Raja Ampat Explorer
Explore the world’s largest biodiversity in Raja Ampat, exotic underwater scenery in Ambon, and gorgeous seascapes of Misool island on board the MV Raja Ampat Explorer. Hand crafted on the beaches of Mandala Ria using tropical hardwoods, the Raja Ampat Explorer is a fine traditional sailing dive vessel and superb affordable choice. The islands of Raja Ampat are aptly called an “Underwater Paradise on Earth” due to their location in the hub of the World’s Coral Triangle. Prepare for a wonderful dive adventure in rich with marine biodiversity and incredible underwater Landscapes, wrecks and reefs.
The spacious and comfortable Raja Ampat Explorer is a 33.5-meter (110ft) phinisi style schooner. Its 7.5-meter beam and 9-knot speed allow it to expertly traverse Indonesia’s variable seas. The boat sails with 12 English speaking crew members who will strive to satisfy your every need.
Seven air conditioned cabins accommodate 14 guests in the cozy Upper and Lower Deck double or twin cabins. All cabins include a porthole or window, individual climate control and private en-suite bathroom.
The Sundeck and indoor Saloon are great spots to grab a beer and watch the stunning scenery go by. There’s main Lounge area where you can take advantage of the entertainment center featuring a TV, CD / DVD player to watch a movie or look through the day’s underwater pictures. Nap on the shaded sun deck on the cushioned lounge chairs. Participate in the daily fish identification presentation, and use the camera charging and work stations that are provided onboard to assist Photographers in storing and editing the outstanding images that will be captured on this dive safari. A small library is available for book exchanges as well as fish identification books and for those that can’t get enough of the marine sights, snorkeling is offered between dives.
Both traditional Indonesian and Western cuisine are served by the skilled chef on the Raja Ampat Explorer. Most dining occurs in the air-conditioned Salon, but you’ll also have the chance to dine under the bright Papuan stars. Snacks, hot drinks and water are included and soft drinks and local beer can be purchased on board.
Boat Facts
7 Air-Conditioned cabins for 14 persons with ensuite bathroom, hot shower, wash basin and toilet
Air-conditioned lounge with dining seating for fourteen
TV, CD / DVD Player
Camera battery charging stations
Camera work stations
Satellite telephone
Sun deck with awning
On dive platform shower
Coltri Sub Compressor
14 gear up stations, 20 scuba tank
European & Indonesian food
Technical Specifications:
Type:Wooden Schooner
Length O.A:33.52 meters
Beam:7.5 meters
Draft:2.1 meter
Main Engine:300 hp
Speed:8 – 9 knots
Electricity:220 V
Tenders:2 Capacity max 8 divers per tender
Safety:2 life – rafts, 4 life buoys, 50 life jackets, 1 Cylinder of Emergency Oxygen, First Aid Kit
Navigation:Furuno Radar 1932 K
Furuno Depth Sounder
FCV – 612
Furuno GPS
HF SSB Radio
Flag:ID
Raja Ampat Itinerary - Misool - Raja Ampat (Sorong to Sorong) - 10 nights
Trip Highlights:
Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small isles, cays and shoals surrounding the 4 main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo.
The diving in Raja Ampat is considered among the best in the world, with its remote location, vibrant reefs and incredible marine life – there are countless dive sites, all with different characters.
4 dives per day including night dives, depending on sea conditions and route
Sea temperatures are pretty constant, ranging from a low of about 27°C between May to October, to 30°C in the November to April period
Visibility ranges between 15-30 metres
All dives will be guided by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Divemaster
Land excursions during the trip
Day 1: Sorong
Welcome aboard! Orientation, safety briefing and check out dive. (Sample itinerary)
Days 2-3: Misool
Misool is the South of the Raja Ampat National Park. It´s home to an astonishingly colorful reef-scene, considered by some to be unbeatable. The slopes and walls are bedecked in soft rainbow colored corals. The most famous dive sites are around Daram, Farondi,Wagmab, Fabiacet,. Enjoy! All meals on board through the duration of the trip.
Days 4-5: Cape Kri
No Raja Ampat trip would be complete without checking out cool Cape Kri. Prepare to roll in and encounter lots of big stuff as well as be enveloped by huge schools of fish like groupers, sharks, snappers, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda, dogtooth tuna, trevallies, ... They are all here and they are all here in numbers!
Days 6-7: Sardines Reef
This submerged reef with a reef top at 5 meters, contains a very high biomass, one of the highest in Raja Ampat. Arguably, Sardines reef is quite simply one of the best reef dives in the world, where divers witness the phenomenal diversity of Raja Ampat at full force. Photographers love this dive site and have to return to change from wide angle to macro.
Day 8: Manta Sandy
It’s Manta time! Up to 10 mantas can be seen vying for a position above the two rocks where wrasses clean these giants. Dive with enormous 4 meter wide black mantas, looking like a negative photographic image, their gills are highlighted in white, along with the other more common white-bellied variety.
Day 9: Blue Magic
From Wobbegong sharks to tiny 2cm Denise Pygmy seahorses. The reef top is covered in hard coral with some big coral heads and some tabling Acropora corals well over 3 meters across. Green Turtles can be found here as well as Black Tips, White Tips and the occasional Grey Reef Sharks. If you are very lucky even a Giant Manta Ray.
Day 10: Back to port
Start the journey back to Sorong after 2 AM dives today. Time to chill on board and enjoy the company of fellow dive mates.
Day 11: Sorong
After breakfast, say farewell to the crew and off to the airport.
