Wildlife
Birds of Paradise
A pre-dawn trek from Saporkren village, where the greater bird-of-paradise can sometimes be seen at first light.
Private Charter Itinerary
The Last Paradise
A 7-night loop through the heart of Raja Ampat.
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Raja Ampat Loop
Route
7 Nights
Duration
368 NM
Distance
Nov to Mar
Season
The Journey
Raja Ampat's North-and-South Loop
Revel in the vast beauty of Raja Ampat on a yacht charter itinerary designed for an adventurous group looking to discover the region's most celebrated sites. From Sorong, you sail into an archipelago of over 1,500 islands where the Pacific and Indian Oceans converge, producing the highest marine biodiversity recorded anywhere on Earth.
Suitable for all ages, this itinerary balances activity and time at anchor. Each day presents a different kind of encounter: RIB rides through karst formations, possible manta ray sightings at Blue Magic, a sunrise trek for birds-of-paradise, village visits at Sauwandarek, and cave swims through cathedral-like natural chambers.
This sample itinerary covers the loop in 7 nights. To discuss crafting the perfect private charter around your individual preferences, enquire below.
— Nikko Karki, Indo YachtsSeven nights from Sorong loops Misool to Wayag in two long passages. Aggressive pace, but it covers more of Raja Ampat than the standard week. We brief the captain and dive guide on pace before you board.
Karst pinnacles rise from still waters at Wayag, Raja Ampat's most photographed seascape.
Experiences
Journey Highlights
Encounters that define why Raja Ampat is unlike anywhere else on the planet.
Marine Life
Manta Rays
Oceanic mantas at Blue Magic, Mioskon. Possible encounters at one of Raja Ampat's most celebrated dive and snorkel sites.
Landscapes
Karst Formations
RIB rides through Wayag's soaring limestone towers and hidden lagoons that few beyond Raja Ampat's charter guests ever reach.
The Route
Sorong to Sorong
- Day 1
Sorong
- Day 2
Mioskon
- Day 3
Saporkren
- Day 4
Misool
- Day 6
Wayag
- Day 8
Sorong
Click to enlarge
Day by Day
The Expedition
01
Day
Sorong, Wagmab
Board and Head for Misool
Board in Sorong and enjoy the passage south to the Misool protected reserve, the yacht settling into the rhythm of the days ahead.
Cruising
78 NM
Activity
Settle In
Highlight
Misool Reserve
02
Day
Wagmab, Tomolol
Caves and Cliff Art
Explore Tomolol cave, swimming or stand-up paddling through its cathedral-like chamber. See ancient cliff art, then close the day at the emerald lagoon at Wagmab.
Cruising
14 NM
Activity
Cave Swim & Paddle
Highlight
Wagmab Lagoon
03
Day
Tomolol, Boo Islands
Stilted Villages and a Blue Lagoon
Visit a sea gypsy village built on stilts, snorkel in clear water, and take a sunset RIB ride through a vivid blue lagoon.
Cruising
62 NM
Activity
Village Visit & Snorkel
Highlight
Sunset RIB Ride
04
Day
Boo Islands, Wayag
Wayag at First Light
Wake inside some of Raja Ampat's finest scenery. Wayag's lagoons offer snorkeling, ample bays for water sports, and stretches of white sand beach. Visit the ranger station to see baby blacktip reef sharks, then take a sunset RIB trip or hike to a viewpoint.
Cruising
78 NM
Activity
Reef Sharks & RIB Trip
Highlight
Wayag Viewpoint
05
Day
Wayag, Penemu
Star-Shaped Lagoon and Pearl Farm
Arrive at Penemu's star-shaped lagoon to look for manta rays. Climb the wooden stairs to a viewing platform for the panorama, then continue to Aljui Bay to learn about pearl farming, ending with a sunset RIB tour of the rainforest-lined bay.
Cruising
48 NM
Activity
Pearl Farm Visit
Highlight
Penemu Lagoon
06
Day
Penemu, Saporkren
Dawn Trek for Birds of Paradise
Early risers can set out on a sunrise trek in search of the greater bird-of-paradise from Saporkren village. Afterwards, snorkel or paddleboard Mioskon's reefs, then enjoy a beach BBQ.
Cruising
30 NM
Activity
Jungle Trek
Highlight
Beach BBQ
07
Day
Saporkren, Sauwandarek
Village Jetty and a Farewell Dinner
Visit the village of Sauwandarek and snorkel off its jetty, where marine life gathers in dense concentration. Cruise toward Sorong over a farewell dinner.
Cruising
14 NM
Activity
Village & Jetty Snorkel
Highlight
Farewell Dinner
08
Day
Sauwandarek, Sorong
Until Next Time
Disembark at Sorong after breakfast and transfer to the airport for onward flights.
Cruising
44 NM
Disembark
After Breakfast
Depart
Sorong (SOQ)
Your Charter Team
Guided by Those Who Know These Waters
No two groups dive the same way. A group on their tenth trip wants different water, and a different pace, than a family trying it for the first time. Tell us who is traveling and what they want from their days, and we will set the week up to suit them.
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Recommended Yachts
Recommended for This Voyage
Yachts equipped for a focused Raja Ampat week: serious dive operations and the range to cover both north and south in seven nights.
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From the Journal
Dispatches from Indonesia's most extraordinary waters. Yacht features, expedition reports, and the stories behind our most memorable charters.
Practical Reading
Charter Guides
Everything you need to know before chartering in Indonesia. From costs and logistics to destination comparisons and packing lists.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to charter in Raja Ampat?
October through April offers the calmest conditions and best visibility in Raja Ampat. The driest months run November through January. Some operators also charter June through August, though seas can be rougher in the south.
Can the route be customized?
Absolutely. Your cruise director will adapt every day to your interests, conditions, and what the water is doing. More diving? More birdwatching? Want to spend an extra day at Wayag? It's your expedition.
What diving experience is needed?
Certified divers can explore Raja Ampat's prime sites including Blue Magic and Cape Kri. First-timers can try Discovery Dives with the onboard PADI instructor. Snorkelers have equally extraordinary encounters, particularly at Sauwandarek jetty and Mioskon's reefs.
Is this suitable for families with children?
Raja Ampat works well for children. Village visits, birdwatching, kayaking, and snorkeling in calm lagoons all suit younger guests. Most yachts welcome families with children aged 6 and above. We can tailor the pace and activities accordingly.
Interested in This Itinerary?
Please get in touch to discuss planning your private charter.