West Papua and Raja Ampat Cruise

Cruise Plus

What`s included

Perfect for travellers who like peace of mind that everything is taken care of.

Price From

$ 8,525

Per Person

Lowest fare available

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What’s INCLUDED:

Charter flights to the port of embarkation/ disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk)
Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)
Your selected stateroom
All meals onboard
Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
24-hour room service
Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion per port of call
All expedition landings
Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
Gym, sauna, pool
24/7 self service laundry
Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boot
Memory Package
Onboard gratuities & port taxes

FURTHER INFORMATION ON PRICING

Please read these travel conditions carefully before booking your package tour, because you accept them as binding with your booking.
Learn more here

YOUR TRIP

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise with Swan Hellenic through one of the most remote and biodiverse regions of the Indonesian archipelago — the untouched wonders of West Papua and Raja Ampat. This extraordinary voyage reveals the raw natural beauty, vibrant marine ecosystems, and deeply rooted island cultures of a region few travelers ever reach. Sailing through secluded lagoons, coral atolls, and jungle-covered coastlines, you’ll explore the heart of Indonesia’s hidden paradise by small ship, where nature reigns supreme and discovery awaits at every turn.

Your curated itinerary takes you far beyond the usual routes, from the crystal-clear waters of Cenderawasih Bay — home to graceful whale sharks — to the surreal limestone karsts of Wayag and Misool. Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, relax on golden sand beaches only accessible by sea, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of local island life. April and May offer ideal conditions to navigate this untouched region, with calm seas and warm, humid days providing the perfect backdrop for exploration and connection with nature.

Designed for curious and conscious travelers, this Raja Ampat cruise offers an unparalleled blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and pristine beauty. Whether you're swimming with giant whale sharks, trekking through lush rainforests, or engaging with remote island communities, Swan Hellenic ensures every moment is unforgettable. Discover West Papua’s most breathtaking landscapes and marine sanctuaries in signature Swan Hellenic style — refined, intimate, and deeply enriching.

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Trip Highlights

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Sail along jungle-clad coastlines and coral atolls only accessible by sea

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Encounter gentle whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay and meet remote communites whose lives revolve around the sea

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Snorkel vibrant reefs and trek rainforest trails with expert guides

Itinerary

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Jayapura, Papua's provincial capital, serves as a base to explore the rugged Baliem Valley. Winding trails lead through verdant highlands to secluded waterfalls and saltwater springs. Traditional life endures in tribal villages hidden in the rainforest, featuring religious ceremonies or mock tribal wars. In Jayapura, museums recount the intense WWII battles, where Allied and Japanese forces clashed for control of the Pacific theatre.

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Pulau Padaidori is one of a cluster of tiny, mostly uninhabited islands and atolls off the northern Papuan coast. This remote stop combines secluded Pacific Rim beaches with a rich, protected marine ecosystem in its calm sapphire waters, where schools of shimmering tropical fish weave amid colourful coral gardens. Mangrove forests shelter snakes and crabs in their twisted root systems and swaying coconut palms decorate white-sand beaches.

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Kwatisore, along the mainland shore of Cenderawasih Bay, is the bay’s most renowned spot for close whale shark encounters. Here, the gentle giants gather beneath local fishing platforms (bagans), drawn by the catch. This unique interaction site offers rare, up-close experiences with resident whale sharks in calm, clear waters, making it a world-class destination for marine wildlife enthusiasts.

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Pulau Roon in Indonesia's Papua province is an island paradise within The Gulf of Cenderawasih, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for rich biodiversity. The island's hilly terrain offers pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs with diverse marine life like dugong, reef sharks and schools of reef fish Pulau Roon also boasts a rich cultural heritage, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and traditional music.

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The Auri islands, a gateway to Cenderawasih Bay and its marine park, host diverse coral reefs teeming with fish species - butterfly fish, damselfish and clownfish- and resident whale sharks. Named after birds of paradise, Cenderawasih is a haven for these brightly plumed birds, alongside cassowaries, hornbills and crested pigeons. Dense rainforest and tiny fishing villages define the remote charm of these islands in Cenderawasih Bay.

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Overlooking tranquil Doreri Bay, where palm trees line sheltered coves and ghostly shipwrecks rest on the seabed, Manokwari is West Papua's coastal capital. In town, artists craft carvings and shell handicrafts, while the market and harbour provide immersion in local commerce and culture. Hiking Mount Arfak, the region's highest point, offers stunning mountain vistas and sightings of birds of paradise, cuscuses, and rare tree kangaroos.

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Pulau Ayu, the main island in the Ayu Atoll, is a remote jewel of Raja Ampat. Fringed by ivory beaches and lush rainforest, and surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, it’s a sanctuary for nesting leatherback turtles. Beneath its clear waters, tropical marine life flourishes, while the villages of Ayu and Imbik Kuan welcome visitors with warm Papuan hospitality. Once a WWII outpost, its isolation made it a key strategic base for Japanese forces.

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Aljui Bay on Waigeo Island in Indonesia's Raja Ampat archipelago is an extensive mangrove-lined inlet filled with pocket coves. Home to a pearl farm, the bay also offers sights like saltwater crocodiles, hornbills, cockatoos, and diverse marine life. Inland, the island features orchid-draped cloud forests and waterfalls, rare birds like the Wilson's bird of paradise, and opportunities to experience Papuan culture.

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One of Raja Ampat's most remote islands, Wayag offers spectacular limestone karst formations surrounded by sapphire sea. Steps lead up to the panoramic Wayag Viewpoint overlooking the bullet-shaped stacks erupting from the ocean. Wayag's unusual landscape exists both above and below the surface with deserted white-sand beaches and underwater gardens packed with soft corals, darting tropical fish and black-tipped reef sharks.

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With roughly 1,000 coral and over 1,200 reef fish species, the crystalline waters around jungle-woven Raja Ampat, Indonesia's easternmost islands, comprise the most biodiverse marine habitat unparalleled on the planet. Meaning 'four kings,' Raja Ampat refers to Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool, yet spreads across 1,000 atolls and islets. Originally joined to Australia, Raja Ampat is home to tree-dwelling marsupials and 500 bird species.

Nature Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

Zodiac Cruise with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

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Pulau Misool, a remote island in Raja Ampat, showcases wild beauty with white-sand beaches and lush hills. A highlight is Yapap, a secluded lagoon surrounded by towering limestone karsts. Known for its glassy turquoise waters and white-sand seabed, it's ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and photography. Its serene atmosphere makes it a peaceful escape from more crowded spots.

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The bustling port city of Sorong in West Papua is known as the gateway to the crystalline waters of Raja Ampat, the world's most biodiverse marine habitat, home to over 1,500 species of fish and 75 percent of the world's known coral species. In town, the Buddhist pagoda of Sapta Ratna stands tall on a hilltop overlooking the harbour. Local fishing boats come in with their catch at the bustling Pasar Jembutan Puri fish market.

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Number of Guests:

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m2 (215ft2) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Oceanview M4

20 m²

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Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m2 (269ft2) – including a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Balcony M5

25 m²

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Balcony D6

25 m²

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Suite

40 m²

Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m2 (108ft2) private balcony.

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Premium Suite

47 m²

Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m2 (129ft2) private balcony.