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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
12 DAYS
COMFORT
STYLE
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Snorkel the most pristine reef system in the world 
  • Spectacular limestone islands, incredible variety of colorful corals, sea turtles, and reef fish 
  • Travel aboard a traditional double-masted Indonesian craft 
  • Trip Leaders Ethan Daniels or Lee Goldman, both marine biologists with incredible knowledge of Western Pacific ecosystems
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Snorkeling, Yachting, Sea Kayaking
Other: Wildlife
$6795USD
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Applies to Departures Between:
4/25/2012 and 1/1/2013
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TRIP MAP
See the locations you'll visit!

Snorkeling the Misool Archipelago

Misool, an idyllic realm in the southern reaches of Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago, is a world far beyond the path of most travelers. This long string of countless limestone islands with fringing reefs supports astonishing biodiversity.
Misool and the surrounding southernmost islands of Papua’s Raja Ampat provide the destination for our journey to the center of the “Coral Triangle,” one of the richest and most remote centers of marine biodiversity on the planet. Dozens of limestone islands lie scattered through the archipelago, offering dreamlike scenery and fantastic coral reefs. We delve into this underwater world on an exhilarating snorkeling odyssey with With our veteran marine biologist and Trip Leader, either Ethan Daniels or Lee Goldman. Journeying far beyond the path of most travelers, our traditional Indonesian 100-foot yacht brings us to this spectacular and seldom-visited realm. On our daily snorkeling adventures, we discover vertical walls of living organisms existing in a complex and chaotic food web, some vivid and swimming, others fascinatingly grotesque and still. Misool’s cobalt waters support pink pygmy seahorses, technicolor soft corals, ghost pipefish, dark caves, and tassled wobbegongs disguised as the sea floor. Hawksbill turtles, bannerfish, octopus, cuttlefish, crocodilefish, scorpionfish, lionfish, nudibranches, sea stars, sponges…the extravagant latticework of bizarre invertebrates, fish, and reptiles is truly mind-bending. We explore this idyllic realm of untouched islands and lagoons on world-class snorkeling adventures through vivid marine ecosystems, with fascinating daily talks on the coral reef ecology and marine biodiversity of Misool, and evenings in the most beautiful anchorages imaginable. Following the footsteps of famed naturalist and explorer Alfred Russel Wallace, who explored these remote Indo-Pacific islands in 1860, we encounter a mysterious frontier, with a staggering abundance of marine life including species that have yet to be cataloged or even seen. This is a true expedition to a magical world!

This trip is Level 3 Moderate: It is relaxed enough to allow ample time for photography, snorkeling, exploration by dinghy, and beachcombing. On any trip of this nature, however, it is impossible to predict what the weather will have in store and activities often vary with each day. Because the primary focus of the trip is snorkeling, we require that trip members know how to swim, and we strongly recommend you bring your own good quality, well-fitted equipment with you, including mask, snorkel, and fins. Try out your gear in a swimming pool before you go to make sure that it works for you and is comfortable. There is ample time for both scheduled snorkels and free snorkeling, and for the most part the water time is “at your own pace.” We will have a “refresher” snorkel in calm waters at the beginning of the trip, and there will be several drift snorkels (with some current) during the trip. We usually have two to three snorkeling adventures each day, and we also have shore excursions on various islands with optional hikes. Our shore landings are either “dry” (where there are rocks or wooden piers to step onto when you disembark from the dinghy) or “wet” (which involves stepping out of the dinghy and wading to shore). Kayaking experience is not necessary, and we have the option to use our inflatable kayaks on a few occasions throughout the trip. The cook on board prepares simple and tasty meals, a mix of Indonesian and Western styles with plenty of seafood. Note: Vegetarians who do not eat seafood may find their choices somewhat limited. 

Note: We will book your round-trip domestic flights between Jakarta and Sorong. Because flights depart Jakarta for Sorong in the early morning of Day 1, we highly recommend that you arrive in Jakarta one day prior to the start of the trip. We can recommend a convenient hotel in Jakarta for your pre-trip night (hotel cost not included). Please be aware that this itinerary is designed to be flexible. Although we will visit all the places listed on the itinerary, we rarely follow the schedule below exactly because of weather, tides, preferences of trip members, and other factors. Come prepared to be flexible!.
