DUNE Aurora · Indonesia · 10 Days / 9 Nights
This 10-day journey explores the central and northern regions of Raja Ampat, starting and finishing in Sorong. The trip features diving in world-renowned areas such as the current-rich Dampier Strait, the equatorial island of Kawe, and the iconic limestone karsts of Wayag. Guests will also discover the underwater treasures of Pyanemu and Batanta, encountering a diverse range of marine life from tiny pygmy seahorses to large manta rays, all while surrounded by breathtaking topside scenery.
Sorong
Guests are greeted at the Sorong airport and transferred to the Aurora. Once all passengers are onboard, the vessel sets sail towards Waigeo Island to begin the adventure. Flights from major hubs like Jakarta typically arrive in the early morning.
Dampier Strait
The expedition moves into the Dampier Strait, an area known for its strong currents that support pristine corals and dense schools of fish. Dives are planned at famous sites including Mioskon, Blue Magic, and Sardines. The surface scenery is characterized by verdant islands and white sand beaches.
Dive sites: Mioskon, Blue Magic, Sardines
Dampier Strait
Diving continues in the Dampier Strait, offering more opportunities to explore its vibrant and untouched coral gardens. The region's dynamic waters attract a wide variety of marine life. Between dives, guests can enjoy the surrounding views of tropical islands.
Dive sites: Mioskon, Blue Magic, Sardines
Dampier Strait
The final day in the Dampier Strait allows for further exploration of its celebrated dive sites. This area is a highlight for its rich biodiversity and the stunning natural beauty of its green islands and sandy shores.
Dive sites: Mioskon, Blue Magic, Sardines
Kawe
From there, the boat journeys to Kawe, an island in Raja Ampat straddling the equator. The diving here is truly outstanding, offering premier sites like Eagle Rock, Black Rock, and Changoo.
Dive sites: Eagle Rock, Black Rock, Changoo
Wayag
The vessel journeys towards Wayag, a location known for its atolls and marine ecosystems. This region features slender waterways, inlets, and placid pools, all encircled by rugged, vegetation-clad geological structures and vistas.
Wayag
Exploration of Wayag continues, providing more time to appreciate the rich underwater environment and stunning views. The scenery is defined by sandy beaches, hidden inlets, and the dramatic leafy vegetation covering the karst islands.
Pyanemu
Today's destination is Pyanemu, featuring a dive at the beautiful reef known as Melissa's Garden. Wobbegong sharks are a highlight here, along with sea snakes, pygmy seahorses, and giant clams in the shallows. There will also be a chance to go ashore for a walk to one of Raja Ampat's most iconic viewpoints.
Dive sites: Melissa's Garden
Good to know: walk to iconic viewpoint
Batanta
The trip visits Batanta, one of the 'four kings' of Raja Ampat. The island is considered a paradise for lovers of small creatures, but encounters with majestic manta rays are also common in this area, making for a busy day of diving.
Sorong
After a final breakfast onboard, the crew arranges transfers to Sorong airport according to guest flight schedules. The trip concludes.