Triton Bay and Raja Ampat are widely considered as the pinnacles of the planet’s marine biodiversity. These two destinations lie within a coastal region known as the Bird’s Head Seascape in the eastern part of Indonesia which is home to over 1,700 species of fish, more than 600 species of coral, and 17 different species of whales and dolphins. We’ve put this combination of locations together with the hope that we will have a very exclusive experience of snorkeling with whale sharks in Triton Bay in combination with some incredible reef snorkeling in Raja Ampat.
Triton Bay Resort is the only resort in the region of Triton Bay which lies to the south of Raja Ampat. As snorkelers we have exclusive use of the resort for the duration of our stay. December is one of the best months for whale shark encounters. It is important to note that sightings are not guaranteed, although we would describe the possibility as high. Whale sharks are attracted to bagans (fishing platforms) and come to feed on the schools of baitfish below the platforms. We’ll have 2 trips to the bagans, where we hope to be able to snorkel with whale sharks, and the rest of our time there will be spent exploring some of the beautiful reefs in the area.
From Triton Bay we will travel north to Raja Ampat which offers excellent chances of encounters with manta rays, masses of schooling fish, and spectacular coral reef. Here we will be based at Papua Explorers Resort for 6 full days of snorkeling at some of the best sites in the region.
While Raja Ampat can have some strong currents, our local guides will choose protected sites, or appropriate times to enter the water to avoid being in a current. If we are ever in a current, we will always drift with the water and not try to swim against it. One needs to be comfortable in the water with some upper body strength to climb back up the ladder onto the boat.
This tour is for 12 guests only and is accompanied by a Snorkel Venture tour leader.
Marine Life Guide
This tour is partnered with The Reef-World Foundation. Find out how we support The Reef-World Foundation via this tour here.
Day 1 - Arrive in Jakarta
Arrive at Jakarta International Airport (CGK) and check in to our Jakarta hotel. Relax and recover from the journey.
Day 2 - Travel to Triton Bay Resort
Check out and meet the group in the lobby for our flights to Kaimana, via Sorong, where we meet the Triton Bay crew and drive 20 minutes to the pier, where we board the speed boat for our 90 – 120 minute transfer to the resort. Upon arrival, we will check-in and have a briefing and orientation before dinner.
Meals are plated and served in the beachfront restaurant. Triton Bay is very isolated so please let us know if you have any dietary requirements in good time. Options may be limited.
Day 3 - 5 - Snorkeling at Triton Bay
We have 3 days of snorkeling arranged here. With two boat snorkels a day and unlimited house-reef snorkeling, we will not be disappointed.
Two days will involve earlier mornings – an early breakfast and then head out by boat for a 90-minute ride to the local Bagans (traditional fishing platforms) where whale sharks are very often found. We will have the opportunity to snorkel with these majestic creatures if they are around. We will then have snacks on the boat as we travel back towards the resort, stopping at another reef site on route for our second snorkel of the day. Upon arrival back at the resort, lunch will be served.
On the other day we will have breakfast and then head out by boat to various reef sites. We will take a break on a secluded beach or on the boat with snacks between two snorkel sessions, always accompanied by experienced local guides who can point our interesting life and help us identify interesting creatures.
Most snorkeling by boat is done in the mornings when the conditions are generally best. Afternoons can be spent on the house reef or relaxing with a book on the beach.
The house reef is very big and impressive and home to more fish, critter, and coral species than we could name. At least one evening/night snorkel will be offered, conditions permitting and is highly recommended as the house reef is a completely different place at night, when all the nocturnal creatures come out, like octopus, cuttlefish, squids, crabs, and the endemic Triton Bay walking shark, all of which can be found in the very shallow water. There are also Psychedelic Mandarin fish on the house reef that tend to be active only at dusk and are worth looking for.
Day 6 - Transfer to Papua Explorers Resort, Raja Ampat
We check out early and transfer back to Kaimana and onwards to Sorong, where we will be met by staff from Papua Explorers.
We will be transferred to the pier for our 90-minute boat ride to the resort. Upon arrival we will check-in and enjoy a snack and optional house reef snorkel, time-dependent. We will then freshen up for dinner and briefings.
Day 7 - 12 - Snorkeling from Papua Explorers Resort
Our mornings will start with a breakfast buffet, including a variety of home-baked goods, fruits, hot foods, and juices. We then set off on the speed boats, accompanied by local snorkel guides, to some of the beautiful sites in the area. We will do two different snorkel sites during the course of the morning excursion, each session lasting about 75 mins, before returning to the resort for lunch.