Day 1: Sorong, Indonesia/Embark
On arrival in Sorong, our recommended flight is met for transfer to our yacht in the bustling Sorong Harbor. We enjoy a light meal aboard and head southwest toward the islands of Misool. After a trip briefing and introductory talk on the Misool Archipelago, we conclude the day with a welcome dinner just after sunset. (Sailing time: Approximately 10 hours)...LD 

Misool: Located two degrees south of the equator in the Ceram Sea, approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Sorong, Misool is the southernmost island group making up the celebrated Raja Ampat region of West Papua. Surrounded by hundreds of tufted and craggy limestone outcrops, the shadowy island of Misool lies in the far flung, equatorial waters off Papua’s Bird’s Head Peninsula, now considered the epicenter of the most diverse and healthy coral reefs on earth. The profusion and variety of exotic marine life within Misool’s warm, blue waters is unparalleled. Even for seasoned veterans of the seas, the marine life living just beneath the surface of the islands’ coasts is astounding. Coral gardens and sloping walls of the limestone islands hide colors and textures that seem impossible. This is one of the last oases on the planet where the reefs remain in such health and splendor.
Lodging Traditional Indonesian Schooner
Description Our vessel is a double-masted traditional Indonesian sailboat that offers the unique opportunity to explore incredibly remote, unique, and mystical Raja Ampat. The boat was built in Sulawesi in 2000 out of Indonesian hardwoods and is 100 feet long with a 21-foot beam. While not luxurious, she is comfortable and well maintained. She accommodates 10 guests in basic cabins that are small but have individually controlled air-conditioning and electricity 24 hours a day. There are no en suite cabins, but there are three shared toilet/shower combinations on the boat. The boat is very sturdy and stable, whether still or under motor. The boat’s crew of seven is attentive, experienced, and helpful, and many have worked on the boat for years. Note: The boat has steep stairs/ladders from the double rooms up to the main deck; it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
Day 2: Wagmab Island
We wake at our first anchorage, the paradise setting of Wagmab Island. After a briefing on snorkeling and what to expect among the surrounding Papuan coral reefs, we slip into the sea for our first look at the astonishing marine life. Encircled by schools of bright blue-green damselfish and paired bannerfish, we enjoy the calm waters near our yacht. After lunch, the Trip Leader will give a presentation on Misool’s geography and biodiversity. Later this afternoon, we discover Wagmab’s many nooks and crannies on snorkeling excursions and by kayak...BLD
Lodging Traditional Indonesian Schooner
Description Our vessel is a double-masted traditional Indonesian sailboat that offers the unique opportunity to explore incredibly remote, unique, and mystical Raja Ampat. The boat was built in Sulawesi in 2000 out of Indonesian hardwoods and is 100 feet long with a 21-foot beam. While not luxurious, she is comfortable and well maintained. She accommodates 10 guests in basic cabins that are small but have individually controlled air-conditioning and electricity 24 hours a day. There are no en suite cabins, but there are three shared toilet/shower combinations on the boat. The boat is very sturdy and stable, whether still or under motor. The boat’s crew of seven is attentive, experienced, and helpful, and many have worked on the boat for years. Note: The boat has steep stairs/ladders from the double rooms up to the main deck; it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
Day 3: Wagmab Island
In the morning we continue our exploration around Wagmab using our yacht’s dinghy to find the best coral reefs for snorkeling. Undoubtedly, we will see and hear Wagmab’s tropical birdlife early in the day. After lunch, we head out by kayak or dinghy to explore the limestone islands, then relax onboard and enjoy a presentation on Coral Reef Diversity. Late afternoon may provide us time to enjoy a spectacular sunset cruise. This evening we weigh anchor and head toward our next destination, Boo Island...BLD 

Biodiversity: The myriad of islands around Misool are home to an incredible set of unusual marine and terrestrial ecosystems, habitats, and niches. There are shallow bays with rare shrimp gobies, octopus, nudibranches, and "twilight zone" critters, narrow lagoon channels overhung by rainforest, limestone rock islands undercut by the sea and covered with a kaleidoscope of tunicates, sponges, and corals. There are also offshore reefs where currents support an unbelievable variety of colorful corals, sea turtles, and fish, including wobbegong sharks, reef sharks, barracuda, and mantas. Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy consider Misool to harbor the world’s richest marine ecosystems.
