Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia...

The sea was calm, reflecting the soft morning light as we made final preparations for departure. A few seagulls circled above, calling out as if bidding us farewell. From the deck, I watched our guests arrive—some wide-eyed with excitement, others returning for another Raja Ampat tour, unable to resist the call of these waters.

Raja Ampat is the kind of place that never leaves you. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, it always feels like discovering something new. This vast, remote archipelago, scattered across the sea like emerald jewels, holds mysteries beneath its waves and stories in its landscapes.

As our crew hoisted the anchor and the yacht gently glided away from Sorong’s harbor, I took a deep breath of the salty air. Ahead lay five nights of pure adventure—diving into the most biodiverse waters on Earth, trekking through untouched jungles, and navigating hidden lagoons few have ever seen.

The journey had begun...

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Day 1: Setting Sail into Raja Ampat’s Blue Horizon

The scent of salt and adventure filled the air as we pulled away from Sorong’s harbor, leaving behind the mainland and venturing into the unknown.

With the yacht gliding effortlessly over the calm sea, our guests settled into the rhythm of the journey. A welcome lunch of fresh seafood and tropical fruits was served on deck, paired with chilled white wine as the sun warmed the wooden planks beneath our feet.

Afternoon Dive & Snorkeling Introduction

By mid-afternoon, we reached our first stop—a secluded reef on the outskirts of the Raja Ampat archipelago. Our divers suited up for a check dive, while snorkelers slipped into the warm waters, greeted by vibrant coral gardens teeming with darting reef fish.

As the sun began to set, we dropped anchor in a sheltered bay. Cocktails were poured, and dinner was served under the stars, marking the perfect beginning to our Raja Ampat luxury yacht expedition.

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Day 2: Kri Peninsula – A Diver’s Dream

The morning chorus of tropical birds echoed through the trees as we woke near Kri Peninsula, one of Raja Ampat’s most famous dive sites.

Morning Snorkeling & Diving at Kri Reef

As the first rays of light touched the water, our divers descended into the depths of Kri Reef, known for its incredible biodiversity, coral slopes, and large schools of fish. Some guests opted for a more relaxed morning, kayaking through the mirror-still mangrove forests, where exotic birds flitted between the trees.

Afternoon Beach Escape

After lunch, we anchored near a hidden beach, where guests enjoyed paddleboarding, sunbathing, and floating in the warm shallows. The golden sands and swaying palm trees made it feel like a castaway’s dream.

As the evening settled, another gourmet dinner was served under the open sky, with the sound of gentle waves lapping against the yacht.

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Day 3: The Passage – A River of Coral

Dawn Trek for Birdwatching

At first light, we set off on a jungle trek to find the elusive Red Bird of Paradise. The climb was steep, but as we reached the viewing platform, we were rewarded with the sight of these rare birds performing their courtship dance among the treetops—a moment of pure magic.

Sailing Through The Passage

Midday found us sailing through Kabui Bay, a realm of towering mushroom-shaped limestone islands rising from the sea. These dramatic formations marked the entrance to The Passage, a narrow channel where tidal currents create a saltwater river, flowing between coral-covered walls teeming with marine life.

Snorkeling here was surreal—soft corals swayed in the currents, schools of fish darted between them, and even sharks and rays glided through the narrow channel.

As we emerged on the other side, the yacht anchored in a peaceful bay for another sunset celebration on deck.

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Day 4: Penemu – The Iconic Raja Ampat View

Hiking to the Penemu Lagoon Viewpoint

This morning, our guests embarked on a short but steep hike up the rocky hills of Penemu, where an incredible panoramic view of Raja Ampat’s famous heart-shaped lagoon awaited. Below, the turquoise waters glittered, encircled by green limestone islets—a sight that has become iconic in Raja Ampat travel photography.

Diving & Snorkeling in Coral Gardens

After descending back to the yacht, we spent the afternoon snorkeling and diving among Penemu’s pristine reefs, where manta rays, turtles, and large schools of game fish roamed freely.

By sunset, the yacht was anchored in a quiet cove, and guests enjoyed cocktails, music, and another five-star meal prepared by our onboard chef.

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Day 5: Batanta & Arborek – Manta Encounters & Cultural Immersion

Morning Dive with Manta Rays

The final full day of our Raja Ampat tour began with an unforgettable experience—diving with manta rays near Arborek Island. These graceful giants glided effortlessly past us, their wings spanning meters across, moving with an elegance that left everyone in awe.

Afternoon Village Visit

After lunch, we made our way to Arborek Village, a small island community where locals live in harmony with the ocean, practicing sustainable fishing and pearl farming. Walking through the village, we met friendly children, watched traditional weavers at work, and learned about local conservation efforts.

That evening, we gathered on deck for one final sunset toast, the perfect ending to an extraordinary voyage.

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Day 6: Farewell to Raja Ampat

As dawn broke over the horizon, our yacht made its final journey back to Sorong’s port. Over a final breakfast on deck, guests reflected on the incredible memories made over the past five nights—from diving with manta rays to witnessing untouched landscapes and vibrant cultures.

As they stepped off the yacht and onto the dock, I knew this wouldn’t be goodbye—Raja Ampat has a way of calling people back.