Where Reefs
Breathe Life

Lively Sorong sits at the tip of the Bird’s Head Peninsula and serves as the main gateway to the crystal-clear waters of Raja Ampat, one of the world’s top regions for diving and snorkelling. Framed by hills, mountains, and protected forests, the city can feel wonderfully remote, yet it is also one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing urban centers. For wide-open views over the town, beaches, and nearby islets, head up to the Stoun Hill viewpoint at sunset. You can also visit Tugu Arfak, a war memorial featuring an obelisk, a bronze monument, and commemorative plaques. For a taste of local life, stop by Pasar Jimbutan Puri, where fishermen bring in the night’s catch, and try West Papuan specialities such as papeda, Pangsit Solo, and Es Teler.

At the northern edge of Cenderawasih Bay, Numfoor feels like a quiet outpost surrounded by clear, sheltered water. The reefs here are rich and varied, with hard and soft corals, sponges, sea fans, and seagrass patches that attract plenty of reef life. On land, the island is covered in tropical forest, and a short walk can bring sightings of cockatoos, eclectus parrots, and kingfishers in their natural habitat. Numfoor and the surrounding waters also played a strategic role in the Pacific theatre of World War II, and the region still holds traces of that era, from submerged remnants to surviving artifacts the expedition team can help bring into context.

This tiny, uninhabited island lies among the atolls of the Padaido archipelago off Papua’s northern coast, where the landscape feels untouched: white sand, coconut palms, and sapphire-blue water broken only by the sound of surf. This is the heart of the Coral Triangle, the planet’s richest zone for marine biodiversity, and the surrounding waters fall within the protected Padaido Marine Park. Reefs here support a remarkable variety, with dozens of coral types and a dense mix of reef species, plus creatures such as sea cucumbers and lobsters. Between the beach and the outer reef, seagrass meadows create sheltered, shallow water that’s often beautifully clear. Snorkelling will be offered from both shore and Zodiac, revealing a bright underwater scene of schooling fish, vibrant wrasses and angelfish, and life tucked into mangrove roots, where crabs and even sea snakes can be found.

After Roon the day will extend to the remote Auri Islands, a small archipelago prized for its vivid reefs and marine life. Expect butterflyfish and clownfish, sea turtles, eagle rays, and sea snakes, with whale sharks sometimes reported in deeper waters. On land, Auri’s forests can shelter birds-of-paradise, cassowaries, hornbills, and other distinctive species, while small fishing villages preserve a traditional island rhythm.

Kwatisore is one of those rare places where emerald jungle meets soft sand, mangroves trace the shoreline, and tropical water glows turquoise in the sun. It is widely regarded as one of the best places on Earth to observe whale sharks, drawn in by traditional fishing platforms known as bagans, where netted fish naturally attract these gentle giants. Accompanied by the expedition team and rangers from Cenderawasih Bay National Marine Park, you can head to the areas where whale sharks are known to gather. The snorkelling here can be truly memorable, with calm, clear water offering exceptional visibility for encounters with the world’s largest fish. After time on the water, the day will continue with a walk to discover Papua’s birdlife and tropical flora, and a visit to a local village where residents share ceremonies, dances, and traditional crafts that reflect a way of life closely tied to the sea.

Off the eastern edge of Indonesia, in West Papua, Raja Ampat is a truly storybook seascape and a key part of the Coral Triangle. The region sprawls across more than 1,500 small atolls, islands, and islets, covering roughly 40,000 square kilometers. These rainforest-cloaked lands, once connected to Australia, shelter remarkable wildlife, including unique marsupials and more than 500 bird species. Today you visit Ayu, the main island of its namesake atoll and one of Raja Ampat’s hidden gems. Fringed by white-sand beaches, lush tropical forest, and vivid reefs, it’s also a nesting ground for sea turtles that often come ashore to lay their eggs. The sheltered lagoon and coastal reefs create ideal snorkeling conditions, where you may spot bright corals, swarms of tropical fish, branching coral “towers,” and even silvery reef sharks. During World War II, the island also played a strategic role as a Japanese outpost, adding an unexpected historical layer to this tranquil corner of the archipelago.

One of the most remote islands in Raja Ampat, Pulau Misool captivates with its untouched nature. White-sand beaches, emerald hills, and labyrinths of karst limestone cliffs create truly cinematic scenery. The island is surrounded by some of the richest coral reefs on the planet and lies within the protected Misool Marine Reserve, celebrated for extraordinary biodiversity. One of the region’s great natural treasures is the Yap Islands lagoon, hidden among towering karst formations. With turquoise water and a soft sandy bottom, it is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. You can also swim in Lake Lenmakana among rare freshwater jellyfish that have no stinging tentacles, and explore reefs and limestone shorelines where manta rays, reef sharks, vivid mollusks, shrimp, and a wide variety of tropical fish are often seen. Nearby lies Balbulol Lagoon, home to the famous heart-shaped “Love Lake,” a hidden gem set among the dramatic karst formations of Misool. The surrounding landscape is defined by towering limestone spires rising directly from the turquoise sea, creating a maze of narrow passages and peaceful, sheltered coves.

Arrive in Sorong in the early morning for disembarkation, with the reefs and islands of Raja Ampat still fresh in mind. Take a last look at the water and the jungle edged coastline as you step ashore, then continue onward with the sense of having reached one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet.