tweens and teenagers). Or simply relax on the terrace as you look out at the view. As the afternoon draws to a close, you’ll head towards a secret bay for a short sunset hike. When you reach the top, take in the panoramic view of the surrounding islands, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.  

Known for its magnificent atolls and coral sand beaches, Wayag Island is the next stop on your cruise. You’ll first take a cliffside walk to the island’s highest point, where you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a stunning 360° view. In the afternoon, choose from exploring the seabed or lazing on one of several white sand beaches between swims in crystal-clear waters.

As if that weren’t enough magic for one day, this evening you’ll gather around the campfire to spend some unforgettable family time beneath the starry sky.

This morning the boat will take you to Kawe Island. When you arrive, choose from snorkelling or scuba diving with manta rays. These gentle giants are the largest rays in the ocean, growing up to 23ft. You’ll then set sail again to reach Waigeo Island and moor in the magnificent Aljui Bay. This is an ideal spot for night diving, which promises to be a surreal and special experience.

You’ll visit a pearl farm on Wofoh Island this morning, where you can learn more about cultivating the famous oysters. After lunch on board, take in your incredible surroundings and spot local birds as you sail peacefully in the bay. Wofoh is also home to a magnificent coral wall and some incredible marine life. This afternoon, make the most of it by diving or trying out other watersports.

We’ve got something special planned for dinner this evening: a barbecue on the beach. After eating your fill under the stars, head back to the boat for some rest as it transports you to Pulau Pef overnight.

Pulau Pef is a small island dotted with crystal-clear coves, bays and lagoons, which makes it the ideal place to explore by kayak. Paddle past the mangrove and its huge, ancient trees, making your way to their roots and the rock paintings that decorate the limestone cliffs. While there’s so much to see above the surface, don’t miss the richly diverse seabed, mysterious caves and incredible coral beneath the waves. After lunch, you’ll head to Yang Efo to dive with turtles, rays, schools of snappers and fusilier fish.

The boat will drop its anchor in the beautiful Yen Besser Bay today. You’ll depart at dawn for a hike to see the incredible red birds of paradise, which are known to perform their incredible courtship display at sunrise. While fluffing their feathers, vibrating and buzzing, males tilt their heads down to show off their long, curved tail feathers which then form a heart shape around their head. As you walk, you can also admire the endemic trees and incredible plant life that populates the jungle. You’ll have lunch in Meoscon before a dive in the company of manta rays. When you head back to the boat for your final night on board, it will transport you overnight to Birie Island, just off Sorong.

Today marks the end of your cruise, but thankfully not of your trip. Birie Island belongs to the Raja Ampat Marine Park, and you’ll spend the next three nights here with a tranquil over-water bungalow as your base. Spend the rest of today soaking up your surroundings in your hammock or deckchair overlooking the water, before a delicious dinner in the restaurant.

Far from everything in the heart of paradise, you can fill your last days in the archipelago however you please. If you’re a keen diver, make the most of staying next to some of the most beautiful scuba spots in the world. You can also experience this underwater world with just a mask and snorkel. If you want to explore the island itself, adventure with your children to the neighbouring village, the mangrove and the forest that leads to magical waterfalls, by foot or in a kayak. In this untouched Eden, wildlife is all around, so keep your eyes peeled for toucans and birds of paradise.