Reef Dreams: Exploring the Living Jewels of Sea and Land
Raja Ampat
February 24 to March 10, 2028
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
Embark on a 12-day luxury snorkeling expedition through Raja Ampat and Triton Bay, Indonesia, where you’ll explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter mythical Birds of Paradise and majestic whale sharks, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled marine biodiversity of West Papua. Starting in Sorong, this unforgettable liveaboard journey takes you through iconic snorkel sites like Cape Kri, Blue Magic, and Sardine Reef, where colorful fish, Wobbegong sharks, and graceful reef manta rays abound. Discover lush landscapes on Waigeo and Penemu Islands, hike to panoramic viewpoints, and visit Arborek Village to experience local culture. Search for the Red and the Great Bird of Paradise in the forested islands of Gam and Batanta. Dive into the hidden wonders of Triton Bay, where nutrient-rich waters attract diverse marine life and towering limestone cliffs frame secluded beaches. End your adventure in Kaimana, carrying memories of pristine underwater habitats and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters.
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPEDITION?
- One of Earth’s Richest Seas: Discover the extraordinary underwater ecosystems of Raja Ampat and Triton Bay, where thriving coral gardens support an incredible variety of tropical fish, reef sharks, manta rays, and seasonal whale sharks.
- Close Encounters with Whale Sharks: Witness unforgettable interactions with the ocean’s largest fish as they gather naturally around traditional bagan fishing platforms.
- Spectacular Birds of Paradise Displays: Venture into rainforest habitats to observe the remarkable courtship rituals of the Red, Great, and Wilson’s Birds of Paradise.
- Island-Hopping in Untouched West Papua: Explore the wild beauty of Waigeo, Gam, Batanta, and Penemu, from emerald jungles and limestone formations to panoramic island viewpoints.
- Refined Liveaboard Comfort: Enjoy a thoughtfully designed liveaboard experience, combining spacious accommodations, attentive service, and expertly led snorkeling excursions.
- Connection to Place and Culture: Visit Arborek Village to learn about local traditions, and unwind in secluded lagoons, jungle waterfalls, and other serene natural settings.
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Updated: January 2026
Ship Info Print Trip
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 24-26 | Travel to Sorong, Indonesia. Your journey into the remote and spectacular islands of Raja Ampat begins. | ||
| Feb 27 | Set Sail. Settle into your cabin and embark on your 12-day snorkeling expedition, beginning with exploration of Matan’s vibrant reefs. | Aboard our boat | B, L, D |
| Feb 28 | Kri & Dampier Straits. Snorkel iconic locations including Cape Kri, Blue Magic, and Sardine Reef, surrounded by swirling fish schools, elusive Wobbegong sharks, and soaring manta rays. | Aboard our boat | B, L, D |
| Feb 29 | Bird of Paradise, Manta Sandy, & Arborek. Hike through the jungles of Gam Island in search of the Red and Great Birds of Paradise, then snorkel Manta Sandy and visit Arborek Village to experience local life. | Aboard our boat | B, L, D |
| Mar 1 | Batanta. Wander the island in pursuit of the elusive Wilson’s Bird of Paradise before enjoying a rejuvenating swim at a secluded jungle waterfall. | Aboard our boat | B, L, D |
| Mar 2 | Penemu. Snorkel the spectacular coral gardens of Melissa’s Garden, glide through turquoise lagoons, and hike to a sweeping viewpoint overlooking Raja Ampat’s limestone islands. | Aboard our boat | B, L, D |
| Mar 3 | Farondi. Discover the hidden beauty of Tamulol Cave, drift through its glowing waters, and encounter the magic of a jellyfish lake. | Aboard our boat | B, L, D |
| Mar 4 | Boo & Fiabacet. Explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with colorful reef fish, curious baby blacktip reef sharks, and elusive nudibranchs. | Aboard our boat | B, L, D |
| Mar 5 | Pulau Pisang. Lounge on hidden beaches and snorkel in tranquil coral bays, then unwind as the sun sets over these serene islands. | Aboard our boat | B, L, D |
| Mar 6 | Momon. Discover a stunning waterfall that spills directly into the sea, enjoy a refreshing swim, and then continue your journey south toward Triton Bay. | Aboard our boat | B, L, D |
| Mar 7-8 | Triton Bay. Snorkel in this hidden, nutrient-rich paradise, famous for its vibrant marine life and unforgettable encounters with whale sharks. | Aboard our boat | B, L, D |
| Mar 9 | Disembark & Fly Home. Arrive in Kaimana to catch your flight to Sorong and continue onward toward home. | B | |
| Mar 10 | Arrive Home. Return with unforgettable memories of Indonesia’s extraordinary underwater world and wildlife. |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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Aaron "Bertie" Gekoski
Aaron "Bertie" GekoskiAaron is an award-winning environmental photojournalist and filmmaker specializing in human–animal conflict. For nearly 20 years, he has documented the illegal wildlife and pet trade, deforestation, marine conservation, and wildlife tourism. His images have appeared in dozens of international publications and books. He was named 2024 Environmental Photographer of the Year by Prince Albert II of Monaco and has produced over 100 conservation documentaries, including From Below, a dive series, and the feature film Dethroned. In addition, Aaron regularly leads wildlife and conservation trips throughout Asia, sharing his expertise and passion for environmental storytelling and photography with travelers.To explore more of Aaron’s impactful work, visit this YouTube playlist, featuring selected conservation films and stories from the field.
