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EcoXplorer

EcoXplorer Itinerary

Raja Ampat Cultural and Culinary Expedition

8 days / 7 nights

About EcoXplorer

  • Accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in eastern Indonesia
  • Itineraries in Raja Ampat, Cenderawasih Bay, Triton Bay, Halmahera and Banda Sea
  • Cultural visits, snorkelling, fishing and island exploration between dives
  • All profits support EcoNusa’s conservation and community initiatives

EcoXplorer is a 28m expedition liveaboard operating across the remote waters of eastern Indonesia, from Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay, to Triton Bay, Halmahera and the Banda Sea. Rebuilt in the style of a traditional Indonesian phinisi, the vessel accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in ensuite cabins and combines dedicated diving facilities with cultural visits, wildlife encounters and island exploration. Highlights of the itineraries can include spectacular reefs, manta rays, whale sharks, wrecks, schooling fish and unusual macro life, depending on the itinerary. And with all profits supporting EcoNusa’s conservation and community programmes, EcoXplorer is particularly well suited to divers seeking small-group expeditions with a more meaningful local connection.

Learn more about EcoXplorer

Itinerary details

Length of trip 8 days / 7 nights
Number of dives 0
Experience No experience required
Insurance Not Required

Highlights

  • Features guided bird-watching for the Wilson’s and Red Bird-of-paradise
  • Trekking through the jungle to reach Batanta Waterfall
  • Visits to karst icons like Piaynemo and Telaga Bintang (Star Lagoon) 
  • Experience varied snorkeling sites, including the soft coral drop-offs at Friwen Wall  
  • Deep dive into Papuan gastronomy with traditional dishes such as Papeda, Gohu Ikan, and Ikan Bakar
Day 1 - Sorong
After arriving at Sorong Airport and transferring to the harbor, you will board the vessel to begin your journey north toward Waigeo Island. The evening features a welcome feast on deck, where you will enjoy traditional Papeda with Ikan Kuah Kuning before the vessel transits into the protected waters of Mayalibit Bay.

Day 2 - Mayalibit
Your day begins with a morning excursion to the hidden, crystal-clear Blue River (Kali Biru) followed by a hearty breakfast. Later, you will sail toward Waisai to explore the vibrant local market, where you can discover regional spices and crafts before enjoying a dinner of Western-Indonesian fusion dishes while anchored in Sapokren.

Day 3 - Sapokren - Friwen - Mioskon
The morning starts with an early shore landing in Sapokren for a guided bird-watching session to spot the Wilson's Bird-of-Paradise. After a scenic breakfast, you will enjoy two distinct snorkeling sessions: first at the colorful Friwen Wall and later at Mioskon Island to view the local schooling fish, ending the day with a relaxed sunset on the deck while sailing toward Sawinggrai.

Day 4 - Sawinggrai
You will begin the day with a shore walk through Sawinggrai Village to observe the dancing red bird-of-paradise, followed by an immersive snorkeling experience directly beneath the village jetties alongside friendly batfish. The afternoon offers the option of sea-kayaking among the mangroves before you enjoy a coastal Papuan dinner featuring charcoal-grilled Ikan Bakar and wild jungle ferns.

Day 5 - Piaynemo
Trekking the iconic wooden staircases at Piaynemo for a view of the famous karst islands and the stunning Telaga Bintang (Star Lagoon). After snorkeling the coral meadows of Melissa’s Garden, you will visit a traditional village on Fam Island to meet local artisans, ending the day with an elegant dinner as the ship navigates toward Batanta Island.

Day 6 - Batanta
Following a coastal mangrove snorkel in Arefi, you will take a guided trek through the jungle to swim in the refreshing Batanta waterfall. The evening concludes with a Grand Cultural Dinner at the Kriss-Iba Homestay, featuring local specialties like Keladi Tumbuk and Sayur Tagas-tagas.

Day 7 - Batanta
You will spend the morning snorkeling over the shallow, white-sand fringing reefs of Wai Island, followed by an afternoon of island hopping along the famous white sandspit at Kri Beach. The expedition wraps up with a Captain's Farewell Dinner onboard as the vessel completes its final run back to the port of Sorong.

Day 8 - Sorong Departure
After a light breakfast and checkout, you will disembark the vessel for the final transfer to Sorong Airport, arriving in time for your flight departure. 

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.

Transfer details

Departure

09:00am

Sorong

Sorong Airport: SOQ

Return

01:00pm

Sorong

Sorong Airport: SOQ

Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/ecoxplorer/itn-2608030730371-raja-ampat-cultural-and-culinary-expedition