Secrets of the Coral Triangle: West Papua and Raja Ampat

Expedition Highlights

A region of vivid contrasts, from coral seas and island cultures to ports shaped by trade and deep-rooted traditions, all brought to life by expert context.

Expert-led Talks

Learn more about this isolated polar region from our on board team of experts.

Guided Hikes

Take guided walks on island trails and coastal paths, with time to stop for views, wildlife spotting, and photos.

Meet the Tribes of the Pacific

Experience captivating indigenous performances, such as ritual traditions and dances, explore tribal villages and shop for handicrafts.

Snorkeling & Diving

Explore clear, warm waters where coral gardens attract reef fish, rays, and, at times, reef sharks.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Journey to the heart of marine life, the Coral Triangle, where West Papua and Raja Ampat hold the world’s richest underwater biodiversity. This remote Indonesian archipelago is best reached by sea, with quiet lagoons, coral atolls, and jungle fringed shores. Explore the vibrant waters of Cenderawasih Bay, swim with gentle whale sharks near Kwatisore, and take in the limestone wonders of Misool. Along the way, you will encounter missionary history, World War II remnants and be welcomed by island communities whose traditions are closely tied to the ocean and the natural world

NOTE: 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.

Overview

Day 1. Sorong, Papua

Lively Sorong sits at the tip of the Bird’s Head Peninsula and serves as the main gateway to the crystal-clear waters of Raja Ampat, one of the world’s top regions for diving and snorkelling. Framed by hills, mountains, and protected forests, the city can feel wonderfully remote, yet it is also one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing urban centres. For wide-open views over the town, beaches, and nearby islets, head up to the Stoun Hill viewpoint at sunset. You can also visit Tugu Arfak, a war memorial featuring an obelisk, a bronze monument, and commemorative plaques. For a taste of local life, stop by Pasar Jimbutan Puri, where fishermen bring in the night’s catch, and try West Papuan specialities such as papeda, Pangsit Solo, and Es Teler

Day 2. Pulau Manim, Numfoor, Papua

At the northern edge of Cenderawasih Bay, Numfoor feels like a quiet outpost surrounded by clear, sheltered water. The reefs here are rich and varied, with hard and soft corals, sponges, sea fans, and seagrass patches that attract plenty of reef life. On land, the island is covered in tropical forest, and a short walk can bring sightings of cockatoos, eclectus parrots, and kingfishers in their natural habitat. Numfoor and the surrounding waters also played a strategic role in the Pacific theatre of World War II, and the region still holds traces of that era, from submerged remnants to surviving artifacts the expedition team can help bring into context.

Day 3. Pulau Padaidori, Papua

This tiny, uninhabited island lies among the atolls of the Padaido archipelago off Papua’s northern coast, where the landscape feels untouched: white sand, coconut palms, and sapphire-blue water broken only by the sound of surf. This is the heart of the Coral Triangle, the planet’s richest zone for marine biodiversity, and the surrounding waters fall within the protected Padaido Marine Park. Reefs here support a remarkable variety, with dozens of coral types and a dense mix of reef species, plus creatures such as sea cucumbers and lobsters. Between the beach and the outer reef, seagrass meadows create sheltered, shallow water that’s often beautifully clear. Snorkelling will be offered from both shore and Zodiac, revealing a bright underwater scene of schooling fish, vibrant wrasses and angelfish, and life tucked into mangrove roots, where crabs and even sea snakes can be found

Day 4. Pulau Roon, Cenderawasih Bay, Papua

Roon is a lush, evergreen island of rolling hills and forest trails, a place made for slow exploration and birdwatching. Its biodiversity is exceptional, with the chance to encounter iconic Papuan birdlife such as birds-of-paradise alongside cockatoos and eclectus parrots. Roon also carries a strong cultural identity: in the coastal village of Djende, the local community of approximately 1,100 members is known for stilt houses, sago traditions, and welcoming guests with crafts and music, and the village church holds a rare Bible dating back to 1898

