Ombak Putih

AM: Taking the early morning flight from Bali, you will be met at the airport in Komodo by your tour leaders and be taken straight to your boat. And as you settle into your new home, we will head to our first snorkeling spot; a coral restoration project where you will see how the corals and fish populations have grown since they were first transplanted in 2014.

Go ashore on Komodo Island in search of the fearsome Komodo dragons, found only in the Komodo National Park. This is the world’s largest lizard, growing up to a length of three meters and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms. Enjoy some magnificent snorkeling on some of the Komodo Park’s best reefs.

PM: Swim with manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Snorkel at a favorite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle reptiles as they cruise along the shallow water of the reef.

AM & PM: Go ashore on Komodo Island in search of the fearsome Komodo dragons, found only in the Komodo National Park. This is the world’s largest lizard, growing up to a length of three meters and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms. Enjoy some magnificent snorkeling on some of the Komodo Park’s best reefs. Swim with manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Snorkel at a favorite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle reptiles as they cruise along the shallow water of the reef.

AM: Wake up off the coast of a beautiful uninhabited island with a beach of pure white sand with some sparkles of powdered red coral, creating the effect of a “pink beach”. We will spend the morning here, swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling on the beautiful coral reef that lies parallel to the beach.

PM: Over lunch, we will cruise to a nearby active volcanic island where we will see a large wooden pinisi boat with the same pedigree and history of Katharina’s very own ships being built on the beach. Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals and maybe buy some handmade textiles as a souvenir.

Spend the day at a strange and mystical volcanic island with a sunken crater lake in its center that was filled with saltwater when the nearby Mt Tambora catastrophically erupted in 1815. Here we will swim, kayak and paddleboard on the lake, and the more adventurous can go trekking around the crater rim.

Experience one of our famous beach BBQs under a night sky filled with millions of stars as you feast on the amazing local delicacies prepared by our chef, and all accompanied by live musical entertainment from our talented crew. Another highlight of our visit to the island will be the sight of thousands of flying foxes that fly at dusk from the island to feed on the mainland.

AM: Wake up off the coast of a beautiful uninhabited island with a beach of pure white sand with some sparkles of powdered red coral, creating the effect of a “pink beach”. We will spend the morning here, swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling on the beautiful coral reef that lies parallel to the beach.

PM: Over lunch, we will cruise to a nearby active volcanic island where we will see a large wooden pinisi boat with the same pedigree and history of Katharina’s very own ships being built on the beach. Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals and maybe buy some handmade textiles as a souvenir.

Spend the day at a strange and mystical volcanic island with a sunken crater lake in its center that was filled with saltwater when the nearby Mt Tambora catastrophically erupted in 1815. Here we will swim, kayak and paddleboard on the lake, and the more adventurous can go trekking around the crater rim.

Experience one of our famous beach BBQs under a night sky filled with millions of stars as you feast on the amazing local delicacies prepared by our chef, and all accompanied by live musical entertainment from our talented crew. Another highlight of our visit to the island will be the sight of thousands of flying foxes that fly at dusk from the island to feed on the mainland.

AM: We will have chance for an early morning swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless animals have long congregated here in the bay but now, thanks to travelers like you, we have formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the local fisherman who have their traditional small floating fishing platforms in the bay that attract the sharks. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed we will see them.

PM: Spend the day on a beach located on a small limestone island nearby, kayaking, swimming and snorkeling, and exploring the local karst formations.

We will cruise to Labuan Aji village on the island of Moyo to visit the village and walk to a scenic waterfall where we can bathe in the refreshing cool water.

AM: We will have chance for an early morning swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless animals have long congregated here in the bay but now, thanks to travelers like you, we have formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the local fisherman who have their traditional small floating fishing platforms in the bay that attract the sharks. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed we will see them.

PM: Spend the day on a beach located on a small limestone island nearby, kayaking, swimming and snorkeling, and exploring the local karst formations.

We will cruise to Labuan Aji village on the island of Moyo to visit the village and walk to a scenic waterfall where we can bathe in the refreshing cool water.

AM: Enjoy a unique snorkeling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals, with the metallic black volcanic sand below being home to an abundance of very interesting invertebrates.

