Raja Ampat Explorer North Cruise

Your journey begins in Darwin, gateway to adventure. After a short charter flight, arrive in Sorong - the entrance to the fabled Raja Ampat archipelago. The True North crew will be waiting to welcome you aboard. As we set sail for Misool Island, enjoy a sunset cocktail and your first taste of life on board - fine food, warm hospitality, and the anticipation of days to come.

Wake to the brilliance of Misool, a remote island within the Coral Triangle - one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth. Dive or snorkel through soft coral gardens and schools of reef fish in the protected waters of the SE Misool Marine Park. Later, explore the sacred Tomolol caves - a natural cathedral of light, water, and limestone. The afternoon brings a relaxed cruise through the Mesempta Karst Channels, where jade-green islets rise from turquoise lagoons. Finish the day with drinks on deck as the sun fades across the Karst Islands.

The adventure continues north to the spectacular Fam Island group. Cruise through the aquamarine shallows of Penemu and Yeben, or trek to the summit of Pianemo Island for sweeping views of the lagoon below. Those with energy to spare can stroll through a local village and meet the islanders who call this paradise home. In the afternoon, drift through the narrow passage of Wallace Channel - named for naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, whose observations here helped inspire the theory of evolution. The water teems with life, framed by rainforest and orchids, as birds and butterflies glide overhead. It’s a living laboratory of beauty and balance.

Gam Island is a day of contrasts - jungle, coral, and the rarest of creatures. Begin with an early morning trek to witness the red bird of paradise in full display, one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife encounters. Later, dive or snorkel at Cape Kri, a site renowned for its abundance of marine life. It was here that True North’s resident ichthyologist, Dr Gerry Allen, recorded 374 species of fish in a single dive - a world record that stands as testament to this region’s incredible biodiversity.

Today’s adventures begin at Wofoh Island, where a black coral forest and pristine white sands invite both divers and beach lovers alike. Later, we’ll visit Bougainville Strait and Eagle Rock - a manta ray haven where these graceful creatures gather to feed and glide. Spend the afternoon swimming alongside them before we cross the equator in style at our legendary Equator Party.

Few places on Earth compare to the Wayag Archipelago. These limestone islands, rising dramatically from a turquoise sea, have become an icon of Raja Ampat’s wild beauty. Spend two full days exploring this aquatic maze by adventure boat, swimming, diving, and snorkelling through coral gardens bursting with life.

Climb a jagged peak for a panoramic view that defies description, then relax with a drink in hand as True North hosts the Wayag Beach Party — a day of music, laughter, and barefoot luxury. Two days in the Wayags are never enough, but they will never be forgotten.

Next, we visit Ayau - one of Indonesia’s most remote and enchanting atolls. Settled more than a century ago by Papuan fishermen, Ayau is a world of white sands, vibrant reefs, and traditional life.

Snorkel or dive among clouds of fish along steep reef walls, or head into the deep blue for pelagic fishing. Onshore, join a local celebration on Miosbekwan Island - drums, dance, and laughter echoing across the lagoon.

Far north of the equator lies Mapia Atoll - an untouched coral ring surrounded by deep ocean. Dive among vertical walls alive with gorgonians, sponges, turtles, and schooling fish. This is a place where the sea feels infinite, and nature thrives untouched. Those who prefer can try light game fishing in one of the most pristine marine environments on the planet.

After breakfast, disembark True North in Biak for your charter flight back to Darwin. As the islands recede beneath the wings of your plane, you’ll carry more than photographs - you’ll carry the feeling that something inside you has shifted. Because after Raja Ampat, life truly is different after True North.

Itineraries are subject to change.