Katharina

AM: Taking the early morning flight from Bali, you will be met at the airport in Komodo by your tour leaders and be taken straight to your boat. And as you settle into your new home, we will head to our first snorkeling spot; a coral restoration project where you will see how the corals and fish populations have grown since they were first transplanted in 2014.

Go ashore on Komodo Island in search of the fearsome Komodo dragons, found only in the Komodo National Park. This is the world’s largest lizard, growing up to a length of three meters and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms. Enjoy some magnificent snorkeling on some of the Komodo Park’s best reefs.

PM: Swim with manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Snorkel at a favourite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle reptiles as they cruise along the shallow water of the reef.

AM & PM: Go ashore on Komodo Island in search of the fearsome Komodo dragons, found only in the Komodo National Park. This is the world’s largest lizard, growing up to a length of three meters and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms. Enjoy some magnificent snorkeling on some of the Komodo Park’s best reefs. Swim with manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Snorkel at a favourite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle reptiles as they cruise along the shallow water of the reef.

AM: Wake up off the coast of a beautiful uninhabited island with a beach of pure white sand with some sparkles of powdered red coral, creating the effect of a “pink beach”. We will spend the morning here, swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling on the beautiful coral reef that lies parallel to the beach.

PM: Over lunch, we will cruise to a nearby active volcanic island where we will see a large wooden pinisi boat with the same pedigree and history of Katharina’s very own ships being built on the beach. Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals and maybe buy some handmade textiles as a souvenir.

Spend the day at a strange and mystical volcanic island with a sunken crater lake in its center that was filled with saltwater when the nearby Mt Tambora catastrophically erupted in 1815. Here we will swim, kayak and paddleboard on the lake, and the more adventurous can go trekking around the crater rim.

Experience one of our famous beach BBQs under a night sky filled with millions of stars as you feast on the amazing local delicacies prepared by our chef, and all accompanied by live musical entertainment from our talented crew. Another highlight of our visit to the island will be the sight of thousands of flying foxes that fly at dusk from the island to feed on the mainland.

AM: Wake up off the coast of a beautiful uninhabited island with a beach of pure white sand with some sparkles of powdered red coral, creating the effect of a “pink beach”. We will spend the morning here, swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling on the beautiful coral reef that lies parallel to the beach.

PM: Over lunch, we will cruise to a nearby active volcanic island where we will see a large wooden pinisi boat with the same pedigree and history of Katharina’s very own ships being built on the beach. Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals and maybe buy some handmade textiles as a souvenir.

Spend the day at a strange and mystical volcanic island with a sunken crater lake in its center that was filled with saltwater when the nearby Mt Tambora catastrophically erupted in 1815. Here we will swim, kayak and paddleboard on the lake, and the more adventurous can go trekking around the crater rim.

Experience one of our famous beach BBQs under a night sky filled with millions of stars as you feast on the amazing local delicacies prepared by our chef, and all accompanied by live musical entertainment from our talented crew. Another highlight of our visit to the island will be the sight of thousands of flying foxes that fly at dusk from the island to feed on the mainland.

AM: We will have chance for an early morning swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless animals have long congregated here in the bay but now, thanks to travelers like you, we have formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the local fisherman who have their traditional small floating fishing platforms in the bay that attract the sharks. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed we will see them.

PM: Spend the day on a beach located on a small limestone island nearby, kayaking, swimming and snorkeling, and exploring the local karst formations.

We will cruise to Labuan Aji village on the island of Moyo to visit the village and walk to a scenic waterfall where we can bathe in the refreshing cool water.

AM: We will have chance for an early morning swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless animals have long congregated here in the bay but now, thanks to travelers like you, we have formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the local fisherman who have their traditional small floating fishing platforms in the bay that attract the sharks. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed we will see them.

PM: Spend the day on a beach located on a small limestone island nearby, kayaking, swimming and snorkeling, and exploring the local karst formations.

We will cruise to Labuan Aji village on the island of Moyo to visit the village and walk to a scenic waterfall where we can bathe in the refreshing cool water.

AM: Enjoy a unique snorkeling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals, with the metallic black volcanic sand below being home to an abundance of very interesting invertebrates.

PM: Entering the Komodo National Park again we will go drift snorkeling in one of the best and healthiest coral reefs in the park, and for those who want to take the land-adventure to another level, you can do a sunset hike up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the other islands in the park.

Visit Rinca Island, which is well known for its diverse wildlife, and maybe spot dragons, monkeys, wild buffaloes and deer as well. From the top of the hills, the scenery is breath taking.

AM: Enjoy a unique snorkeling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals, with the metallic black volcanic sand below being home to an abundance of very interesting invertebrates.

PM: Entering the Komodo National Park again we will go drift snorkeling in one of the best and healthiest coral reefs in the park, and for those who want to take the land-adventure to another level, you can do a sunset hike up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the other islands in the park.

Visit Rinca Island, which is well known for its diverse wildlife, and maybe spot dragons, monkeys, wild buffaloes and deer as well. From the top of the hills, the scenery is breath taking.

AM: After breakfast on our last day, we will take you on a scenic drive towards Melo Village, where you will witness the traditional Caci dance performance. Local strongmen perform a ritual whip-fight between two rivals in which the players, each armed with a rattan shield and a whip, will try to hit each other while dancing to the rhythm of traditional acoustic instruments.

PM: After lunch on the boat, we will say farewell to the crew and your fellow shipmates as you disembark and continue onto your next destination.

AM: Your flight will arrive in the West Papuan port town of Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. From the airport, we will transfer you to the harbor where your boat will be waiting at anchor. Once settled into your cabin, your cruise director will familiarize you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures.

PM: Ready to start our adventure, we will weigh anchor and set a southerly course for the Misool Archipelago, stopping for a refreshing swim along the way. We will then dine alfresco on the main deck while meeting the other passengers and crew and watching the sunset on our first day at sea.

AM: This morning we will wake to see the sunrise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the Misool archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution,’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides. We will spend the day maximizing everything that this fascinating area has to offer by marveling at both the marine wonderland under the water and the magnificent landscape above the surface.