PM: Entering the Komodo National Park again we will go drift snorkeling in one of the best and healthiest coral reefs in the park, and for those who want to take the land-adventure to another level, you can do a sunset hike up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the other islands in the park.

Visit Rinca Island, which is well known for its diverse wildlife, and maybe spot dragons, monkeys, wild buffaloes and deer as well. From the top of the hills, the scenery is breath taking.

AM: Enjoy a unique snorkeling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals, with the metallic black volcanic sand below being home to an abundance of very interesting invertebrates.

PM: Entering the Komodo National Park again we will go drift snorkeling in one of the best and healthiest coral reefs in the park, and for those who want to take the land-adventure to another level, you can do a sunset hike up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the other islands in the park.

Visit Rinca Island, which is well known for its diverse wildlife, and maybe spot dragons, monkeys, wild buffaloes and deer as well. From the top of the hills, the scenery is breath taking.

AM: After breakfast on our last day, we will take you on a scenic drive towards Melo Village, where you will witness the traditional Caci dance performance. Local strongmen perform a ritual whip-fight between two rivals in which the players, each armed with a rattan shield and a whip, will try to hit each other while dancing to the rhythm of traditional acoustic instruments.

PM: After lunch on the boat, we will say farewell to the crew and your fellow shipmates as you disembark and continue onto your next destination.

Following our popular Whale Sharks, Corals & Dragons cruise route this voyage has been designed for kids, teenagers and adults and will be led by Ray & Angela Hale, two UK-based conservationists and naturalists who have a strong but fun conservation message to impart to kids of all ages.

Starting and ending in the Komodo National Park, this is a journey through the volcanic epicenter of Indonesia’s Ring of Fire, where you will see the results of countless millennia of Earth’s shifting tectonic plates, mighty forces that have helped shape the landscapes, cultures and habitats that exist both on land and in the sea.

AM: Taking the early morning flight from Bali, you will be met at the airport in Komodo by your tour leaders and be taken straight to your boat. And as you settle into your new home, we will head to our first snorkeling spot; a coral restoration project where you will see how the corals and fish populations have grown since they were first transplanted in 2014.

Go ashore on Komodo Island in search of the fearsome Komodo dragons, found only in the Komodo National Park. This is the world’s largest lizard, growing up to a length of three meters and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms. Enjoy some magnificent snorkeling on some of the Komodo Park’s best reefs.

PM: Swim with manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Snorkel at a favorite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle reptiles as they cruise along the shallow water of the reef.

AM & PM: Go ashore on Komodo Island in search of the fearsome Komodo dragons, found only in the Komodo National Park. This is the world’s largest lizard, growing up to a length of three meters and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms. Enjoy some magnificent snorkeling on some of the Komodo Park’s best reefs. Swim with manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Snorkel at a favorite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle reptiles as they cruise along the shallow water of the reef.

AM: Wake up off the coast of a beautiful uninhabited island with a beach of pure white sand with some sparkles of powdered red coral, creating the effect of a “pink beach”. We will spend the morning here, swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling on the beautiful coral reef that lies parallel to the beach.

PM: Over lunch, we will cruise to a nearby active volcanic island where we will see a large wooden pinisi boat with the same pedigree and history of Katharina’s very own ships being built on the beach. Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals and maybe buy some handmade textiles as a souvenir.

Spend the day at a strange and mystical volcanic island with a sunken crater lake in its center that was filled with saltwater when the nearby Mt Tambora catastrophically erupted in 1815. Here we will swim, kayak and paddleboard on the lake, and the more adventurous can go trekking around the crater rim.

Experience one of our famous beach BBQs under a night sky filled with millions of stars as you feast on the amazing local delicacies prepared by our chef, and all accompanied by live musical entertainment from our talented crew. Another highlight of our visit to the island will be the sight of thousands of flying foxes that fly at dusk from the island to feed on the mainland.

AM: Wake up off the coast of a beautiful uninhabited island with a beach of pure white sand with some sparkles of powdered red coral, creating the effect of a “pink beach”. We will spend the morning here, swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling on the beautiful coral reef that lies parallel to the beach.