Lodging Traditional Indonesian Schooner
Description Our vessel is a double-masted traditional Indonesian sailboat that offers the unique opportunity to explore incredibly remote, unique, and mystical Raja Ampat. The boat was built in Sulawesi in 2000 out of Indonesian hardwoods and is 100 feet long with a 21-foot beam. While not luxurious, she is comfortable and well maintained. She accommodates 10 guests in basic cabins that are small but have individually controlled air-conditioning and electricity 24 hours a day. There are no en suite cabins, but there are three shared toilet/shower combinations on the boat. The boat is very sturdy and stable, whether still or under motor. The boat’s crew of seven is attentive, experienced, and helpful, and many have worked on the boat for years. Note: The boat has steep stairs/ladders from the double rooms up to the main deck; it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
Day 4: Pulau Boo
We wake in a magnificent tropical setting off Boo Island, and spend the morning here in the warm water, eyeing textured layers of hard coral and clouds of small reef fish that inhabit the area. After lunch, we embark from our yacht to explore the coral reefs that grow off Fiabachet Island. Drifting effortlessly over Boo’s pristine corals and luminous fish is one of the ultimate snorkeling experiences on the planet. This afternoon we learn about coral reef fish ecology and how to identify Misool’s major fish families. In the evening we reposition to nearby East Kali to anchor for the night...BLD.
Lodging Traditional Indonesian Schooner
Description Our vessel is a double-masted traditional Indonesian sailboat that offers the unique opportunity to explore incredibly remote, unique, and mystical Raja Ampat. The boat was built in Sulawesi in 2000 out of Indonesian hardwoods and is 100 feet long with a 21-foot beam. While not luxurious, she is comfortable and well maintained. She accommodates 10 guests in basic cabins that are small but have individually controlled air-conditioning and electricity 24 hours a day. There are no en suite cabins, but there are three shared toilet/shower combinations on the boat. The boat is very sturdy and stable, whether still or under motor. The boat’s crew of seven is attentive, experienced, and helpful, and many have worked on the boat for years. Note: The boat has steep stairs/ladders from the double rooms up to the main deck; it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
Day 5: East Kali to Pele
This morning we encounter the mesmerizing marine ecosystems surrounding East Kali. Snorkeling through valleys of soft and hard corals, we watch as the colorful and chaotic marine life goes about its business. Lizardfish sit still on large plate corals where lionfish often hide underneath. Their prey, small, multi-hued reef fish school nearby, parting as we swim over them. In the late morning we sail toward our next Misool destination, Pele. En route we discuss coral biology and enjoy a delicious lunch. This afternoon, we explore the adjacent marine environments by inflatable kayak, carrying our mask and fins with us...BLD.
Lodging Traditional Indonesian Schooner
Description Our vessel is a double-masted traditional Indonesian sailboat that offers the unique opportunity to explore incredibly remote, unique, and mystical Raja Ampat. The boat was built in Sulawesi in 2000 out of Indonesian hardwoods and is 100 feet long with a 21-foot beam. While not luxurious, she is comfortable and well maintained. She accommodates 10 guests in basic cabins that are small but have individually controlled air-conditioning and electricity 24 hours a day. There are no en suite cabins, but there are three shared toilet/shower combinations on the boat. The boat is very sturdy and stable, whether still or under motor. The boat’s crew of seven is attentive, experienced, and helpful, and many have worked on the boat for years. Note: The boat has steep stairs/ladders from the double rooms up to the main deck; it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
Day 6: Pele
In Pele, a small group of islands, we discover a true tropical frontier. Kayaking the calm waters near our anchorage we find diverse reefs for snorkeling adventures, and we look for audaciously colored nudibranches, slender pipefish, buck-toothed triggerfish, and many other species. After lunch we learn more about Indo-West Pacific reef invertebrates that surround us at every underwater turn. We explore Pele’s fascinating lagoon by dinghy, enjoying close-up views of the magnificent islands. After dinner we depart for Len Makana...BLD.
