Majik Cruise

Majik Cruise

Length 42m | 4 Cabins | 8 Guests | 13 Crew

Embark on an extraordinary underwater odyssey in the lap of luxury with Majik Cruise, your gateway to opulent liveaboard diving experiences amidst the pristine underwater landscapes of Raja Ampat.

Underwater Elegance, Above-Deck Comfort

Majik Cruise is more than just a dive cruise; it’s a floating sanctuary that seamlessly blends underwater elegance with above-deck comfort. Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine world of Raja Ampat with exhilarating liveaboard diving adventures. Rise to the surface to relax in the lavish comfort of well-appointed cabins and spacious decks, offering panoramic views of the mesmerizing Indonesian landscapes. Every moment aboard Majik Cruise is a celebration of opulence and the raw beauty of the Raja Ampat seas.

Tailored Diving Escapes, Tailored Comfort

Majik Cruise offers bespoke diving adventures tailored to your desires. Explore the captivating underwater realms of Raja Ampat with customized itineraries, whether you’re an experienced diver seeking thrilling sites or a beginner eager to discover tranquil underwater landscapes. Majik Cruise ensures an unparalleled diving adventure that caters to all skill levels.

Service Excellence, Memories Beneath the Waves

At Majik Cruise, we redefine service excellence, ensuring every aspect of your liveaboard diving journey is flawless. Our professional crew, passionate about marine exploration, elevates your experience with personalized service. From gourmet dining to curated dive excursions, Majik Cruise ensures your liveaboard diving adventure in Raja Ampat is a memory etched beneath the waves.

Private Charter 2024

Private Charter (Max 8 Person)

Destination	Price	Night
Komodo Island	USD 5.500 / night + 11% VAT	Minimum 4 Nights
Banda / Alor / Raja Ampat	USD 5.500 / night + 11% VAT	Minimum 7 Nights

Sharing Cabin 2024

Type off Cabin	Price
Master Deluxe Cabin	USD 895 / night / person + 11% VAT
Master Cabin	USD 790 / night / person + 11% VAT
Deluxe Cabin	USD 695 / night / person + 11% VAT

Master Deluxe

Master

Sailing Schedules 2024

May to October
Komodo / Alor

October to December
Ambon / Banda Sea

December to April
Raja Ampat / Kaimana

Include

F&B
Exquisite fusion food freshly cooked by our Chef: 3 gourmet meals per day & additional snacks, Soft drinks & freshly-ground coffee, selection of teas & herbal infusions.

Activities
Excursion dives for certified divers, Nitrox tanks for EANx certification holders, 1 free introductory dive per person, Snorkelling excursions, Shore excursions, Scuba diving & snorkelling gear, 1 free massage per person per cruise, Kayaking, Stand-up paddleboarding

Divers
Marine park and harbour fees, Pick-up & transfers, Reef-friendly toiletries.

Exclude

Travel
International & domestic flights, International travel & medical insurance. Our recommendations: chapkadirect.com & diveassure.com, Covid tests if still required.

F&B
Beers and any alcoholic beverages.

Others
Scuba dive courses & certifications, International bank transfer fees, Crew gratuities at your discretion, Anything not listed in the Inclusions. 11% VAT

Itineraries

5 Days 4 Nights

Day 1 – Labuan Bajo

It will be our pleasure to pick you up from your hotel or airport, so that you can make
the most of the day. Then we will sail west, where you can enjoy the beach, snorkeling or diving on the islands of Bidadari or Sebayur Kecil.

A sense of calm reigns on these islands, but underwater the coral reefs are bubbling with life. To end the day, relax with an aperitif while admiring the beautiful sunset. Night diving is optional.

Day 2 – Northwest Komodo

Day two is our personal favorite in terms of diving, and all three of the dives normally conducted on this day are what we would consider unforgettable. The morning is spent on both Crystal Rock and Castle Rock, two submerged pinnacles that are home to
an abundance of marine life. Teams of hunting Giant and Big-Eye Trevally patrol
the blue waters of the reefs, chasing large schools of smaller fish. Eagle Rays glide effortlessly in the currents whilst the reef sharks hunt for their next meal.

The afternoon sees us visit the legendary dive site known as The Cauldron (a.k.a The Shotgun). Famous for its rip-roaring drift dive, it is akin to an underwater rollercoaster that needs to be ex- perienced to be believed, and a ‘bucket list’ dive site for divers from across the world. Hold on until the end of the dive for a big surprise! The night dive will be spent diving on Komodo Bay, depending on mooring conditions.

Day 3 – Southwest Komodo

We wake early in the morning to take in one of Komodo’s world-class golden sunrises, followed by one of its best dive sites, the Golden Passage which is a drift dive that offers outstanding coral reef topography, as well as encounters with schools of Sweetlips and Snappers, White Tip Reef Sharks and the occasional passing Manta
Ray.

Up next is Siaba Besar, a fantastic night dive for the macro photographer, where it is possible to encounter
Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Ghost Pipefish, various types of Nudibranchs, as well as the elusive Wunderpus and Blue-Ringed Octopus!

Day 4 – Komodo on Foot

The final dive of your trip will be at Pink Beach, a gorgeous, shallow coral garden with schools of sweetlips and other colourful reef fish.
After the morning’s diving and a hearty breakfast, we head on foot to The Island of Komodo, home to the legendary Komodo Dragons in the park.

Later that afternoon Majik anchors up and sets sail east to Pulau Kalong, where at sunset an epic number of fruit bats leave this island in search of their sustenance on the mainland of Flores. The night time sees our crew arrange a fancy BBQ banquet on the top deck as you take in your final Komodo sunset.

Day 5 – Disembark in Labuan Bajo

Majik will be anchored up in the morning around 2:00 am in Labuan Bajo, in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel.

Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00 am, during which we have the chance to exchange trip images, and contacts so you can keep in touch with newfound dive buddies while we assist you with transportation to your desired location.

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change.

6 Days 5 Nights

Day 1 – Labuan Bajo

It will be our pleasure to pick you up from your hotel or airport, so that you can make the most of the day. Then we will sail west, where you can enjoy the beach, snorkelling or diving on the islands of Bidadari or Sebayur Kecil.

A sense of calm reigns on these islands, but underwater the coral reefs are bubbling with life. To end the day, relax with an aperitif while admiring the beautiful sunset. Night diving is optional.

Day 2 – West Komodo

After a morning dive at stunning Tatawa Besar, we go in search of Manta rays at the world-class dive site Manta Point (known to the locals as Karang Makassar). After lunch, we will head to one of the highlights of Komodo diving – Batu Bolong, which presents us a chance to see large pelagic species such as Giant Trevally and Barra- cuda, as well as sharks and Napoleon Maori Wrasse.

Later that afternoon, we set sail for the northwest part of Komodo, for a light trek on the island of Gili Lawa Darat, to witness an amazing Komodo sunset, dipping behind the nearby active volcano of San- geang. For the night dive, we will stay in the bay close to the trekking area, and dive at the site Stranger Things, for a chance to get your first glimpse of macro life in the national park.

Day 3 – Northwest Komodo

Day three is our personal favourite in terms of diving, and all three of the dives normally conducted on this day are what we would onsider unforgettable. The morning is spent on both Crystal Rock and Castle Rock, two submerged pinnacles that are home to an abundance of marine life. Teams of hunting Giant and Big-Eye Trevally patrol the blue waters of the reefs, chasing large schools of smaller fish. Eagle Rays glide effortlessly in the currents whilst the reef sharks hunt for their next meal.

Day 4 – Southwest Komodo

During breakfast, Majik will anchor up and head south into the centre of the park, where we will endeavour to dive Police Corner if conditions are favourable, one of the less-known sites in central Komodo. In the afternoon we plan to visit the island of Mauan, where mantas come to visit its cleaning station. Up next is Siaba Besar, a fantastic night dive for the macro photographer, where it is possible to encounter Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Ghost Pipefish, various types of Nudibranchs, as well as the elusive Wunderpus and Blue-Ringed Octopus!

Day 5 – Komodo on Foot

Day 6 – Disembark in Labuan Bajo

Majik will be anchored up in the morning around 2:00 am in Labuan Bajo, in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel.

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change.

7 Days 6 Nights

Day 1 – Rinca Island / Kabar Island

Several of our crew will be on site to greet you at the arrivals gate, where they will help you to the pre arranged taxis for the short ride to the harbour to board tenders to the lead vessel. You will be welcomed on board Majik by her crew, offering a cold towel and seasonal beverage. The Cruise Director will give an introduction, a safety briefing, a small tour of the vessel and assist with cabin allocation while the vessel departs. The journey to your first destination represents a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the boat layout and enjoy your first taste of the chefs’ talents.

Today is all about the wildlife above the water. Take a guided tour of the newly renovated national park of Rinca, and while your guide will likely spot them long before you, keep your eyes sharp for monkeys, wild pigs, water buffalo, deer and Komodo Dragons. Enjoy a factual explanation of their history and come to understand how dragons became the apex land predator of the region. Be welcomed back with a refreshing drink as the boat moves to Pulau Kalong (Bat Island), a mangrove island that comes alive at dusk. Take a drink in hand, find a comfortable seat, and enjoy sunset as thousands of flying foxes take wing overhead. Finally, enjoy a lovely meal as your first day comes to a close.

Day 2 – Tatawa Besar / Siaba

Tatawa Besar encapsulates several elements of the marine park. The Eastern side of the island is cut-out by an inviting beach and in front of that is a shallow reef plateau that makes for amazing snorkelling. Enjoy the warm waters and be swept along by the falling tide, marvelling at the variety, quantity, and colours of both the reef and the fish. For the divers, enjoy dropping off the plateau onto a sloping site filled with soft and hard corals. Look to the depths and into the blue for a chance encounter with black tips, white tips and maybe pelagics.

Across lunch move to a relaxing bay anchorage for the day. Jump and swim from the boat before diving or snorkelling Turtle City. The site is home to many Green Turtles, and they can even be spotted from the surface coming up for air before descending back into the depths. The site itself offers a unique contrast between sandy flats and lush reef. Enjoy some time on the sand looking for tiger tail seahorses, flatworms or any number of shrimp and crabs. Then make your way to the reef to marvel at the healthy coral and fish life and more than likely a few
turtles.

Day 3 – Gili Lawa Laut

The Gili Lawa area host some of the most popular dive sites in the Komodo National Park. But the potential for amazing dives goes hand in hand with the potential for strong currents. Enjoy the copious variety of schooling fish at Castle Rock, with Trevally and White Tip reef sharks hunting in the currents, or dive the World-famous site Cauldron, with it’s iconic narrow passage between two islands.

Get launched either snorkelling or diving through “shotgun” and with a bit of luck, marvel at how easily the Manta glide against the current.