After lunch we will head out to another site for our third snorkel session of the day. The house reef is open for us at our leisure and is beautiful and worth several visits. Night snorkeling will also be offered, and again, is highly recommended.
One morning we will head out early to a nearby island for a short trek to see if we can find the Birds of Paradise and even possibly see them doing their mating dance and showing off their amazing plumage. Another day will be spent out on the boats all day, as we tour “The Passage”, with packed lunch and 3 snorkel sessions. These schedules will be decided according to the weather.
Meals are served at the restaurant, built in an unusual circular design on stilts over the water, providing a 360′ view of the ocean and jungle. Meals are generally served buffet-style and include western and Indonesian dishes and flavors. Snacks are served between snorkels on the boat, and afternoon tea, coffee, and snacks are served as we return from our third snorkel of the day.
Day 13 - Transfer to Jakarta via Sorong
We leave the resort on a morning boat transfer, in time to get our flight from Sorong to Jakarta where we bid farewell to our new friends. Tour ends here.
Please note the accommodation providers for this tour do not have air conditioning. Our tour leaders have stayed at the resorts and we have been partnered with them for many years. Whilst some people find the first few days a little uncomfortable, in time the body acclimatizes. All rooms have fans with 24hr power and are built on the seafront to allow for extra ventilation.
Triton Bay Divers
We have exclusive use of Triton Bay Divers for the duration of our stay. As such we have suggested a rename to Triton Bay Snorkelers! This boutique resort is nestled amongst the jungle with each of the six cozy bungalows facing out to the picturesque scene of a palm-studded white sand beach and turquoise sea. Each bungalow is designed using traditional techniques whilst still allowing for that modern touch, all have their own veranda, ceiling fans, work desks, and large comfortable beds complete with mosquito nets. Each bungalow has a private en-suite bathroom with a hot water shower.
The open-air restaurant and bar is where we will be served our meals. It also serves as a comfortable hang out area where you can scroll through your new fish photos with your new snorkel friends. There is also an equipment center where we will each have our own storage stations for all of our gear.
Papua Explorers Resort
The water bungalows blend traditional Papuan style with the comfort of modern design features. They are built by using local, natural materials collected from the surrounding villages. All bungalows are equipped with an en-suite toilet and shower, hot water, ceiling fan, mosquito net, working desk, and a comfortable seating area. The spacious veranda with direct access to the sea allows you to enjoy the sun and sea in privacy.
The resort has some kayaks available for guests to use and also offers a wide range of land tours to local villages, other islands, and bird watching. There is a resident yoga teacher and 2 free classes are offered per week with more available on request. The spa offers a full range of treatment options in an open-air relaxing setting.
Resort Guide
Snorkel Boats
Both resorts have comfortable fiberglass speedboats with enough room to easily store snorkeling equipment. The boats do not have toilets on board but do offer a full canopy for sun protection and a ladder to help exit the water. The average travel time from the resort is about twenty minutes.
On this page you will find our Tour Dates & Pricing (see below contact form), a Booking Form and Details of Payment schedule including deposit and final balance. If you have any further questions please complete the form and we will reply within 24-48hrs.
Make an Enquiry or Book this Tour
Tour Dates 2023
1 – 13 December 2023
Tour Price:
$6,890 USD per person (Twin/Double Share)
How to book your place?
Initial deposit to secure your booking $800 per person
12 Months before departure interim deposit of $600 per person
6 Months before departure interim deposit of $1000 per person
Balance due 3 months before departure
Includes:
- 1 night in a Jakarta hotel with breakfast
- 4 nights at Triton Bay Resort with full board & 3 days snorkeling (2-morning sites plus unlimited afternoon and night snorkeling sessions on the house reef)
- 7 nights at Papua Explorers with full board and 6 days snorkeling (3 boat sessions per day plus unlimited house reef), one of the days will be ‘The Passage’ day trip, weather permitting
- Birds of Paradise land tour (early morning excursion to try and spot these spectacular birds and other wildlife)
- Domestic flights in Economy Class with 40 lbs luggage allowance (Jakarta – Triton Bay – Raja Ampat – Jakarta)
- Marine Park Fees
- Snorkel Venture tour leader
Excludes:
- International flights & visas
- Snorkeling equipment rental
- Tips
- Travel and health insurance
- Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, laundry and general sundries
*Note: Fees and surcharges are subject to change