PM: We can test out our paddling skills in the sea kayaks, watch for birds perched on the rocks, or just sit back and take in the glorious scenery. After a full day of island hopping through this archipelago, the boat will spend a quiet night at anchor in Misool’s Tomolo Bay.

AM: A swim through Tomolo’s mysterious dome-topped cave is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites.

The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave. We will then move on to the mysterious stingless jellyfish lake, one of only 20 in the world where these amazing creatures exist and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals.

PM: After returning to the ship, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric cave paintings, estimated to be anything between 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, flowers and plants, tools and vessels. Overnight, our boat will cruise north to the island of Batanta.

AM: After our days of marine exploration, the jungle-clad island of Batanta offers us a change of scenery and a chance to stretch our legs on an adventurous trek into the island’s interior. We anchor at the foot of Arefi Village, nestled on the north coast of the island, where we will find local guides to escort us through the mangrove waters to the start point of our trek.

PM: A short walk along the riverbed brings us to a jungle waterfall, complete with a refreshing pool for cooling off. After leaving the wilderness behind us, we will find a nearby spot to swim and snorkel before moving north to the islands of Wayag.

AM: Few areas in Indonesia can lay claim to such unsurpassed natural splendor as Raja Ampat’s Wayag islands. The beauty of these picturesque karst spires is perhaps only equaled by the brilliant colors and vibrancy of the reefs and the marine life that flourishes below.

PM: Nature has carved these islands into a series of coves and lagoons, narrow channels and inlets, caves, jagged rocks and shaded sandy beaches. For those who dare, some spectacular but nearly vertical climbs are rewarded with magnificent panoramas. We will spend a quiet night here at anchor.

AM: The Wayag islands are Raja Ampat’s best, and we will make the most of this unique region for one more morning, navigating the maze of mushroom-shaped islands, and stopping for swimming and snorkeling.

PM: In the afternoon, we will set our compasses to return to the southern hemisphere and the island of Waigeo.

AM: Another full day of adventure awaits us along the convoluted western coast of Waigeo. We will begin the morning by exploring Wofoh, three island gems linked together by stretches of pristine coral reef. You can use the tenders or kayaks to navigate the islands or put your newly-acquired fish identification skills to use in exploring this vibrant reef. Or you may prefer to simply just relax on the beach.

PM: In the afternoon we will move northwards to Aljui Bay, home to the Cendanda Pearl Farm, one of the larger producers of high-quality seawater pearls in the region. Pearling is an important industry throughout Indonesia and several farms can be seen in the waters of Raja Ampat, where the farmers may grant us permission to visit their facilities and receive an explanation of the pearling processes that we have seen during our voyage.

AM: We will wake up in front of the island of Penemu, a dramatic location with a short hilltop climb to take in the amazing views. After some great snorkeling on the island’s reefs, we will set course for the tiny Aborek Island, where the local children will perform their traditional dances for us.

PM: We can also walk around the village and gain a sense of the Asai culture, which is still kept very much alive by the villagers living in this isolated place. There's a chance that we may get to see some manta rays as we snorkel, but there are no guarantees.

AM: After waking up, before sunrise, we will follow in the footsteps of the famous naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in a pre-dawn quest to spot the remarkable Red Bird of Paradise, one of the species that Wallace was most anxious to collect. We hope that the efforts of our trek through the forest will pay off, enabling us to catch a rare and privileged sight of the bird’s elaborate courtship dance as the day breaks over the forest canopy.

PM: Whether we spot the birds or not, for sure we will experience a wonderful trek. After lunch, we make our way through the Dampier strait, home to some of Raja Ampat’s premier reefs.

AM: After our last breakfast, we will stroll around on dry land at the Doom island with traditional transportation called Becak. During the First World War, Doom island served as an administrative center of Dutch Empire administration in West Papua and continued to become the core of Sorong for some time before the city grew in mainland Papua. During the Second World War, Japanese forces occupied and fortified the island, building a network of tunnels and bunkers. The island was attacked by American and Australian aircraft throughout the war. Following the war, a fishing station was briefly established on the island before it was moved to Manokwari.

After this we will say goodbye to our crew and captain and head to the airport for our onward flights.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure as we present our highly anticipated Reposition Cruise, set to sail on a specific date. Get ready to redefine your cruising experience with a unique itinerary designed to captivate your senses and create lifelong memories.

AM: Your flight will arrive in the West Papuan port town of Kaimana. From the airport, we will transfer you to the harbor where the Ombak Putih will be waiting at anchor. Once you have settled into your cabin, your cruise director will familiarize you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures.

PM: Ready to start our adventure, we will weigh anchor, leave the harbor behind, and head towards Namatote Passage, stopping for a refreshing swim along the way before watching the sunset on our first day at sea.

AM: Today we will cruise through the Namatote Passage. Namatote’s cliffs are well known as a gallery of prehistoric art, boasting an impressive collection of cave paintings, glyphs and pictorial signs left by ancient nomads high upon the rock walls.

PM: We will then explore the undisturbed coves, caves, and lagoons of Triton Bay, where we will anchor for the night.

AM: Triton Bay is a place of unsurpassed natural splendor, where time and tides have sliced the limestone landscape into tall cliffs and numerous islands separated by lagoons and narrow channels. It is also home to fishermen who keep masses of baitfish in nets that attract a migratory group of whale sharks, which we may have the chance to swim and snorkel with. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed we will.

PM: We will also spend our time swimming from secluded beaches, snorkeling the vibrant turquoise waters and kayaking amongst the rocky outcrops. We can also enjoy watching the birdlife from the comfort of our tenders as we explore this extraordinary maze of karst islands, before visiting the village of Lobo, which is a friendly place at the foot of a 1000-meter-high cliff.

AM: Today we will round Cape Papisol to the Karawawi region, where we will stop to refresh ourselves before journeying on to the beautiful Kitikiti waterfall. Here, in the wilderness, a roaring river cascades down the jungle-clad mountains and crashes into the sea below.