Finish the days adventures with a short hike up Gili Lawa Darat to watch the sun set on the ocean horizon, before being welcomed back on board with a cold towel and Chef’s delicious talents on offer.

Day 4 – Taka Makassar

Today the currents dictate our schedule. Komodo waters owes its abundant marine life to the strong Northerly and Southern currents that run through the park, and today you’re in the centre of it. Enjoy a snorkel or dive at Manta point and hopefully witness the amazing Manta mating train, a beautiful natural spectacle where a train of males follow the female, mimicking her dance like movements.

When the tide is right, snorkel or dive at Batu Bolong (Hole in the Rock), a protruding pinnacle site anyone would find difficult not to enjoy. The thousands of red blennies dance in the swell, backdropped against the colourful shallow soft corals. Divers can drop down deeper to look for resting white tips, hawksbill turtles and trevally hunting in the blue.

For those looking to take a break from the water, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Takat Makasar sandbar that rest in the shadow of Komodo Island. Swim in the surrounding waters and earn a tan on the beach before returning to the boat for a cool refreshing drink.

Day 5 – Pink Beach / Padar Island

Awake in the calm waters of Teluk Slaweh and venture to Pink Beach, made famous by the sands pink tinge in the setting sun. The sand owes its colour to a microscopic animal called Foraminifera and its bright red shell. Pink Beach also offers a healthy shallow reef, full of colourful soft corals for snorkelling and a sloping dive site that offers some interesting opportunities, such as frog fish, spotted sting rays and potentially mobula rays passing in the blue.

After the afternoon spent relaxing, enjoy a sunset hike to Padar viewpoint. The view looks northwest towards the setting sun overseeing the park. It’s the poster shot of the region and holds national significance also, as it’s printed on Indonesia’s 50,000 money note. Take in the scenery and the spectacle of seeing a white, pink and black sand beach in a single frame, before descending to be welcomed back to the boat with a refreshing drink and awaiting dinner.

Day 6 – Sabolan / Seraya

Sabolan Kecil (Small Sabolan) boast a beautiful shallow reef flat that is great for snorkelling with an amazing range of colourful corals, and if you’re luck is in, possibly Manta Rays on the Northern reef of the Island. If diving is your preference, then drop off the shallow reef to the coral ridge for schooling damsels and snapper, and possibly reef sharks playing in the currents.

Across lunch we move to Seraya which rest just outside the bounds of Komodo National Park and has several non diving options for your day of decompression. Enjoy isolated beaches, water sport, snorkelling or if you’re interested, the opportunity to visit Rangko Cave. Located on the mainland of Flores, the entrance to the cave is a short walk which then descends into a luminescent blue swimming hole. Attend at the right time and watch the sunlight filter through the entrance of the cave and light up the cave’s waters.

Round out the day with celebratory drink on the beach, a view of sunset and a beach BBQ to follow. Relax into the night, reminiscing and sharing stories of the truly unique experiences of the days just passed.

Day 7 – Angel Island / Labuan Bajo

Wake up for your final delicious breakfast on board and if your flight time allows then enjoy the pretty beaches of Angel Island, located just outside Labuan Bajo Harbour. Feel free to swim, kayak or paddle board before you open sails and hoist anchor towards Labuan Bajo.

For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change.

8 Days 7 Nights

Day 1 – Boarding in Labuan Bajo

It will be our pleasure to pick you up from your hotel or airport, so that you can make the most of the day.

Then we will sail west, where you can enjoy the beach, snorkelling or diving on the islands of Bidadari or Sebayur Kecil.

A sense of calm reigns on these islands, but underwater the coral reefs are bubbling with life. To end the day, relax with an aperitif while admiring the beautiful sunset. Night diving is optional.

Day 2 – Komodo Strait

Komodo Island lies in the middle of the strait between Sumbawa and the Flores Islands. The sea creeps between the two islands, creating intense currents and coral reefs that will be a pleasure to explore, such as Tatawa Besar, Batu Bolong and Golden Passage.

At the end of a spectacular day of sailing, we will drop anchor in the sheltered bay of Gili Lawa Island, famous for its magnificent views of the glowing sunset.

Day 3 – Manta Point / Padar Island

Sailing south, we will stop at Taka Makassar, also known as Manta Point, a coral garden where you can swim or dive with manta rays, sharks and turtles, to name but a few.

You can then have a snack or simply relax on the nearby sandy islet, gazing in wonder at the turquoise waters caressing the shore.

From this point we head to Padar Island to admire its impressive landscape of sharp peaks and pink sandy beaches.

A walk around these places will lead you to breathtaking views.

Day 4 – Horseshoe Bay

A day out in South Rinca, also known as HorseShoe Bay, is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and discover extraordinary wildlife, including monkeys, deer, wild pigs, sea eagles and, of course, Komodo dragons.

The cooler waters here are home to some world class dive sites, such as the famous Cannibal Rock.

Day 5 – Gili Lawa Island

Three world-famous dive sites are gathered here and are hotspots for sharks: Castle Rock, Crystal Rock and the Cauldron.

To the greatest satisfaction of divers. For snorkellers and less adventurous divers, the area also boasts beautiful hard coral reefs surrounded by white sand, where manta rays are an all but rare sight.

It will be hard to resist taking a paddle board or kayak to glide over these turquoise waters before enjoying a well-deserved cocktail at sunset.

Day 6 – Banta & Batu Monco

We will sail to Banta Island, just outside the National Park, to explore remote and secret bays with pink and white sandy beaches surrounded by slopes, barren peaks and wilderness. With not a soul around, you will feel at one with nature.

If time permits, we can sail to Batu Monco in its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Snorkeling is accessible and you can dive in pristine coral reefs surrounded by expanses of white sand.

Day 7 – Rinca Island

In the morning, we head to the ranger station on Rinca Island, where a park ranger will talk to you about the legendary Komodo dragons.

You can then refresh yourself with a swim or dive at Wainilu or Pengah Kecil. Sailing to Kalong Island, we end the day on a magical note, watching thousands of fruit bats (flying foxes) in the light of the setting sun.

Day 8 – Farewells at Labuan Bajo

We will return to Labuan Bajo to enjoy a last rich breakfast and check out before noon. After the last photos and goodbyes, our crew will organise the transfer to the hotel or airport.

Then it will be time to return home, your head full of unforgettable memories of an extraordinary trip.

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change.

10 Days 11 Nights

Day 1 – Sebayor

Several of our crew will be on site to greet you at the arrivals gate, where they will help you to the pr arranged taxis for the short ride to the harbour to board tenders to the lead vessel. You will be welcomed on board Majik by her crew, offering a cold towel and seasonal beverage. The Cruise Director will give an introduction, a safety briefing, a small tour of the vessel and assist with cabin allocation while the vessel departs. The journey to your first destination represents a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the boat layout and enjoy your first taste of the chefs’ talents.

Across lunch the boat will move to Sebayor, a great introduction into the potential of diving and snorkelling in Komodo. Enjoy a sloping dive site that’s also suitable for snorkelling with a nice range of coral bommies and hundreds of garden eels in the sand flats at about 20m. Continue down the reef and the fish increase as the current does. Witness schools of red snapper and sweet lips and search the fan corals for a pygmy sea horse. Rinse off the salt back on board and enjoy a delicious dinner amongst the ocean breeze as your first day comes to a close.

Day 2 – Tatawa Besar/Siaba
Tatawa Besar encapsulates several elements of the marine park. The Eastern side of the island is cut-out by an inviting beach and in front of that is a shallow reef plateau that makes for amazing snorkelling. Enjoy the warm waters and be swept along by the falling tide, marvelling at the variety, quantity, and colours of both the reef and the fish. For the divers, enjoy dropping off the plateau onto a sloping site filled with soft and hard corals. Look to the depths and into the blue for a chance encounter with black tips, white tips and maybe pelagics.

Day 3 – Gili Lawa Laut
The Gili Lawa area host some of the most popular dive sites in the Komodo National Park. But the potential for amazing dives goes hand in hand with the potential for strong currents. Enjoy the copious variety of schooling fish at Castle Rock, with Trevally and White Tip reef sharks hunting in the currents, or dive the World-famous site Cauldron, with it’s iconic narrow passage between two islands.

Get launched either snorkelling or diving through “shotgun” and with a bit of luck, marvel at how easily the Manta glide against the current.

Day 4 – Gili Banta
Gili Banta rest between Komodo Island and Sumbawa and is one of the few land breaks of Indonesia’s Southern Border Islands. On the Northern points of the island, explore dive sites such as “Star Wars”, a sloping reef dotted with coral bommies and a chance for both macro obscurities and healthy fish life around the bommies. For those who enjoy a bit more action on their dives, “Roller Coaster” usually provides. Dive into the site and marvel at the schooling fish feeding and playing amongst the currents.

For a more leisurely afternoon, we setup the Western side of the island on a stretching, pink tinged beach. Explore the grassland flats behind the beach, snorkel or dive at the relaxing “Swiss Dream” to witness an amazing variety of healthy corals or enjoy a kayak or paddle board amidst the calm turquoise waters. For the afternoon we’ll prepare sunset facing drinks and a BBQ for you to relax on a beanbag with a cocktail in hand, admiring the sun setting behind the iconic Sangeang Volcano on the horizon.

Day 5 – Taka Makassar
Today the currents dictate our schedule. Komodo owes its abundant marine life to the strong Northerly and Southern currents that run through the park, and today you’re in the centre of it. Enjoy a snorkel or dive at Manta point and hopefully witness the amazing Manta mating train, a beautiful natural spectacle where a train of males follow the female, mimicking her dance like movements.

When the tide is right Snorkel or dive at Batu Bolong (Hole in the Rock), a protruding pinnacle site anyone would find difficult not to enjoy. The thousands of red blennies dance in the swell, backdropped against the colourful shallow soft corals. Divers can drop down deeper to look for resting white tips, hawksbill turtles and trevally hunting in the blue.

Day 6 – Komodo/Pink Beach/Padar
Awake in the calm waters of Teluk Slaweh and venture to the Island of Komodo. Here you will receive a guided tour from one of the local rangers. The morning is the best time to see the dragons, often sunning themselves on hilltops or along the beach. Marvel at their proximity to the local village and enjoy a factual education from your private ranger. Take a little money if you’re wishing for a dragon themed souvenir from the “exit through the gift shop” type scenario.

Enjoy a quick visit to Pink Beach, made famous by its pink tinge in the setting sun. The sand owes its colour to a microscopic animal called Foraminifera. Pink Beach also offers a healthy shallow reef, full of colourful soft corals for snorkelling and a sloping dive site that offers some interesting opportunities, such as frog fish, spotted sting rays and potentially mobular rays passing in the blue.

After the afternoon spent relaxing, enjoy a sunset walk to Padar viewpoint. The view looks northwest towards the setting sun overseeing the park. It’s the poster shot of the region and holds national significance also, as it’s printed on Indonesia’s 50,000 money note.

