Raja Ampat Cruise with Swan Hellenic

DAY 1 – SORONG

Arrive in Sorong, the gateway to the clear waters of Raja Ampat. Use the day for embarkation and final preparations before you sail into the world’s most biodiverse marine region.

DAY 2 – PULAU MANIM, NUMFOOR, PAPUA

Pause at Pulau Numfoor, an oval, coral rimmed island on the northern side of Cenderawasih Bay. The interior is built from limestone and coral terraces topped by tropical forest, with coastal villages around the shore. Numfoor was a major Pacific War air base and the site of a 1944 campaign, a layer of history that still sits beneath the island’s quiet surface.

DAY 3 – PULAU PADAIDORI, PAPUA

Pulau Padaidori is one of a cluster of tiny, mostly uninhabited islands and atolls off the northern Papuan coast. This remote stop combines secluded Pacific Rim beaches with a rich, protected marine ecosystem in its calm sapphire waters, where schools of shimmering tropical fish weave amid colourful coral gardens. Mangrove forests shelter snakes and crabs in their twisted root systems and swaying coconut palms decorate white-sand beaches.

DAY 4 – PULAU ROON & PULAU ROW, CENDERAWASIH BAY, PAPUA

Roon Island is cloaked in lush evergreen rainforest. Home to approximately 1,100 members of the Roon tribe, the island offers a captivating adventure with its unique seaside village homes built on stilts. History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the iconic Old Church, which showcases a Bible published in 1898. Birdwatchers might spot birds-of-paradise, cockatoos, and eclectus parrots. Сoral gardens and walls that surround the island flourish with marine life and are ideal for snorkeling.

Pulau Row (or Pulau Rouw) is a remote island where pristine nature, local culture, and World War II history meet. Accessible wreck dives recall the wartime past, when American and Japanese aircraft and vessels sank in these waters. Today, these relics, slowly claimed by the reef, form part of a remarkable underwater landscape. Around the island, Cenderawasih Bay reveals its extraordinary marine world, with diverse fish life, including several species of sharks.

Included Activity – Meet the locals at Roon Island

DAY 5 – KWATISORE, CENDERAWASIH BAY, PAPUA

A signature day in Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia’s largest marine national park. Kwatisore is the bay’s most renowned spot for close whale shark encounters. Here, the gentle giants gather beneath local fishing platforms (bagans), drawn by the catch. This unique interaction site offers rare, up-close experiences with resident whale sharks in calm, clear waters, making it a world-class destination for marine wildlife enthusiasts.

Included Activity – Snorkelling With Whale Shark & Kwatisore Village

DAY 6 – PULAU MANSINAM, PAPUA

Mansinam sits in Doreh Bay near West Papua’s coastal capital Manokwari and is tied to the history of Christianity in Papua, linked to the arrival of German missionaries in 1855. Expect impressive local cultural presentations from ritual traditions to dances, including the most interesting Tumbur Tanah Dance from Arfak Mountain tribes.

This low-lying coral island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, making it a premier destination for snorkelling with your expert guides.

DAY 7 – KABUI BAY, WAIGEO ISLAND, RAJA AMPAT

Start with Zodiac cruising through Kabui Bay’s limestone waterways and the narrow channel between Gam and Waigeo, often called “the Passage”. Follow in the footsteps of naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, who travelled this route in 1860 and wrote about its scenery, which still feels like a river run through karst cliffs and mushroom shaped islands. Dive at world-class sites such as Mioskon, Blue Magic, Mayhem and the Passage.

In the afternoon, continue to Pulau Kri for snorkeling and a dive at Cape Kri. Look for manta rays, turtles, nudibranchs and vibrant corals.

Optional Activity – Diving in Kabui Bay (2 Tanks)

DAY 8 – PULAU PENEMU & PULAU FAM, RAJA AMPAT

Pulau Penemu, or Piaynemo Island, is the main island of the Fam Islands archipelago. Famous for its panoramic viewpoint reached via 300 wooden steps, it offers views over karst islets at Hidden Bay and a star-shaped lagoon. The largely uninhabited island features diverse landscapes like rolling hills, limestone cliffs and karst formations like Pencil Rock. Vibrant coral gardens and rich marine life are perfect for snorkelling.

Optional Activity – Diving: Galaxy Reef (7 to 25m) and Melissa’s Garden (7 to 30m)

DAY 9 – PULAU MANSUAR & PULAU KRI, RAJA AMPAT

Pulau Mansuar is a long, high ridge of limestone covered in jungle, fringed by rich coral reefs that connect it to nearby Kri Island. Three villages line its northern coast, while a fourth village sits midway along the southern shore. The island is home to just over 100 people living in traditional houses with leaf roofs.

Optional Activity – Diving: Yenbuda Jetty (6 to 25m), Cape Kri (5 to 40m)

DAY 10 – BALBULAL LAGOON, PULAU MISOOL, RAJA AMPAT

Misool is known for steep limestone outcrops, caves, mangroves, and bright reef shallows. Expect Zodiac cruising through karst channels, with time for snorkeling in sheltered water. Yapap and Balbulol Lagoon bring calm, glassy lagoons that are well suited to short kayak paddles between the islets, plus swimming and photography in clear turquoise shallows.

Included Activity – Zodiac Cruise & Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

DAY 11 – SORONG, PAPUA

Arrive in Sorong in the early morning for disembarkation, with the reefs and islands of Raja Ampat still fresh in mind. Take a last look at the water and the jungle edged coastline as you step ashore, then continue onward with the sense of having reached one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet.

Included Activity – Discover Sorong and its culture

SH Minerva was built in Finland’s Helsinki Shipyard, and offers a truly unforgettable cruising experience. Unobstructed views throughout the ship, welcoming spaces to relax, and world-class restaurants, staterooms and amenities make traveling on this modern cruise ship a complete pleasure.

The crew on SH Minerva are dedicated to giving you the best experience possible. Swan Hellenic is all about personal service and genuine hospitality, and you’ll find your time on board will reflect that. No task is too big or too small. Swan Hellenic have been in the business a long time and take pride in their caring, thoughtful approach.

152 guests, 122 crew, 9 decks

5 STAR FACILITIES:

• Swan’s Nest
• Stargazing Deck
• Observation Lounge
• Library
• Expedition Lab
• Base Camp

DINING & DRINKS:

• Swan Restaurant
• Club Lounge
• Pool Bar & Grill
• Room Service

STATEROOM TYPES:

OCEANVIEW D4

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m2 (215ft2) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

OCEANVIEW M4

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m2 (215ft2) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

BALCONY D5

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m2 (269ft2) – including a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

BALCONY M5

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m2 (269ft2) – including a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

BALCONY D6

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m2 (269ft2) – including a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

SUITE

Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m2 (108ft2) private balcony.

PREMIUM SUITE

Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m2 (129ft2) private balcony.