PM: We can swim under the waterfall and explore the extraordinary reefs nearby before continuing north-west along the coastline of West Papua.

AM: Today we will visit the village of Sipitnanam, where we will meet the residents, who spend their days fishing the nearby waters and tending their nutmeg plantations. From there, we will make our way to the Pisang Islands.

PM: These tiny gems isolated in the vast waters of the Ceram Sea offer us a chance to relax and enjoy the sparkling white-sand beaches, clear waters, and vibrant reefs.

AM: This morning we will wake to see the sunrise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the Misool archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution,’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides.

PM: We will spend the day maximizing everything that this fascinating area has to offer by marveling at both the marine wonderland under the water and the magnificent landscape above the surface. We can test out our paddling skills in the sea kayaks, watch for birds perched on the rocks, or just sit back and take in the glorious scenery. After a full day of island hopping, we will spend a quiet night at anchor.

AM: A swim through Tomolo’s mysterious dome-topped cave is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites.

The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave. We will then move on to the mysterious stingless jellyfish lake, one of only 20 in the world where these amazing creatures exist and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals.

PM: After returning to the ship, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric ‘petroglyph’ cave paintings, estimated to be anything from 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, flowers and plants, tools and vessels. 

AM: Waking before dawn we will be ferried to a local village, where local guides will take us on a trek through the jungle in the hope of finding the beautiful Wilson’s Bird of Paradise perform is mating dance ritual upon the forest floor. On our way back to the boat we will be accompanied by the sounds of the jungle coming to life and we will be sure to spot a number of bird species along the way.

PM: After a well-earned late breakfast, we will spend the remainder of the day enjoying snorkeling, swimming and exploring the reefs and islands of the local area by kayak and paddle board.

AM: Today we will follow in the footsteps of the ‘father of biogeography,’ Alfred Russel Wallace by rising early and walking into the forest on a pre-dawn quest to spot the remarkable red bird of paradise, one of the species that Wallace was most anxious to collect. With a little luck and the help of our knowledgeable guides, we might catch sight of this rare bird’s elaborate courtship display as dawn breaks over the forest canopy.

PM: After returning to the ship, we will turn our attention from the sky to the sea as the Katharina makes her way through the Dampier strait, home of some of Raja Ampat’s premier reefs. If the currents are in our favor, we might see some of the area’s larger specimens of marine life, which are attracted to the strait’s nutrient-rich waters. We will end the day by mooring off Pulau Arborek in front of Arborek Village. Here, we can easily circumnavigate the tiny island by foot and gain a sense of the Asai culture, which is still kept alive by the villagers living in this isolated place.

AM: In the morning, we will find ourselves at anchor in the harbor of Sorong. After a final, hearty breakfast, we will say goodbye to the Katharina and her crew.

Our crew members will take you ashore for your transfer to the airport for your onward travel.

AM: You will be met at the airport or your hotel by your tour leaders and taken directly to the boat. Once settled into your cabin, we will weigh anchor and head out on our adventure.

PM: We will have lunch as we are under way and stop for your first snorkel and swim amongst the coral gardens in the afternoon. After sunset drinks we will sit down together for dinner and then meet the crew. It’s an early start the next day, so an early night is recommended.

AM & PM: Before dawn we will be ferried to a local village, where local guides will take us on a trek through the jungle in the hope of finding the beautiful Wilson’s Bird of Paradise perform is mating dance ritual upon the forest floor. On our way back to the boat we will be accompanied by the sounds of the jungle coming to life and we will be sure to spot a number of bird species along the way. After a well-earned late breakfast, we will spend the remainder of the day enjoying snorkeling, swimming and exploring the reefs and islands of the local area by kayak and paddle board.

AM: Today is our second and final early morning wake up as we head off to see the Red Bird of Paradise, this time high in the canopy of the rainforest. Extremely extroverted showoffs, these birds dance and squawk their way around the trees trying to impress the female of the species, making for an incredible show.

After returning to the ship and breakfast it will be time for some snorkeling on some of Raja Ampat’s most spectacular reefs in the Dampier Strait. If the tides are in our favor, we might get to see some of the area’s larger species of marine life, which are attracted by the currents in these nutrient rich waters.

PM: We will end the day at a local inhabited island, where the village kids will show us around their beautiful village and then perform some local folk dances for us. We will weigh anchor before dinner, enjoying sunset cocktails on the back deck as we cruise south.

AM: Today we wake up in southern Raja Ampat at the island of Misool, a picturesque archipelago of forest-covered limestone islets just teeming with coral reefs that has adventures aplenty on offer. We will swim through a massive and ancient sea cave, adorned with giant stalagmites and stalactites. We will then journey to a small, secret lake inhabited by thousands of stingless jellyfish, where we will snorkel among them.

PM: After lunch we will explore the area by ship’s tenders, going in and out of the many bays and inlets looking for birds, and also stopping to see some prehistoric cave paintings said to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old.

AM: Today we will have a relaxing day of snorkeling on the reefs, exploring the inlets and local areas by paddle board and kayak, or swimming and sunbathing from the white sand beaches of this beautiful piece of paradise.

PM: After a full day of fun and relaxation we will head east for our overnight cruise to our next destination.

AM: We will wake up off a small group of picture-perfect islands, where we will spend the morning exploring the beaches and crystal-clear waters and vibrant reefs with our snorkels. We will then cruise in the direction of the mainland of Papua, where we will visit a local village and meeting the residents, who will welcome us into their village, sharing with us their way of life which consists or fishing and growing nutmeg.

PM: Back on the boat we will continue southeast overnight, enjoying dinner and sunset drinks along the way.

AM: We wake up off the coast of Papua to a most serene and primal scene of a jungle waterfall where a roaring river surrounded by virgin rainforest pours into the sea. Here we will swim and play in the waterfall and the sea as we take in this most tranquil tropical scenery. We will also have the chance to snorkel through the corals on a nearby reef.