Day 4. Pulau Auri, Cenderawasih Bay, Papua

After Roon the day will extend to the remote Auri Islands, a small archipelago prized for its vivid reefs and marine life. Expect butterflyfish and clownfish, sea turtles, eagle rays, and sea snakes, with whale sharks sometimes reported in deeper waters. On land, Auri’s forests can shelter birds-of-paradise, cassowaries, hornbills, and other distinctive species, while small fishing villages preserve a traditional island rhythm

Day 5. Kwatisore, Cenderawasih Bay, Papua

Kwatisore is one of those rare places where emerald jungle meets soft sand, mangroves trace the shoreline, and tropical water glows turquoise in the sun. It is widely regarded as one of the best places on Earth to observe whale sharks, drawn in by traditional fishing platforms known as bagans, where netted fish naturally attract these gentle giants. Accompanied by the expedition team and rangers from Cenderawasih Bay National Marine Park, you can head to the areas where whale sharks are known to gather. The snorkelling here can be truly memorable, with calm, clear water offering exceptional visibility for encounters with the world’s largest fish. After time on the water, the day will continue with a walk to discover Papua’s birdlife and tropical flora, and a visit to a local village where residents share ceremonies, dances, and traditional crafts that reflect a way of life closely tied to the sea

Day 6. Pulau Mansinam, Papua

Small Pulau Mansinam lies in Doreri Bay opposite Manokwari and holds a special place in the history and identity of West Papua. It is often described as the cradle of Christianity in Papua: on 5 February 1855, German missionaries Otto and Gustav Geissler landed here, marking the beginning of Christianity’s spread across the region. A monument on the island commemorates this event, and the landing date is still observed as an important moment in local history. Beyond its cultural significance, Mansinam is also surrounded by reefs that shelter tropical fish and a wide range of marine life. The island’s story also connects strongly to World War II: between 1942 and 1944, the Manokwari area and nearby islands were used by Japanese forces as a strategic base to control sea routes between New Guinea’s northern coast and islands such as Biak and Numfoor, before becoming part of the Allied campaign to liberate western New Guinea

Day 7. Ayu Atoll, Raja Ampat, Papua

Off the eastern edge of Indonesia, in West Papua, Raja Ampat is a truly storybook seascape and a key part of the Coral Triangle. The region sprawls across more than 1,500 small atolls, islands, and islets, covering roughly 40,000 square kilometers. These rainforest-cloaked lands, once connected to Australia, shelter remarkable wildlife, including unique marsupials and more than 500 bird species. Today you visit Ayu, the main island of its namesake atoll and one of Raja Ampat’s hidden gems. Fringed by white-sand beaches, lush tropical forest, and vivid reefs, it’s also a nesting ground for sea turtles that often come ashore to lay their eggs. The sheltered lagoon and coastal reefs create ideal snorkeling conditions, where you may spot bright corals, swarms of tropical fish, branching coral “towers,” and even silvery reef sharks. During World War II, the island also played a strategic role as a Japanese outpost, adding an unexpected historical layer to this tranquil corner of the archipelago

Day 8. Kabui Bay, Waigeo Island, Raja Ampat Archipelago

Kabui Bay is one of Raja Ampat’s most scenic areas, shaped by a narrow waterway between the limestone islands of Gam and Waigeo known as The Passage. Cruise this natural corridor via Zodiac, following in the footsteps of naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, who travelled this route in 1860 and described its scenery as one of the most picturesque in the region. The mix of calm water, dramatic rock formations, and abundant marine life makes this area outstanding for snorkeling. Nearby, well-known dive sites such as Mioskon, Mayhem, and The Passage offer opportunities for those who want to explore deeper

Day 8. Pulau Kri, Raja Ampat

Later, you head to Pulau Kri, one of Raja Ampat’s most important hubs of marine biodiversity. At Cape Kri, known for exceptionally high fish diversity, you’ll snorkel with the guidance of the expedition team. In these waters, you may encounter manta rays, sea turtles, mollusks, reef fish, and brilliant corals in every direction

Activities:

Single Outing - Diving in Kabui Bay (2 Tanks)

