Tiare Cruise · Indonesia · 13D/12N
Raja Ampat Offers the highest marine diversity on the planet, with stunning underwater topography and a range of dive environments from walls to slopes, caves, and canyons. Cape Kri is renowned for its abundant marine life, where divers can encounter large fish, groupers, sharks, and pygmy seahorses clinging to gorgonian fans. Banda Neira Is known for its colonial-era architecture, such as Fort Belgica, and the Banda Neira town. It also offers beautiful diving sites and clear waters. The island is rich in history, with remnants of Dutch colonial influence. It offers a more cultural and historical experience compared to just marine exploration.
Sorong
Guests will be met at the Sorong airport or a local hotel for transfer to the harbor to board the vessel. After a welcome orientation and safety briefing, the boat will set sail towards the central Raja Ampat region.
Dampier Strait
The diving adventure begins in the legendary Dampier Strait, a channel known for its nutrient-rich currents. The initial dives will introduce the incredible biomass of the area, exploring reefs like Mioskon where wobbegong sharks often rest.
Dive sites: Mioskon, Chicken Reef
Good to know: The first dive serves as a check-dive to ensure all equipment is functioning and divers are comfortable.
Dampier Strait
Experience sites that have cemented Raja Ampat's global reputation, such as Cape Kri, which holds a world record for fish species counted on a single dive. Other dives may take place at submerged seamounts like Sardine Reef, known for its swirling vortexes of fish.
Dive sites: Cape Kri, Sardine Reef
Good to know: Dives in this area are often drift dives; a surface marker buoy (SMB) is essential.
Dampier Strait
Today's dives focus on seamounts like Blue Magic, a famous cleaning station for large oceanic manta rays. Following the day's underwater exploration, the vessel will begin the overnight passage south towards the Misool archipelago.
Dive sites: Blue Magic
Good to know: The long crossing to Misool is typically done overnight.
South Misool
Wake up to the stunning scenery of the Misool island group, a protected marine reserve. The first dives here reveal a different character, dominated by lush, colorful soft corals and dramatic underwater structures teeming with life.
Dive sites: Nudi Rock
South Misool
Explore some of Misool's most photographed dive sites. The day includes a visit to Boo Windows, characterized by its two large swim-throughs, and Magic Mountain, a legendary pinnacle that attracts both reef and oceanic manta rays.
Dive sites: Boo Windows, Magic Mountain
Good to know: Magic Mountain is a cleaning station and a highlight for pelagic encounters in the south.
South Misool
The day is spent navigating the labyrinthine waterways and hidden lagoons of the Misool region. Dives showcase the area's incredible biodiversity, and a night dive offers a chance to spot the endemic epaulette walking shark.
Good to know: A night dive is planned to search for endemic walking sharks.
South Misool
Continue the exploration of the vast Misool area, venturing to reefs celebrated for their vibrant sea fans and immense schools of fusiliers. Each dive presents a new opportunity to witness the health and richness of this protected ecosystem.
Dive sites: Four Kings
Misool (Farondi Area)
The morning is dedicated to diving in the Farondi area, known for its dramatic topography of tunnels, caverns, and steep walls. After a couple of exciting dives, the vessel will start its journey back north to Central Raja Ampat.
Dive sites: Farondi's Tunnel
Good to know: Fewer dives are scheduled to allow for a long northbound sea passage.
Dampier Strait
Arriving back in the central region, the itinerary returns to the high-voltage diving of the Dampier Strait. Expect thrilling drift dives with schools of jacks, barracudas, and fusiliers sweeping over the reefs.
Dive sites: Sardine Reef
Penemu Island
Explore the reefs around Penemu Island, then take a break from diving for a short trek up to the iconic viewpoint overlooking the star-shaped karst lagoons. Below the surface, the area is known for pristine hard coral gardens and abundant fish life.
Dive sites: Melissa's Garden
Good to know: One dive is replaced with a land excursion to the famous Piaynemo viewpoint.
Dampier Strait
Enjoy the last two dives of the expedition in the Dampier Strait. These final immersions offer another chance to enjoy the incredible biodiversity before the vessel begins its final cruise back towards the port of Sorong.
Dive sites: Cape Kri
Good to know: Only two dives are offered to allow for sufficient off-gassing time before flying.
Sorong
After a final breakfast on board, guests will bid farewell to the crew. Transfers will be arranged to the Sorong airport for onward flights.