Jakare offers three types of itineraries in Raja Ampat:
• Central and Raja Ampat North
• Central Raja Ampat and Misool (South)
• Occasionally, during longer cruises like the Christmas and New Year cruise, we offer the complete Grand Raja itinerary. This full itinerary is only possible when the weather allows, as it requires long crossings to cover the entire area.
The protected Raja Ampat Park is an enormous expanse of 36,660 km² located northwest of Papua Island. Comparable in size to Switzerland or the Netherlands, the entire region can only be explored via liveaboard. Vacations in homestays or resorts provide access to only a small portion of Raja Ampat.
From a geological perspective, Raja Ampat lies between two tectonic plates. It is a subduction zone where the Austral-Pacific plate moves beneath the Eurasian plate. This explains the unique and majestic landscapes of Raja Ampat, which we’ll describe below. Both on land and underwater, the terrain is steep and rugged, fostering incredible ecosystems. Nature here is awe-inspiring.
Raja Ampat is part of the renowned Coral Triangle. The Coral Triangle spans the waters of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, covering approximately 1% of the planet’s surface.
• It hosts 30% of the world’s coral reefs.
• 76% of the corals that build reefs.
• Over 35% of reef fish species.
The name “Raja Ampat” comes from Indonesian and means “The Four Kings,” referring to the four main islands within the park:
• Waigeo Island in the north (including the Wayag Islands),
• Batanta Island,
• Salawati Island in the middle,
• Misool Island in the south.
In reality, the park includes over 1,500 islands of varying sizes and shapes. Some are coral islands, flat and surrounded by white sand beaches, while others are karstic, steep, and covered in virgin forests. There are also mangrove-covered islands where saltwater crocodiles from nearby Australia may swim. Some island groups, such as Wayag or Penyamu, could be considered archipelagos in their own right due to their extent and complexity.
Diving in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat ranks among the top three diving destinations globally, with more than a dozen sites listed as some of the best dives in the world. Truly a diver’s paradise!
To help you plan your future cruise with us and choose between the different itineraries, let me take you on a tour of some local wonders through these “postcards”:
Raja Ampat Central
The Dampier Strait and Its Vibrant Life
Diving in the Dampier Strait is a one-of-a-kind experience. It feels like entering a world where marine life thrives abundantly. Nutrient-rich currents carry Pacific Ocean waters into the Dampier Strait, attracting countless species, including large pelagic fish such as schools of barracudas, silver trevallies, and majestic manta rays. The coral reefs burst with color, providing shelter to a diverse array of marine creatures. Here, every dive is an exhilarating adventure, leaving behind unforgettable visual memories.
Giant Plate Coral: Sculptures of the Sea
The plate corals of Central Raja Ampat stretch out like underwater cathedrals. These impressive reefs are home to incredible biodiversity: parrotfish, gorgonians, and sponges compete in a vibrant ecosystem. These vast coral gardens offer breathtaking spectacles—a paradise for divers and underwater photographers. The first time I dipped my head beneath the surface in Raja Ampat, I was awestruck by the size of these plate corals and the fish hiding within them. Everything was two or three times larger than anything I had seen elsewhere.
Encountering Papuan Villages
The Papuan villages of Central Raja Ampat invite visitors to an authentic cultural immersion. The locals, with their real hospitality, share their ancestral traditions and way of life. Warm smiles, rhythmic dances, and fascinating stories create unforgettable memories. A stop in these villages is a chance to discover a living heritage nestled within lush nature. Some villages are built on stilts, while others spread along the white sandy beaches of coral islands. If you stroll through in the late afternoon, you’ll see friendly volleyball matches while elders keep an eye on little ones playing on the beach.
Waigeo’s Jungle and Birds of Paradise
In Waigeo’s dense jungle, the melodic calls of birds of paradise greet the dawn. After an early morning hike through this vibrant forest, with its giant ferns and ancient trees, you may have the privilege of witnessing these fascinating creatures. With their radiant plumage and unique courtship dances, they offer a rare and magical spectacle.
Penyamu, Its Heart-Shaped Lagoon, and Melissa’s Garden
Nicknamed “the little Wayag,” Penyamu captivates visitors with its heart-shaped lagoon, a true symbol of Raja Ampat’s untouched beauty. Crystal-clear waters surrounded by spectacular karst formations provide a gentle trek to an amazing point of view. Nearby, the famous dive site Melissa’s Garden reveals an underwater wonderland where clownfish, pygmy seahorses, and schools of fusiliers dance among blooming coral gardens. Melissa’s Garden has always been one of my favorite dives. I love how you circle the pinnacle, ascend to the coral garden, and then explore beneath the pinnacle, where surprises often await.
