Summary
Jaya takes you on a 7-day journey through the Dampier Strait – the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity.
Starting and ending our adventure in Waisai we dive approximately 19 of the most spectacular sites Raja Ampat has to offer. On our way through the Dampier Strait we explore the reefs around Kri, Arborek, the Fam Islands, Aljui Bay and Kawe.
The Dampier Strait separates the islands of Waigeo and Batanta and is part of the Indonesian Throughflow, channelling a gigantic volume of water from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean and back. These currents carry with them millions of eggs and larvae that supply the region with both genetic diversity and food. A buffet for sea creatures of all sorts!
Almost 75% of the worlds known hard coral species, 1400 species of reef fish, 17 types of mollusc, 13 marine mammal species and five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found in the area.
While this is the description of a typical dive trip, actual trips may vary due to wind and sea conditions, weather or guest’s preference.
We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of that dive site. However, we ensure to meet our guest’s needs as much as it is in our power to do so.
Day 1 (1 dive): ONCE UPON A TIME
And thus, the tale begins.
- We meet you at 08.00 in the morning at the Je Meridien Hotel in Sorong, just next to the airport. A quick car ride and a ferry ride later, we’ll have reached Waisai and are ready to board the Jaya. For guests already staying in the area, we meet up in front of the tourist information centre in Waisai at 11am.
- Once on board, we make sure all the necessary paperwork is in order, allocate your cabins, set up dive equipment and brief you on boat and dive safety procedures.
- After lunch we depart to our first dive site in central Raja Ampat. The check dive is usually at Friwen Bonda, a beautiful reef teeming with colourful fish.
Day 2 (4 dives (incl. night dive)): SECRET SANCTUARY
Raja Ampat is littered with tiny villages that feature rugged wooden jetties. Among the coral encrusted pylons, you find a dazzling amount of sergeant majors, snappers and sweetlips gently swaying in the clear water.
- We start the day with a drift dive at Sardine or Chicken Reef. Both sites are submerged seamounts with a shallow top that gently slopes down to about 30m. Schools of snappers, fusiliers and surgeonfish provide a snack for pelagic predators such as barracuda, giant trevallies or reef sharks.
- As we slowly move towards Arborek Island we explore the south side of Pulau Mensuar where two spectacular jetty dives wait for us at Yenbuba and Sawandarek village. The latter is also a cleaning station for sea turtles.
- A land visit at Arborek gives you a chance to meander through the picturesque village and watch a fiery sunset on the white sandy beach. We conclude the day with a night dive at Arborek jetty.
Day 3 (4 dives (incl. night dive): HIDDEN TREASURES
Some creatures like to show off – some prefer to seek shelter in nooks and crannies. Today we have a chance to pursue the more elusive denizens of Raja Ampat. Rare nudis, crabs, octopus and the elusive walking sharks all gather in Aljui Bay – a macro photographers wet dream.
- A morning dive at Citrus Ridge is a sure way to put a smile on your face. Teeming with fish the reef is coated in yellow and orange soft coral creating a fresh and happy backdrop for large schools of barracudas, playful sharks and hungry tunas.
- After all the excitement we enjoy a big breakfast and move north to yefmo area for our 2nd dive.
- Chanel No. 5 is as lovely as its namesake, the perfume. A stunning wall with undercuts and ledges, mimicking large soft coral covered steps descends into the deep.
- We conclude our day with a night dive under the Pearl Farm Pier.
Day 4 (3 dives): SIREN’S CALL
Off the southeastern coast of Kawe is a gathering of rocks frequented by majestic eagles (and possibly Sirens). Exposed to strong, nutrient-rich currents it attracts the whole food chain. Swimming side by side with massive aggregations of fish we patiently wait for the main act – the graceful oceanic mantas.
- In the hidden depths of the little rock peeking out of the surface lies a gorgeous coral garden, teeming with schools of butterflyfish, angel fish, batfish and barracudas. Black Rock is going to be the overture of today’s symphony.
- Eagle Rock is a vast dive site and home to a manta cleaning station, where the graceful giants have their parasites removed by eager butterflyfish and moon wrasses. But this site doesn’t need to rely on mantas, it also supports some amazing macro life like winged pipefish, several species of dragonets and countless rare nudis.
- Depending on weather conditions, we take another shot at Eagle Rock. If the sea is too rough, we choose an alternative a bit further south.
Day 5 (3 dives & Piaynemo Viewpoint): HEAD IN THE CLOUDS
Whether you rush through a cloud of fish or climb a stairway to a heavenly view, shortness of breath may be a side effect of today’s activities.
- We start our day at My Reef where we play with massive aggregations of schooling fishes like fusiliers, jacks and snappers. The top of the seamount lies at 12m and is a popular chillout place for the tasselled Wobbegong shark.
- We continue our tale at Melissa’s Garden, named after the pioneer Max Ammer’s daughter.
- Moving on to Kerou Channel we hope for current! The spectacular drift dive rushes us past a rich, coral covered reef where huge sea fans hold on for dear life feeding on the current. But don’t worry – there are also some sheltered areas where we can search for pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and other colourful reef critters.
- We conclude our day with a trip to the iconic viewpoint at Piaynemo. 341 steps lead to a platform where we can observe one of nature’s most artistic designs. The spectacular view is composed of turquoise sea framed by jungle where a handful of karst islets jut dramatically out from the calm surface of the lagoon.
Day 6 (3 dives & Beach Visit): CLASH OF THE TITANS
Majestic and elegant, mantas are our declared kings and queens of the subaquatic realm. There is never a guarantee, but we do our best to increase your chances of encountering them by visiting the most frequented dive sites. We’ll also throw a variety of sharks and other pelagic predators into the mix.
- We start the day at Mayhem where the name of the dive site says it all.
- Heading further east we stop for an adrenaline rush. Manta Ridge is prone to very strong currents, but it is also a cleaning station for reef mantas where you have a chance to swim eye-to-eye with one of the majestic giants.
- Next on the agenda is Blue Magic, a cleaning station for oceanic mantas. The dive site can also be a wee bit ‘currenty’. But while you cling to a rock and your jaw is locked tightly around your regs and you leave a horizontal stream of bubbles behind you, hundreds of schooling jacks, grey reef sharks, spanish mackerel and hopefully a few graceful mantas will make it all worthwhile.
- Now it’s time to catch your breath and enjoy the sunset on the white sandy beach of Mioskon with a cold beer in your hand.
Day 7 (1 dive): HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Every story comes to an end. But wait – we’re not quite done yet.
- You liked Blue Magic? Good, because we are diving it again. Very early in the morning.
- Back on board, we gently prepare you for your departure. This includes a debriefing, delicious food, a group photo and plenty of time to gather your items while pondering how your belongings ever fit in your backpack when you left home.
- After lunch we say our tearful goodbyes and drop you off at the harbour – hoping the goodbye is not forever!
If you are returning to Sorong the same day, you will be ready to board the ferry by 2pm. Expected arrival in Sorong is 4pm.