Day 7 – Nusa Kode/Manta Alley
Nusa Kode, also referred to as Horseshoe Bay, can only be described as Jurassic. The landscape here is a stark contrast to most of the savanna like islands of the National Park. Located on the southern corner of Pulau Rinca, entering the bay makes you feel small as the towering peaks rise either side of you, full of lush foliage and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for wild pigs, monkeys, eagles and a chance encounter with wild dragons. For the diving, you have “Canibal Rock”, or “Rodeo” on offer. Brace for the colder water to take in the walls of Golden Cup Corals and the numerous fish that play against them.

Across lunch the boat will depart for Manta Alley, the southern point of Pulau Komodo. Despite the landscape being particularly impressive, as the name suggest we’re here for one thing… Mantas. The dive site “Manta Alley” has a sand flat at around 20m, and in the right conditions the Manta calmly glide around you and circle above your head.

With incredible luck they’ll form a tornado to corral the plankton and make feeding easier. Follow them around the reef to the “alley” and observe them gliding against the current. While the mantas often steal the attention, don’t forget to look at what is truly an impressive and vibrant reef.

Day 8 – Pengah Kecil/Rinca/Kabar
Pengah in the local dialect, translates to middle, and as the name suggest the island rest in the middle of the park. The small island offers both diving and snorkelling. From the western wall that drops into the depths where you can search for nudis, bubble shrimp and orangutan crabs, to a Eastern coral plateau where you can observe hawksbills dozing or feeding amongst the soft corals.

Rinca offers the opportunity to explore the newly renovated national park of Loh Buaya. Take a guided tour around the raised wooden viewing platform, and while your guide will likely spot them long before you, keep your eyes sharp for monkeys, wild pigs, water buffalo, deer and Komodo Dragons. Enjoy a factual explanation of their history and come to understand how they became the apex land predator of the region.

For the afternoon the boat will move to Pulau Kalong, which translates to bat island, and local legend says that anyone who used to venture into the mangrove island never came out again. Luckily, you’ll be anchored just offshore, enjoying some drinks on the boat with the bats flying overhead and backdropped by the setting sun and a lovely meal to close out the day.

Day 9 – Kelor/Pulau Pungu
Kelor combines a little bit of culture with a little bit of nature. The island host a group of transient locals who have set up modest stores selling a range of Komodo and diving affiliated souvenirs, even the occasional handcrafted scuba diving Komodo. Wander the beach or take a small hike to the viewpoint to enjoy the expansive views of the park from the Eastern border. The calm waters are also an ideal location for paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling or simply swimming in the warm tropical waters.

For the afternoon, you can enjoy an educational change of pace with an option for shopping included. Atlas Pearls has a farm on the small island of Pulau Pungu. Here they offer guided tours where you can learn all about the process of pearl farming, and most importantly, how pearls are valued and how to spot the fake ones. At the end of the tour, they have a small show room where you can put your recently acquired knowledge to the test and look at purchasing some authentic, hand crafter pearl jewellery

Day 10 – Sabolan/Seraya
Sabolan Kecil (Small Sabolan) boast a beautiful shallow reef flat that is great for snorkelling with an amazing range of colourful corals, and if you’re luck is in, possibly Manta Rays on the Northern reef of the Island. If diving is your preference, then drop off the shallow reef to the coral ridge for schooling damsels and snapper, and possibly reef sharks playing in the currents.

Across lunch we move to Seraya which rest just outside the bounds of Komodo National Park and has several non-diving options for your day of decompression. Enjoy isolated beaches, water sport, snorkelling or if your interested, the opportunity tovisit Rangko Cave. Located on the mainland of Flores, the entrance to the cave is a short walk which then descends down into a luminescent blue swimming hole. Attend at the right time and watch the sunlight filter through the entrance of the cave and light up the caves waters.

Round out the day with celebratory drink on the beach, a view of sunset and a beach BBQ to follow. Relax into the night, reminiscing and sharing stories of the truly unique experiences of the last 10 days.

Day 11 – Angel Island/LBJ
Wake up for your final delicious breakfast on board and if your flight time allows then enjoy the pretty beaches of Angel Island, located just outside Labuan Bajo Harbour. Feel free to swim, kayak or paddle board before you open sails and hoist anchor towards Labuan Bajo.

For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change.

Alor - Komodo 14D- 13N

Day 1 – Kalabahi / South Pura
Several of our crew will be on site to greet you at the arrivals gate, where they will help you to the pr arranged taxis for the short ride to the harbour to board tenders to the lead vessel. You will be welcomed on board Majik by her crew, offering a cold towel and seasonal beverage. The Cruise Director will give an introduction, a safety briefing, a small tour of the vessel and assist with cabin allocation while the vessel departs. The journey to your first destination represents a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the layout and enjoy your first taste of the chefs’ talents.

Your first opportunity to dip below the waves will be the south of Pura Island. If the site names aren’t enough to entice you under the surface (The Cathedral, Clown Valley, Sea Apple Slope, Slab City), then know that whether you prefer steep walls, critter filled slopes, caves, or the unique anemone fields… South Pura has something to offer you. Rinse off the salt back on board and enjoy a delicious dinner amongst the ocean breeze as your first day comes to a close.

Day 2 – Beang Abang / North Pura
Beang Abang rest in front of a very modest village and represents a unique opportunity comparative to the rest of Alor. The black sand site, “Twilight”, is great for critters and if the site is feeling generous you can hope to see blue ring or mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttle fish, a range of shrimp, nudis and maybe Spanish dancers.

The vessel will then depart for the North of Pura Island in the Pantar Strait, one of the few throughfares between the landmasses. As such, there is a good opportunity for pelagics such as dolphins, thresher and hammerhead sharks, sunfish and rays. So, keep an eye on the blue, but don’t forget sites such as Kal’s dream, a submerged pinnacle with an abundance of Anthia, Fusiliers, Surgeon Fish, and Barracuda.

After appreciating the life beneath the waves, you can enjoy a dry towel and a beverage back on board while observing the locals carry out their primary trade… Fishing. Rest comfortably knowing the locals traditional fish traps and spear fishing is a method of sustainable fishing, so all the wonders that you saw in the day, will still be there for others to see tomorrow.

Day 3 – Takpala / Buaya Island
For a cultural change of pace today you have the opportunity to visit the traditional tribal village of Takpala. Here you can enjoy the hospitality of the villagers and maybe witness the traditional “Lego Lego” dance. If you’re looking for a souvenir you could purchase a handcrafted ikat (sarong), made with the ancestral techniques of the region, or a locally made bronze drum which is a central piece of a husband-t be dowry offering for marriage.

Following the mornings land excursion, dive back below the waves at Pulau Buya. The main attraction here is undoubtedly the opportunity for an encounter with the elusive Dugong. This obscure species is commonly referred to as a sea cow due to their size, slow measured movements, and grazing habits with sea grass. An encounter with these enormous sea mammals is an experience to cherish.

Day 4 – Lapang Island
A visit to Lapang Island offers the chance to experience the idyllic isolated island experience. For activities in the morning, the surrounding plateau is a great place for water sports and snorkelling. The coral covered shallow reefs slowly edge off into the depths of a blue hole and a nice wall dive opportunity. Look for turtles coming out of the depths or scour the walls for shrimps and nudis.

Following lunch on board, spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach with umbrella shaded bean bags, a chiller of cold drinks, and an enjoyable book. Enjoy sunset from the beach or slowly amble back to the boat for a comfortable sunbed, a fresh coconut in hand and an unobstructed ocean view of the sunset.

Day 5 – Koomba Island
The early morning will see you sailing North-West towards Pulau Koomba. The island is dominated by Mount Batutara, an active volcano made famous for it’s punctual eruptions. In years gone past it erupted every 20 minutes, these days the Volcano is less active, but the ever-present plume of smoke is a gentle reminder that you are travelling in the ring of fire.

The volcanic sands surrounding the island make the waters rich with nutrients and life, and on rare occasion even plays host to hammer head sharks. Enjoy the day floating in the shadow of the volcano and exploring the surrounding waters. Round the day out by sailing South-West with the sun setting in the back ground and the smoking Mount Batutara adding a dramatic foreground.

Day 6 – Serbete Atoll (Nuha Pasir Putih)
Wake up in the Serbete Islands, a small grouping that boast pretty coral gardens and deep wall dives that are great for spotting hawksbill and green turtles. Alternatively, the flat waters make a great location for water sports or simply swimming and enjoying the turquoise waters.

The highlight of the area is known as Nuha Pasir Putih, which translates to white sand bar, a pristine beach that comes and goes with the turn of the tide. Enjoy the afternoon from the beach, with a view of Majik back dropped by the setting sun, cocktail in hand and the smell of a BBQ meal filling the air.

Day 7 – Babi Island
After a night of travel, awake at Pulau Babi, translating to Pig Island. The northern end is surrounded by shallow reefs facing the Flores Sea and the southern tidal flats are bordered by a nice beach and tapering reef covered in soft corals and crowded with damsels. One of the standout sites is known as “The Crack”, a remnant of the 1992 Earthquake.

The quake measured a 7.7 magnitude and caused a 7m tsunami within 3 minutes! The crack in the reef is roughly 20 meters below the surface, measuring 70cm and roughly 30 meters long. Yet another reminder that the truly epic forces of nature shaped the landscape both above and below the water in the Ring of Fire.

Day 8 – Kelimutu/Maumere
Today represents a significant change of pace. You will take a break from the boat for a lengthier excursion and get your land legs back. Disembarking in the harbour of Maumere you will take an early morning car ride to the Volcanic Lakes of Kelimutu, the poster shot of the Maumere region.

With a short hike up to the caldera you are treated with the view of the multi-coloured lakes. Depending on the season, volcanic activity and mineral content at the time, the lakes can be brown, turquoise, or green, and offer a unique natural spectacle. Enjoy a picnic lunch on site before your journey back to the boat, with an option of stopping to explore the local town of Maumere if that takes your interest.

Day 9 – Riung/Bat Point
Riung is made up of several small islands and offers a great opportunity to kayak or paddle board, with a selection of beaches available. Take a mask and snorkel and feel free to explore independently with the tender accompanying or enjoy a guided tour with one of the dive crew. Finish on one of the beaches with cold drinks from a chiller carried by the tender.

Mid-afternoon the boat will move to “Bat Point” and it’s exactly as it sounds, a mangrove covered point that comes alive at dusk. Enjoy your view of the setting sun on the ocean horizon, the spectacle made all the more amazing by the colony of bats that are about to take wing by the thousands. “Flying foxes” are among some of the largest species of bat and enjoy a fruit and plant-based diet. Every dusk they fly in search of food and return to the colony before sunrise.