1 hour

Mioskon (5 to 25 m) and Blue Magic (8 to 30 m) Starting up-current, you’ll drift toward the site’s spectacular southeastern point through clouds of Yellowtail and Blue-lined Snappers. Mioskon is famous for its 'carpet sharks,' so look closely beneath the overhangs for the camouflaged Tasselled Wobbegong. From the tiny, white Pontohi Pygmy Seahorse hiding on the reef to the sprawling gardens of hard and soft corals, every inch of this site celebrates the incredible marine diversity of Raja Ampat. Blue Magic is an underwater pinnacle that starts around 7 meters and goes down to less than 30 meters. On the top, you will find all sorts of different fish species and several cleaning stations, as you descend you find bigger schools of fish and the larger predator fish, sharks and manta rays in season are common sittings. What to expect: Tasselled Wobbegong sharks (hiding under ledges) and massive schools of Yellow-stripe Snappers. Pontohi Pygmy Seahorses (tiny and white) and various nudibranchs Oceanic Manta Rays (at cleaning stations), Grey Reef Sharks, and Blacktip Sharks. "Tornadoes" of Bigeye Trevally (Jacks) and Pickhandle Barracuda. Bargibanti Pygmy Seahorses on the sea fans.Mayhen ( 7 to 30 m) and Passage (7 to 20 m) Mayhem Reef is a vibrant sea-mountain dive where conditions determine which side you begin on, descending onto the top of the seamount before slowly circling your way upward. The sloping structure is rich with life, and divers are encouraged to check the gorgonian fans for pygmy seahorses while exploring the mid-levels. Marine activity here can be spectacular, with tuna, trevally, yellowtail fusiliers, and the occasional blacktip shark hunting in the blue. The site is especially famous for its wobbegong sharks, as well as cuttlefish and colourful nudibranchs hidden across the reef. Towards the end of the dive, take your time on the shallow top of the seamount, where even more surprises often await. Passage offers a true spectacle that must be seen to be believed. Reaching the narrowest point of only 20m, this is where ocean meets jungle. The water that flows through the channel is drawn in by the tides, bringing nutrients with it and allowing marine life to flourish in the area. The tree canopies and limestone cliffs above the water make it a really beautiful and unique dive. What to expect: Wobbegong sharks and the occasional Manta Ray or Eagle Ray. Incredible density of Fusiliers, Batfish, and Unicornfish that can block your view of the surface. Giant Trevally and Spanish Mackerel hunting the schools.

Single Outing - Cape Kri (5 to 40m)

1 hour

Cape Kri offers excellent biomass, phenomenal activity and diversity with some interesting currents. It one of the best known sites in Raja Ampat due to the record-breaking 283 species (and growing) recorded in a single dive! Here the top of the reef offers shallow coral gardens interspersed with sandy patches. The drop off is a little further and gives way to a steady sloping reef offering a mixture of both soft and hard corals all the way to 40 meters. What to expect: o Giant Sweetlips (usually in a huddle), Napoleon Wrasse, and Hawksbill Turtles. o Barracuda, Snappers, and Surgeonfish in massive numbers. o Reef sharks are almost guaranteed here.

Day 9. Pulau Fam, Raja Ampat

Set in the heart of Raja Ampat’s geopark, the Fam Islands form a picture-perfect archipelago of countless islets. Pulau Fam is the hub of the group, where traditional villages sit along the shores of hidden lakes, some of them home to crocodiles. Life here still follows long-held customs, and the production of high-quality coconut oil remains an important part of both the local economy and the island’s cultural heritage. A visit to the local village offers a true feel for Raja Ampat’s spirit, with a warm welcome and demonstrations of local crafts. The clear, calm waters in this authentic corner of Raja Ampat are ideal for snorkeling, and there is also an optional dive at Galaxy Reef and Melissa’s Garden

Activities:

Included

Single Outing - Diving Galaxy Reef (7 to 25m) and Melissa’s Garden (2 Tanks)