PM: Over lunch, we will cruise to a nearby active volcanic island where we will see a large wooden pinisi boat with the same pedigree and history of Katharina’s very own ships being built on the beach. Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals and maybe buy some handmade textiles as a souvenir.

Spend the day at a strange and mystical volcanic island with a sunken crater lake in its center that was filled with saltwater when the nearby Mt Tambora catastrophically erupted in 1815. Here we will swim, kayak and paddleboard on the lake, and the more adventurous can go trekking around the crater rim.

Experience one of our famous beach BBQs under a night sky filled with millions of stars as you feast on the amazing local delicacies prepared by our chef, and all accompanied by live musical entertainment from our talented crew. Another highlight of our visit to the island will be the sight of thousands of flying foxes that fly at dusk from the island to feed on the mainland.

AM: We will have chance for an early morning swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless animals have long congregated here in the bay but now, thanks to travelers like you, we have formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the local fisherman who have their traditional small floating fishing platforms in the bay that attract the sharks. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed we will see them.

PM: Spend the day on a beach located on a small limestone island nearby, kayaking, swimming and snorkeling, and exploring the local karst formations.

We will cruise to Labuan Aji village on the island of Moyo to visit the village and walk to a scenic waterfall where we can bathe in the refreshing cool water.

AM: We will have chance for an early morning swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless animals have long congregated here in the bay but now, thanks to travelers like you, we have formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the local fisherman who have their traditional small floating fishing platforms in the bay that attract the sharks. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed we will see them.

PM: Spend the day on a beach located on a small limestone island nearby, kayaking, swimming and snorkeling, and exploring the local karst formations.

We will cruise to Labuan Aji village on the island of Moyo to visit the village and walk to a scenic waterfall where we can bathe in the refreshing cool water.

AM: Enjoy a unique snorkeling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals, with the metallic black volcanic sand below being home to an abundance of very interesting invertebrates.

PM: Entering the Komodo National Park again we will go drift snorkeling in one of the best and healthiest coral reefs in the park, and for those who want to take the land-adventure to another level, you can do a sunset hike up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the other islands in the park.

Visit Rinca Island, which is well known for its diverse wildlife, and maybe spot dragons, monkeys, wild buffaloes and deer as well. From the top of the hills, the scenery is breath taking.

AM: Enjoy a unique snorkeling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals, with the metallic black volcanic sand below being home to an abundance of very interesting invertebrates.

PM: Entering the Komodo National Park again we will go drift snorkeling in one of the best and healthiest coral reefs in the park, and for those who want to take the land-adventure to another level, you can do a sunset hike up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the other islands in the park.

Visit Rinca Island, which is well known for its diverse wildlife, and maybe spot dragons, monkeys, wild buffaloes and deer as well. From the top of the hills, the scenery is breath taking.

AM: After breakfast on our last day, we will take you on a scenic drive towards Melo Village, where you will witness the traditional Caci dance performance. Local strongmen perform a ritual whip-fight between two rivals in which the players, each armed with a rattan shield and a whip, will try to hit each other while dancing to the rhythm of traditional acoustic instruments.

PM: After lunch on the boat, we will say farewell to the crew and your fellow shipmates as you disembark and continue onto your next destination.

AM: Your flight will arrive in the West Papuan port town of Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. From the airport, we will transfer you to the harbor where your boat will be waiting at anchor. Once settled into your cabin, your cruise director will familiarize you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures.

PM: Ready to start our adventure, we will weigh anchor and set a southerly course for the Misool Archipelago, stopping for a refreshing swim along the way. We will then dine alfresco on the main deck while meeting the other passengers and crew and watching the sunset on our first day at sea.

AM: This morning we will wake to see the sunrise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the Misool archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution,’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides. We will spend the day maximizing everything that this fascinating area has to offer by marveling at both the marine wonderland under the water and the magnificent landscape above the surface.

PM: We can test out our paddling skills in the sea kayaks, watch for birds perched on the rocks, or just sit back and take in the glorious scenery. After a full day of island hopping through this archipelago, the boat will spend a quiet night at anchor in Misool’s Tomolo Bay.

AM: A swim through Tomolo’s mysterious dome-topped cave is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites.

The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave. We will then move on to the mysterious stingless jellyfish lake, one of only 20 in the world where these amazing creatures exist and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals.

