Idyllic Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay

Having made your way to Denpasar, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to ourgroup hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the welcome desk where you can collect your luggagecabin tags and speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute itemsfrom a local pharmacy or supermarket.The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.Accommodation: Bali Hotel (to be confirmed)

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabinnumber. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. After breakfast at the hotel, weboard a morning charter flight to Sorong, where our vessel the Greg Mortimer awaits.Transfer to the port for embarkation. You will have time to settle into your cabin before our important briefingsbegin. Enjoy the thrill of departure as we 'throw the lines' and set sail for Cenderawasih Bay. Meet your ExpeditionTeam and crew at the Captain's Welcome Dinner.

Part of the secluded Su Islands, Amsterdam Island offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture.Discover this little-known gem as we explore its pristine environment. Friendly locals will welcome us to the villagebeach, providing an authentic glimpse into island life. We'll learn about their customs, traditions, and the challengesand rewards of living in this remote paradise.

Cenderawasih Bay, or Bird of Paradise Bay, is a marine wonderland teeming with life. As Indonesia’s largest marinepark, Teluk Cenderawasih National Park safeguards over 14,500 square kilometres of pristine ocean, nurturing avibrant ecosystem that includes whale sharks, dugongs, dolphins, and a dazzling array of fish and coral species.Lying within Cenderawasih Bay, the Auri Islands are home to some of the most pristine coral reefs in Indonesia andan ideal place to start your water activities in West Papua. Enjoy some beachcombing, swimming, snorkelling anddiving in the clear, warm tropical waters. Enjoy Zodiac cruising to explore to the small waterfall and take a stroll atthe lagoon marshlands looking for resident wildlife at Maransabadi island.In the afternoon the ship repositions to Roon island. Dive and snorkel among the colourful shallow reefs inNumamuran Strait, where the jungle meets the reef, and where we search for branching corals, boulder coralcolonies, and cushion stars. Paddlers may glimpse dugongs—relatives of manatees that graze on seagrass. At thesouthern end of Roon Island, divers and snorkellers might see Hawksbill and green turtles, barracuda andsurgeonfish, and where a Japanese Zero fighter aircraft, a relic from World War II rests on a shallow coral slope.

Discover the magic of Cenderawasih Bay, a secluded paradise renowned for its extraordinary marine life. Here, youhave an unparalleled opportunity to swim alongside gentle giant whale sharks in their natural habitat. It's crucial toremember that whale sharks are protected species. Your expedition will adhere to strict guidelines to ensureminimal disturbance to these magnificent animals. By observing these guidelines and maintaining a respectfuldistance, you can contribute to their conservation while enjoying an unforgettable encounter. While sightings arenever guaranteed, the chance to encounter these majestic creatures in such pristine waters is truly unforgettable.The experience of sharing the ocean with such an extraordinary creature is a privilege that will stay with you longafter your journey ends.Beyond the ocean's depths, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of West Papuan culture with a visit to Kwatisorevillage. Our expert team will introduce you to the unique customs, traditions, and way of life of this fascinatingcommunity. You'll be captivated by their distinct dances, adornments, and music, a stark contrast to the familiarrhythms of Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands. Experience the thrill of a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter and adeep cultural immersion in this remote corner of Indonesia.

Pulau Num and Palau Swande are two pristine islands nestled within Cenderawasih Bay, offering unparalleledopportunities for water activities. Here, kayakers can paddle through serene lagoons surrounded by lush mangroveforests and divers can embark on an adventure to discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. Encounter schools ofcolourful fish, graceful sea turtles, and even majestic manta rays. Discover the magic of the underwater world inPulau Num, home to a myriad of marine creatures including clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and the impressiveNapoleon wrasse. For a truly unforgettable experience, keep an eye out for sharks, as several species inhabit thewaters of Cenderawasih Bay. Palau Swande is a birdwatcher's paradise, boasting a diverse range of avian species.Encounter the iconic birds-of-paradise with their elaborate plumage, vibrant eclectus parrots, elusive cuscus, and theimpressive cassowary.