1 hour

Galaxy Reef is particularly alive with thousands of schooling Barracudas. Hard and soft corals compete for space on this reef that are bursting with life and colour. Barracuda reef have moderate currents and depth for a relaxed dive and plenty of species including the bicolour angelfish, carpet shark and octopus. Melissa’s Garden, named by Max Ammer after his daughter, it is truly an underwater garden. Three pinnacles sit atop a shallow plateau of glorious hard and soft corals. The slopping reef drops only to 20 meters where it bottoms out to sand. Divers will be able to spot many bright nudibranchs and anemone fish nesting. In deeper parts barracudas and sometimes manta rays. Also known for sightings of the tasselled Wobbegong shark. What to expect: Galaxy Reef (The "Coral Garden") o Incredible health and variety of coral. o Whitetip Reef Sharks and Wobbegongs. o Schools of Anthias and Damselfish that look like "confetti" over the coral. o Leaf Scorpionfish and Ornate Ghost Pipefish. o colourful reef fish (Chromis and Anthias).

Included

Diving: Manta Ridge ( 5 to 30) and Sawandarek Jetty (3 to 30m) - 1 Trip 2 Dives

1 hour

Manta Ridge a shallow six-meter dive located in central Raja Ampat and is considered one of the most reliable sites in the marine protected area for manta ray encounters, where groups of 5 to 30 mantas gather at cleaning stations serviced by black-lip butterflyfish, with strong currents often requiring divers to hook in and observe these majestic animals drifting effortlessly above the reef. Sawandarek Jetty: a renowned dive site featuring a gently sloping reef along the bay, vibrant coral formations, and rich marine life, where batfish and fusiliers gather beneath the jetty, Napoleon wrasse often cruise past, and in deeper water divers may spot schools of yellow sweetlips and resting whitetip sharks on the sandy bottom, making it an unforgettable experience for all skill levels.

Day 9. Pulau Mansuar, Raja Ampat

Pulau Mansuar is a long, narrow island crowned by a high limestone ridge and blanketed in dense tropical jungle. The surrounding reefs link Mansuar to neighboring Kri, and several small villages line the northern coast. In traditional palm-leaf-roof homes, just over a hundred residents live a measured, sea-and-forest rhythm of daily life. A walk across the island can take you to the salt lake Telaga Yenauiyau, a perfect place to enjoy a fresh coconut and listen to the jungle. Keep an eye out for the impressive coconut crab among the palms, and snorkelers will love the underwater world, where hundreds of colorful fish swirl above the corals. Those who wish can also go diving at Yenbuda Jetty

Day 10. Pulau Misool, Balbulal Lagoon, Raja Ampat

One of the most remote islands in Raja Ampat, Pulau Misool captivates with its untouched nature. White-sand beaches, emerald hills, and labyrinths of karst limestone cliffs create truly cinematic scenery. The island is surrounded by some of the richest coral reefs on the planet and lies within the protected Misool Marine Reserve, celebrated for extraordinary biodiversity.  One of the region’s great natural treasures is the Yap Islands lagoon, hidden among towering karst formations. With turquoise water and a soft sandy bottom, it is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. You can also swim in Lake Lenmakana among rare freshwater jellyfish that have no stinging tentacles, and explore reefs and limestone shorelines where manta rays, reef sharks, vivid mollusks, shrimp, and a wide variety of tropical fish are often seen.   Nearby lies Balbulol Lagoon, home to the famous heart-shaped “Love Lake,” a hidden gem set among the dramatic karst formations of Misool. The surrounding landscape is defined by towering limestone spires rising directly from the turquoise sea, creating a maze of narrow passages and peaceful, sheltered coves

Day 11. Sorong, Papua

Arrive in Sorong in the early morning for disembarkation, with the reefs and islands of Raja Ampat still fresh in mind. Take a last look at the water and the jungle edged coastline as you step ashore, then continue onward with the sense of having reached one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet

Onboard Experts & Lecturers

Nicki de Souza

Nicki brings more than 25 years of experience in expedition cruising, along with a passion for nature, exciting new destinations, people and their cultures. Born in Bavaria, she has travelled around the globe and to all seven continents, exploring everything from the Arctic to Antarctica to the tropics and remote gems in between. Nicki is a skilled leader with a passion for nature and a gift for sharing and revealing the world’s many wonders

Jacqueline Windh

Jacqueline is passionate about the early mariners who explored and settled the Pacific. A captivating speaker, she shares her knowledge of geology, anthropology, and traditional navigation both in lectures and informally—whether on a hike, over dinner, or during a zodiac cruise