PM: After returning to the ship, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric cave paintings, estimated to be anything between 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, flowers and plants, tools and vessels. Overnight, our boat will cruise north to the island of Batanta.

AM: After our days of marine exploration, the jungle-clad island of Batanta offers us a change of scenery and a chance to stretch our legs on an adventurous trek into the island’s interior. We anchor at the foot of Arefi Village, nestled on the north coast of the island, where we will find local guides to escort us through the mangrove waters to the start point of our trek.

PM: A short walk along the riverbed brings us to a jungle waterfall, complete with a refreshing pool for cooling off. After leaving the wilderness behind us, we will find a nearby spot to swim and snorkel before moving north to the islands of Wayag.

AM: Few areas in Indonesia can lay claim to such unsurpassed natural splendor as Raja Ampat’s Wayag islands. The beauty of these picturesque karst spires is perhaps only equaled by the brilliant colors and vibrancy of the reefs and the marine life that flourishes below.

PM: Nature has carved these islands into a series of coves and lagoons, narrow channels and inlets, caves, jagged rocks and shaded sandy beaches. For those who dare, some spectacular but nearly vertical climbs are rewarded with magnificent panoramas. We will spend a quiet night here at anchor.

AM: The Wayag islands are Raja Ampat’s best, and we will make the most of this unique region for one more morning, navigating the maze of mushroom-shaped islands, and stopping for swimming and snorkeling.

PM: In the afternoon, we will set our compasses to return to the southern hemisphere and the island of Waigeo.

AM: Another full day of adventure awaits us along the convoluted western coast of Waigeo. We will begin the morning by exploring Wofoh, three island gems linked together by stretches of pristine coral reef. You can use the tenders or kayaks to navigate the islands or put your newly-acquired fish identification skills to use in exploring this vibrant reef. Or you may prefer to simply just relax on the beach.

PM: In the afternoon we will move northwards to Aljui Bay, home to the Cendanda Pearl Farm, one of the larger producers of high-quality seawater pearls in the region. Pearling is an important industry throughout Indonesia and several farms can be seen in the waters of Raja Ampat, where the farmers may grant us permission to visit their facilities and receive an explanation of the pearling processes that we have seen during our voyage.

AM: We will wake up in front of the island of Penemu, a dramatic location with a short hilltop climb to take in the amazing views. After some great snorkeling on the island’s reefs, we will set course for the tiny Aborek Island, where the local children will perform their traditional dances for us.

PM: We can also walk around the village and gain a sense of the Asai culture, which is still kept very much alive by the villagers living in this isolated place. There's a chance that we may get to see some manta rays as we snorkel, but there are no guarantees.

AM: After waking up, before sunrise, we will follow in the footsteps of the famous naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in a pre-dawn quest to spot the remarkable Red Bird of Paradise, one of the species that Wallace was most anxious to collect. We hope that the efforts of our trek through the forest will pay off, enabling us to catch a rare and privileged sight of the bird’s elaborate courtship dance as the day breaks over the forest canopy.

PM: Whether we spot the birds or not, for sure we will experience a wonderful trek. After lunch, we make our way through the Dampier strait, home to some of Raja Ampat’s premier reefs.

AM: After our last breakfast, we will stroll around on dry land at the Doom island with traditional transportation called Becak. During the First World War, Doom island served as an administrative center of Dutch Empire administration in West Papua and continued to become the core of Sorong for some time before the city grew in mainland Papua. During the Second World War, Japanese forces occupied and fortified the island, building a network of tunnels and bunkers. The island was attacked by American and Australian aircraft throughout the war. Following the war, a fishing station was briefly established on the island before it was moved to Manokwari.

After this we will say goodbye to our crew and captain and head to the airport for our onward flights.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure as we present our highly anticipated, set to sail on a specific date. Get ready to redefine your cruising experience with a unique itinerary designed to captivate your senses and create lifelong memories.

AM: Your flight will arrive in the West Papuan port town of Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. From the airport, we will transfer you to the harbor where the Ombak Putih will be waiting at anchor. Once settled into your cabin, your cruise director will familiarize you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures.