PM: Later in the day we will continue our journey east, stopping off late afternoon for another swim and snorkel on our way to see the whale sharks of Triton Bay.

AM: Triton Bay is a place of unsurpassed natural splendor, where time and tides have sliced the limestone landscape into tall cliffs and numerous islands separated by lagoons and narrow channels. It is also home to fishermen who collect baitfish and keep them in nets attached to specially built platforms, also known as ‘bagans’. It is these and their fish that attract whale sharks.

We will head out in the tenders to see if the sharks are around, and if we are lucky, we will spend a couple of hours in the water with these magnificent creatures.

PM: After lunch we will explore the bays and limestone outcrops aby tender, kayak, and paddle board as well as swim and snorkel from the beautiful white-sand beaches. This evening, we will have a beach BBQ with the crew, with singing and dancing late into the night.

AM: We will spend the morning cruising through the undisturbed coves, caves, and lagoons before heading north through the Namatote Passage, where there is an impressive collection of ancient cave paintings high up on the cliffs.

PM: The afternoon will be filled with more snorkeling, swimming, kayaking and paddling as we relax amidst the beauty of the surrounding jungle covered islands. We will spend our final evening on the ship resting at anchor and enjoying a farewell dinner with our captain and crew.

AM: In the morning, we will find ourselves at anchor in the harbor of Kaimana, and after an early breakfast our tenders will take you ashore for your transfer to the airport for your onward travel.

AM: You will be picked up from your hotel after breakfast and taken straight to the oat. Once settled into your cabin, our cruise director will familiarize you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures.  Ready to start our adventure, we will depart for the island of Saparua, where we will visit a 17th Century Dutch fort, before enjoying our first snorkeling session near a small uninhabited island.  

PM: In the evening, we will begin our voyage to the Banda Islands, the original source of nutmeg, and where in the 15th and 16th centuries, this aromatic spice spurred exploration and shaped colonial empires.

AM & PM: Today we will wake up in the Banda Islands. Famous for their natural beauty and cultural heritage, and the well-preserved remnants of an extraordinary history of imperialist rivalry, these islands are quite simply one of Indonesia’s highlights. Banda was originally the world’s only source of nutmeg and mace, valued for their rarity and high cost by aristocrats and elites. 

Since conditions of wind and tide will determine the order in which we visit various Banda islands, our activities here can’t be assigned to a particular day. Here’s what we aim to cover. In the capital Banda Neira. It’s a pleasant stroll through the quaint colonial outpost’s characterful streets, inspecting notable residences, a museum, forts, churches and a waterfront market. Just across the harbor is Banda’s perfect, jungle-clad volcanic cone Gunung Api (‘Fire Mountain’ – 640 meters). The fit and ambitious might make an early morning ascent up a challenging track to the top for stunning views.

AM & PM: Today we will wake up in the Banda Islands. Famous for their natural beauty and cultural heritage, and the well-preserved remnants of an extraordinary history of imperialist rivalry, these islands are quite simply one of Indonesia’s highlights. Banda was originally the world’s only source of nutmeg and mace, valued for their rarity and high cost by aristocrats and elites. 

Since conditions of wind and tide will determine the order in which we visit various Banda islands, our activities here can’t be assigned to a particular day. Here’s what we aim to cover. In the capital Banda Neira. It’s a pleasant stroll through the quaint colonial outpost’s characterful streets, inspecting notable residences, a museum, forts, churches and a waterfront market. Just across the harbor is Banda’s perfect, jungle-clad volcanic cone Gunung Api (‘Fire Mountain’ – 640 meters). The fit and ambitious might make an early morning ascent up a challenging track to the top for stunning views.

AM & PM: We choose from some of the other small islands of the Banda archipelago – Lonthor, Ai, Run, Hatta – each of them with its own remnants of old plantations, Dutch cemeteries and fortifications. The tiny outlying island of Run was the subject of an unbelievable real estate deal when in 1667, under the Treaty of Breda, it was ceded by the English to the Dutch in exchange for Manhattan. Yes, the Manhattan where New York stands.  

On Lonthor we will enjoy the tranquil beauty of nutmeg groves, where the shapely fruit-bearing trees grow in the shelter of towering, gigantic kenari or native almond trees. We will observe the age-old technique of harvesting by hand, and can taste (and buy) baked goods, condiments and jams flavoured with fresh mace and nutmeg. The fruit enclosing the nutmeg seed is sold dried and has a unique and intense flavour. It is a delicacy rarely obtainable outside the Banda Islands.

AM & PM: We will also climb up to fortress Hollandia and go on to meet the last of the perkeniers – the small-holder farmers who managed the plantations for the Dutch, on land parcels known as ‘perken’. You’ll learn of more recent wars and eruptions that shook these lovely islands, and value even more their current peace and tranquillity.  

There are some excellent coral reefs nearby and we should see some amazing marine life whilst snorkelling. Ironically, in the less-than-pristine waters of the harbour we have a good chance of seeing (at dusk) arguably the world's most stunning fish, the small but jewel-like Mandarin Fish. Leaving Banda we will navigate through the Sonnegat (‘Sun’s gap’) between Neira and Gunung Api, possibly escorted by kora-kora – the big Moluccan galleys used traditionally for ceremony and warfare, propelled by banks of warrior-oarsmen 

AM: We will wake up at Watubela island, of the coast of Ceram, and go ashore to walk through some inland lakes, as well as some trekking, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up-paddle-boarding and beach activities. 

PM: In the evening, we will cruise onwards through the night towards Raja Ampat.

AM: After breakfast, we will don our snorkeling gear for a swim through the Gorgonian Passage, an area rich in large corals and abundant fish life. 

PM: Later that afternoon, we will depart to nearby Wayil island for another snorkeling adventure on a beautiful reef that is home to sea turtles and eagle rays. Tonight, we will have a beach BBQ under the stars. Later that evening we will depart for Kapatcol village for our early morning bird of paradise encounter.