Day 10 – Sabolan / Sebayor
Following the nights journey, awake on the doorstep of Komodo National Park. Sabolan Kecil (Small Sabolan) boast a beautiful shallow reef flat that is great for snorkelling with an amazing range of colourful corals, and if you’re luck is in, possibly Manta Rays on the Northern reef of the Island. If diving is your preference, then drop off the shallow reef to the coral ridge for schooling damsels and snapper, and possibly reef sharks playing in the currents.

Across lunch the boat will move to Sebayor, a great introduction into the potential of diving and snorkeling in Komodo. Enjoy a sloping dive site that’s also great for snorkelling with a nice range of coral bommies and 100’s of garden eels in the sand flats at about 20m. Continue down the reef and the fish increase as the current does, enjoy schools of red snapper and sweet lips and maybe a pygmy sea horse.

Day 11 – Gili Lawa
The Gili Lawa area host some of the most famous dive sites in the Komodo National Park. But the potential for amazing dives goes hand in hand with the potential for strong currents. Enjoy the copious variety of schooling fish at Castle Rock, with Trevally and White Tip reef sharks hunting in the currents, or dive the World-famous site Cauldron, with it’s iconic narrow passage between two islands.

Get launched either snorkelling or diving through shotgun and with a bit of luck, marvel at how easily the Manta glide against the current. Finish the days adventure with a short hike up Gili Lawa Darat to watch the sun set on the ocean horizon, before being welcomed back on board with a cold towel and Chef’s delicious talents on offer.

Day 12 – Takat Makassar
Today the currents dictate our schedule. Komodo owes its abundant marine life to the strong Northerly and Southern currents that run through the park, and today you’re in the centre of it. Enjoy a snorkel or dive at Manta point and hopefully witness the amazing Manta mating train, a beautiful natural spectacle where a train of males follow the female, mimicking her dance like movements.

Day 13 – Komodo / Pink Beach / Padar
Awake in the calm waters of Teluk Slaweh and venture to the Island of Komodo. Here you will receive a guided tour from one of the local rangers. The morning is the best time to see the dragons, often sunning themselves on hilltops or along the beach. Marvel at their proximity to the local village and enjoy a factual education from your private ranger. Take a little money if you’re wishing for a dragon themed souvenir from the “exit through the gift shop” type scenario.

Day 14 – Labuan Bajo
Wake up for your final delicious breakfast on board and if your flight time allows then enjoy the pretty beaches of Angel Island, located just outside Labuan Bajo Harbour. Feel free to swim, kayak or paddle board before you open sails and hoist anchor towards Labuan Bajo.

For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change.

Banda / Spice Islands 12D - 11N

Day 1 Ambon / Nusa Laut
Several of our crew will be on site to greet you at the arrivals gate, where they will help you to the pre arranged taxis for the short ride to the harbour to board tenders to the lead vessel. You will be welcomed on board Majik by her crew, offering a cold towel and seasonal beverage. The Cruise Director will give an introduction, a safety briefing, a small tour of the vessel and assist with cabin allocation while the vessel departs. The journey to your first destination represents a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the boat layout and enjoy your first taste of the chefs’ talents.

Your first chance to dip below the waves will be an island called Nusa Laut, referred to locally as “The Golden Island” due to the plentiful supply of cloves on the island. The dive sites here are protected by the local villages and are usually blessed with good visibility, which is perfect to take in the sloping reef and the jawdropping array of hard corrals that cover it. Marvel at the plate, fan and giant sponge barrels and the reefs inhabitants that play amongst them. With a bit of luck, witness the tornado of big eye trevally and search the sand flats for critters nestled at the base of the reef. Rinse off the salt back on board and enjoy a delicious dinner amongst the ocean breeze as your first day comes to a close.

Day 2 – Suanggi Island
TatPulau Suanggi translates to “Evil Spirit Island”, the reason for naming it so is lost to history but some believe it is where the Dutch made prisoners “walk the plank”, and those souls now haunt the island. The reality today couldn’t be further from the name. Waking here to the literally thousands of sea birds that cover the island is a treat unto itself, but to dive the surrounding sites is the true attraction.

The island has a range of sites and at least one day is needed here to dive them all. From a sandy slope, dotted with coral bommies that are filled with glass fish and schools of blue fin trevally dashing at them for a feed, to steep coral covered walls that disappear into the blue despite the usually impressive visibility of the site. Dive into the depths of plate coral fields and with a bit of luck one can witness potentially hundreds of schooling hammer heads. The diving here usually always leaves you wanting more, so don’t panic, we’ll come back to this site on our journey home.

Day 3 – Ai Island
Following breakfast on the morning journey from Suanggi to Pulau Ai, you can get back into the water at Batu Payong, which translates as “Umbrella Rock”. The tides and currents over time have carved out the rock at surface level, creating an umbrella shape. Below the surface, expect walls that drop to about 50m and host enormous fan corals and barrel sponges. There is the chance to see napoleon wrasse, schooling fusselier and unicorn fish. Check the blue for rainbow runners, dog tooth tuna and the rare opportunity of the larger solitary hammer head.

For a cultural change of pace in the afternoon, go ashore and visit the local village. Here you will metaphorically and literally get your first taste of The Spice Islands history. Enjoy a guided tour to the nutmeg plantations and learn a little about the production process, it’s history on the island and purchase some if you wish. Finish in the guides humble home for a taste of nutmeg tea and after the tour, be welcomed back to the boat with a refreshing beverage before a delicious dinner is served.

Day 4 – Serua
After your overnight journey, awake in the far-flung islands of Serua. These volcanic islands in the inner Banda Arc host several humble villages with the total population not more then a few hundred. Serua itself and its small islets Kekeh Besar and Kekeh Kecil feature excellent coral reefs, housing all the usual suspects for reef life, but with one important addition, schooling hammer head sharks. The islands isolation and villagers’ willingness to protect an important tourism income, means the shark population is incredibly healthy.

After breaking for lunch, you have the option to dive back beneath the waves, or alternatively, take a trek to the upper village. Watching the local inhabitants you would think the walk is easy, but don’t be fooled, this is a difficult summit. At the top you’re greeted with the warm hospitality of the village and a view of the ocean stretching to every edge of the horizon, to help you truly appreciate how isolated these destinations are.

Day 5 – Manuk
The uninhabited volcanic island of Manuk was made popular by the BBC Blue Planet series. The island represents one of natures more obscure symbiosis occurrences. That being the olive and banded sea krates working in unison with grouper and trevally to feed. The snakes have access to the naturally narrow openings of reef, rocks and crevices and will enter to force the fish out the other side into the hungry mouths of waiting grouper and trevally.

Sea Krates are naturally inquisitive and also incredibly poisonous. It’s theorised they enjoy the heat that the thermal vents provide, which is why they’re present in such numbers. It’s also theorised that they enjoy the body heat of a diver, so don’t be surprised if these curious species approach you under the water, but also don’t panic, they’re teeth are to small to cause any harm to humans. The sites they inhabit are beautiful unto themselves, being a nice mix of black volcanic sands, healthy sponge and soft corals and sloping reefs and ridges with an abundance of life.

Day 6 – Hatta Island / Karrang Hatta
Leaving The Forgotten Islands, ironically very memorable, make your way back towards The Spice Islands. The Southern most being Pulau Hatta and its southern submerged reef of Karrang Hatta that is similar in seascape to Nil Desperandum. The entirety of the reef is submerged with a large plateau resting about 3 meters below the surface depending on the tide. The plateau slopes gently and then quickly drops off to steep walls. The substrate is sandier due to it buffeting the open ocean currents but it’s an ideal place to see hawksbill turtles, schooling bump head parrot fish and yet another opportunity to look for schooling hammerhead sharks.

For the afternoon, the boat will float beside Pulau Hatta which is blessed with beaches that only present at low tide and as such are rarely frequented. The entire island is ringed by a shallow coral shelf, so spend your time snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, or relaxing on your own private beach before the ocean claims it back. Return to the boat at dusk with dinners aroma wafting from the kitchen, before moving to Banda Besar for tomorrows adventures.

Day 7 – Big Banda / Banana Island
Banda Besar (Big Banda) and it’s neighbouring island of Pulau Pisang (Banana Island – Called so for the islands shape), host several intriguing dive sites, snorkelling locations and cultural opportunities. Pohon Moreng rest at the northern point of Banda Besar and consist of a shallow 5m coral plateau that tapers off to a 40m wall. At roughly 20m there is an amazing swim through, the entrance encrusted with enormous barrel sponges and the inside littered with soft corals.

Batu Kapal (Boat Rock) rest North of Pulau Pisang and anyone would be forgiven for thinking the rock was a barge from a distance, hence the name. The site itself, below the bow and stern of the rock host a beautiful shallow coral garden. Off the starboard side of the rock the coral garden runs into a thoroughfare between several underwater pinnacles. Currents play between the submerged pinnacles and the schools of fish play in the currents.

Swimming from pinnacle to pinnacle, surrounded by the schools, you can appreciate why the area has developed such a reputation for biodiversity and biomass. The pinnacles themselves are blanketed in hard and soft corals, making the perfect colourful back drop for the fish life on the site, while your guide checks the reef cracks for the intriguing honeycomb moray.

Day 8 – Banda Neira
Today you take a break from the ocean and instead explore the rich history of Banda Neira. This small island is possibly one of the most beautiful natural anchorages and at one point in time represented the centre of global trade. Take a tour around the local town and learn about why this location holds such a prominent place in history, visiting the museum, the Muhammed Hatta House, nutmeg plantations, and the historic Fort Belgica. Standing amidst these fragments of history, watching the wooden boats anchored in the harbour in the shadow of a dormant volcano, it’s easy to be swept up in historical nostalgia, and the imagination won’t need to work hard to picture life here 400 years ago.

In the afternoon take a dusk dive in front of the historic Colonial Maulana hotel. This site is a great opportunity to go searching for the illusive Mandarin Fish, a favourite of photographers if you’re quick enough to snap the multi coloured beauty as it darts in and out of the corals. You can also hope for a range of shrimp, nudies and eels. Return to the comfort of the boat after your day’s adventures for a relaxing meal in calm waters amongst the sounds of this historic area.

Day 9 – Run / Nailaka
Awake in Banda Neira for another cultural experience, yet slightly different. The traditional “Kora-Kora” war boats that welcomed the Portuguese five hundred years ago are still in use today, although now they’re used as a competitive sport with each island having individual teams. Witness them in action and marvel at their unity and speed as they escort you from Banda Neira, chanting in their traditional dialect.

Across breakfast the boat will move to Pulau Run. Such was the value of nutmeg in the 1600’s that the Dutch actually traded Pulau Run for present day Manhattan, New York! The island host sites such as “New Manhattan” and “Run Corner”. Expect steep walls, fringed by coral plateaus. Gregorians, barrel sponges and whip corals cling to the reef and hang into the blue. Schools of butterfly, banner and parrot fish swim up and down the wall with a good chance for Hawksbill and Green Turtles. A good guide will keep one eye on the wall and one eye in the blue, always hoping for a chance encounter with Mobula Rays, Manta or Hammer Heads.