Raja Ampat North
Wayag: The Halong Bay of the Pacific
Some call it the “Halong Bay of the Pacific,” but I find the Wayag Archipelago even more stunning, as it is bathed in turquoise waters. After an overnight crossing and a midnight passage over the Equator, reaching Wayag feels like an achievement. As dawn breaks, you wake to a breathtaking lagoon of karst islands forming a spectacular landscape. Navigating among these rock formations feels like stepping into the shoes of an explorer from the spice island discovery era.
Wofoh: The Enchanted Sunset
The pristine beach bordering Wofoh Island, west of Waigeo, is lined with palm trees and glows with golden light at sunset. The translucent waters, illuminated by the day’s last rays, invite you to enjoy magical snorkeling. This paradise is the perfect spot to relax, admire the fiery sky, and marvel at nature’s simple beauty after returning from Wayag. It is a haven of peace.
Kawe and Its Bearded Wobbegong Sharks
At Kawe, Black Rock and Eagle Rock hide a treasure: the bearded wobbegong sharks. These masters of camouflage blend seamlessly into the seabed, offering surprises with every dive. Divers search for them under rocks, hiding among schools of small fish. The contrast between the strength of the rocks and the delicate mystery of these creatures creates an unforgettable experience. On one dive, I counted more than ten, and for the luckiest divers, they may even see one swimming.
Wayag and Its Baby Blacktip Reef Sharks
In Wayag’s calm lagoons, baby blacktip reef sharks swim peacefully, offering a rare and captivating sight. Whether in the lagoon or at the ranger station, you can observe these young predators in their natural habitat. It’s a privileged moment—a serene yet powerful encounter. At the ranger station, you can even swim among these impressive creatures, whose reputation has been unfairly tarnished by certain films. The presence of reef sharks is a sign of healthy reefs and oceans. Their disappearance would be catastrophic for marine ecosystems. Please, protect them!
Pindito Trek: The Ultimate View
The Pindito Trek leads to a spectacular viewpoint over the Wayag Archipelago. After a challenging climb through rocks and vegetation, the summit reveals a grandiose scene: a labyrinth of islands and turquoise waters stretching endlessly into the horizon. The effort is richly rewarded with an unforgettable view—a 360° panorama of breathtaking beauty. Search for “Wayag” online, and you’ll see why it’s worth it.
Raja Ampat South (Misool)
Misool: A Diver’s Paradise
Misool is a haven for divers and lovers of marine labyrinths. The underwater landscapes and marine life here are absolutely breathtaking. On land, however, there are no villages or beaches—only steep, karst islands where humans cannot set foot. In Misool, everything happens on and beneath the water.
The Dragon of Misool
From time to time, we organize a cruise from Triton Bay to Sorong, which brings us to Misool from the south. As we approach, the silhouette of the first islands resembles the back of a dragon swimming on the surface of the waters. It felt like stepping into a Chinese Wuxia film. This iconic archipelago takes us on a timeless journey, sparking the imagination with visions of unique adventures. Between majestic cliffs and hidden lagoons, arriving in Misool is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The Soft Coral Gardens: A Colorful Ballet
Misool’s reefs are an underwater paradise, blending vibrant soft corals like pink and red Dendronephthya and Alcyonacea with fascinating black corals such as Antipatharia. The latter, often overlooked, are found mostly in deeper or shaded areas, like the famous sites Boo Windows and Magic Mountain. Their delicate appearance and dark branches resemble underwater forests. These reefs teem with life, from pygmy seahorses and mandarin fish to schools of fusiliers, creating a vivid, magical display.
Suspended Carnivorous Plants
The sheer cliffs of Misool reveal a surprising detail: carnivorous plants precariously hanging in balance. These intriguing plants, with their natural traps, wait patiently for unsuspecting insects to fall into their grasp. They add a touch of mystery to this unique ecosystem, showcasing nature’s remarkable ingenuity.
Misool’s Hidden Lagoons
Misool is a maze of secret lagoons and narrow passages bordered by limestone cliffs. Each lagoon reveals a surprise: turquoise waters, lush mangroves, or secluded beaches. Exploring these havens of tranquility by kayak or dinghy unveils a world where nature reigns supreme, offering peace and serenity for the soul.
The Secret Caves of Misool
Misool is rich with fascinating caves, each with its own magical atmosphere. One of the most famous is Goa Keramat, a sacred cave accessible by boat. Inside, stalactites carved over centuries reflect in crystal-clear waters. Local inhabitants say the cave is a spiritual place, a sanctuary revered by their ancestors.
Further on, Tomolol Cave offers a unique experience where you can swim or snorkel. This immense natural cathedral is illuminated by beams of light filtering through rocky openings. The stillness is profound, interrupted only by the echo of water droplets gently falling.
During a nearby dive, one of Jakare’s divers marveled at a small underwater cave where lionfish and nudibranchs nestled among the rocks. “It was like entering a secret world with a mesmerizing play of light and shadow,” they shared.
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