The Raja Ampat archipelago is often billed ‘The Last Paradise on Earth’ and for good reason: with spectacular, unspoiled nature and relatively few visitors, it is easy to see why! Following a recent inspection, EXO shares our impressions and trip planning insight.
Amanda Pilar, Director of Sales for EXO North America, and Camille Barberis, EXO French Product Manager, recently returned from an inspection of Indonesia’s Raja Ampat region.
‘Raja Ampat has more than 1,500 small islands, each with its own charm. We spent six days island-hopping and discovering hidden beaches, lagoons, spectacular viewpoints and more,’ Amanda Pilar explains.
Camille was also on a cruise in the region, adding ‘Raja Ampat has the best snorkelling spots I’ve ever seen in my life! But also there are the diverse landscapes like islands, jungles and mangroves as well as varied experiences including fishing, village visits and a cooking class to enjoy. The length of the trip also makes it unique- I was cruising for more than a week and I almost felt like a pirate exploring undiscovered territories!’
‘The light in Raja Ampat is incredible from sunrise to sunset, reflecting the vibrant underwater colours of the fish and corals.’
Raja Ampat underwater experiences
Raja Ampat is home to an incredible array of underwater wonders including manta rays, turtles, sharks, massive clams and colourful corals.
Snorkelling and SCUBA diving are among the top activities for guests and the skilled boat crews navigate to the best places for spotting marine life.
‘The light in Raja Ampat is incredible from sunrise to sunset, reflecting the vibrant underwater colours of the fish and corals. Swimming with sharks was definitely the most thrilling experience!,’ Camille commented
‘I was pleased to see how passionate the indigenous communities are about the environment and protecting the reefs around their islands.’
Raja Ampat above the sea
Although Raja Ampat is known for its marine life, there is plenty to discover above water as well.
The conical islands are home to lush mangroves, dozens of endemic species, forests and white sandy beaches ideal for hiking, bird-watching and off-shore pursuits like kayaking.
There are also villages where traditional island life and culture has remained largely untouched by the modern world. ‘Wayag island, in particular, stands out for its unique beauty. And on land, the kindness of the Papua people and their charming villages were a highlight,’ Camille explains.
Amanda added, ‘During our island visits, I was pleased to see how passionate the indigenous communities are about the environment and protecting the reefs around their islands’
‘A Raja Ampat cruise is ideal for those who are looking to connect with nature, enjoy a sense of adventure and understated luxury’
The best way to explore Raja Ampat is with a multi-day cruise. These cruises give access to hidden corners of the archipelago and a multitude of diverse experiences. ‘A Raja Ampat cruise is ideal for those who are looking to connect with nature, enjoy a sense of adventure and understated luxury,’ Amanda explains. A minimum 7-night cruise is recommended, with around 14 nights needed to fully explore the archipelago.
EXO’s preferred suppliers include:
Rascal Voyages
Rascal has two traditional-style phinsi boats, each with a laid-back, barefoot luxury vibe.
Each boat hosts a maximum of ten guests in five spacious cabins with ensuite bathrooms. The ships also have common areas for relaxing, spanning open-air decks to cozy indoor lounges.
Rascal Voyages is renowned for its’ SCUBA diving options. The cruises also include paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking and other active pursuits as well as cultural excursions and a big emphasis on creative, fusion food.
‘Among the many highlights,’ Amanda said, ‘were Rascal’s private beach clubs, canapes on the deck during sunset and the BBQ beach dinners.’
Seaquest Adventure
Seaquest Adventures has one wooden phinsi, named Le Cahaya Mandiri, the Indonesian phrase for ‘lonely light’. Seaquest focuses on snorkeling, rather than diving, and experiential touring on land.
The boat features four cabins that can each sleep a maximum of three guests, although the total guests allowed on board is limited to eight. The ship has two shared bathrooms with shower and toilet facilities.
Many guests opt to sleep under the stars on the upper deck, which is equipped with comfortable mattresses.
Camille remarked, ‘The crew on Le Cahaya Mandiri are just amazing and the sweetest- plus the chef is incredible!’
Thanks to its tropical climate, cruises operate year-round in Raja Ampat
Planning a visit
Weather: Thanks to its tropical climate, cruises operate year-round in Raja Ampat. However there are two distinct seasons to be aware of. The Northwest Monsoon season (October-May) is the best time for spotting manta rays and sharks and underwater visibility is at it’s best. There can be occasional heavy rainstorms November-January, however rarely enough to disrupt sightseeing plans. The Southeast Trade Winds (June-September) brings drier weather but stronger winds, reducing visibility underwater.
Getting there: Raja Ampat cruises commence and end in Sorong, a town on the island of Papua. The port is around 20-minutes drive from Sorong’s airport, which is serviced by daily flights from Jakarta and Bali’s Denpasar airport.
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