Day 10 – Suanggi
No doubt memories of your Suanggi dives will still be fresh in your mind and you will be eager for more. As the trip comes to a close with undoubtedly a need for a decompression day due to consecutive deep dives, today represents a chance to close the diving in the same way it started… with the amazing coral reefs of Pulau Suanggi.

Every side of this island represents an opportunity for diving, so revisit some of your favorite parts from the first day, or ask your dive guides for a new experience. It’s also one of the best opportunities in the region to see schooling hammer heads. So, if you haven’t seen them yet after more then a week of adjusting to the current and bettering your air consumption, this is the last opportunity to dive back to the deep depths, dance with decompression and search for the elusive species, and hopefully, witness one of underwaters truly amazing spectacles.

Day 11 – Molana Island
After the nights journey wake up in the calm waters surrounding Pulau Molana. This islands northern point is edged by a pristine white sand beach that has space for exploring regardless of high or low tide. The crew of Majik will setup a nice location for the day’s relaxation. Kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling equipment and a chiller full of cold drinks will all be on standby ready for you to request when the inclination strikes. Alternatively, take a tender to explore the surrounding islands and simply enjoy the lush green vegetation.

Enjoy the afternoon from Molana beach, with a view of Majik back dropped by the setting sun, cocktail in hand and the smell of a BBQ meal filling the air. Swap tales into the night and share your favourite memories from the literal hundreds of miles of open ocean you just experienced before turning into bed for your final nights sleep.

Day 12 – Ambon
Wake up for your final delicious breakfast on board and if your flight time allows, feel free to swim, kayak or paddle board before you open sails and hoist anchor towards Ambon Harbour. For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

Banda / Spice Islands 13D - 12N

Day 2 – Suanggi Island
Tat Pulau Suanggi translates to “Evil Spirit Island”, the reason for naming it so is lost to history but some believe it is where the Dutch made prisoners “walk the plank”, and those souls now haunt the island. The reality today couldn’t be further from the name. Waking here to the literally thousands of sea birds that cover the island is a treat unto itself, but to dive the surrounding sites is the true attraction.

Day 5 Nildesperandum / Pulau Nila
Following the early morning sail from Serua, awake in Karang Nil Desperandum. At first you appear to be in the middle of the ocean with nothing around, but take a closer look at the water and you will notice an enormous plateau just below the surface. Enjoy breakfast bobbing in the blue before getting back in the water yourself to explore this reef patch surrounded by deep waters where schools of hammerheads, jack fish, pelagics and other sharks are often seen.

For the afternoon the boat will find comfortable anchorage at nearby Pulau Nila. This island is part of a chain called “The Forgotten Islands”, once being busy trade routes before the Dutch East India Company monopolised the industry and they were “forgotten” to history. Explore the shallow inlets by kayak or paddle board, or spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach with umbrella shaded bean bags, a chiller of cold drinks, and an enjoyable book. Enjoy sunset from the beach or slowly amble back to the boat for a comfortable sunbed, a fresh coconut in hand and an unobstructed ocean view of the sunset.

Day 6 – Manuk
The uninhabited volcanic island of Manuk was made popular by the BBC Blue Planet series. The island represents one of natures more obscure symbiosis occurrences. That being the olive and banded sea krates working in unison with grouper and trevally to feed. The snakes have access to the naturally narrow openings of reef, rocks and crevices and will enter to force the fish out the other side into the hungry mouths of waiting grouper and trevally.

Day 7 – Hatta Island / Karrang Hatta
Leaving The Forgotten Islands, ironically very memorable, make your way back towards The Spice Islands. The Southern most being Pulau Hatta and its southern submerged reef of Karrang Hatta that is similar in seascape to Nil Desperandum. The entirety of the reef is submerged with a large plateau resting about 3 meters below the surface depending on the tide. The plateau slopes gently and then quickly drops off to steep walls. The substrate is sandier due to it buffeting the open ocean currents but it’s an ideal place to see hawksbill turtles, schooling bump head parrot fish and yet another opportunity to look for schooling hammerhead sharks.

Day 8 – Big Banda / Banana Island
Banda Besar (Big Banda) and it’s neighbouring island of Pulau Pisang (Banana Island – Called so for the islands shape), host several intriguing dive sites, snorkelling locations and cultural opportunities. Pohon Moreng rest at the northern point of Banda Besar and consist of a shallow 5m coral plateau that tapers off to a 40m wall. At roughly 20m there is an amazing swim through, the entrance encrusted with enormous barrel sponges and the inside littered with soft corals.

Day 9 – Banda Neira
Today you take a break from the ocean and instead explore the rich history of Banda Neira. This small island is possibly one of the most beautiful natural anchorages and at one point in time represented the centre of global trade. Take a tour around the local town and learn about why this location holds such a prominent place in history, visiting the museum, the Muhammed Hatta House, nutmeg plantations, and the historic Fort Belgica. Standing amidst these fragments of history, watching the wooden boats anchored in the harbour in the shadow of a dormant volcano, it’s easy to be swept up in historical nostalgia, and the imagination won’t need to work hard to picture life here 400 years ago.

Day 10 – Run / Nailaka
Awake in Banda Neira for another cultural experience, yet slightly different. The traditional “Kora-Kora” war boats that welcomed the Portuguese five hundred years ago are still in use today, although now they’re used as a competitive sport with each island having individual teams. Witness them in action and marvel at their unity and speed as they escort you from Banda Neira, chanting in their traditional dialect.

Day 11 – Suanggi
No doubt memories of your Suanggi dives will still be fresh in your mind and you will be eager for more. As the trip comes to a close with undoubtedly a need for a decompression day due to consecutive deep dives, today represents a chance to close the diving in the same way it started… with the amazing coral reefs of Pulau Suanggi.

Day 12 – Molana Island
After the nights journey wake up in the calm waters surrounding Pulau Molana. This islands northern point is edged by a pristine white sand beach that has space for exploring regardless of high or low tide. The crew of Majik will setup a nice location for the day’s relaxation. Kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling equipment and a chiller full of cold drinks will all be on standby ready for you to request when the inclination strikes. Alternatively, take a tender to explore the surrounding islands and simply enjoy the lush green vegetation.

Day 13 – Ambon
Wake up for your final delicious breakfast on board and if your flight time allows, feel free to swim, kayak or paddle board before you open sails and hoist anchor towards Ambon Harbour. For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

Ambon - Sorong 12D-11N

Day 1 – Ambon / Nusa Laut
Several of our crew will be on site to greet you at the arrivals gate, where they will help you to the pre arranged taxis for the short ride to the harbour to board tenders to the lead vessel. You will be welcomed on board Majik by her crew, offering a cold towel and seasonal beverage. The Cruise Director will give an introduction, a safety briefing, a small tour of the vessel and assist with cabin allocation while the vessel departs. The journey to your first destination represents a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the boat layout and enjoy your first taste of the chefs’ talents.

Your first chance to dip below the waves will be an island called Nusa Laut, referred to locally as “The Golden Island” due to the plentiful supply of cloves on the island. The dive sites here are protected by the local villages and are usually blessed with good visibility, which is perfect to take in the sloping reef and the jaw dropping array of hard corrals that cover it. Marvel at the plate, fan and giant sponge corals and the reefs inhabitants that play amongst them. With a bit of luck, witness the tornado of big eye trevally and search the sand flats for critters nestled at the base of the reef. Rinse off the salt back on board and enjoy a delicious dinner amongst the ocean breeze as your first day comes to a close.

Day 2 – Suanggi Island/ Run Island
Pulau Suanggi translates to “Evil Spirit Island”, the reason for naming it so is lost to history, but some believe it is where the Dutch made prisoners “walk the plank”, and those souls now haunt the island. The reality today couldn’t be farther from the name. Waking here to the literally thousands of sea birds that cover the island is a treat unto itself, but to dive the surrounding sites is the true attraction. The island has a range of options from a sandy slope, dotted with coral bommies, to steep coral covered walls that disappear into the blue despite the usually impressive visibility of the site. Dive into the depths of plate coral fields and with a bit of luck you can witness potentially hundreds of schooling hammer heads.

Across lunch the boat will move to Pulau Run. Such was the value of nutmeg in the 1600’s that the Dutch actually traded Pulau Run for present day Manhattan, New York! Expect steep walls, fringed by coral plateaus. Gregorians, barrel sponges and whip corals cling to the reef and hang into the blue. Schools of butterfly, banner and parrot fish swim up and down the wall and a good guide will keep one eye on the wall and one eye in the blue, always hoping for a chance encounter with Mobula Rays, Manta or Hammer Heads.

Day 3 – Banda Neira
Awake in what is possibly one of the most beautiful natural anchorages and at one point in time represented the centre of global trade. Dive the iconic site “Lava Flow”, nestled at the base of Gunung Api, with the flow of cooled lava clearly visible from a past eruption. The site was considered destroyed but earned the curiosity of marine biologist due to its recovery and is now recorded as the fastest growing reef on the planet. Take a tour around the local town and learn about why this location holds such a prominent place in history, visiting the museum, the Muhammed Hatta House, nutmeg plantations, and the historic Fort Belgica.

In the afternoon take a dusk dive in front of the Colonial Maulana hotel. This site is a great opportunity to go searching for the illusive Mandarin Fish, a favourite of photographers if you’re quick enough t snap the multi coloured beauty as it darts in and out of the corals. You can also hope for a range of shrimp, nudies and eels. Return to the comfort of the boat after your day’s adventures for a relaxing meal in calm waters amongst the sounds of this historic area.

Day 4 – Banda Neira / Banana Island
Awake in Banda Neira for another cultural experience, yet slightly different. The traditional “Kora-Kora” war boats that welcomed the Portuguese five hundred years ago are still in use today, although now they’re used as a competitive sport with each island having individual teams. Witness them in action and marvel at their unity and speed as they escort you towards Pulau Pisang, chanting in their traditional dialect.

Currents play between the submerged pinnacles and the schools of fish play in the currents. Swimming from pinnacle to pinnacle, surrounded by the schools, you can appreciate why the area has developed such a reputation for biodiversity and biomass. The pinnacles themselves are blanketed in hard and soft corals, making the perfect colourful back drop for the fish life on the site, while your guide checks the reef cracks for the intriguing honeycomb moray.

Day 5 – Koon Island
Koon Island is located on the Eastern point of Maluku and offers the perfect location to relax after your overnight journey form The Spice Islands. The area has a range of sea mounds, ridges and sloping reefs that host an array of reef life, including great barracuda resting in the shallows to potential pelagics such as manta passing in the depths.

