Seventeen days at the far edge of the world, including 11 days of sea kayaking in the heart of the Raja Ampat archipelago. Karst islands, mangroves, coral reefs, Papuan villages, snorkelling and locally run accommodation come together in a rare tropical expedition.
Raja Ampat, in the heart of the Coral Triangle
Off the north-west coast of New Guinea, the Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat includes hundreds of islands and forest-covered islets surrounded by some of the biologically richest waters on the planet. For the sea kayaker, this geography creates an exceptional exploration ground: indented coasts, lagoons, mangroves, caves, narrow passages and reefs accessed directly from the water.
The journey takes place far from the main tourist centres. We move at kayak pace, linking villages, guesthouses and natural sites where paddling gives access to places that larger boats struggle to explore properly.
Trip at a glance
Indonesia · West Papua · Raja Ampat · Waigeo · Gam · Kri
Available on request
Have a period in mind? We can discuss opening a departure for a private group or consider looking for additional participants.
- Duration
- 17 days
- Sea kayaking
- 11 days
- Level
- Level 3 — Experienced
- Group
- 4 to 8 participants
- Daily paddling
- Approximately 20 to 25 km depending on the stage, tides and currents
- Accommodation
- 11 guesthouse nights · 1 camping night · 1 hotel night
- Price
- €3,500 per person excluding flights
- Meeting point
- Sorong / flights coordinated according to the departure
The remaining nights correspond to the air transits. The programme is indicative and may be adapted according to tides, currents, weather, safety requirements and local conditions.
An expedition between jungle, karst and reefs
Raja Ampat is explored both above and below the surface. Kayaking days alternate crossings, coastal navigation, mangrove sections, caves and labyrinths of limestone islets. Some areas require careful reading of the tides and currents, especially in the narrow passages between islands.
Snorkelling is an integral part of the trip. When conditions allow, we stop over reefs, in passes or near areas frequented by manta rays. Mask, snorkel and fins are therefore real trip essentials, not simple accessories.
Accommodation is part of the journey
The current organisation is based on 11 nights in guesthouses or local accommodation, 1 camping night and 1 hotel night. The remaining nights correspond to the air transits.
The guesthouses are simple. Comfort is deliberately basic: a clean mattress, a mosquito net, fresh water to wash and sometimes very little electricity. But they are set in exceptional places and allow the trip to be experienced in direct contact with local communities.
The camping night takes place in the tropics, generally in a hammock with mosquito net beneath a tarp. A tent can be arranged for those who prefer that solution.
A local partnership at the core of the project
Since the beginning, this journey has relied on a partnership with an Indonesian structure and local actors in Raja Ampat. The kayaks used on site are part of this system: they are produced locally from moulds originally developed in South Africa, and their use contributes directly to the local economy.
The guesthouses are also run by the communities. Part of the income generated by the journey therefore supports local livelihoods and initiatives combining economic activity, awareness and environmental protection.
The partnership is also linked to the Raja Ampat Research and Conservation Centre (RARCC), which is involved in conservation projects within the archipelago and in initiatives allowing local communities to develop activities that remain compatible with the protection of their environment.
In a region where natural richness is precisely what draws visitors, this logic matters: sea kayaking becomes not only a discreet way to explore Raja Ampat, but also a means of ensuring that part of the economic benefits flows back to the villages and local initiatives.
Day-by-day itinerary
The outline below shows the general logic of the expedition. Stages, accommodation and timings may be adapted according to tides, currents, weather and local conditions.
- Day 1 — International flight
Departure for Indonesia. - Day 2 — Jakarta → Sorong
Arrival in Indonesia, then continuation of the journey towards Sorong. - Day 3 — Sorong → Waigeo → Kri
Arrival in Sorong, transfer to the harbour, then boat to Waigeo and Kri. Installation in the guesthouse and recovery after the flights. - Day 4 — Kri → Gam · Blue Water Mangrove
First crossing, then exploration of the mangrove where corals and mangrove forest meet. Overnight in a guesthouse at Tauyado. - Day 5 — South coast of Gam → Beser Bay
Navigation between villages, reefs, coves, caves, tunnels and small islets. Overnight in a guesthouse.
- Day 6 — Airborek & Manta Sandy
Navigation and snorkelling around Airborek and, when conditions allow, possible manta-ray sightings in the Manta Sandy area. Overnight in the village. - Day 7 — Tanjung Putus → west coast of Gam
Paddling northwards with snorkelling en route. Camp is set on a remote beach on the west coast of Gam. Overnight in a hammock or tent. - Day 8 — Hidden Bay & The Passage
Exploration of Hidden Bay followed by the narrow channel between Gam and Waigeo. Current can be strong here, so timing is chosen according to the tide. Overnight in a guesthouse. - Day 9 — Towards the north of Kaboei Bay
Navigation in a labyrinth of islands, caves and limestone cliffs surrounded by primary forest. Overnight with local hosts. - Day 10 — Kaboei Bay & mangrove
Exploration of islets, cultural sites and the Kali Raja river before returning to the guesthouse.
- Day 11 — South of Kaboei Bay → Saproken
Navigation between limestone cliffs and primary forest towards the village of Saproken. Overnight in a guesthouse. - Day 12 — Uri & Mushroom Islands
Snorkelling around Uri, then paddling through the maze of the Mushroom Islands before returning towards Gam. Overnight in a guesthouse. - Day 13 — Mangrove → Friwen & Friwen Bonda
We head up a mangrove river, then paddle towards the islands of Friwen and Friwen Bonda, known for their reefs. Overnight in a guesthouse.