Ship Information
Damai 1
Discover the pinnacle of luxury liveaboard diving with our boat. Built in 2009, this vessel is the result of combining traditional craftsmanship with extensive experience in the Indonesian liveaboard diving industry. Designed to provide personalized service for small groups, it measures 40 meters (130 feet) in length with a beam of over 8 meters (26 feet) and features seven staterooms, including single, twin, double, and two spacious master cabins. Cabin sizes range from 18 sq meters (194 sq feet) for singles to 40 sq meters (430 sq feet) for the masters, all equipped with queen- or king-sized beds, en-suite toilets, and showers. The vessel offers three expansive deck areas for sunbathing, relaxing in the shade, or enjoying massage and spa treatments. Tailored for divers and snorkelers, it features large dive stations with individual rinse tanks, a camera room with separate workstations, and integrated 110v and 220v charging stations for photographers. Two custom-designed high-speed tender boats ensure safe and comfortable transfers to dive sites. Every detail is carefully planned to deliver an exceptional snorkeling/diving and onboard experience. See the Deck Plan on page 11.
More Information
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Motion Sickness
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Description | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cabin | Double occupancy (either a double bed or two single beds), private bath, air-conditioned, a desk, and wardrobe for storage. On the lower deck. | $10,200 |
| Master Cabin 5 | Double occupancy (king-sized bed or 2 large single beds), panoramic ocean views, air-conditioned, private bathroom, two desks, two wardrobes for storage. On the lower deck. | $10,900 |
| Master Cabin 6 | Double occupancy (king-sized bed or 2 large single beds), direct access to a private open-air balcony with loungers, air-conditioned, private bathroom, two desks, and two wardrobe for storage. On the main deck. | $11,300 |
| Standard Cabin | Single Supplement | $6,595 |
| Master Cabin 5 | Single Supplement | $8,900 |
| Master Cabin 6 | Single Supplement | $9,550 |
Costs are per person, depending on cabin type, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
Single cabins are available at an additional cost and are subject to availability. If you are traveling solo, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. If a roommate is not available, a single supplement will apply.
We cannot guarantee a specific cabin number, but if changes occur, we will assign a cabin of equal or greater value.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $1,500 |
| Final | September 17, 2027 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Refunds are given based on the time remaining before departure, as shown in the following table. Through July 16, 2027, the cancellation fee of $300 per person can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the canceled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
| Dates | Forfeited Amount per Person |
|---|---|
| On or before July 16, 2027 | $300 (see terms above) |
| July 17 to August 16, 2027 | 10% of trip cost |
| August 17 to September 16, 2027 | 40% of trip cost |
| On or after September 17, 2027 | 100% of trip cost |
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, harbor fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Assorted snorkeling gear including masks, fins, and wetsuits.
- Massage and laundry while onboard the boat.
- One-way flight from Kaimana to Sorong on March 9.
- Eleven nights on board the boat.
- Meals from breakfast on February 27 through breakfast on March 9.
- All non-alcoholic drinks while on board.
- One glass of wine per person during dinner and unlimited beer and soft drinks.
- Transfers from Sorong Airport to the ship on February 27, and from the ship to the Kaimana Airport on March 9.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare (except flights listed as included, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Divergent airport transfers (arranged by us) and extra hotel nights.
- Gratuities.
- Mandatory emergency evacuation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry (excluding while on the boat), telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic beverages (except those listed as included), items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
The dry season typically runs from October to May. During this time, the weather is generally warm and humid, with temperatures averaging between 81°F (27°C) to 86°F (30°C). You can expect mostly clear skies and calm seas, making it an excellent period for snorkeling.
Rainfall is relatively low compared to the wet season, though brief tropical showers can still occur, often clearing up quickly. Humidity remains high (around 75-85%), but the pleasant sea breeze helps make it more comfortable. Underwater visibility is usually excellent in February and March, ranging from 65 to 100ft, allowing for spectacular marine life viewing.
Fitness Level
The fitness level required is moderate. Participants should be comfortable swimming and snorkeling for extended periods, typically 30 to 60 minutes per session, sometimes multiple times a day. Basic swimming ability and reasonable stamina are essential to fully enjoy the snorkeling experiences, which include exploring vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Beyond snorkeling, some days feature short treks and hikes, such as nature walks to spot wildlife or scenic trails leading to panoramic viewpoints. These excursions may include uneven terrain, muddy paths, or gentle to moderate inclines, so a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. Onboard, navigating the vessel requires good balance, particularly in rougher seas, so being steady on your feet is important.
The tropical climate can be hot and humid, which may make physical activities feel more demanding than usual. Staying hydrated and prepared for the weather will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Overall, this itinerary is best suited for reasonably fit individuals with basic swimming skills who can manage moderate physical exertion. No specialized skills are necessary, but being in good health will greatly enhance your comfort and enjoyment throughout the trip. Please reach out if you have any health concerns that may affect participation.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Please wait to book your flights until you receive confirmation from your Coordinator that the minimum number of participants has been met to operate the trip. If you choose to book flights before receiving this confirmation, we strongly recommend purchasing flight cancellation insurance to protect your investment.=
Flights you book
- Arrive in Sorong, Indonesia (SOQ) by 10:00am on February 27.
- Depart from Sorong, Indonesia (SOQ) after 3:00pm on March 9.
Flights we book
- The one-way flight from Kaimana to Sorong on March 9 is included in the trip cost.
FAQ
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! Even those who have experienced seasickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to seasickness or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding seasickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. A good night of sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, and using your favorite seasickness remedy is sufficient for most travelers. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage (this information is applicable to any form of motion sickness) and contact us if you have any questions.
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
- Local Conservation: Check out our Conservation pages to learn how we support conservation efforts through meaningful partnerships and responsible tourism practices.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.