This is the geographical midpoint of your trip and besides the diving, offers amazing beaches to relax the afternoon away before the overnight journey to South Raja Ampat. The crew of Majik will setup a nice location for the day’s relaxation. Kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling equipment and a chiller full of cold drinks will all be on standby ready for you to request when the inclination strikes. Alternatively, take a tender to explore the surrounding islands and simply enjoy the lush green vegetation. In the afternoon the boat will depart, so relax on a sunbed and enjoy the breeze as you sail towards sunset before enjoying the lovely food the chef has prepared for dinner.

Day 6 – Boo Island
Awake in Pulau Boo, a long slender island and every length of it has something to see. Off the eastern most tip, resting below the surface of the water lies a site known by several names. English speakers call it “Magic Mountain” but in the local tongue it has a more poetic name, “Karrang Bayangan”. This translates to “Shadow Reef” and is called so for the reef and oceanic manta that frequent the site and cast their enormous shadows over the top of the reef. With visiting manta or not, the site has a wealth of marine life and regardless of what you call it, it’s always an amazing dive.

Boo Window is called so for the semi submerged window between the two sides of the island. From a steep wall that transitions into a sloping ridge, enjoy gently drifting with the current past enormous fan corals and barrel sponges with reef sharks playing in the depths. Swim through schools of snapper and search for pygmy seahorses if the current permits. With several other sites in the area Pulau Boo never fails to provide at least one memory to cherish.

Day 7 – Fiabacet
Continuing west along this chain of Islands brings you to Fiabacet, and with too many sites to name in the area, a few stand out among the rest. “Whale Rock”, “Tank Rock”, and “Nudi Rock” are all named for their physical appearance above the water and the resemblance to their name’s sake is quite uncanny. Despite the novelty of their names, the sites themselves are quite wonderous and truly make you appreciate the breadth of biodiversity available in Raja Ampat. It’s ambiguous to say that you can expect to see a little bit of everything, but it’s difficult to suggest what you might see, as seemingly everything likes to visit these sites.

So, get pushed along by the current at whale rock and enjoy the sloping site before finishing in the shallows of the whale tail surrounded by schooling reef fish. Or dive under nudi rock to admire the unique topography with a mix of ridges, plateaus, and small pinnacles, all with healthy coral and abundant amounts of fish. Or drop in beside tank rock, hiding behind the reef with the currents breaking at the edges. Watch the fish dance against the currents and hope for some grey reef sharks looking for a meal. Round it all off with a sunbed and a coconut before a hearty meal and a comfortable bed.

Day 8 – Waiyil
Today’s location has amazing options both above and below the water. Below the water, you have sites on offer such as “Barracuda Rock”, “Birthday Cake”, or “Neptune Fan Sea”. Each site is unique unto itself, for example Barracuda rock is a round site that slopes into the depths with a ridge extended off the southern side. Drop onto the ridge to swim through the school of yellow snapper before being pushed around the sites depths to marvel at fan and whip corals hanging from the wall. Finish in the hard and soft corals of the shallows and look for grazing turtles and dancing butterfly fish.

Above the water you have the areas iconic “Love Lagoon”, take the short walk up the wooden steps to admire the Love Heart shaped lagoon and the surrounding scenery. Alternatively, there is the beautiful geography of a small island grouping. Take a kayak or paddle board and gently float across shallow coral reefs with towering peaks either side. This area is rarely visited, so feel free to take one of the available beaches and relax in peace and privacy. Paddle back to the boat when you’re ready or have the tender pick you up if you’re tired from the day.

Day 9 – Piaynemo
Awake in Piaynemo among some of the richest marine sites in the central area. The sites were pioneered and named by Max Ammer and there are several on offer. From the enormous “Melissa’s Garden” which regardless of conditions never fails to illicit a “wow” reaction due to its healthy variety of corals and huge selection of schooling residents, to “My Reef”, an entirely submerged site with strong currents and everything that currents entail. Hope for whitetips and trevally hunting in the blue to wobbegong sharks resting on the plateau.

In the late afternoon, venture behind the mountainside veil into the iconic cone shaped landscape that has become synonymous with Raja Ampat. Take the short walk to a raised viewing platform to take in the scenery in its entirety. Descend in the fading light and be welcome back on board with a refreshing beverage and the smell of dinner to come.

Day 10 – Mansuar Island
For the mornings dive, the calm waters of “Suawandarek” offer truly jaw-dropping biomass. Enter at the villages small jetty, usually accompanied by local children playing, laughing and jumping into the ocean. On descent you can expect large schools of fish such as batfish, snapper, and unicorns in the shallows around the jetty. Continue deeper for the opportunity to see some elderly green turtles amongst lush coral gardens before circling back to drift along a sloping reef, always with an eye on the blue as manta are not uncommon in the area.

Following a delicious lunch to recover some calories, enjoy a dive at the World famous “Cape Kri”. The site was made famous by Dr. Gerald Allen and in his words, “I went back about two years ago and couldn’t believe the positive changes on the site. Most impressionable to me was the fact that the fish had become accustomed to divers. I didn’t even have to look for fish. They found me! The survey was the highest species count I’ve ever tallied on one dive, 374 distinct species in 90 minutes!”

Day 11 – Mioskon / Kali Biru
This morning is the bittersweet opportunity to dive an amazing site, but likely the last of the trip. “Blue Magic”, a sea mound with a submerged plateau at roughly 6m. This site well deserves the name and is home to a tornado of big eyed trevally, although sometimes you might want them to move aside so you can have a better view of the visiting Oceanic manta. Following the activity, the boat will open sails towards one of Raja Ampats hidden gems, Kali Biru. This translates to Blue River, and after a short tender ride you can enjoy swimming and jumping in the clear blue waters of this enchanting location.

For the remainder of the day the crew will prepare a relaxing site on the beach. Swim, kayak or paddle board before taking a cocktail in hand with a view of Majik back dropped by the setting sun, and the smell of a BBQ meal filling the air. Swap tales into the night and share your favorite memories from the hundreds of miles of open ocean you just experienced before turning into bed for your final nights sleep.

Day 12 – Matan / Sorong
Wake up for your final delicious breakfast on board and if your flight time allows, feel free to swim, kayak or paddle board on the nearby island of Matan, before you open sails and hoist anchor towards Sorong Harbour.

For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change.

Sorong - Ambon 12D-11N

Day 1 – Saonek Kecil
Several of our crew will be on site to greet you at the arrivals gate, where they will help you to the pre arranged taxis for the short ride to the harbour to board tenders to the lead vessel. You will be welcomed on board Majik by her crew, offering a cold towel and seasonal beverage. The Cruise Director will give an introduction, a safety briefing, a small tour of the vessel and assist with cabin allocation while the vessel departs. The journey to your first destination represents a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the boat layout and enjoy your first taste of the chefs’ talents.

Following lunch, the vessel will be close to arriving at your first destination. Pulau Saonek Kecil sits at the entrance to the park and is a great introduction to the potential marine life and scenic encounters you can expect for the rest of your journey. The mild conditions of the site offer a perfect opportunity for a check-dive to acquaint yourself with the boat’s equipment and water conditions in Raja Ampat. Rinse off the salt back on board and enjoy a delicious dinner amongst the ocean breeze as your first day comes to a close.

Day 2 – Mioskon / Cape Kri
Awake in the morning with an enticing day of underwater site locations on the agenda. Following breakfast jump into “Blue Magic”, a sea mound with a submerged plateau at roughly 6m. This site well deserves the name and is home to a tornado of big-eyed trevally, although sometimes you might want them to move aside so you can have a better view of the visiting Oceanic manta. “Mioskon Reef” is also in the area and on a falling tide the current splits on the northern point with various fish species playing in the currents. Don’t be surprised if your guide spends a bit of time checking beneath the plate corals as this might be your first chance to encounter the Wobbegong shark.

After lunch enjoy the sloping ridges of “Batu Rufus” and the schools of yellow snapper that play at their furthest points. Expect hawksbill turtles grazing in the shallows and an inviting swim through that opens into your own private shallows full of colourful soft sponge corals for your safety stop. In the late afternoon, venture behind the mountainside veil into the iconic cone shaped landscape that has become synonymous with Raja Ampat. Take the short walk to a raised viewing platform to take in the scenery in its entirety. Descend in the fading light and be welcome back on board with a refreshing beverage and the smell of dinner to come.

Day 4 – Boo Island
Awake after the overnight journey to Pulau Boo, a long slender island, and every length of it has something to see. Off the eastern most tip, resting below the surface of the water lies a site known by several names. English speakers call it “Magic Mountain” but in the local tongue it has a more poetic name, “Karrang Bayangan”. This translates to “Shadow Reef” and is called so for the reef and oceanic manta that frequent the site and cast their enormous shadows over the top of the reef. With visiting manta or not, the site has a wealth of marine life and regardless of what you call it, it’s always an amazing dive.

“Boo Window” is called so for the semi submerged window between the two sides of the island. From a steep wall that transitions into a sloping ridge, enjoy gently drifting with the current past enormous fan corals and barrel sponges with reef sharks playing in the depths. Swim through schools of snapper and search for pygmy seahorses if the current permits. With several other sites in the area Pulau Boo neve fails to provide at least one memory to cherish.

Day 5 – Fiabacet
Continuing west along this chain of Islands brings you to Fiabacet, and with too many sites to name in the area, a few stand out among the rest. “Whale Rock”, “Tank Rock”, and “Nudi Rock” are all named for their physical appearance above the water and the resemblance to their name’s sake is quite uncanny. Despite the novelty of their names, the sites themselves are quite wonderous and truly make you appreciate the breadth of biodiversity available in Raja Ampat. It’s ambiguous to say that you can expect to see a little bit of everything, but it’s difficult to suggest what you might see, as seemingly everything likes to visit these sites.

Day 6 – Waiyil
Today’s location has amazing options both above and below the water. Below the water, you have sites on offer such as “Barracuda Rock”, “Birthday Cake”, or “Neptune Fan Sea”. Each site is unique unto itself, for example Barracuda rock is a round site that slopes into the depths with a ridge extended off the southern side. Drop onto the ridge to swim through the school of yellow snapper before being pushed around the sites depths to marvel at fan and whip corals hanging from the wall. Finish in the hard and soft corals of the shallows and look for grazing turtles and dancing butterfly fish.

Day 7 – Koon Island
Koon Island is located on the Eastern point of Maluku and offers the perfect location to relax after your overnight journey form Raja Ampat. The area has a range of sea mounds, ridges and sloping reefs that host an array of reef life, including great barracuda resting in the shallows to potential pelagics such as manta passing in the depths. This is the geographical midpoint of your trip and besides the diving, offers amazing beaches to relax the afternoon away before the overnight journey to The Spice Islands.

