Duration
10
Nights
Raja Ampat Explorer South
Darwin / Ambon
to
Sorong / Darwin
Darwin / Ambon – Sorong / Darwin Life’s different after Raja Ampat
Begin among the history and volcanic landscapes of the Spice Islands, then follow the coast of West Papua into Raja Ampat.
Over ten nights, explore waterfalls that meet the sea, Misool’s vivid reefs and limestone islands, the waterways around Fam and Gam, and the marine life of the Dampier Strait. The journey ends beneath Waigeo’s rainforest canopy, with one last chance to see a bird of paradise before returning to Sorong. Every day offers a different way into this remarkable part of the world.
Return charter flights ex Darwin are included in the tariff.
This itinerary is provided as example only. Prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation.
Please refer to the sailing schedule to determine if this itinerary is available on the True North or True North II.
ITINERARY
Darwin to Ambon
Your adventure begins with a charter flight from Darwin to Ambon, where the True North crew welcomes you aboard. Settle into your cabin, meet your fellow guests and watch the harbour slip behind us as we make our way towards the Banda Islands. Dinner on board is the first chance to slow down, look ahead and imagine what the next ten nights might bring.
The Banda Islands
The Banda Islands carry the history of the spice trade in their streets, plantations and forts. Explore Banda Neira and discover why these small islands once drew traders from across the world. There is time to take to the water too, with snorkelling or diving around reefs shaped by the volcanic landscape. As evening approaches, look back across the harbour towards Gunung Api.
The Fakfak Coast
Today we explore the remote Fakfak Coast by adventure boat. Jungle reaches down to sheltered waterways, and the day might lead to a swim beneath Mommon Waterfall or an exploration of Sebakor Bay’s water-filled caves. Keep an eye on the treetops and the shoreline as we travel: this is a coast best experienced slowly, with the freedom to follow what we find.
Misool
Misool welcomes us with limestone islands, clear lagoons and reefs full of colour. Spend the day snorkelling or diving in the waters of the South East Misool Marine Park, where soft corals, sea fans and schooling fish make every outing different. Between time in the water, take an adventure boat into the channels and coves that give this part of Raja Ampat its unmistakable shape.
Tomolol Cave
Step aboard an adventure boat for one of the journey’s most memorable explorations: Tomolol Cave. Enter the limestone chambers by water and watch the light change as the passage opens around you. There is more to discover outside the cave, with karst islands, quiet channels and time for another swim. Finish the day together on the water as the light fades.
Fam and Gam
The journey turns towards Fam and Gam, where rainforest islands rise above bright, shallow water. Explore Fam’s lagoons by adventure boat, take in the view from a lookout or spend time snorkelling among the reefs. As we continue towards Gam, the scenery shifts again from open water to densely forested shores, setting the scene for the days ahead.
Batanta Islands
We continue through the island landscapes on the route towards the Batanta Islands. Explore sheltered water and limestone scenery at close range, while snorkellers and divers can discover what lies beneath the surface. Later, return to True North for a relaxed afternoon on deck as we travel deeper into the archipelago.
Batanta Waterfall
Batanta brings a change of pace. Venture inland towards a waterfall, then return to the coast for more time on the water. There may be an opportunity to look for manta rays, conditions permitting, or to explore another reef with the snorkelling and dive guides. Whether you choose the rainforest or the sea, today is a chance to see another side of Raja Ampat.
Kri and Wallace Passage
Begin at Kri, where reefs draw an extraordinary variety of marine life. Dive or snorkel before exploring Wallace Passage by adventure boat. Rainforest edges the narrow waterway, and there is plenty to watch for above and below the surface. Later, gather for a True North raft-up: a drink, something to eat and time to share the day’s discoveries as we travel together through the passage.
Waigeo and Blue River
An early start on Waigeo offers the chance to search for birds of paradise in the rainforest. Later, make your way to Blue River for a final swim in its strikingly clear water. It is a fitting last day: one more journey through the jungle, one more chance to get into the water and an evening aboard to take it all in.
Sorong
Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking in Sorong for your onward journey. You leave with memories of the Spice Islands, the West Papuan coast and the many different worlds encountered across Raja Ampat.
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Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $32,995
Ocean Premium $38,595
River Class $41,595
Explorer Class $46,595
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $34,995
Ocean Premium $41,595
River Class $44,995
Explorer Class $49,995
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