Raja Ampat at Your Own Pace
Explore the Coral Triangle and its reefs with crystal-clear waters, a preserved paradise at the end of the world.
Duration
8 days
From
€2,275/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Stay
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, Honeymoon, Family, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
At the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Raja Ampat archipelago stretches its four main islands in the richest waters on the planet. From the jetty of Cove Eco Resort on the island of Yeben, colorful reefs reveal exceptional coral biodiversity, while the lagoons of Wayag and Piaynemo draw stunning emerald blue karstic landscapes.
Each speedboat excursion unveils wonders: the narrow passage between Gam and Waigo where sharks swim, the birds of paradise at Sawingrai in their morning display, and these amazing emerging sandbars like so many secret islets. Between guided snorkeling and navigation between rocky islets, this journey reveals an underwater world of unprecedented richness.
This region, which UNESCO is considering for World Heritage status, is home to the greatest diversity of corals in the world according to experts. Here, in this archipelago where Papuan traditions border untouched nature, each snorkeling dive becomes a discovery.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Raja Ampat! (Monday or Saturday)
Boat
Morning welcome at Sorong airport and transfer to Sorong port. Boarding the ferry (1st class seats), which connects Sorong to Waisai, departing around 9am (approximately 2 hours of navigation).
Welcome at Wasai by a Cove Resort representative, then boarding a private speed-boat heading to Yeben (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of navigation). The Cove Eco Resort is located on the small island of Yeben, southeast of Waigeo, one of the four main islands of Raja Ampat. Due to its location, this 50-hectare island complex is open year-round. Beachfront accommodations are surrounded by white sand beaches, clear waters and coral reefs with remarkable marine life, where visitors can enjoy diving and snorkeling throughout the year.
Beachfront accommodations are surrounded by white sand beaches, clear waters and coral reefs with remarkable marine life, where visitors can enjoy diving and snorkeling throughout the year. All packages include a snorkeling excursion each day in numerous regions, such as the magnificent Yeben Shallow, Manta Cove or other spots around Yeben. You can also join a diver to explore other areas as most diving sites are also suitable for snorkeling.
The rest of the day is free.
Wayag, the icon!
Early departure (around 06h00) to explore the icon of Raja Ampat: Wayag. You should allow 2h30 by speed-boat to reach it. Wayag is composed of small islands and its image now appears on the new 100,000 rupiah banknotes. This goes to show that the archipelago is now considered one of Indonésie's national treasures. If you feel like it, there is the possibility of climbing 2 peaks (ascents intended for trekkers in excellent physical condition), in order to enjoy a fantastic panorama. You will all the better appreciate swimming afterwards in a warm and peaceful lagoon. Later, you will head towards a secret beach, located in the middle of the most beautiful lagoon you have ever seen!
Return to the hotel in late afternoon.
Rest in paradise!
The Yeben reefs are perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts, as they offer an amazing variety of fish and corals. You can enjoy them from the jetty or from any beach on the island. For a beginner, the best way to make the most of snorkeling is to be accompanied by a specialist guide. They will describe all the fish and coral species you will observe in the surrounding area, and will also ensure your safety.
If you wish, you also have the possibility to accompany the divers on the boat, in order to explore more remote areas. You then have a choice: exploration of 2 snorkeling spots in the morning and return to the hotel around noon, or exploration of 3 spots during the day with a picnic lunch along the way. Please note that if you are planning several excursions during your stay, the guide will take you to different reefs each time.
Eternal Piaynemo
Early morning departure towards the "Fam wall", surrounded by soft coral. You will then make a first stop on a nearby island for a snack and to admire some amazing lizards.
Possibility, then, of snorkeling around the "Melissa Garden", before heading towards Piaynemo, where you will have a lunch break. This is when you will be able to climb the stairs that lead to the top of one of the karst peaks in the region, from where you will have a breathtaking view. Later, you will head towards the famous "star lagoon", shaped like a star.
And, if weather conditions are favorable, it will be possible for you, on the way back, to make a detour via "Lagoon Kecil", a small lagoon opposite Piaynemo with unique shapes. Possibility to access the top of the cliffs by stairs and of course to snorkel in emerald-colored water. Return to the hotel in late afternoon.
Mythical birds of paradise
Early departure (around 05h30) towards the village of Sawingrai to observe majestic Cendrawasih (birds of paradise). Birds of paradise are generally active in the morning from 7 to 8am.
Later on, snorkeling opportunity around the Sawingrai jetty, which has colorful corals. You will also have the chance to snorkel around the Yenbuba jetty. You will then head towards the sinking island of Pasir Timbul, located at Kri, famous for its large sandbank, where you can relax and enjoy a unique view. You will have lunch there. In the afternoon, you will head towards the village of Arborek where you can interact with the locals and go snorkeling around the village jetty. You will observe giant clams, schools of fish and soft corals.
Return to the hotel in late afternoon.
Picturesque landscapes
Mid-morning, departure by speed-boat to discover what Alfred Russel Wallace described as "One of the most [...] picturesque landscapes I have ever seen...". To reach "The Passage", you head towards Gam Island, passing by a pearl farm. The most famous passage in West Papua is a narrow water passage that separates Gam and Waigo islands, each side overlooking high limestone cliffs. Resembling a river flowing between the two islands, the nutrient-rich waters that are driven at high speed by tides shelter great marine biodiversity. The viewpoint is very panoramic and you will have the opportunity to snorkel around this special area which includes strong currents and mangroves.
You will then stop at a small isolated jetty around Kabui for a morning coffee/tea break.
Later, you will enjoy a hidden bay for snorkeling over coral. This bay is another of Raja Ampat's jewels. You will access it via a long narrow canal dotted with coral reefs where small sharks swim. This canal then divides into a labyrinth of rocky islands and side bays. You will then enjoy a magnificent and peaceful lagoon and you may even visit a cave where many bats live. Lunch will be served as a picnic on a nearby beach.
On your way back to Yeben, you will make a stop at Pef to observe some rock paintings.
Rest in paradise
See you very soon at Raja Ampat
Transfer to the airport provided by the hotel at 6:30 AM (arrival in Sorong around 11 AM).
End of services, Flight to Jakarta.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International & domestic flights
- Insurance & Assistance
- Visas & possible airport taxes
- Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- Accommodation at Cove Eco Resort with full board
- Sorong – Waisai – Yeben Transfers Round Trip
- Snorkeling, paddle & kayak excursions
- Speed-boat excursions mentioned in the itinerary above
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel & fins)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Papua Raja Ampat
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