Dannii Creagh

Dannii grew up alongside the Great Barrier Reef, developing a lifelong passion for marine life and conservation. She earned a Bachelor of Marine Science at James Cook University, contributing to turtle rehabilitation and fish tagging programs. As an expedition guide and naturalist, she has worked across Australia, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia. Dannii brings warmth, expertise, and enthusiasm to Zodiac cruises, beach walks, and lectures, helping guests connect with the ecosystems they explore

Brent Alloway

Brent Alloway is a former professor of Quaternary earth science and volcanology at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He is a very experienced earth scientist and he is particularly interested in landscape histories, volcanism, paleoenvironmental change and human origins. Brent worked several years as an exploration & project geologist in SE Ecuador. Though recently retired from academic teaching and responsibilities - Brent is still very much actively involved in earth science research in southern Chile and Argentina, New Zealand, western Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and United States

Conrad Weston

With over 30 years of experience, he brings tropical ecology to life through his deep knowledge of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and plants. He has led birding and natural history tours across the Tropical Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Indian Ocean, and beyond— offering rich insight into the ecosystems we explore

Frank Allica

Frank Allica brings a remarkable blend of naval and expedition experience to Swan Hellenic as a guest lecturer. A veteran of the Royal Australian Navy, he served for 28 years as a seaman and warfare officer, including tours in Vietnam and Cold War NATO operations, and became the youngest commanding officer of an Attack Class Patrol Boat at age 24. He was also the first Australian Commanding Officer of the sail training ship STS Young Endeavour, establishing a youth development program that still thrives today. Following his naval career, Frank spent over 20 years commanding expedition cruise ships, exploring remote regions from Alaska to Antarctica, including the research vessel MV Alucia, used in the filming of BBC’s Blue Planet II. In 2019 he captained the HM Bark Endeavour for the Tuia 250 commemoration in New Zealand. Today he continues sailing his own yacht and mentoring youth on development voyages. Based in Opua, New Zealand, Frank combines a lifelong passion for the sea with a keen interest in maritime history, particularly Pacific WWII

Wade Davis

Wade Davis is an acclaimed explorer, anthropologist, and bestselling author whose work has taken him to more than 80 countries. Formerly an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society, he has lived among 15 indigenous groups in the Amazon and Andes, explored the Arctic, Himalayas, Borneo, and Polynesia, and investigated Haiti’s folk traditions in his international bestselling book, The Serpent and the Rainbow. His books have been published in 23 languages, and his TED Talks have inspired millions worldwide. A recipient of the Explorers Medal, the Gold Medal of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and the Order of Canada, Wade continues to champion cultural and ecological diversity

Endless ways to spend your day

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SH Minerva at a Glance

Boutique Cruising

SH Minerva’s bespoke interiors are spacious and tasteful, with plush furnishing, and floor-to-ceiling windows that give you unobstructed views of some of the world’s most incredible landscapes.

Culinary Excellence

Every evening, the Swan Restaurant transforms into a gourmet venue serving the sublime creations of Michelin star award-winning consultant chefs.

Sauna & Spa

The sauna is perfect for meditative moments after onshore activities or following the wide choice of wellness treatments. The many options here include Balinese spa, beauty and wellness treatments, ranging from hot stone and bamboo massages to pampering body care.

Gym

State of the art gym with cardio machines, stretch bands & free weights. We will also be offering a range of instructor-led classes, along with personal trainers for everything from resistance training and Pilates to yoga and meditation.

Pool & Jacuzzi

All is designed to make the most of the unparalleled views, from our outdoor hot tubs with stunning views to the extensive pool deck with stellar views of the glistening sea.

Onboard Discoveries

Immerse yourself in the nature, history and culture of every locale you visit on your cruise with special briefings, lectures and presentations. Our experienced expedition guides are sure to make your time on board both fascinating and informative.

Personal Service

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Your Home Away from Home

Relax in the understated elegance of your stateroom or suite. A sophisticated blend of muted tones, natural textures and intuitive technology, the Scandi-inspired design seamlessly blends the natural world with exceptional comforts.