Queenesia II · Indonesia · 11D/10N
Explore the extensive coral gardens and teeming currents of Raja Ampat, navigating its northern, central, and southern sectors. This comprehensive itinerary dives into the region's signature biodiversity, from its vibrant soft corals and dense hard coral formations to the diverse pelagic life drawn to its nutrient-rich waters. Encounter schooling fish, reef sharks, and the distinctive wobbegong sharks, along with an abundance of macro life. The journey begins and ends in Sorong, offering a deep immersion into this renowned Indonesian archipelago. Expect a mix of drift dives, reef explorations, and opportunities for discovering unique ecosystems.
Sorong, Batanta
Guests are transferred from Sorong's airport or a local hotel to the harbor for embarkation. After a welcome briefing and settling in, the vessel sails towards Batanta for an introductory check dive in the calm waters of Pulau Ayemi.
Dive sites: Pulau Ayemi
Good to know: Transfers from Sorong airport or hotel are typically between 7:30 and 8:00 AM.
Batanta
The day is dedicated to exploring Batanta's renowned muck and macro dive sites, perfect for finding rare critters. Dive locations like Black Beauty and Happy Ending offer chances to spot mimic octopus, a variety of nudibranchs, and perhaps even walking sharks before an overnight sail.
Dive sites: Black Beauty, Algae Patch, Happy Ending
Good to know: Overnight cruise to the island of Gam.
Gam
The morning begins at Manta Sandy, a well-known cleaning station where graceful reef mantas congregate. The day continues with thrilling dives at Mayhem, which often features pelagic action, and Citrus Ridge, a slope covered in brilliant orange and yellow soft corals.
Dive sites: Manta Sandy, Mayhem, Citrus Ridge, Pretty Shallows
Kawe, Wofoh
After an overnight passage, diving takes place right on the equator at Kawe island. Explore the vibrant corals of Black Rock and the rich biodiversity of Eagle Rock before a relaxing afternoon dive on the beautiful sloping reefs around Wofoh.
Dive sites: Black Rock, Eagle Rock, Wofoh North
Good to know: The boat crosses the equator while at Kawe island.
Yeben, Piaynemo
The day starts with a fish-filled dive at Yeben Ridge, followed by dives around Piaynemo. Explore the incredible hard coral gardens of Melissa's Garden, then hike to the famous Piaynemo viewpoint for stunning panoramic photos of the karst islands.
Dive sites: Yeben Ridge, Melissa's Garden, Barracuda Rock, Galaxy
Good to know: Includes the popular land excursion to the Piaynemo lookout.
Misool (South Raja Ampat)
Following a long overnight journey south, the vessel arrives in the breathtaking Misool region, known for its dramatic karst islands and nutrient-rich waters. Dives will focus on the Fiabacet area, exploring famous sites like Boo Windows and its iconic underwater swim-throughs.
Dive sites: Boo Windows, Nudi Rock, Fiabacet Pinnacle
Good to know: Long overnight passage from the central region is required to reach Misool.
Misool (Wayil & Pele)
Diving continues in Misool's spectacular seascape, moving towards the Wayil and Pele areas. The day can feature pinnacle dives at sites like Four Kings and exploring the stunning soft coral coverage and topography of Kaleidoscope reef.
Dive sites: Four Kings, Wedding Cake, Kaleidoscope
Misool (Yilliet)
The final full day in Misool is spent at some of its most action-packed sites, which are known magnets for large pelagics. Magic Mountain is a highlight, offering a chance to see both oceanic and reef mantas at its cleaning stations, along with schools of jacks and trevallies.
Dive sites: Magic Mountain, Gorgonian Passage, Yilliet Kecil
Good to know: Overnight cruise north towards the Dampier Strait begins after the last dive.
Dampier Strait
After cruising back north, the boat reaches the legendary Dampier Strait, an epicenter of marine biodiversity. The day's dives are often drift dives along world-renowned reefs like Cape Kri and Sardine Reef, famous for immense schools of fish and passing sharks.
Dive sites: Cape Kri, Sardine Reef, Chicken Reef
Dampier Strait
The last full day of diving includes two final underwater explorations in the Dampier Strait. These dives provide one last opportunity to witness the area's incredible marine density before the vessel sails back towards Sorong harbor for the night.
Dive sites: Blue Magic, Mikes Point
Good to know: Fewer dives are scheduled to allow for sufficient off-gassing time before flying. The boat returns to Sorong harbor in the evening.
Sorong
Enjoy a final breakfast on board with the crew and fellow guests. Afterward, assistance is provided for transfers to the Sorong airport or a local hotel for your onward journey.
Good to know: Disembarkation is typically completed by 11:00 AM.