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opportunity to experience remarkable culture
Indonesia & West Papua
Raja Ampat Cruise - Indonesia & West Papua
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Voyages of discovery – opportunity to experience remarkable culture, history and nature!

about indonesia & west papua

The Raja Ampats and nearby islands of the Indonesian Archipelago are a melting pot of culture, history and nature.

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The TRUE NORTH offers unparalleled access to a region that is fast becoming one of the most-talked about destinations on the plane

See what others don’t get to see!

Our activity-based itineraries provide unequalled opportunity to discover the influence of Melanesians, Islamic Sultans, Portuguese mariners and Dutch traders.

Meet traditional Indonesians on Banda Island and the Melanesian people of Gam and Waigeo.

See the dragons on Komodo and swim with the whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay.

All whilst surrounded in comfort and style.

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Indonesia & West Papua Itineraries

Indonesia Cruise & West Papua cruises 2023 & 2024

12 night cruise Raja Ampat Explorer

Raja Ampat Explorer (12 Nights)

Darwin / Ambon to Biak and Return
Explore a breathtakingly beautiful archipelago consisting of more than 1500 islands, cays and shoals. See the exotic Wilson’s bird of paradise, cross the equator and take part in a manta ray convention! Snorkel through caves and take guided walks through the jungle! Perhaps it doesn’t get any better than this!
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7 night cruise The Whale Sharks of Cenderawasih Bay

The Whale Sharks of Cenderawasih Bay (7 Nights)

Darwin to Cenderawasih Bay and Return
Join TRUE NORTH for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to the last frontier of the Indo-Pacific, Papua New Guinea to engage with magnificent whale sharks in a setting like no other. Despite being the biggest fish in the world, these gentle giants are known for their interactive nature, with local fisherman and TRUE NORTH guests able to spend hours engaging with the leviathans. In the realm of snorkelling and marine exploration, there are few creatures as captivating as the mighty whale shark, with TRUE NORTH guests encouraged to get up close and personal with the majestic creatures through snorkelling, diving and onboard observation - an experience enjoyed by a lucky few, given most encounters are restricted to a fleeting glimpse of these gentle giants. Quite simply, there is no greater up-close interaction with whale sharks than in Cenderawasih Bay.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What species of fish are commonly caught?
The most commonly caught fish in Indonesia are pelagic species such as Spanish mackerel, tuna & sailfish. We’ve got all the fishing gear you need onboard!
What time is embarkation & disembarkation?
Guests will be collected in Darwin city centre at approximately 0600 for a charter flight. It is HIGHLY recommended that guests arrive in Darwin at least the night prior to departure. After disembarkation in Indonesia, the charter flight back to Darwin will bring guests back by 1700 where they'll need to clear customs and immigration. A late evening flight, or overnight accommodation in Darwin is recommended.
Are transfers to & from the vessel included in the cost?
Included in the cost is the early morning coach transfer from Darwin City centre hotels to Darwin International airport for check-in as well as local transfers to and from the airport in Indonesia. On arrival back in Darwin (approximate arrival time 1700) guests make their own way from the airport as the time it takes for each guest to clear customs and immigration varies greatly.
Does SCUBA diving feature on these itineraries?
Absolutely! There are fantastic opportunities to explore the many coral reefs of these amazing islands. A limited selection of diving equipment is available for hire onboard with prior arrangement. However, bringing your own personal equipment will ensure a perfect fit. Not a certified diver? Don’t worry the snorkelling is just as good!
Do I need a passport for this voyage?
Yes. Please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity on it after your return travel date. We will ask for this information 3-4 months prior to embarkation. General information concerning travel in West Papua will be included with your Guest Documents. True North will arrange entry visa into Indonesia.
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latest news & blog

What’s on True North

Sep. 24, 2023 The 40th America’s Cup and its influence on the inception of TRUE NORTH

The 40th America’s Cup and its influence on the inception of TRUE NORTH

Craig Howson reflects on the 40th America’s Cup and its influence on the inception of TRUE NORTH

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Jul. 14, 2023 Unique access thanks to our on-board helicopter

Unique access thanks to our on-board helicopter

Hear more about Peter and Pam’s extraordinary experience, made possible by not only our incredible crew, but also to the limitless possibilities of our exclusive helicopter adventures.

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May. 23, 2023 Mega Raft Up

Mega Raft Up

For the first time TRUE NORTH and TRUE NORTH II departed port at the same time. One magical evening both yachts came together adjacent to the majesty of the King George Falls and, all aboard took the ...

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Experience the adventure

True North Tales

Returning to International

True North’s founding director Craig Howson and managing director Chad Avenell, recently met with local representatives ahead of recommencing Indonesian itineraries in 2023. Watch the video above to discover how True North ensures smooth operation well in advance of departure.

True North Sails into 30 Years

True North Adventure Cruises - has sailed into 30 years of continuous operations. The now revered adventure-cruise operator first cruised Western Australia’s remote Kimberley coast during 1987 when founding director Craig Howson commenced fishing type charters along a coastline that was and still is largely inaccessible from land.

The Helicopter

Adding another dimension to the adventure, most cruise options on the TRUE NORTH feature an on-board helicopter! Carrying guests in air conditioned comfort, the ship’s helicopter provides unique opportunity to witness grandeur; unique opportunity to fish billabongs that have never been fished; unique opportunity to discover your very own wilderness!

TRUE NORTH Impresses Again

The TRUE NORTH has once again impressed on the world stage coming second in the 2020 Traveller Made Brand Storytelling competition. Traveller Made is Europe’s largest travel consortium and its members represent the very best in luxury travel providers and suppliers. The group’s inaugural Brand Storytelling competition was an opportunity for leading travel brand’s to showcase “the story behind their brand” and, the competition attracted entries from some of the world’s most respected travel brands. In such esteemed company, True North’s marketing team was especially pleased to receive this additional acknowledgement.

Catriona Rowntree Talks With Craig Howson

A commonly asked question is “When is the best time to see the Kimberley?” And the answer is “The Kimberley is always at its best!” However certain times of the year can make it easier to satisfy particular interest. For example, if you would like to see plenty of whale action then departures in August and September are definitely for you! From late July humpback and southern right whales reach the Kimberley after swimming-up the west coast to reach breeding grounds in the north and it’s very common for guests to get great views of whales breaching and basking on the surface.

Tracking Gentle Giants

Rhincodon typus can grow up to 18 metres in length and is the world’s largest fish! Despite this, little is known about these gentle giants of the sea. They may not venture near the surface for months or even years on end – only frequenting a few locations around the world to feast on seasonal abundances of plankton, krill or coral and fish spawn. One such location is Cenderawasih Bay in West Papua. Although whale sharks are generally thought t

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The True North Experience

We curate activity-based itineraries that are designed to satisfy the world’s most discerning travellers. We specifically exclude sea-days and feature unparalleled access to stunning coastal environments and, unequalled opportunity to truly experience the destination.

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