Idyllic Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay (Aurora Expeditions)

Having made your way to Denpasar, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the welcome desk where you can collect your luggage cabin 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 items from 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 cabin number. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. After breakfast at the hotel, we board 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 briefings begin. Enjoy the thrill of departure as we 'throw the lines' and set sail for Cenderawasih Bay. Meet your Expedition Team 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 village beach, providing an authentic glimpse into island life. We'll learn about their customs, traditions, and the challenges and 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 marine park, Teluk Cenderawasih National Park safeguards over 14,500 square kilometres of pristine ocean, nurturing a vibrant 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 and an ideal place to start your water activities in West Papua. Enjoy some beachcombing, swimming, snorkelling and diving in the clear, warm tropical waters. Enjoy Zodiac cruising to explore to the small waterfall and take a stroll at the 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 in Numamuran Strait, where the jungle meets the reef, and where we search for branching corals, boulder coral colonies, and cushion stars. Paddlers may glimpse dugongs—relatives of manatees that graze on seagrass. At the southern end of Roon Island, divers and snorkellers 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. 

Discover the magic of Cenderawasih Bay, a secluded paradise renowned for its extraordinary marine life. Here, you have an unparalleled opportunity to swim alongside gentle giant whale sharks in their natural habitat. It's crucial to remember that whale sharks are protected species. Your expedition will adhere to strict guidelines to ensure minimal disturbance to these magnificent animals. By observing these guidelines and maintaining a respectful distance, you can contribute to their conservation while enjoying an unforgettable encounter. While sightings are never 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 long after your journey ends. 

 Beyond the ocean's depths, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of West Papuan culture with a visit to Kwatisore village. Our expert team will introduce you to the unique customs, traditions, and way of life of this fascinating community. You'll be captivated by their distinct dances, adornments, and music, a stark contrast to the familiar rhythms of Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands. Experience the thrill of a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter and a deep cultural immersion in this remote corner of Indonesia. 

Pulau Num and Palau Swande are two pristine islands nestled within Cenderawasih Bay, offering unparalleled opportunities for water activities. Here, kayakers can paddle through serene lagoons surrounded by lush mangrove forests and divers can embark on an adventure to discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. Encounter schools of colourful fish, graceful sea turtles, and even majestic manta rays. Discover the magic of the underwater world in Pulau Num, home to a myriad of marine creatures including clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and the impressive Napoleon wrasse. For a truly unforgettable experience, keep an eye out for sharks, as several species inhabit the waters 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 the impressive cassowary.  

Enjoy the sea crossing to Raja Ampat. Enjoy informative talks from our team of experts, get to know your fellow expeditioners, stay active in the gym or treat yourself to a massage in the wellness centre.   

Located in the ‘Coral Triangle,’ Raja Ampat archipelago has been described as a marine ‘species factory,’ and a Mission Blue Hope Spot. 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. We plan to spend two days exploring the coral reefs and shoals, limestone formations and rainforests of this hidden gem. Some of the islands we plan to explore include Wayag and Waigeo. 

Waigeo, the largest island in the Raja Ampat archipelago, is a birder’s dream. Its rugged coastline, framed by towering cliffs, gives way to a vast, largely unexplored interior. This dense jungle is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the iconic Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise and the Red Bird-of-Paradise. Opossums, snakes, tortoises, and monitor 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 a chance to spot a variety of species, including hornbills, parrots, and pigeons as they emerge from their roosts. We’ll be on the lookout for elusive nocturnal creatures like the Papuan Boobook owl, Frogmouth, and Large-tailed Nightjar. This is an unparalleled opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Waigeo and its extraordinary avian inhabitants. 

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 a multitude of activities for every adventurer. Explore the stunning Wayag Lagoon by Zodiac, surrounded by lush vegetation 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 Mount Pindito is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. Snorkelers and divers will be captivated by the underwater world, 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 promises an unforgettable experience. 

During the early morning, we cruise back into Sorong. Farewell your Expedition Team upon disembarkation and transfer 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 2026.