AM: Today we will rise around 4 am and have a quick breakfast and go ashore, where local guides will be waiting for us to take us through the forest to hopefully see the Lesser bird of paradise as they dance around in their ‘lekking’ trees. On the way back, we have time for a stroll around the village and possibly a visit to the school and to learn about the way Nature Conservancy is working with the village to empower with local women with a fishing practice called ‘sasi’. 

PM: In the afternoon we will snorkel on a rich and vibrant local coral reef. 

AM: This morning, we will wake to see the sunrise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the eastern part of the Misool archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution,’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides. After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim and snorkel while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites. We will then move on to the mysterious jellyfish lake and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals. 

PM: In the afternoon, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric cave paintings, estimated to be anything between 3,000 to 5,000 years old. 

AM: After breakfast, we will snorkel at the famous “Fishbowl” at Yenuba village, one of the most diverse and rich sites in all of Raja Ampat with many hundreds of species and fish of all sizes. 

PM: During lunch, we will cruise to nearby Gam Island where we will visit a replica of Victorian naturalist’s jungle house, built in partnership with the local village. AR Wallace was the co-discoverer of the theory of natural selection with Charles Darwin and spent many years in this region. Later that afternoon we will go snorkeling once more.

AM: Today sees an early start as we head off into the forest in search of the incredible Red and Wilson’s birds of paradise. The walk takes about 40 minutes, and as we arrive at the bird site at dawn, if we are lucky, we will see the incredible mating displays of these birds in the canopy of the rainforest. This is a David Attenborough moment if ever there was one. 

PM: We will be back on the boat by 9am when we can enjoy a proper hearty breakfast as we make our way to Mayalabit Bay and a beautiful forest walk to explore the “Blue River, where we can swim in the jungle. 

AM: Today is the last day of our adventure and we will wake up anchored in Sorong and have one last hearty breakfast on board before saying farewell to our crew and your fellow travelers before making our way to the airport or hotel for the next phase of your journey. 

AM: You will be picked up by your tour leaders at your Maumere hotel and be taken directly to the boat, where you will meet your fellow passengers and your crew. After settling in, we will head back to shore and take a short drive to the scenic Iwang Gete highlands to visit a small village of Watublapi, where we will be met with singing and dancing by the local people. Famed for their unique textiles, we will be shown first hand their ancient techniques of spinning, dyeing, and weaving their famous fabrics. Here we will have the chance to view (and purchase) some of the local textiles, try their betel nut, and brave their locally produced liquor.

PM: Back on the boat for lunch, we will cruise out of the harbor and head off to the east, giving you a chance to become familiar with your new home for the next 12 days, stopping for a snorkel and a swim along the way, before sunset cocktails and dinner as we cruise on into the night.

AM: After breakfast we will explore the (hopefully) belching Komba volcano with our dinghies and go for a snorkel on the surrounding reefs. Late morning we will head south and cruise towards the mainland and the beautiful Lewaling Bay.

PM: Later that afternoon, we will snorkel and watch the sunset over Ile Apé, another active volcano. After dinner, we will make the overnight crossing to Alor.

AM: After breakfast we will head to shore and board some local boats to visit with Mawar, a friendly but wild dugong who lives in the seagrass beds of the nearby bay. We will also get to meet by “local hero”, Pak Ono, who ensures that Mawar is well protected.

PM: In the afternoon we will pay a visit to Umapura, a village famed for its weaving and dying industry, where we can see how the local women create their intricate ikat cloth. There is every chance to purchase some as a memento. Later we will go for a great snorkel on a nearby reef, before cruising to our next destination to spend the night at anchor.

AM: Today we visit the traditional village of Takpala up in the hills, of Alor where we will be welcomed by the chief and witness a ceremonial war dance in honor of our visit. We will see their traditional ‘Moko’ war drums and intricately designed ‘Ikat’ fabrics, which have been woven and dyed using age-old techniques, and used in local bridal dowries for centuries.

PM: Around midday we will weigh anchor and cruise east as we enjoy lunch on board, stopping in the late afternoon at a picturesque tropical island to snorkel and swim on a coral reef. We will then head east as we continue our journey into the night.

AM: We will wake up in a lovely bay on Wetar Island and go ashore to a local fishing village to meet the locals and see their way of life as they dry their catch on the beach. Spend the day swimming and beaching, snorkeling and exploring, and indulge in a bit of local culture by way of ‘sopi’, a strong alcoholic drink made from a local palm tree.

PM: Later in the afternoon we will weigh anchor and continue our journey east.

AM: This morning, we will go ashore on a small island and be welcomed into a remote village where the locals will share with us their way of life as farmers and fishermen.

PM: After lunch we will continue cruising, stopping off at another tiny island, this one deserted, to swim, kayak, snorkel over the reef and relax on the sand. This evening the crew will set up for a beach BBQ and we will dance and sing our way into the night before heading off again for an overnight cruise to our next destination.

AM: Today is another day of cruising and exploring in one of the remotest parts of Indonesia. We will visit a very simple village where the people’s houses are made using the products of the sago palm, the staple crop in this part of the world. The villagers will demonstrate to us how they process the heart of the sago palm into the edible product that sustains them.

PM: After lunch, we will cruise around the island and stop off to explore the beaches and reefs, where we will snorkel along the way.

AM: Today will be a day at sea where we will pass four spectacular volcanic sea mounts, explicit examples of Indonesia’s place along the Ring of Fire.- One of these islands is uninhabited by people and is home to tens of thousands of sea birds, (brown and red-footed boobies, and frigate birds), who will likely come out to encircle the boat in great numbers on our approach. If the tide allows, we will go ashore and investigate and surely have a snorkel.

PM: In the late afternoon, we will proceed north to the fabled Spice Islands.

AM: By dawn, we should have the Banda Archipelago ‘Spice Islands’ in our sights, the original home of the nutmeg and the scene of much bloodshed between the colonial powers of Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries over control of the spice trade. We will go ashore and go ashore and visit Fort Revenge, built by the Dutch, before snorkeling on the local reef.