The crew of Majik will setup a nice location for the day’s relaxation. Kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment and a chiller full of cold drinks will all be on standby ready for you to request when the inclination strikes. Alternatively, take a tender to explore the surrounding islands and simply enjoy the lush green vegetation. In the afternoon the boat will depart, so relax on a sunbed and enjoy the breeze as you sail towards sunset before enjoying the lovely food the chef has prepared for dinner.

Day 8 – Banda Neira
Awake in what is possibly one of the most beautiful natural anchorages and at one point in time represented the centre of global trade. Dive the iconic site “Lava Flow”, nestled at the base of Gunung Api, with the flow of cooled lava clearly visible from a past eruption. The site was considered destroyed but earned the curiosity of marine biologist due to its recovery and is now recorded as the fastest growing reef on the planet. Take a tour around the local town and learn about why this location holds such a prominent place in history, visiting the museum, the Muhammed Hatta House, nutmeg plantations, and the historic Fort Belgica.

In the afternoon take a dusk dive in front of the Colonial Maulana hotel. This site is a great opportunity to go searching for the illusive Mandarin Fish, a favourite of photographers if you’re quick enough to snap the multi coloured beauty as it darts in and out of the corals. You can also hope for a range of shrimp, nudies and eels. Return to the comfort of the boat after your day’s adventures for a relaxing meal in calm waters amongst the sounds of this historic area.

Day 9 – Banda Neira / Banana Island
Awake in Banda Neira for another cultural experience, yet slightly different. The traditional “Kora-Kora” war boats that welcomed the Portuguese five hundred years ago are still in use today, although now they’re used as a competitive sport with each island having individual teams. Witness them in action and marvel at their unity and speed as they escort you towards Pulau Pisang, chanting in their traditional dialect.

Day 10 – Run Island / Suanggi Island
In the early morning the boat will move to Pulau Run. Such was the value of nutmeg in the 1600’s that the Dutch actually traded Pulau Run for present day Manhattan, New York! Expect steep walls, fringed by coral plateaus. Gregorians, barrel sponges and whip corals cling to the reef and hang into the blue. Schools of butterfly, banner and parrot fish swim up and down the wall and a good guide will keep one eye on the wall and one eye in the blue, always hoping for a chance encounter with Mobula Rays, Manta or Hammer Heads.

Suanggi Island translates to “Evil Spirit Island”, the reason for naming it so is lost to history, but some believe it is where the Dutch made prisoners “walk the plank”, and those souls now haunt the island. The reality today couldn’t be farther from the name. The literally thousands of sea birds that cover the island is a treat unto itself, but to dive the surrounding sites is the true attraction. The island has a range of options from a sandy slope, dotted with coral bommies, to steep coral covered walls that disappear into the blue despite the usually impressive visibility of the site. Dive into the depths of plate coral fields and with a bit of luck you can witness potentially hundreds of schooling hammer head sharks.

Enjoy the afternoon from Molana beach, with a view of Majik back dropped by the setting sun, cocktail in hand and the smell of a BBQ meal filling the air. Swap tales into the night and share your favorite memories from the literal hundreds of miles of open ocean you just experienced before turning into bed for your final nights sleep.

For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change.

Raja Ampat Central - North 8D-7N

Day 2 – Mioskon / Cape Kri
Awake in the morning with an enticing day of underwater site locations on the agenda. Following breakfast jump into “Blue Magic”, a sea mound with a submerged plateau at roughly 6m. This site well deserves the name and is home to a tornado of big eyed trevally, although sometimes you might want them to move aside so you can have a better view of the visiting Oceanic manta. “Mioskon Reef” is also in the area and on a falling tide the current splits on the northern point with various fish species playing in the currents. Don’t be surprised if your guide spends a bit of time checking beneath the plate corals as this might be your first chance to encounter the Wobbegong shark.

Day 3 – Piaynemo
Awake in Piaynemo among some of the richest marine sites in the central area. The sites were pioneered and named by Max Ammer and there are several on offer. From the enormous “Melissa’s Garden” which regardless of conditions never fails to illicit a “wow” reaction due to its healthy variety of corals and huge selection of schooling residents, to “My Reef”, an entirely submerged site with strong currents and everything that currents entail. Hope for whitetips and trevally hunting in the blue to wobbegong sharks resting on the plateau.
After lunch enjoy the sloping ridges of “Batu Rufus” and the schools of yellow snapper that play at their furthest points. Expect hawksbill turtles grazing in the shallows and an inviting swim through that opens into your own private shallows full of colourful soft sponge corals for your safety stop.

Day 4 – Wayag
Piaynemo was a prelude to the beauty that awaits in Wayag. Needing the early morning light to navigate into the destination, you will travel through the night, crossing the equator to awake at sunrise in a true paradise. Before the temperatures climb to high, you will climb a difficult but relative short summit to enjoy a truly epic 360-degree view of Wayag in all its glory. After the descent enjoy a refreshing swim on the scenic white sand beach before taking a tender tour through this truly amazing landscape to arrive at a snorkelling site with a small surprise in hand.

Following lunch the options abound, kayak or paddle board to any number of available beaches, simply swim or relax on the beach or if the desire takes you go for another dive. Due to the geography of the area the diving is slightly different to what you’ve experienced thus far. All the bays and inlets create an ideal nursery for juvenile marine life, so “Far Away Rock”, “Figure 8” and “Wayag corner” all have something to offer, and manta are no stranger to the area, perhaps even a manta pup.

Day 5 – Kawe / Wofoh
Following your early morning departure from Wayag you will arrive at Kawe. Today your activities are only a few degree points off the equator and while they’re a geographical novelty, underwater is any thing but novel. “Black Rock” and “Eagle Rock” between them offer a variety of topography, from sloping soft coral reefs to tapering pinnacles. Napoleon wrasse, bump head parrot fish and schooling reef manta are frequent visitors to the sites and checking the sand flats can reveal large numbers of blue spotted sting rays, garden eels and the chance for nudis and other macro.

Across lunch the boat will transit to Wofoh, two isolated islands with inviting beaches backed by palm trees. The site “Black Forrest” offers amazing snorkelling in the shallows, or drop down deeper on the ridge for a chance to witness the black coral, where the site draws it’s name from. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon paddle boarding or kayaking to the available beaches in the usually calm waters of the area, or prepare for a night dive with amazing potential for critters. Alternatively, simply flick through the days diving photos with a cocktail in hand and sunset on the horizon.

Day 6 – Yangeffo / Arborek
Circling back to the centre of the park the boat will anchor in Yangeffo. The sites in this area include “Citrus Ridge”, “Mayhem” and “Pretty Shallow”. The sites are well named, and you can expect citrus coloured soft coral ridges, underwater sea mounds with the potential for strong currents and the fish that come with them, or relaxed shallows with colourful corals and marine life. Schooling barracuda are often in the area, mobula rays cans be seen in the blue, wobbegong sharks can be found with a keen eye, or if time permits search the fan corals for the fabled pygmy sea horses.

During lunch the boat will move to the small island of Arborek where you will have the opportunity to dive or snorkel with manta. The population is protected here by local rangers and while it is of course not guaranteed it represents a great opportunity to see both oceanic and reef manta. In the afternoon take a relaxing stroll around the small island village for a cultural change before preparing for what is potentially an amazing night dive to see the giant clams and a chance to see the Epaulette Shark, also known as the walking shark.

Day 7 – Sauwandarek / Kali Biru / Mioskon
This morning is the bittersweet opportunity to dive an amazing site, but likely the last of the trip. The calm waters of Suawandarek offer truly jaw-dropping biomass. Expect large schools of fish and the opportunity to see some elderly green turtles amongst lush coral gardens and a sloping reef. Following the activity the boat will open sails towards one of Raja Ampats hidden gems, Kali Biru. This translates to Blue River, and following a short tender ride enjoy swimming and jumping in the clear blue waters of this enchanting location.

For the remainder of the day the crew will prepare a relaxing site on the beach. Swim, kayak or paddle board before taking a cocktail in hand with a view of Majik back dropped by the setting sun, and the smell of a BBQ meal filling the air. Swap tales into the night and share your favourite memories from the hundreds of miles of open ocean you just experienced before turning into bed for your final nights sleep.

Day 8 – Matan / Sorong
Wake up for your final delicious breakfast on board and if your flight time allows, feel free to swim, kayak or paddle board on the nearby island of Matan, before you open sails and hoist anchor towards Sorong Harbour.

For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change

Raja Ampat Central - South 9D-8N

Day 2 – Mioskon / Cape Kri
Awake in the morning with an enticing day of underwater site locations on the agenda. Following breakfast jump into “Blue Magic”, a sea mound with a submerged plateau at roughly 6m. This site well deserves the name and is home to a tornado of big eyed trevally, although sometimes you might want them to move aside so you can have a better view of the visiting Oceanic manta. “Mioskon Reef” is also in the area and on a falling tide the current splits on the northern point with various fish species playing in the currents. Don’t be surprised if your guide spends a bit of time checking beneath the plate corals as this might be your first chance to encounter the Wobbegong shark.

Day 4 – Daram / Yillet
After the nights journey, awake to the beautiful scenery of Daram. The area is an added extension of the original marine reserve and is relatively unvisited and currently has
no permanent inhabitants. Some of the highlight sites here include, “Candy Store”, “Andiamo”, and “Warna Berwana”. The size of the sea fans and table corals on the sites are testament to the area’s health, and the way the schools of yellow snapper and barracuda scatter as you approach is testament to how these sites are rarely frequented.

In the afternoon the boat will transition to Yillet, with the sites “Romeo” and “Juliette” on offer for diving or snorkelling. Dive one in the afternoon and leave the other for what can truly be an amazing night dive. Enter the water at dusk to be met with a world of critters that nestle against the soft corals anchored in shapes carved out by the moving waters over time. There is even a chance t see the Epaulette Shark, also known as the walking shark. Warm up back on the boat with a warm towel and share stories of the critters encountered over dinner.

Day 5 – Boo Island
Pulau Boo is a long slender island and every length of it has something to see. Off the eastern most tip, resting below the surface of the water lies a site known by several names. English speakers call it Magic Mountain but in the local tongue it has a more poetic name, Karrang Bayangan. This translates to “shadow reef” and is called so for the reef and oceanic manta that frequent the site and cast their enormous shadows over the top of the reef. With visiting manta or not, the site has a wealth of marine life and regardless of what you call it, it’s always an amazing dive.

Boo Window is called so for the semi submerged window between the two sides of the island. From a steep wall that transitions into asloping ridge, enjoy gently drifting with the current past enormous fan corals and barrel sponges with reef sharks playing in the depths. Swim through schools of snapper and search for pygmy seahorses if the current permits. With several other sites in the area Pulau Boo never fails to provide at least one memory to cherish.

