Papua's Birds of Paradise & Whale Sharks aboard Katharina

On the first day, you’ll transfer from your hotel to the vessel, anchored offshore, where there is time to settle into life on board before the journey begins. As we set sail towards Triton Bay, lunch is served on board and we make our first stop for swimming and snorkelling among the coral reefs that characterize this remote region of eastern Indonesia. NB* Due to the unpredictability of flight schedules it is essential to arrive in Kaimana the day before departure. Ask us about pre-tour accommodation options.

Meals:  L,D

This morning we cruise through a peaceful landscape of secluded coves, caves and lagoons before continuing north through the Namatote Passage. Along the way, we look for the area’s striking ancient cave paintings, set high on the surrounding cliffs. The afternoon offers more time to enjoy the water, with opportunities to snorkel, swim, kayak and paddleboard while taking in the beauty of the jungle-clad islands around us.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we explore the remarkable landscapes of Triton Bay, where towering limestone cliffs, scattered islands, sheltered lagoons and narrow waterways have been shaped over time by the forces of nature. The bay is also home to local fishermen who use traditional platforms known as bagans to collect and hold baitfish in large nets. These platforms often attract one of the region’s most sought-after marine visitors, the whale shark. We set out by tender to search for these gentle giants and, if conditions are favourable and the whale sharks are present, there may be an opportunity to spend time in the water observing them up close. After lunch, we continue exploring the area’s bays and limestone formations by tender, kayak and paddleboard. There is also time to swim and snorkel from the region’s beautiful white-sand beaches.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we wake off the coast of Papua to an extraordinary natural setting, where a powerful river cascades from the rainforest into the sea, framed by untouched jungle and lush tropical scenery. We spend time swimming and enjoying both the waterfall and the surrounding coastal waters, taking in the peaceful atmosphere of this remote location. There is also an opportunity to snorkel over a nearby coral reef and discover the marine life beneath the surface. Later, we continue our journey west, pausing in the late afternoon for another chance to swim and snorkel.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we cruise towards the Papuan mainland to visit a local village. Here, we are welcomed by the residents and invited to learn about their way of life, centred around fishing and growing nutmeg. Late this morning, we begin cruising towards a small cluster of idyllic islands, arriving in time to enjoy lunch on board. The afternoon is spent exploring pristine beaches and clear tropical waters, with opportunities to swim and unwind before heading out for an extended snorkel over the area’s vibrant coral reefs. In the late afternoon, we weigh anchor and set course westward, continuing our journey towards Raja Ampat National Park.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we arrive at Misool, in the southern reaches of Raja Ampat. This stunning archipelago of forest-cloaked limestone islands is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration. Our first adventure takes us to a secluded lake inhabited by thousands of stingless jellyfish. Here, we have the unique opportunity to snorkel among these fascinating creatures in their natural environment. After lunch, we explore the area by tender, weaving through the many bays and inlets that characterise this remarkable landscape. Along the way, we keep an eye out for birdlife and visit a site featuring prehistoric cave paintings, believed to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. The artwork includes human figures, large handprints, fish and floral motifs, providing a glimpse into the region’s ancient past. This evening, we gather ashore for a beach barbecue with the crew, sharing food, music, singing and dancing before returning to the vessel for a peaceful night at anchor.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is dedicated to enjoying the natural beauty of the region at a relaxed pace. Spend the day snorkelling over colourful reefs, exploring sheltered inlets by kayak or paddleboard, or simply swimming and unwinding on pristine white-sand beaches in this idyllic island setting. We continue north on an overnight cruise to Waigeo Island, where the first of our bird-of-paradise encounters awaits.

Meals:  B,L,D

Before dawn, we transfer ashore by tender to a local village, where local guides lead us on a walk through the forest in search of the remarkable Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise. With luck, we may witness the male performing its distinctive courtship display on the forest floor. As we return to the vessel, the sounds of the rainforest begin to build with the arrival of a new day, and there are opportunities to spot a variety of birdlife along the way. Following a well-deserved late breakfast on board, the remainder of the day is spent exploring the surrounding islands and reefs. There is ample time to snorkel, swim, kayak and paddleboard while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today brings our second early morning wildlife excursion as we head into the rainforest in search of the remarkable Red Bird of Paradise. High in the canopy, these striking birds perform elaborate displays and calls as they compete for attention, creating one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable natural spectacles. After breakfast on board, we spend time snorkelling on the vibrant reefs of the Dampier Strait, where nutrient-rich currents attract abundant marine life and, conditions permitting, larger pelagic species. Later in the day, we visit a local island community where village children introduce us to their home and share traditional dances. In the evening, we weigh anchor and continue cruising north, enjoying sunset drinks on deck as the islands drift by. On our final evening aboard, we rest at anchor and share a farewell dinner with the captain and crew.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final day is spent exploring the islands and reefs of Raja Ampat, with opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding in the clear tropical waters. Later, we cruise through the island scenery while enjoying sunset drinks on deck and watching hornbills return to their roosting trees above the forested coastline. We then bid farewell to the crew and expedition team before transferring to the airport for onward travel.

Meals:  B