Tour Overview
| Duration | 7 Days / 6 Nights |
|---|---|
| Country | Indonesia — Raja Ampat, Waigeo Island |
| Price From | $3,200 per person (twin share cabin) |
| Vessel | Premium liveaboard — en-suite cabins |
| Tour Style | Luxury Expedition / Diving & Wildlife |
| Data Source | Papua Bird of Paradise (Juara Holding Group) — 2026 |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Embarkation — Sorong to Waigeo
Arrive at Domine Eduard Osok Airport, Sorong. Transfer to your premium liveaboard vessel — a traditional Phinisi schooner with air-conditioned en-suite cabins. Welcome briefing over fresh coconut water as we cruise toward Waigeo Island, the largest of the Four Kings. Evening orientation on Bird of Paradise biology, behavior, and photography techniques with your specialist ornithologist guide. Overnight at anchor near Waigeo.
Day 2: Wilson’s Bird of Paradise — The Crown Jewel
Pre-dawn departure by tender to Waigeo Island’s interior forest. Trek to a carefully managed display site where the male Wilson’s Bird of Paradise performs his courtship ritual — a turquoise crown, crimson back, and spiral tail feathers, dancing on a meticulously cleaned forest floor “stage.” This is widely considered the most beautiful bird on Earth. After breakfast, 2 morning dives at Cape Kri. Afternoon: trek for the Red Bird of Paradise display. Overnight on board.
Day 3: Dampier Strait — World’s Richest Reefs
Three dives in the Dampier Strait: Manta Sandy (cleaning station with up to 20 mantas circling simultaneously), Blue Magic (pelagic action — barracuda, jacks, sharks), and Sardine Reef (the famous massive bait ball). Between dives, your photography guide reviews images and offers tips. Sunset cruise with cocktails on deck. Overnight at anchor.
Day 4: Hidden Bays & Mangrove Diving
Two unique dives: a mangrove dive at Yangeffo — one of the world’s only soft coral mangrove ecosystems, home to juvenile fish, archerfish, and epaulette sharks that “walk” on the seabed. Second dive at a secret reef known for wobbegong sharks and pygmy seahorses. Afternoon visit to a Papuan village for a traditional welcome ceremony. Overnight on board.
Day 5: Batanta — King Bird of Paradise
Dawn trek on Batanta Island for the King Bird of Paradise — the smallest species, with brilliant crimson plumage and two emerald-green tail discs. Two morning dives at Batanta’s pristine reefs. Afternoon: island exploration, waterfall trek. Night dive option for Mandarin fish and bioluminescence. Overnight on board.
Day 6: Fam Islands & Final Birding
Morning climb to Piaynemo viewpoint. One dive at Melissa’s Garden — arguably Raja Ampat’s most beautiful coral garden. Afternoon: final Bird of Paradise session targeting any species not yet photographed. Farewell dinner on a deserted beach with tiki torches, fresh seafood, and live acoustic music. Overnight on board.
Day 7: Disembarkation
Final sunrise on deck as we cruise back to Sorong. Breakfast on board. Transfer to airport for departure flights.
Inclusions
- 6 nights premium liveaboard (private en-suite cabin)
- Full board — all meals from embarkation to disembarkation
- Up to 12 dives (tanks & weights included)
- Specialist ornithologist guide on all forest excursions
- Underwater photography guide & image review sessions
- Raja Ampat Marine Park + terrestrial entry permits
- Airport transfers Sorong
- 24-hour expedition support (satellite comms, medical kit)
Exclusions
- International/domestic flights to Sorong (assistance provided)
- Travel insurance — mandatory
- Dive equipment rental (BCD, regulator, wetsuit — available on request)
- Alcoholic beverages
- PADI courses (can be arranged)
