Slow Travel cruises in Raja Ampat

Discover Remote Islands, Vibrant Reefs & Rich Cultures in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat at a Glance

  • Destination: Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia – part of the Coral Triangle and among the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth
  • Travel Style: Eco-friendly, small-group, slow travel—our flexible approach avoids crowds and allows time to absorb each setting at a natural pace
  • Duration Options: 6- or 7-night snorkeling cruises, with private charters available
  • Activities: Snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, cultural visits, wildlife encounters
  • Ocean: Vibrant coral reefs, manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, and colourful reef fish
  • Island: Limestone karst peaks, jungle hikes, remote beaches, and panoramic viewpoints
  • People: Visit coastal villages, observe traditional crafts and dance, and join local guides in search of the elusive bird of paradise

Raja Ampat for Liveaboard Cruises

The Raja Ampat Archipelago – a collection of over 1,500 tropical islands scattered across some 8,000 km² of ocean in West Papua Province – is home to some of the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs. With water temperatures averaging 28–30°C year-round, it’s an ideal paradise for a snorkeling cruise.

 

Cruising Raja Ampat by liveaboard gives you access to the natural wonders of a world where sea and land merge. Think white sandy beaches, hidden lagoons, and islands covered in lush jungle. Along the way, you’ll also encounter the unique cultures of Raja Ampat, calling in at local villages nestled between shoals and cays.

Cruise Raja Ampat away from the crowds

Cruising Raja Ampat differently

Exploring beyond the usual schedules in Raja Ampat is where our experience makes the difference. You’ll still visit the region’s iconic sites, but our slow travel approach means we move differently—adjusting our days to steer clear of busier areas and allowing time to absorb each place fully.

 

At anchor, our silent boats create a sense of stillness, allowing you to experience the quiet rhythms of this remote seascape.

Essential Raja Ampat experiences

Snorkeling Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is a marine biodiversity hotspot, home to an astonishing variety of reef life. With crystal-clear waters, over 1,200 species of fish, and 550 species of coral, every snorkeling session reveals something new. From the delicate pygmy seahorse hidden among the corals to the sweeping grace of manta rays, the underwater world here is both vibrant and alive.

Scuba dive Raja Ampat

On private charters, we offer leisurely paced scuba diving to explore deeper and search the coral walls, reef flats, and submerged pinnacles of Raja Ampat and its extraordinary marine life.

Discover manta rays in Raja Ampat

Snorkeling or scuba diving with giant manta rays is a defining Raja Ampat experience. Watching these graceful animals glide over pristine reefs or circle at cleaning stations is a memory that stays with you forever.

Island Hop Across Raja Ampat

The unique limestone pillars of Pulau Wayag rise abruptly from the emerald sea to form a maze of vertical peaks and mirror-still lagoons. Cruising through this karst landscape is like navigating a dream.

Hike the limestone peaks of Raja Ampat

Come ashore and explore the limestone islands of Raja Ampat. Trek upwards on winding trails that weave through lush vegetation and open out on viewpoints that offer a whole new perspective on the archipelago.

Search for the elusive bird of paradise

Over 40 species of birds of paradise inhabit the forests of West Papua. During our trip, we quietly search for the Wilson’s bird of paradise near a village in Central Raja Ampat. The journey begins before dawn with a walk through the darkened forest—a memorable experience in its own right.

Beaches, kayaks, barbecues, and fun in Raja Ampat

No Raja Ampat liveaboard is complete without time spent on its beaches. Each day brings the chance to sink your feet into soft sand beneath swaying palms, with jungle rising behind.

Swim in clear water, paddle through quiet bays by kayak or paddleboard, or simply unwind as the sun dips low. Enjoy beach barbecues, yoga on deck, or friendly games of volleyball with crew or villagers.

For those drawn to culture and creativity, there are traditional dances, local crafts, and a chance to watch daily life unfold in the villages. Evenings invite stargazing beneath pristine skies or slow games of chess, scrabble, or backgammon as the boat rests at anchor.

Raja Ampat Cruises

We offer a choice of 6- or 7-night snorkeling cruises through Raja Ampat, each shaped by our slow travel approach and years of experience in these remote waters. Rather than follow fixed routes or schedules, we adapt each day to the rhythm of the tides—allowing more time in quiet anchorages, adjusting to find the best snorkel conditions, and taking paths that keep us far from the busier currents of travel.

6-night Raja Ampat cruise

6-night Raja Ampat Discovery

6-night Raja Ampat cruise

A six-night journey through the wild beauty of Raja Ampat, shaped by centuries of ocean-bound tradition and extraordinary biodiversity. From ancient karst islands to thriving coral reefs, and from jungle-cloaked rivers to remote coastal villages, this itinerary offers both natural wonder and cultural connection.

Experiences:

  • Snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Yap Island, Cap Kri, Mioskon, and Yeben—part of the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine region on Earth
  • Drift with manta rays at Manta Ridge and swim alongside turtles and reef sharks at the jetties of Sawandarek and Yenbuba
  • Kayak through jungle-fringed waterways and tranquil mangrove lagoons in search of hornbills, parrots, and the red bird of paradise
  • Visit remote villages like Yenbeser and Arborek to connect with coastal communities rooted in sea and tide
  • Hike to limestone peaks in Wayag and Piaynemo for sweeping views across island-dotted seas
  • Spend slow hours on remote beaches, enjoying sunset paddles, beach barbecues, and calm anchorages beneath star-filled skies
7-night Raja Ampat cruise

A seven-night passage through the northern reaches of Raja Ampat, weaving together pristine coral reefs, hidden jungle waterways, and encounters with local communities. From the iconic karst spires of Wayag to the quiet rhythms of village life in Yenbeser and Arborek, this journey blends immersive snorkeling with slow travel and wide-open exploration.

Experiences:

  • Snorkel world-class reefs at Yap Island, Cap Kri, Mioskon, and Yeben, each teeming with life and coral colour
  • Drift with manta rays at Manta Ridge and swim with turtles and reef sharks beneath the jetties of Sawandarek and Yenbuba
  • Kayak through remote lagoons and jungle-fringed rivers in search of parrots, hornbills, and the red bird of paradise
  • Visit coastal villages like Yenbeser and Arborek to connect with island traditions shaped by the sea
  • Hike to viewpoints in Wayag and Piaynemo for breathtaking panoramas over the island-strewn ocean
  • Spend unhurried time on quiet beaches, paddle at sunset, and sleep beneath skies ablaze with stars
Private charter Raja Ampat Cruises

A private charter through Raja Ampat offers the freedom to explore this extraordinary region on your own terms. With the boat entirely to yourselves, each day can be shaped around your interests—whether that’s spending more time on a favourite reef, visiting a remote village, or lingering longer in a quiet anchorage.

Scuba diving is also available on private cruises and follows the same relaxed pace as the rest of the journey. All of our set departures can be reserved as private charters, and additional dates are often available upon request.

Plan and book your cruise

Use the tool below to check live availability and explore our upcoming cruises. Filters let you search by date, duration, number of guests, and more. For each cruise, you can choose:

 

  • [Select Cabin] — to join a shared departure
  • [Book Charter] — for exclusive use of a boat

 

Once you’ve made your selection, the platform will guide you through a few steps to submit your details. When you click [Book], a provisional reservation will be made — no payment required at this stage — our team will then be in touch to confirm your booking and arrange payment to secure it.

 

If you need help planning your trip? Click [Enquire Now] to send us your preferred travel dates & traveller details — we’ll be happy to consult with you in planning the perfect cruise.

Online Availability & Cruise Planner - Raja Ampat