Located in the ‘Coral Triangle,’ Raja Ampat archipelago has been described as a marine ‘species factory,’ and aMission Blue Hope Spot. Believed to contain the most biodiverse marine habitat on the planet, the waterssurrounding Raja Ampat are home to 600 species of hard coral and 1,500 types of fish – more than anywhere else inthe world – which makes for exceptional diving and snorkelling experience. We plan to spend two days exploring thecoral reefs and shoals, limestone formations and rainforests of this hidden gem. Some of the islands we plan toexplore include Wayag and Waigeo.Waigeo, the largest island in the Raja Ampat archipelago, is a birder’s dream. Its rugged coastline, framed bytowering cliffs, gives way to a vast, largely unexplored interior. This dense jungle is home to an incredible array ofwildlife, including the iconic Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise and the Red Bird-of-Paradise. Opossums, snakes, tortoises, andmonitor lizards also thrive in this pristine environment. Our early morning birding expedition takes us through diverse habitats, from regenerating to primary forest. This rich ecosystem supports a thriving bird population, with achance to spot a variety of species, including hornbills, parrots, and pigeons as they emerge from their roosts. We’llbe on the lookout for elusive nocturnal creatures like the Papuan Boobook owl, Frogmouth, and Large-tailedNightjar. This is an unparalleled opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Waigeo and its extraordinary avianinhabitants.Wayag Island is a quintessential postcard image of paradise. Its iconic mushroom-shaped limestone formations,rising dramatically from emerald waters, are a photographer’s dream. This World Heritage-listed island offers amultitude of activities for every adventurer. Explore the stunning Wayag Lagoon by Zodiac, surrounded by lushvegetation and exotic birdlife. Discover hidden white-sand beaches and the labyrinth of limestone karst islands,adorned with vibrant orchids and pitcher plants. For the adventurous, the challenging climb to the summit of MountPindito is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. Snorkelers and divers will be captivated by the underwaterworld, teeming with colourful fish and pristine coral reefs. Kayakers can paddle through the enchanting lagoon,surrounded by the island’s breathtaking beauty. Whether you prefer relaxation or adventure, Wayag Island promisesan unforgettable experience.

Located in the ‘Coral Triangle,’ Raja Ampat archipelago has been described as a marine ‘species factory,’ and aMission Blue Hope Spot. Believed to contain the most biodiverse marine habitat on the planet, the waterssurrounding Raja Ampat are home to 600 species of hard coral and 1,500 types of fish – more than anywhere else inthe world – which makes for exceptional diving and snorkelling experience. We plan to spend two days exploring thecoral reefs and shoals, limestone formations and rainforests of this hidden gem. Some of the islands we plan toexplore include Wayag and Waigeo.Waigeo, the largest island in the Raja Ampat archipelago, is a birder’s dream. Its rugged coastline, framed bytowering cliffs, gives way to a vast, largely unexplored interior. This dense jungle is home to an incredible array ofwildlife, including the iconic Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise and the Red Bird-of-Paradise. Opossums, snakes, tortoises, andmonitor lizards also thrive in this pristine environment. Our early morning birding expedition takes us through diverse habitats, from regenerating to primary forest. This rich ecosystem supports a thriving bird population, with achance to spot a variety of species, including hornbills, parrots, and pigeons as they emerge from their roosts. We’llbe on the lookout for elusive nocturnal creatures like the Papuan Boobook owl, Frogmouth, and Large-tailedNightjar. This is an unparalleled opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Waigeo and its extraordinary avianinhabitants.Wayag Island is a quintessential postcard image of paradise. Its iconic mushroom-shaped limestone formations,rising dramatically from emerald waters, are a photographer’s dream. This World Heritage-listed island offers amultitude of activities for every adventurer. Explore the stunning Wayag Lagoon by Zodiac, surrounded by lushvegetation and exotic birdlife. Discover hidden white-sand beaches and the labyrinth of limestone karst islands,adorned with vibrant orchids and pitcher plants. For the adventurous, the challenging climb to the summit of MountPindito is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. Snorkelers and divers will be captivated by the underwaterworld, teeming with colourful fish and pristine coral reefs. Kayakers can paddle through the enchanting lagoon,surrounded by the island’s breathtaking beauty. Whether you prefer relaxation or adventure, Wayag Island promisesan unforgettable experience.

During the early morning, we cruise back into Sorong. Farewell your Expedition Team upon disembarkation andtransfer to the airport for our charter flight back to Denpasar, Bali.Note: the arrival time in Bali is contingent on the approved allocated slot for our charter flight to and from Sorong,which we expect to receive in February 2025.