Raja Ampat and the nearby islands of the Indonesian archipelago are a melting pot of culture, history and nature. We invite you to learn more about our all-new expeditions to Raja Ampat, Cenderaish Bay & the Spice Islands aboard our purpose-built small ship the Sylvia Earle, as we cruise to Raja Ampat to discover these remarkable landscapes, home to arguably the most diverse marine life in the world.
Top 5 facts to know before you go
Where is Raja Ampat?
Raja Ampat is an archipelago located in the north west of the West Papua Province in Indonesia. Located in the ‘Coral Triangle,’ Raja Ampat archipelago has been described as a marine ‘species factory’.
What is the time in Raja Ampat right now? Compare time zones.
How do I get to Raja Ampat and the surrounding Islands?
Discover the diverse wonders of Southeast Asia on our immersive Discovery voyages to Indonesia and Borneo, setting sail in October and November. These specially curated itineraries offer a rare opportunity to explore lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, and remote island communities—rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Your journey begins in Denpasar, Bali, where you'll join a chartered flight to board our state-of-the-art expedition ship, the Sylvia Earle. Purpose-built for exploring the most remote corners of the planet, the Sylvia Earle features the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, providing smoother and more efficient ocean crossings. With expansive observation decks, comfortable communal spaces, and world-leading sustainability credentials, it’s the ideal base camp for discovery in this biodiverse region.
These expeditions take you through parts of the Coral Triangle and Wallacea, areas recognised for their incredible marine life and ecological importance—including protected zones identified as Hope Spots by Dr. Sylvia Earle herself.
Let us take you deeper into the wild heart of Indonesia and Borneo—where every day brings new adventures, and the journey is as enriching as the destination.
What is Raja Ampat famous for?
Believed to contain the most biodiverse marine habitat on the planet, the waters surrounding Raja Ampat are home to 600 species of hard coral and 1,500 types of fish – more than anywhere else in the world – which makes for exceptional diving and snorkelling experience. You could spend four days exploring the coral reefs and shoals, limestone formations and rainforests of this hidden gem.
Immerse yourself in the picture-postcard scenery, both above and below the water, and encounter a natural treasure widely considered the ‘Amazon of the Seas,’ where six out of the seven species of sea turtles can be found! With 75 percent of the world’s coral species and over 1,500 species of tropical fish found here, it is a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
Where should I Scuba dive in Indonesia & Borneo?
Raja Ampat
Established in 2005, The Misool Marine Reserve encompasses a 300,000-acre protected area. Prohibition of unsustainable practices has resulted in a 250% increase in fish biomass (2007 - 2013) – an incredible story of how the ocean's ecosystems can heal once they've been fully protected and left alone to recover. Discover this Reserve along with the Mission Blue Hope Spot and Wayag, Waigeo and Gam Islands.
Roon Island
Dive among the colourful shallow reefs in Numamuran Strait, where the jungle meets the reef, and where we search for branching corals and cushion stars. At the southern end of Roon Island, divers might see Hawksbill and green turtles, barracuda and surgeonfish, and where a Japanese Zero fighter aircraft, a relic from World War II rests on a shallow coral slope.
Manokwari
Manokwari is a small coastal town that offers beautiful beaches and bays to explore. Divers and snorkellers can explore the clear blue waters surrounding the nearby islands of Lemon, Raimuti and historic Mansinam, which features fascinating World War II shipwrecks.
Ahe Island
Visit Ahe Island, where the coral reef ecosystem is part of the Coral Triangle. Here you can again swim, snorkel, kayak and dive to enjoy the remarkable marine wildlife and stunning scenery.