PM: Later we will head across to the main island group, and the main town, and anchor in the beautiful, enclosed anchorage under the imposing gaze of a 600-meter-high volcano. If we get there enough time before nightfall, we will go ashore and explore the town.

AM: Today is a day of exploring the history and beauty of the Spice Islands with a visit to the main town of the Spice Islands and its fort overlooking the harbor. We will wander through the streets and markets of this bustling town and meet the local people. After lunch on the boat we will take a local boat over to the biggest of the islands, where we will walk among the vast nutmeg plantations, visit another Dutch fort, talk with the locals, and visit one of the last ‘perkineers’, the farmers who still run the larger plantations on the island who will tell us about life on the islands.

PM: Later in the afternoon we can snorkel on a local reef and have a chance to see the rare and multi-hued Mandarin fish, which only comes out at dusk to mate. Dinner will be had ashore at a local restaurant that offers traditional and delicious local dishes.

AM: This morning we have time for a final stroll around the town or a last snorkel before we say farewell to the Spice Islands around lunchtime and head north.

PM: We will have lunch on the way, passing another major seabird island, before settling in for a relaxing afternoon on board as we scour the horizon for migrating whales.

AM: We will wake up just south of our final destination and our last few hours will be spent enjoying the majesty of the ocean, and we may very well see more whales along the way. As we drop anchor in the harbor, we will say farewell to our crew and tour leaders and be taken to the airport for our onward journeys, ending a magical 12 days of exploration and adventure.

AM: We will pick you up at the airport or your hotel and we will transfer you to the harbor where the boat will be waiting at anchor. Once settled into your cabin, your cruise tour leaders will familiarize you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures. We will weigh anchor, leave the harbor behind and head out into the park on our way to our first snorkel of the trip.

PM: Later that day, we will make our way to Mioskon Island where we can enjoy another great snorkel before watching thousands of giant fruit bats emerge from the forest to forage at dusk. 

AM: Today we will rise very early and head off in the tenders to a small village on Waisai, where local guides will take us on a walk into the forest to spot both the Wilson’s and Red birds of paradise. Back in the village there will be time to meet with the community and perhaps visit the school. We will be back on the boat by mid-morning and if time permits, we’ll travel over to Friwin Island to snorkel, and then to Yenbesir to see a recreation of AR Wallace’s 19th century forest house. 

PM: In the afternoon, we will go snorkeling on the beautiful reefs that fill this area.  

AM: After breakfast, we will snorkel at the famous “Fish Bowl” at Yenuba village, one of the most diverse and rich sites in all of Raja Ampat with many hundreds of species and fish of all sizes. 

PM: During lunch, we will cruise to nearby Arborek village, where we will be entertained by the local school children with traditional dance and music. We will also snorkel on the local reef where we hope to maybe see manta rays. This evening, we will also be presented with a presentation on manta rays by the BareFoot Community, and NGO working closely with these giants of the deep.

AM: Today we wake up in Piaynemo in the Fam islands, where we will go for a snorkel after breakfast and then make a climb to the viewpoint to look down over this magnificent island chain. We will visit the nearby Andau island, where we have another chance to hopefully spot another group of manta rays. 

PM: Later that afternoon, we will head south in the direction of Misool 

AM: This morning, we will wake to see the sun rise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the eastern part of the Misool archipelago. Our tenders will take us to a large cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with stalactites.  We will then move on to a mysterious jellyfish lake and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals: undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. 

PM: In the afternoon, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric cave paintings, estimated to be anything between 3,000 to 5,000 years old. 

AM: After breakfast, we will do our snorkeling gear for a swim through the Gorgonian Passage, an area rich in large corals and abundant fish life. 

PM: We will explore the local island chain by tender and have some beach time in the afternoon where we can kayak paddle board, snorkel and swim. Tonight, we will have a beach BBQ under the stars 

AM: We will wake early once again and go ashore in Katpacol village, where local guides will be waiting for us to take us through the forest to hopefully see the Lesser Bird of Paradise as they dance around in their ‘lekking’ trees. 

PM: On the way back, we have time for a stroll around the village and possibly a visit to the school and to learn about the way Nature Conservancy is working with the village to empower with local women with a fishing practice called ‘sasi’.

AM: Today we will find ourselves off the extreme southern tip of Halmahera Island at Pisang island, where we will go snorkeling and visit a local Bajau sea gypsy village and learn about their way of life. 

PM: During lunch, we will head west again in the direction of Bacan island. 

AM: We will wake up off the western coast of Bacan and go ashore to explore the forested slopes in search of Wallace’s Giant Bee and the huge and magnificent Golden Birdwing Butterfly. 

PM: During this trip we might see some of other endemic animals of these islands, including parrots, cockatoos, lorikeets, hornbills, the elusive cuscus and the endangered, Black-crested Macaque. 

AM: Today we will visit the Guraici Archipelago, a chain of islands with white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs and some lovely local villages. We will spend a full day here snorkeling, swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding, and pay a visit to one of the villages to meet the local people. 

PM: The islands are part of a government-controlled conservation area, designed to protect the reefs and the many beautiful marine species that live there.

AM: After breakfast, we will go ashore on Tidore island, where we will visit a local blacksmith village and an old 16th century Spanish fort. 

PM: In the afternoon we will head across the strait to Halmahera to visit the village of Dodinga: the very place where AR Wallace was living when he discovered the mechanism which drives evolutionary change - natural selection. His Letter to Charles Darwin was the catalyst that prompted Darwin to publish his book Origin of Species in 1859, which explained the theory in greater detail. 

AM: Today marks the end of our adventure, but first we will head out for a tour of the city, which has retained its commercial and political importance as the administrative and trading center of North Maluku. We will visit a couple of old Portuguese and Dutch forts and pay a visit to the Sultan’s Palace with its rich collection of heirlooms.

PM: In the early afternoon, we will drop everyone at the airport for their onward flights. 

AM: We will meet you either on arrival at the airport or in your hotel lobby. At 8 am we transfer you 40 minutes to the tiny village of Sei Gohong where we board local canoes to observe orangutans on the beautiful forested island of Pulau Kaja. The island is managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation or BOS. After observing orangutans in their island habitat, we then transfer to BOS’s nearby Education Centre in Nyaru Menteng for more information on their activities.