PM: Ready to start our adventure, we will weigh anchor, leave the harbor behind, and enter the marine protected area of Raja Ampat, home to unique birdlife and the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world. We will cruise towards the island of Waigeo, stopping for a refreshing swim along the way before watching the sun set on our first day at sea.

AM: While it is still dark, our tenders will ferry those of us who are feeling fit and adventurous to the village of Sapokren, where a local guide will take us on a challenging trek into the forest in the hope of seeing the Wilson’s bird of paradise. The male is red and black with a yellow mantle on his neck, light green mouth, rich blue feet and two violet tail feathers. The featherless crown is turquoise, ornamented with double black crosses. If we are lucky, we may be able to observe the male dancing from a distance of just five metres. Before the dance, he will clear the ground from any leaves or other obstacles that may disrupt his performance.

PM: On our way back to the boat, accompanied by the sounds of the jungle coming to life, we will be sure to spot a number of bird species along the way. We will spend the remainder of the day resting from the morning’s activities and enjoying the waters and reefs of Raja Ampat.

AM: Today will present another opportunity for keen birdwatchers, as we rise early and walk into the forest on a pre-dawn quest to spot the remarkable red bird of paradise, one of the species that Wallace was most anxious to collect. With a little luck and the help of our knowledgeable guides, we might catch sight of this rare bird’s elaborate courtship display as dawn breaks over the forest canopy.

PM: After returning to the ship, we will turn our attention from the sky to the sea as the Ombak Putih makes her way through the Dampier strait, home of some of Raja Ampat’s premier reefs. If the currents are in our favor, we might see some of the area’s larger specimens of marine life, which are attracted to the strait’s nutrient-rich waters. We will end the day by mooring off Pulau Arborek in front Arborek Village. Here, we can easily circumnavigate the tiny island by foot and gain a sense of the Asai culture, which is still kept alive by the villagers living in this isolated place.

AM: This morning we will wake to see the sun rise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the Misool archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution,’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides. A swim through Tomolo’s mysterious dome-topped cave is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities.

After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites. The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave. We will then move on to the mysterious stingless jellyfish lake, one of only 20 in the world where these amazing creatures exist, and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals. 

PM: After returning to the ship, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric ‘petroglyph’ cave paintings, estimated to be anything from 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, flowers and plants, tools and vessels. 

AM: Today we will have a relaxing day in Misool. We will spend the day maximizing everything that this fascinating area has to offer by marveling at both the marine wonderland under the water and the magnificent landscape above the surface.

PM: We can test out our paddling skills in the sea kayaks, watch for birds perched on the rocks, or just sit back and take in the glorious scenery. After a full day of island hopping, the Ombak Putih will begin her overnight journey.

AM: This morning we will explore the Pisang Islands. These tiny gems isolated in the vast waters of the Ceram Sea offer us a chance to relax and enjoy the sparkling white-sand beaches, clear waters, and vibrant reefs before making our way to the shores of West Papua.

PM: Here we will follow the shoreline until we reach the village of Sipitnanam. After visiting the village and meeting the residents, who spend their days fishing the nearby waters and tending their nutmeg plantations, we will continue south along the coastline through the night.

AM: Today we will wake up to the beautiful sight of Kitikiti waterfall. Here, in the wilderness, a roaring river cascades down the jungle-clad mountains and crashes into the sea below.

PM: We can swim under the waterfall and explore the extraordinary reefs nearby before rounding Cape Papisol to the Karawawi region, where we will stop to refresh ourselves before journeying on to Triton Bay.

AM: Triton Bay is a place of unsurpassed natural splendor, where time and tides have sliced the limestone landscape into tall cliffs and numerous islands separated by lagoons and narrow channels. It is also home to fishermen who keep masses of baitfish in nets that attract a migratory group of whale sharks, which we may have the chance to swim and snorkel with. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed we will. 

PM: We will also spend our time swimming from secluded beaches, snorkeling the vibrant turquoise waters and kayaking amongst the rocky outcrops. We can also enjoy watching the birdlife from the comfort of our tenders as we explore this extraordinary maze of karst islands, before visiting the village of Lobo, which is a friendly place at the foot of a 1000-metre-high cliff.