Lodging Traditional Indonesian Schooner
Description Our vessel is a double-masted traditional Indonesian sailboat that offers the unique opportunity to explore incredibly remote, unique, and mystical Raja Ampat. The boat was built in Sulawesi in 2000 out of Indonesian hardwoods and is 100 feet long with a 21-foot beam. While not luxurious, she is comfortable and well maintained. She accommodates 10 guests in basic cabins that are small but have individually controlled air-conditioning and electricity 24 hours a day. There are no en suite cabins, but there are three shared toilet/shower combinations on the boat. The boat is very sturdy and stable, whether still or under motor. The boat’s crew of seven is attentive, experienced, and helpful, and many have worked on the boat for years. Note: The boat has steep stairs/ladders from the double rooms up to the main deck; it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
Day 7: Len Makana
The staggering abundance of marine life surrounding the islands of Len Makana provides an appropriate backdrop for our day’s adventures. Aqua-colored parrotfish, bright butterflyfish, and cryptic groupers inhabit the unmapped walls and reefs flats we will be discovering. After lunch we explore this remote outpost of marine diversity that will astound even the most seasoned snorkeler. A myriad of coral and other invertebrates compete for space and food among these unruly reefs. This afternoon we learn more about anemonefish and their fascinating symbiosis with their tentacled hosts. In the late afternoon we head out from this magical spot and sail for our next destination, Len Kafal...BLD.
Lodging Traditional Indonesian Schooner
Description Our vessel is a double-masted traditional Indonesian sailboat that offers the unique opportunity to explore incredibly remote, unique, and mystical Raja Ampat. The boat was built in Sulawesi in 2000 out of Indonesian hardwoods and is 100 feet long with a 21-foot beam. While not luxurious, she is comfortable and well maintained. She accommodates 10 guests in basic cabins that are small but have individually controlled air-conditioning and electricity 24 hours a day. There are no en suite cabins, but there are three shared toilet/shower combinations on the boat. The boat is very sturdy and stable, whether still or under motor. The boat’s crew of seven is attentive, experienced, and helpful, and many have worked on the boat for years. Note: The boat has steep stairs/ladders from the double rooms up to the main deck; it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
Day 8: Len Kafal
We greet the Papuan morning from our anchorage among dramatic karst topography. This is truly a snorkeling frontier! Beginning our day, we visit a nearby coral reef and search for unusual creatures that inhabit this remote area. If lucky, we may spot a tassled wobbegong blending into the sandy bottom. After lunch, we discuss species inhabiting the Raja Ampat islands, their behaviors and geographic ranges. Kayaking among the many hidden coves and emerald-colored bays of Len Kafal will provide us further insight into the geology and biological diversity of the area, as well as stunning views...BLD.
Lodging Traditional Indonesian Schooner
Description Our vessel is a double-masted traditional Indonesian sailboat that offers the unique opportunity to explore incredibly remote, unique, and mystical Raja Ampat. The boat was built in Sulawesi in 2000 out of Indonesian hardwoods and is 100 feet long with a 21-foot beam. While not luxurious, she is comfortable and well maintained. She accommodates 10 guests in basic cabins that are small but have individually controlled air-conditioning and electricity 24 hours a day. There are no en suite cabins, but there are three shared toilet/shower combinations on the boat. The boat is very sturdy and stable, whether still or under motor. The boat’s crew of seven is attentive, experienced, and helpful, and many have worked on the boat for years. Note: The boat has steep stairs/ladders from the double rooms up to the main deck; it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
Day 9: Len Kafal
This morning, below the precipitous, craggy cliffs that make up Len Kafal, we will slip into the water to observe vivid soft corals that come in all shades of purples, pinks, and reds. Schools of fusiliers and surgeonfish swim along the shallow reef, watchful of marauding jacks. Repositioning our vessel during lunchtime, we end up in the East Misool passage, among a maze of mushroom shaped islands, topped by mats of green vegetation and surrounded by placid, blue water. After a short dinghy ride, we drop into the crystalline waters once more for yet another extraordinary snorkeling experience. We learn more about the particular species of Misool’s reefs this afternoon...BLD.