PM: Returning to Palangka Raya harbor, we board the Rahai’i Pangun for lunch and a short cruise through the city upstream. Boarding vehicles, we travel 30 minutes to the historic towns of Bukit Rawi and Sigi to see the magnificently painted sandungs, receive a Dayak welcome, and learn about history.

We then return to the boat to start the cruise downstream to moor overnight in a quiet location.

Notes :

• To get to the start point of the river cruise in Borneo, guests will have to fly from either Bali or Jakarta on the day before the cruise’s official start date and stay overnight in a hotel. Please contact our Destination Specialist to discuss your flight arrangements into Indonesia before booking.
• The length of these cruises is between 12-days to 14-days long. This is because the Orangutans and Dragons cruises are a combination of a Borneo riverboat cruise and a Komodo cruise and we need to match, and both boats have different schedules. Where those schedules align perfectly, the trip is 13 days. Where there is the extra day(s) between the two boat trips, we have the day(s) spent in Bali. 
• The trip will sometimes require guests to fly to Komodo to join the boat and cruise back.

AM: In the early morning, we will use motorized canoes to visit the extensive Blackwater Lake Bagantung. This is a unique peatland swamp ecosystem where we have the opportunity to spot birds, other wildlife, and fishing activities by the villagers.

Returning to the village of Pusaka, we learn the local self-defense or shadowboxing exercise. Try it yourself!

PM: Returning to the boat, we continue the cruise downstream to Tumbang Nusa village. On arrival, we will have a walking tour of the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. The boat will continue to cruise downstream, passing the large forested Selat and Badak Islands, where it may be possible to spot orangutans. We then find a quiet place to tie up overnight.

AM: The boat continues downstream to the village of Pilang where we take a short walk in the forest area near the village to see the process of rubber tapping (Mamantat) and rattan harvesting (Manetes). Our village guide will also point out some local medicinal plants growing in the forest. We then have a walking tour of the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. Watch the local ladies at their rattan weaving process and meet the villagers. Over a special tea and coffee, with traditional Dayak cakes, we will be entertained with a Kacapi (two-stringed instrument) performance.

PM: Escaping the heat of the midday sun, we will return to the boat for lunch. The boat will cruise downstream to find a quiet mooring place for overnight.

AM: We have a relaxed breakfast before our very special visit to the Sebangau National Park. For this adventure, we pack our bags and transfer to the car for the journey to Kereng Bangkirai village (40 minutes). Here we join a canoe to travel a half-hour across the amazing reflections of Lake Sebangau to the tiny Koran River. Explore the boardwalks and forests on the eastern boundary of the park. We will visit the information center established there and walk along boardwalks provided for visitors to more easily explore the area to catch sight of birds and perhaps wild orangutans.

PM: We return to the village of Kering Bangkirai for a cool drink for transfer to the vehicle and return to the airport. Upon arrival in Bali, you will be escorted to your hotel for the night.

AM & PM: You will be greeted by your Tour Leader(s) either at the airport or your hotel if you’ve arrived before the embarkation day. As you settle into your new home, we will head to our first snorkeling session of the trip. Go ashore searching for the fearsome Komodo dragons found only in the Komodo National Park. This is the world’s largest lizard, growing up to a length of three meters and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms. Enjoy some magnificent snorkeling on some of Komodo Park’s best reefs. Snorkel at a favorite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle reptiles as they cruise along the reef’s shallow water.

AM & PM: Enjoy some magnificent snorkeling on some of Komodo Park’s best reefs. Snorkel at a favorite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle reptiles as they cruise along the reef’s shallow water.

AM & PM: Wake up off the coast of a beautiful uninhabited island with a beach of pure white sand with some sparkles of powdered red coral, creating the effect of a “pink beach.” We will spend the morning here, swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling on the beautiful coral reef that lies parallel to the beach.

Cruise to a nearby active volcanic island where we will enjoy a unique snorkeling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals, with the metallic black volcanic sand below being home to an abundance of very interesting invertebrates.

Spend the day at a strange and mystical volcanic island with a sunken crater lake in its center that was filled with saltwater when the nearby Mt Tambora catastrophically erupted in 1815. Here we will swim, kayak and paddleboard on the lake.

AM & PM: Wake up off the coast of a beautiful uninhabited island with a beach of pure white sand with some sparkles of powdered red coral, creating the effect of a “pink beach.” We will spend the morning here, swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling on the beautiful coral reef that lies parallel to the beach.

Cruise to a nearby active volcanic island where we will enjoy a unique snorkeling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals, with the metallic black volcanic sand below being home to an abundance of very interesting invertebrates.

Spend the day at a strange and mystical volcanic island with a sunken crater lake in its center that was filled with saltwater when the nearby Mt Tambora catastrophically erupted in 1815. Here we will swim, kayak and paddleboard on the lake.

AM & PM: Prepare for an exhilarating opportunity to swim with whale sharks, the majestic gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless animals have long congregated here in the bay but now, thanks to travelers like you, we have formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the local fisherman who have their traditional small floating fishing platforms in the bay that attract the sharks. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed that we will see them.

Visit the beautiful village on Moyo Island for an amazing experience. Walk to the stunning waterfall and enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water.

AM & PM: Prepare for an exhilarating opportunity to swim with whale sharks, the majestic gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless animals have long congregated here in the bay but now, thanks to travelers like you, we have formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the local fisherman who have their traditional small floating fishing platforms in the bay that attract the sharks. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed that we will see them.

Visit the beautiful village on Moyo Island for an amazing experience. Walk to the stunning waterfall and enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water.

AM: Visit a nearby active volcanic island where we will encounter a large wooden pinisi boat with the same pedigree and history very own ships being built on the beach. Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals, and maybe buy some handmade textiles as a souvenir.

Entering the Komodo National Park again, we will go snorkeling and beachcombing. We'll have the opportunity to participate in the coral restoration program, where you will see how the corals and fish populations have grown since they were first transplanted in 2015.

PM: Experience one of our famous beach BBQs under a night sky filled with millions of stars as you feast on the fantastic local delicacies prepared by our chef, all accompanied by live musical entertainment from our talented crew.

AM: Visit a nearby active volcanic island where we will encounter a large wooden pinisi boat with the same pedigree and history very own ships being built on the beach. Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals, and maybe buy some handmade textiles as a souvenir.

Entering the Komodo National Park again, we will go snorkeling and beachcombing. We'll have the opportunity to participate in the coral restoration program, where you will see how the corals and fish populations have grown since they were first transplanted in 2015.

PM: Experience one of our famous beach BBQs under a night sky filled with millions of stars as you feast on the fantastic local delicacies prepared by our chef, all accompanied by live musical entertainment from our talented crew.

AM: After breakfast on our last day, we will take you on a scenic drive towards Melo Village, where you will witness the traditional Caci dance performance. Local strongmen perform a ritual whip-fight between two rivals in which the players, each armed with a rattan shield and a whip, will try to hit each other while dancing to the rhythm of traditional acoustic instruments.

PM: After lunch on the boat, we will say farewell to the crew and your fellow shipmates as you disembark and continue onto your next destination.

AM: You will be collected from your hotel after breakfast and we will head straight to the Katharina, which will be waiting at anchor out in Ternate harbor. After settling into your cabins, we will have a safety briefing and orientation as we cruise for about 90 minutes to the north and enjoy our first snorkel of the trip.

PM: Back on the boat, we will have lunch as we spend the afternoon cruising north-east with the jungle and volcanic landscapes of Halmahera Island to our starboard side. Arriving after dark, we will spend a quiet night at anchor.

AM: After breakfast, we will head off to explore the local area in the tender boats. The area is renowned for its limestone outcrops. A big highlight of the day is to visit the Kahatola waterfall, which cascades directly into the sea in a beautiful, enclosed bay. We will also get a snorkel in before lunch on the boat.

PM: Later that afternoon, we will go for a second snorkel and then just before sunset we will raise anchor and head south for an overnight crossing to our next destination.

AM: We will wake up surrounded by volcanic peaks to the north and south off the island of Makian, where we will snorkel a beautiful local reef.

PM: In the mid-afternoon, we will go ashore to the village of Bastiong, where we will meet the friendly villages and walk through their fruit plantations and forest to a giant waterfall, where we can bathe in its cool clear waters. On our way back, the villagers will likely get their instruments out and give us a performance as we all sing and dance together. At sunset, we will raise the anchor and head south to a small chain of islands and spend the night at anchor.

AM: Today is a day of play as we snorkel, paddle board, kayak, snorkel and explore the beaches and reefs of the Sali and Kusu Islands.

PM: At sunset, we will move a short distance south to the island of Bacan and spend the night at anchor in anticipation some jungle exploration in search of some iconic Indonesian species.

AM: Today we will go ashore on Bacan to see the Golden Birdwing butterfly, one of nature’s biggest and most beautiful specimens. We will also stop at a village to see a copra processing plant. Along the way, we hope to encounter troupes of Black crested macaques that live here.

PM: We will visit a local hot spring in the afternoon, and after dinner we will head east for an overnight crossing to the Bajau “sea gypsy” village of Daworalamo.

AM: We will go ashore and be welcomed into the local community on Daworalamo, which is home to a large settlement of the famed Bajau people, who spend their entire lives living on and above the water.

PM: After lunch, we will snorkel on a local reef, and then later in the afternoon we will weigh anchor and head west in the direction of Bacan once more.

AM: We wake up at the port town of Labuan, Bacan’s capital. We will go ashore early to look for the Wallace Standardwing Bird of Paradise which is found in the forests near here. After a late breakfast on the boat, we will go back ashore and explore the vibrant life of this bustling seaside town.

PM: In the afternoon, we will visit Nusa Ra Island where we will spend time snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding. After dinner, we will make a short crossing to the north where we will spend a quiet night at anchor.

AM: This morning, we will go ashore and meet with the local people of Mandioli village.

PM: After lunch, we will go by dingy to explore the river at Kasiruta to see the ruin of an old 17th century fort.

AM: Today is a day of play as we spend time snorkelling, paddle boarding and exploring the local islands and reefs and beaches of North Kasiruta. The area is pristine and relatively untouched and known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise water, which is ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The local called this place the “Raja Ampat of Kasiruta” because of its limestone formations and very picturesque setting.

PM: After dinner, we will make a short crossing to the north where we will spend a quiet night at anchor.

AM & PM: Today we will visit the Guraici Archipelago, a chain of islands with white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and some lovely local villages. We will spend a full day here snorkeling, swimming and beachcombing. -The islands are part of a government-controlled conservation area, designed to protect the reefs and the many beautiful marine species that live there. We will also have the chance to see manta rays which are often found in these waters.

AM: Today we will celebrate the crossing of the Equator, with the crew performing some age-old rituals as old as the sea itself. In the morning, we will go snorkeling, and then we will go ashore at Kaoya Island and visit the Equator monument.

PM: After lunch, we will explore some more and later in the afternoon go snorkeling once more.

AM: Today we will go ashore on Tidore Island, an island dominated by a massive volcano, and once a rival sultanate controlled by the Spanish while the Portuguese controlled Ternate just across the bay. We will visit a local blacksmith, and a couple of Spanish forts as we circle the island.

PM: After lunch, we will head over to Halmahera and visit Dodinga Village, a seminal place in the history of science, and the place where Victorian explorer and naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace (a contemporary of Charles Darwin) came up with the theory of natural selection. If we have time, we will go for a final snorkel in the late afternoon.

AM: Today marks the end of our adventure, but first we will head out for a tour of the city, which has retained its commercial and political importance as the administrative and trading center of North Maluku. We will visit a couple of old Portuguese and Dutch forts and pay a visit to the Sultan’s Palace with its rich collection of heirlooms.