- Day 14 — Return towards Kri
Final explorations, snorkelling and return towards Kri. Overnight in a guesthouse. - Day 15 — Kri → Sorong
Restful morning, ferry back to Sorong, transfer and overnight in a hotel. - Day 16 — Sorong → Jakarta → return flight
Flight to Jakarta, then international connection depending on schedules. - Day 17 — Arrival
Arrival after the return flight. Depending on flight schedules, some combinations may shift arrival to the following day.
Route map
A typical day on the water
Days usually begin early in order to make the most of the best conditions. After breakfast and a briefing, we prepare the kayaks and launch. Daily stages are generally around 20 to 25 km, but distance is never an end in itself: tides, currents, snorkelling sites and encounters also shape the rhythm of the day.
We alternate paddling, breaks in villages or on beaches and underwater exploration. At the end of the day, we reach a guesthouse or, for one night only, our tropical camp.
Kayaks & equipment
Raja Ampat is unusual within our programme: we do not transport the kayaks from Europe. They are available on site thanks to our local partnership.
- Kayaks: Kaskazi, in single or double versions depending on the group’s needs.
- Paddles: quality local equipment, including TNP or Aquarius depending on the available fleet.
- Equipment provided: PFDs, spraydecks, dry bags, safety equipment, hammock with mosquito net or tent, stove and cooking equipment.
Camping equipment and some technical gear are handed out before departure whenever possible. If a participant does not depart from the same airport as the guide, this equipment can be shipped in advance so that they can travel with it and meet the group in Jakarta or Sorong.
Meals
During the kayaking itinerancy, lunches are generally picnic-style and hot evening meals are prepared together or by the families who run the guesthouses. Local food makes wide use of rice, fresh fish and the ingredients available in the villages.
Meals in town, in airports and outside the itinerant phase are not included.
This journey is for you if…
- you have regular sea-kayaking experience and match Level 3 — Experienced;
- you can paddle for several hours and link days of around 20 to 25 km;
- you are comfortable with a journey where currents and tides may play an important role on some stages;
- you enjoy snorkelling, mangroves, reefs and wildlife observation as much as paddling itself;
- you accept simple local comfort in exchange for a much deeper immersion in the region;
- you are looking for a journey far from the usual travel routes, in direct connection with local communities.
Dates, price & inclusions
Available on request
Current reference price: €3,500 per person excluding flights. Contact us to discuss a period and receive the corresponding Road Book.
The price includes:
- guiding by a qualified French sea-kayak guide and a local guide;
- use of kayaks and activity-specific equipment;
- the accommodation planned by the organisation: guesthouses, camp and hotel;
- meals during the sea-kayaking itinerant section;
- the boat and land transfers planned in the programme, particularly between Sorong and the archipelago;
- the general trip logistics.
The price does not include:
- international and domestic flights;
- entry or conservation fees applicable in Raja Ampat;
- meals in town, in airports and outside the itinerant period;
- drinks, tips and personal expenses;
- personal insurance not included in the travel contract;
- anything not explicitly stated as included.
Practical information
Access
Raja Ampat is reached via Sorong. Flights are not included in the price. Once a departure has been defined, we provide the references and timings that allow the flights, transfers and group meeting arrangements to be coordinated as smoothly as possible.
An isolated environment
This journey takes place in a tropical region far from major urban centres. Heat, humidity, sun, insects, changing weather and more limited access to medical facilities are all part of the realities on the ground. Current health, administrative and equipment recommendations are provided before departure.
Personal equipment
Please bring suitable kayaking shoes or sandals, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, rash vest, hat or cap, sunglasses, a light windproof layer, headtorch, water bottles, a small personal first-aid kit, as well as fins, mask and snorkel.
FAQ — Essential information
How long is the Raja Ampat journey?
The journey lasts 17 days in total, including 11 days of sea kayaking in the heart of the archipelago.
What level is required to join?
The journey is rated Level 3 — Experienced. It is designed for paddlers with regular sea-kayaking experience who are comfortable paddling for several hours, linking several days in a row and staying at ease in small waves or in sections affected by current.
How far do we paddle each day?
Daily stages are generally around 20 to 25 km. The exact distance depends on tides, currents, weather, local conditions and the group.
How large is the group?
The group is limited to 4 to 8 participants in order to keep the organisation well suited to an itinerant journey and to the local accommodation.
How is the accommodation organised?
The reference organisation includes 11 nights in guesthouses or local accommodation, 1 camping night and 1 hotel night. The remaining nights correspond to the air transits.
What are the guesthouses like?
The guesthouses are locally run and offer simple comfort: a clean mattress, mosquito net, fresh water to wash and, above all, exceptional settings right by the sea.
Which kayaks are used?
The kayaks are provided locally through our partnership. They include Kaskazi kayaks, in single or double versions, with paddles, PFDs, spraydecks and dry bags.
Do we have to fly with a kayak from Europe?
No. Unlike some other Voyage Kayak destinations, the kayaks are available on site. Some personal camping or paddling equipment may, however, be handed out before departure or shipped to a participant if they do not depart from the same airport as the guide.
What is the role of the local partnership?
The journey relies on a partnership with an Indonesian structure and local communities. The kayaks, the accommodation and part of the logistics generate direct local income and support initiatives related to conservation and community development.
Is the itinerary fixed?
No. The programme is indicative and may be adapted by the guide according to tides, currents, weather, safety requirements and local conditions.
Can the journey be organised on request?
Yes. Raja Ampat is currently available on request. We can discuss a period for a private group or consider opening a departure.
Would you like to explore Raja Ampat by sea kayak?
This expedition can be organised on request.
Send us your preferred period, the number of participants and your sea-kayaking experience.