Trip Highlights
Embark on daily snorkeling or diving excursions in Raja Ampat's vibrant coral reefs, teeming with manta rays, sea turtles, and diverse fish species. The luxury liveaboard, Damai offers a comfortable base for these underwater explorations.
Your participation supports data collection on cetacean habit use data that can drive marine protected area expansion and further protection of deep water habitats and associated shallow water ecosystems of the Coral Triangle.
About This Trip
Escape for a 12-day adventure to Raja Ampat(opens in new tab) aboard the luxury liveaboard ship Damai II, and enjoy daily snorkeling or diving in the most biodiverse coral reef ecosystem in the world. Multiple hours will be spent each day immersed in Raja Ampat’s famous and beautiful reefs where cetaceans, manta rays, turtles, and large schools of fish are all frequently sighted. Time will also be devoted in the afternoons to surveying for marine mammals, plus optional morning outings to go birding.
In partnership with Planet Deep, this program is co-led by Benjamin Kahn, a cetacean biologist specializing in the Coral Triangle. From experience, we know that most whales are sighted in the Dampier Strait. Our itinerary is designed to maximize marine mammal encounters, with potential sightings of Bryde’s and Omura’s whales, sperm whales, false killer whales, and other cetaceans along the way. Travelers will have the opportunity to participate in visual whale surveys, use hydrophones to listen to their unique sounds and, on rare occasions, observe them while snorkeling. All whale survey activity is carried out in a manner designed to ensure that the species and habitat are not disturbed.
Must Read: The Complete Raja Ampat Snorkeling Guide
Conservation Impact
As America’s oldest 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ocean conservation, Oceanic Society designs each expedition to deepen connections between people and nature while empowering travelers to play a direct role in preserving marine ecosystems. Through the Expedition Impact Program, your participation supports local ocean conservation projects in visited destinations, coral restoration, and plastic pollution offset initiatives. This expedition supports Planet Deep, a nonprofit focused on oceanic cetaceans and marine protected areas in the Coral Triangle. Data collected on the liveaboard helps protect key habitats such as whale calving grounds and migration corridors, and contributes to global initiatives like the IUCN’s Important Marine Mammal Areas.
Dates & Prices
Jan 14-25, 2028
Book This TripWhat's Included
All accommodations, activities, and meals as described; ground transportation to each destination, airport transfers; and a dedicated Oceanic Society naturalist.
What's Not Included
International airfare, or in-country airfare from to/from Sorong, alcoholic beverages, meals not listed in itinerary, airport taxes, any activities not described, and gratuities. On Damai, two master suites are available for an additional fee, double occupancy only. One single supplement cabin may be available at additional $5,995. Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions.
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
Guests will need to arrive to Jakarta at least one day prior to the start of the expedition and stay overnight. If you are originating from North America, please note that you will be crossing the International Date Line. You’ll want to arrive at least 24 hours in advance to adjust to the time change and give yourself a buffer period before your flights to Sorong.
Today is the official start of our trip. Everyone will board an early morning flight to Sorong, West Papua, where we will be transferred to the privately-chartered and luxurious boat, Silolona or Fenides, our home for the next 11 nights. Once everyone is checked in, we will set sail.
Welcome to Raja Ampat! One of the most diverse, healthy, and colorful underwater regions in the world, where snorkelers and divers can experience incredible fish, corals, and wildlife. We’ll spend the next 10 days exploring the region, with time dedicated to morning and afternoon snorkel/dive sessions (generally 4-5 hours per day), as well as expert-facilitated cetacean observations. We try to keep the day-to-day schedule flexible, based on factors such as wind, weather, tide, and species’ behavior and movement. Possible snorkel and dive sites may include reefs adjacent to Waigeo, Batanta, Mansuar, Gam, Fam, the southeast side of Misool, and Penemu Islands, as well as the Dampier Strait where cetaceans (and manta rays) are most frequently sighted. There will also be early morning opportunities along the way to look for colorful birds like parrots and hornbills, possibly visit a bird-of-paradise lek, and to explore some of these idyllic islands aboard our Zodiacs.
There may be dedicated time to spot, follow, and monitor cetaceans and observe their behaviors. With luck, opportunities may arise to snorkel alongside whales. Travelers can also get involved by spotting cetaceans from the observation deck and helping document sightings. The data collected by Benjamin Kahn and the team will contribute to conservation planning in the region and support research on migratory species globally.
At the conclusion of our trip, the group will disembark in Sorong, West Papua and transfer to the airport in time for our flights back to Jakarta (or Bali). Depending on your return flight schedule, you may fly home this evening or stay overnight (on your own). Please inquire about our post-trip extensions to snorkel in North Sulawesi or trek in Borneo.
Ship
Damai II
The Damai II is a boutique liveaboard ship that offers a high level of comfort for exploring Indonesia’s waters. It was built in South Sulawesi in 2011 by Pak Hadji Baso, one of the most respected master boat builders in the traditional Indonesian boat…
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