Day 6 – Fiabacet
Continuing west along this chain of Islands brings you to Fiabacet, and with too many sites to name in the area, a few stand out among the rest. “Whale Rock”, “Tank Rock”, and “Nudi Rock” are all named for their physical appearance above the water and the resemblance to their name sake is quite uncanny. Despite the novelty of their names, the sites themselves are quite wonderous and truly make you appreciate the breadth of bio diversity available in Raja Ampat. It’s ambiguous to say that you can expect to see a little bit of everything, but it’s difficult to suggest what you might see, as seemingly everything likes to visit these sites.

So, get pushed along by the current at whale rock and enjoy the sloping site before finishing in the shallows of the whale tail surrounded by schooling reef fish. Or dive under nudi rock to admire the unique topography which is a mix of ridges, plateaus, and small pinnacles, all with healthy coral and abundant amounts of fish. Or drop in beside tank rock, hiding behind the reef with the currents breaking at the edges. Watch the fish dance against the currents and hope for some grey reef sharks looking for a meal. Round it all off with a sunbed and a coconut before, a hearty meal and a comfortable bed.

Day 7 – Waiyil
Todays location has amazing options both above and below the water. Below the water, you have sites on offer such as “Barracuda Rock”, “Birthday Cake”, or “Neptune Fan Sea”. Each site is unique unto itself, for example Barracuda rock is a round site that slopes into the depths with a ridge extended off the southern side. Drop onto the ridge to swim through the school of yellow snapper before being pushed around the sites depths to marvel at fan and whip corals hanging from the wall. Then finish in the hard and soft corals of the shallows and look for grazing turtles and dancing butterfly fish.

Above the water you have the areas iconic “Love Lagoon”, take the short walk up the wooden steps to admire the Love Heart shaped lagoon and the surrounding scenery. Alternatively there is the beautiful geography of a small island grouping. Take a kayak or paddle board and gently float across shallow coral reefs with towering peaks either side. This area is rarely visited, so feel free to take one of the available beaches and relax in peace and privacy. Paddle back to the boat when you’re ready or have the tender pick you up if you’re tired from the day.

Day 8 – Tomolol
For your final full day aboard, there are a range of non diving activities available to account for the required decompression time. In the morning you can visit Goa Karamat, a flooded cave with an intriguing aesthetic. Swim under the stalactites into the fading light at the back of the cave, and for the more adventurous, climb through the opening at the rear to emerge in a hidden tropical swimming hole. On your return to the boat pass by the historic cave paintings, theorised to have been done by the now Australian Aboriginals, created when the landmasses were still connected before they migrated further south to Australia.

For the afternoon take the difficult trek to one of the available Jelly Fish lakes. When conditions are right, these fresh water basins can house literally thousands of stingless jelly fish that are a unique natural curiosity for anyone. In the evening enjoy some time on the beach with a view of Majik back dropped by the setting sun, cocktail in hand and the smell of a BBQ meal filling the air. Swap tales into the night and share your favourite memories from the literal hundreds of miles of open ocean you just experienced before turning into bed for your final night’s sleep.

Day 9 – Matan / Sorong
Wake up for your final delicious breakfast on board and if your flight time allows, feel free to swim, kayak or paddle board on the nearby island of Matan, before you open sails and hoist anchor towards Sorong Harbour.

For your disembarkation the crew will collect your luggage from your rooms and following hugs and goodbyes will escort you to the waiting taxis for your journey to the airport.

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change

Raja Ampat North, Central & South 11D-10N

Day 1 – Welcome To Raja Ampat
You will be picked up from your hotel or Sorong airport and driven a short distance to Sorong port. Settle into your traditional Phinisi boat which will be your home for the next few days. We will head to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat, for the usual formalities. During these few hours of sailing you can relax, prepare your diving equipment and enjoy a good meal on board.

Depending on the weather conditions the cruise may start from the north or south. In this sample itinerary we will head south first. Enjoy an evening drink while watching the ballet of fruit bats as they fly away to feed at sunset.

Day 2 – North Batanta
North Batanta offers shining waters and dozens of islets and sand banks where it is easy to find manta rays or even witness history in the form of a well-barnacled World War II Japanese aircraft.

On land, take a short walk to a beautiful and refreshing waterfall. Finish your day relaxing and dreaming on the sun deck as you continue sailing south to Misool Island.

Day 3 – South East Misool
Swim round the famous dive sites of Boo Window and Magic Mountain, with some of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in the world, a true story of successful conservation, thanks to the talented and friendly local park rangers who are happy to meet you on the white sandy beaches of Yillet Island.

South East Misool is one of these extremely rare places where dreams and reality merge, with scenery as lush and dramatic above the water as below.

Day 4 – Wayil Area
Feel the love around you after climbing to get a bird’s eye view of the famous heart-shaped blue lagoon encircled by the vibrant coral reefs.

Or take a speed boat tour or your kayak to get lost in the maze of rocks and channels of Wayil Islands.

Here lie some of the most iconic and lush dive sites of Raja Ampat: Wedding Cake, Four Kings or Neptune’s Fantasea. End your day with your flashlight on to explore the dark side of the reef: night dive!.

Day 5 – Balbulol & Farondi
Misool North Eastern line of islands is a natural labyrinth made of cone- shaped rocks, sheer cliffs and hidden pools. At the right time of year, some of the inner lagoons play host to thousands of stingless jellyfish, offering fantastic photo opportunities for undersea photo lovers.

Explore the above and underwater caves of the area where nudibranchs, rare mollusks and crustaceans crawl on the rich soft coral cover.

Day 6 – Piaynemo
At this Western tip of Central Raja Ampat, discover Keruo Channel and Melissa’s Garden, where you can observe the most impressive shallow coral gardens on the planet.

In between dives, you can also enjoy surface activities like kayaking, or walk up to the top of the hill above the Star Lagoon and look down on its hundreds of limestone rocks. Some hidden rock-pools are just waiting for you to float in them – sheer heaven!.

Day 7 – Kawe & Aljuy Bay
South Kawe is one of Raja Ampat’s greatest treasures. Here, you will probably see manta rays grooming in one of their many cleaning stations or feeding on the surface of the channel between the two Eagle Rocks.

There is also the opportunity to visit Alyui Bay where you can learn everything about pearl farming, from seeding to harvest. The Aljuy Bay waters are also perfect for seeing rare sea creatures and wonderfully rich night dives.

Day 8 – Wayag Island
On the way to the Wayag Islands, we cross the Equator to the Northern hemisphere to reach the last paradise on earth, a large bay with hundreds of mushroom-like islets, white sandy beaches, black tip reef sharks and manta rays cruising in the turquoise-blue water.

Spend a day gliding through this piece of heaven or climb the rocky Mount Pindito for an unforgettable view. Dive or swim around pelagic fish and the Figure 8 Rock and enjoy special moments on the perfect beach.

Day 9 – Yanggefo
Continue your adventure with a day at Yanggefo and take the kayak out to the Mangroves for a change of scenery. The contrast of the lush green mangrove forest and the clear waters is breathtaking. This area is home to as many birds as fish.

Colorful coral grows within the roots of the trees making snorkeling and diving in Citrus and Mangrove Ridge a unique experience.

Day 10 – The Dampier Strait
Visit Airborek or Sawandarek Jetty and experience some world-class diving, probably watched by some of the local children!

Then cruise on to more fish- rich waters like Sardine Reef or Cape Kri and enjoy a fantastic night dive at Batu Lima where you are likely to spot the elusive walking shark!

Day 11 – Sorong & Farewells
After your last delicious breakfast and bidding farewells, our crew will arrange your transfer to your hotel or airport and your return trip back home, your head filled with unforgettable memories of the trip of a lifetime

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change.

Raja Ampat North, Central & South 12D-11N

On land, take a short walk to a beautiful and refreshing waterfall.

Finish your day relaxing and dreaming on the sun deck as you continue sailing south to Misool Island.

Day 3 – Daram Island
The Daram Islands are the easternmost island group in the Misool area. Thanks to a strict no-fishing policy, you will be able to see some
of the most impressive sea fan forests and soft corals known to the world.

With easy snorkeling and diving, sites such as Andiamo or Candy Store are truly psychedelic underwater wonderlands where barracudas gliding above the pygmy seahorses are a common sight.

Day 4 – South East Misool
Swim round the famous dive sites of Boo Window and Magic Mountain, with some of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in the world, a true story of successful conservation, thanks to the talented and friendly local park rangers who are happy to meet you on the white sandy beaches of Yillet Island.

South East Misool is one of these extremely rare places where dreams and reality merge, with scenery as lush and dramatic above the water as below.

Day 5 – Wayil Area
Feel the love around you after climbing to get a bird’s eye view of the famous heart-shaped blue lagoon encircled by the vibrant coral reefs.

Or take a speed boat tour or your kayak to get lost in the maze of rocks and channels of Wayil Islands.

Day 6 – Balbulol & Farondi
Misool North Eastern line of islands is a natural labyrinth made of cone- shaped rocks, sheer cliffs and hidden pools. At the right time of year, some of the inner lagoons play host to thousands of stingless jellyfish, offering fantastic photo opportunities for undersea photo lovers.

Explore the above and underwater caves of the area where nudibranchs, rare mollusks and crustaceans crawl on the rich soft coral cover.

Day 7 – Piaynemo
At this Western tip of Central Raja Ampat, discover Keruo Channel and Melissa’s Garden, where you can observe the most impressive shallow coral gardens on the planet.

Day 8 – Kawe & Aljuy Bay
South Kawe is one of Raja Ampat’s greatest treasures. Here, you will probably see manta rays grooming in one of their many cleaning stations or feeding on the surface of the channel between the two Eagle Rocks.

Day 9 – Wayag Island
On the way to the Wayag Islands, we cross the Equator to the Northern hemisphere to reach the last paradise on earth, a large bay with hundreds of mushroom-like islets, white sandy beaches, black tip reef sharks and manta rays cruising in the turquoise-blue water.

Day 10 – Yanggefo
Continue your adventure with a day at Yanggefo and take the kayak out to the Mangroves for a change of scenery. The contrast of the lush green mangrove forest and the clear waters is breathtaking. This area is home to as many birds as fish.

Colorful coral grows within the roots of the trees making snorkeling and diving in Citrus and Mangrove Ridge a unique experience.

Day 11 – The Dampier Strait
Visit Airborek or Sawandarek Jetty and experience some world-class diving, probably watched by some of the local children!

Then cruise on to more fish- rich waters like Sardine Reef or Cape Kri and enjoy a fantastic night dive at Batu Lima where you are likely to spot the elusive walking shark!.

Day 12 – Sorong & Farewells
After your last delicious breakfast and bidding farewells, our crew will arrange your transfer to your hotel or airport and your return trip back home, your head filled with unforgettable memories of the trip of a lifetime.

*Please note this itinerary is only a sample and is subject to change.

Raja Ampat North, Central & South 13D-12N