Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay Expedition: Indonesia's Coral Triangle

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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