AM: We will make the most of our last morning in Triton Bay by cruising through the undisturbed coves, caves, and lagoons before heading north through the Namatote Passage. Namatote’s cliffs are also well known as a gallery of prehistoric art, boasting an impressive collection of cave paintings, glyphs and pictorial signs left by ancient nomads high upon the rock walls.

PM: We will spend our final evening on the ship resting at anchor and enjoying a farewell dinner with our captain and crew.

AM: In the morning, we will find ourselves at anchor in the harbor of Kaimana. After a final, hearty breakfast, we will say goodbye to the Ombak Putih and her crew. Our tenders will take you ashore for your transfer to the airport for your onward travel.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure as we present our highly anticipated Reposition Cruise, set to sail on a specific date. Get ready to redefine your cruising experience with a unique itinerary designed to captivate your senses and create lifelong memories.

AM: Your flight will arrive in the West Papuan port town of Kaimana. From the airport, we will transfer you to the harbor where the Ombak Putih will be waiting at anchor. Once you have settled into your cabin, your cruise director will familiarize you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures.

PM: Ready to start our adventure, we will weigh anchor, leave the harbor behind, and head towards Namatote Passage, stopping for a refreshing swim along the way before watching the sunset on our first day at sea.

AM: Today we will cruise through the Namatote Passage. Namatote’s cliffs are well known as a gallery of prehistoric art, boasting an impressive collection of cave paintings, glyphs and pictorial signs left by ancient nomads high upon the rock walls.

PM: We will then explore the undisturbed coves, caves, and lagoons of Triton Bay, where we will anchor for the night.

AM: Triton Bay is a place of unsurpassed natural splendor, where time and tides have sliced the limestone landscape into tall cliffs and numerous islands separated by lagoons and narrow channels. It is also home to fishermen who keep masses of baitfish in nets that attract a migratory group of whale sharks, which we may have the chance to swim and snorkel with. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed we will.

PM: We will also spend our time swimming from secluded beaches, snorkeling the vibrant turquoise waters and kayaking amongst the rocky outcrops. We can also enjoy watching the birdlife from the comfort of our tenders as we explore this extraordinary maze of karst islands, before visiting the village of Lobo, which is a friendly place at the foot of a 1000-meter-high cliff.

AM: Today we will round Cape Papisol to the Karawawi region, where we will stop to refresh ourselves before journeying on to the beautiful Kitikiti waterfall. Here, in the wilderness, a roaring river cascades down the jungle-clad mountains and crashes into the sea below.

PM: We can swim under the waterfall and explore the extraordinary reefs nearby before continuing north-west along the coastline of West Papua.

AM: Today we will visit the village of Sipitnanam, where we will meet the residents, who spend their days fishing the nearby waters and tending their nutmeg plantations. From there, we will make our way to the Pisang Islands.

PM: These tiny gems isolated in the vast waters of the Ceram Sea offer us a chance to relax and enjoy the sparkling white-sand beaches, clear waters, and vibrant reefs.

AM: This morning we will wake to see the sunrise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the Misool archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution,’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides.

PM: We will spend the day maximizing everything that this fascinating area has to offer by marveling at both the marine wonderland under the water and the magnificent landscape above the surface. We can test out our paddling skills in the sea kayaks, watch for birds perched on the rocks, or just sit back and take in the glorious scenery. After a full day of island hopping, the Ombak Putih will spend a quiet night at anchor.

AM: A swim through Tomolo’s mysterious dome-topped cave is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites.

The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave. We will then move on to the mysterious stingless jellyfish lake, one of only 20 in the world where these amazing creatures exist and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals.

PM: After returning to the ship, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric ‘petroglyph’ cave paintings, estimated to be anything from 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, flowers and plants, tools and vessels. 

AM: Waking before dawn we will be ferried to a local village, where local guides will take us on a trek through the jungle in the hope of finding the beautiful Wilson’s Bird of Paradise perform is mating dance ritual upon the forest floor. On our way back to the boat we will be accompanied by the sounds of the jungle coming to life and we will be sure to spot a number of bird species along the way.

PM: After a well-earned late breakfast, we will spend the remainder of the day enjoying snorkelling, swimming and exploring the reefs and islands of the local area by kayak and paddle board.