Lodging Traditional Indonesian Schooner
Description Our vessel is a double-masted traditional Indonesian sailboat that offers the unique opportunity to explore incredibly remote, unique, and mystical Raja Ampat. The boat was built in Sulawesi in 2000 out of Indonesian hardwoods and is 100 feet long with a 21-foot beam. While not luxurious, she is comfortable and well maintained. She accommodates 10 guests in basic cabins that are small but have individually controlled air-conditioning and electricity 24 hours a day. There are no en suite cabins, but there are three shared toilet/shower combinations on the boat. The boat is very sturdy and stable, whether still or under motor. The boat’s crew of seven is attentive, experienced, and helpful, and many have worked on the boat for years. Note: The boat has steep stairs/ladders from the double rooms up to the main deck; it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
Day 10: East Misool
Amid the craggy, limestone islands of East Misool, we explore the maze-like lagoon by dinghy, with breathtaking photography opportunities in every direction. We visit a fantastic cavern that opens into one of the jungle-topped islands. Our picnic lunch is on one of the small white sand beaches tucked among the islands. In the afternoon we delve back into the warm water of a nearby lagoon where schools of colorful reef fish abound. As we head north toward Gam and Waigeo, we enjoy a talk on biogeography. (Sailing time: Approximately 16 hours)...BLD.
Lodging Traditional Indonesian Schooner
Description Our vessel is a double-masted traditional Indonesian sailboat that offers the unique opportunity to explore incredibly remote, unique, and mystical Raja Ampat. The boat was built in Sulawesi in 2000 out of Indonesian hardwoods and is 100 feet long with a 21-foot beam. While not luxurious, she is comfortable and well maintained. She accommodates 10 guests in basic cabins that are small but have individually controlled air-conditioning and electricity 24 hours a day. There are no en suite cabins, but there are three shared toilet/shower combinations on the boat. The boat is very sturdy and stable, whether still or under motor. The boat’s crew of seven is attentive, experienced, and helpful, and many have worked on the boat for years. Note: The boat has steep stairs/ladders from the double rooms up to the main deck; it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
Day 11: Kabui Bay and Waigeo
This morning we wake at the northernmost point of our trip, in Kabui Bay off Waigeo Island. Here a variety of activities include top notch snorkeling in the narrow channel passing between Gam and Waigeo. This drift snorkel leads us through a wonderland of giant sea fans and soft corals with lush forest overhead. We also have the opportunity to explore the exotic bay’s many sandy beaches and a massive cave that harbors swiftlets and seven bat species. At day’s end we set sail for Sorong, watching the sun set on Papua’s equatorial waters...BLD.
Lodging Traditional Indonesian Schooner
Description Our vessel is a double-masted traditional Indonesian sailboat that offers the unique opportunity to explore incredibly remote, unique, and mystical Raja Ampat. The boat was built in Sulawesi in 2000 out of Indonesian hardwoods and is 100 feet long with a 21-foot beam. While not luxurious, she is comfortable and well maintained. She accommodates 10 guests in basic cabins that are small but have individually controlled air-conditioning and electricity 24 hours a day. There are no en suite cabins, but there are three shared toilet/shower combinations on the boat. The boat is very sturdy and stable, whether still or under motor. The boat’s crew of seven is attentive, experienced, and helpful, and many have worked on the boat for years. Note: The boat has steep stairs/ladders from the double rooms up to the main deck; it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
Day 12: Waigeo to Sorong
Today we wake among the hubbub of Sorong’s lively harbor, quite a different experience from our last 11 days. After a leisurely breakfast we bid farewell to our yacht and her crew, and transfer to the airport for flights out of Sorong...B
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Jeanne H.
A stellar trip! Beautiful snorkeling, great scenery—it doesn’t get any better.
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Vicki J.
This is a truly magnificent trip!
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TRIP INCLUDES
  • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides 
  • All accommodations aboard the yacht 
  • All meals included 
  • PFDs (life jackets), and all boat safety gear
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • International airfare to/from the trip Internal flights 
  • Optional gratuities to leaders or staff 
  • Additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule or other factors 
  • Expenses such as immunizations (if any) 
  • Travel insurance 
  • And other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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