AM: Today we will follow in the footsteps of the ‘father of biogeography,’ Alfred Russel Wallace by rising early and walking into the forest on a pre-dawn quest to spot the remarkable red bird of paradise, one of the species that Wallace was most anxious to collect. With a little luck and the help of our knowledgeable guides, we might catch sight of this rare bird’s elaborate courtship display as dawn breaks over the forest canopy.

PM: After returning to the ship, we will turn our attention from the sky to the sea as the Ombak Putih makes her way through the Dampier strait, home of some of Raja Ampat’s premier reefs. If the currents are in our favor, we might see some of the area’s larger specimens of marine life, which are attracted to the strait’s nutrient-rich waters. We will end the day by mooring off Pulau Arborek in front of Arborek Village. Here, we can easily circumnavigate the tiny island by foot and gain a sense of the Asai culture, which is still kept alive by the villagers living in this isolated place.

AM: In the morning, we will find ourselves at anchor in the harbor of Sorong. After a final, hearty breakfast, we will say goodbye to the Ombak Putih and her crew.

Our crew members will take you ashore for your transfer to the airport for your onward travel.

AM: We will take an early morning flight from Bali to Labuanbajo, the gateway to the Komodo National Park. Back on the boat, we will head out into the National Park to Kalong Island for our first snorkel of the trip. 

PM: At dusk, we will gather on the back deck at cocktail hour to see the sunset and witness the evening departure of tens of thousands of fruit bats as they leave their forest homes to forage on the mainland.

AM: We enjoy an early breakfast and go ashore to Rinca Island, where we will have a walk through the local village with a visit to a local bat cave. We will then cruise to the richly diverse reefs of Siaba Besar Island, where we will snorkel with thousands of fish and the many sea turtles that congregate in the area. 

PM: After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon at a beach swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Later that evening we will move to the main bay of Komodo Island and spend the night at anchor.  

AM: We will go ashore onto Komodo Island for an early morning, ranger-led walk through the dry, rugged landscape of the island encountering wildlife along the way.  

PM: After lunch, we will go in search of manta rays to snorkel with these mighty creatures. We will have our day’s second snorkel in the north of the park, with the chance to watch the sunset from a hilltop vantage point, before heading off on our long overnight cruise to the east to the Riung Conservation Area.

AM: Today we explore the beaches and the underwater world of the 17-Island, Riung Conservation Area, home to myriad species of land animals and rich coral reefs, as the Ombak Putih moves from island to island throughout the day.  Enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxation. 

PM: At around sunset we will head east in the direction of Maumere.  

AM: Wake up at anchor in Maumere Bay against the backdrop of an extinct volcano and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the day’s activities begin. Take a short drive to the scenic Iwang Gete highlands to visit the small village of Watublapi, where we will be met with singing and dancing by the local people. Famed for their unique textiles, we will be shown firsthand their ancient techniques of spinning, dyeing, and weaving their famous fabrics. Here we will have the chance to view (and purchase) some of the local textiles, try their betel nut, and brave their locally produced liquor. 

PM: In the late afternoon we will head off for an overnight cruise to Solor Island

AM: In the morning, we will visit the ruins of a 16th-century Portuguese fort on Solor, a reminder of the ancient spice trade. 

PM: During lunch, we will cruise through the beautiful passage between the islands and volcanoes we had northeast of Adonara where we will go snorkeling. Later that afternoon we head north in the direction of the uninhabited, active volcanic island of Komba.

AM: After breakfast, we will explore the (hopefully) belching Komba volcano with our dinghies, and go for a snorkel on the surrounding reefs. Late morning we will head south and cruise towards the mainland and the beautiful Lewaling Bay. 

PM: Later this afternoon we will go ashore and drive to a local village to see some prehistoric rock art. Later that afternoon we will snorkel and see the sunset over Ile Apé, another active volcano. After dinner, the boat will head east in the direction of Pura Island.

AM: After breakfast, we will snorkel Buaya Island, a location with a beautiful drop-off and lots of fish. 

PM: In the early afternoon we will visit the ancient Muslim village of Uma Pura, where we will stroll around, meet the people and see their way of life. The village is well known for using sea sponges for the dying of their textile, and we will get a chance to see the process in action. After Umapura village we will head to a local reef and go snorkeling. We will then head to the capital of Alor, Kalabahi.

AM: After breakfast, we will visit the traditional village of Takpala, where we will be greeted by traditional dancing. We will also visit the local market to see the activity there. If you are lucky you can see people buying Moko, the traditional bronze drums of Alor.  

PM: Later this afternoon we will go with a local boat to see the dugong, followed by a relaxing afternoon on the beach before heading to the boat for our farewell dinner.

AM: We wake up in a beautiful bay on the island of Alor where we will have breakfast before saying goodbye to all crew and heading to the airport for our morning flight back to Bali.  

AM: You will be collected from your hotel in the morning and taken to the boat.  

PM: After lunch, we will visit Takpala village for a fascinating cultural performance. Later this evening we will head west to Pura Island, where we will spend a quiet night at anchor. 

Note :

Because of the flight schedules to Alor from Bali, guests must fly to Alor the day before the journey and stay in a local resort for one night. This overnight stay is included in the ticket price and will be booked by us on your behalf.

AM: After breakfast, we will snorkel at Clown Valley, home to many sea anemones and their resident guardian clownfish.  

PM: In the early afternoon we will have a second snorkel at Buaya Island, a location with a beautiful drop-off and lots of fish. 

We will then head to a local quiet bay to spend the night at anchor.  

AM: After breakfast, we will visit the ancient Muslim village of Uma Pura, where we will stroll around, meet the people and see their way of life. The village is well known for using sea sponges for the dyeing of their textile, and we will get a chance to see the process in action. 

PM: After this, we will head to a local reef and go snorkeling. After dinner, we will depart to the uninhabited active volcanic island of Komba.

AM: After breakfast, we will explore the (hopefully) belching Komba volcano with our dinghies, and go for a snorkel on the surrounding reefs. Late morning we will head south and cruise towards the mainland and the beautiful Lewaling Bay. 

PM: Later this afternoon we will go ashore and drive to a local village to see some prehistoric rock art. Later that afternoon we will snorkel and see the sunset over Ile Apé, another active volcano. After dinner, the boat will head east in the direction of Adonara.

AM: In the morning we will explore the beautiful underwater reefs on the northeast of Adonara island. 

PM: We will head to Solor Island as we have lunch, enjoying the beautiful views of the volcanos and islands of this stunning inland passage. We will visit the ruins of a 16th-century Portuguese fort on Solor, and later that afternoon we will head off on an overnight cruise to Maumere.

AM: We wake up at anchor in Maumere Bay against the backdrop of an extinct volcano and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the day’s activities begin. We will take a short drive to the scenic Iwang Gete highlands to visit the small village of Watublapi, where we will be met with singing and dancing by the local people. Famed for their unique textiles, we will be shown firsthand their ancient techniques of spinning, dyeing, and weaving their famous fabrics. Here we will have the chance to view (and purchase) some of the local textiles, try their betel nut, and brave their locally produced liquor. 

PM: In the late afternoon we will head off to the Riung conservation area.

AM: Today we explore the beaches and the underwater world of the 17-island, Riung Conservation Area, home to myriad species of land animals and rich coral reefs, as the boat moves from island to island throughout the day. Enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxation throughout the day. 

PM: At around sunset, we will head east in the direction of the Komodo National Park.

AM: Today we are already in the Komodo National Park, and after breakfast, we will have fabulous snorkeling at the area of Hatamin Island, home to many baby sharks and beautifully restored coral gardens. 

PM: After snorkeling, we depart to Rinca island, where we will have an afternoon walk through the local village with a visit to a local bat cave.  At dusk, we will gather on the back deck at cocktail hour to see the sunset and witness the evening departure of tens of thousands of fruit bats as they leave their forest homes to forage on the mainland.

AM: We will go ashore onto Komodo Island for an early morning, ranger-led walk through the dry, rugged landscape of the island encountering wildlife along the way.  

PM: After lunch, we will go in search of manta rays to snorkel with these mighty creatures. We will have our day’s second snorkel in the north of the park, with the chance to watch the sunset from a hilltop vantage point, before spending a quiet night at anchor. 

AM: After breakfast, we will go ashore to see the ‘caci’ dance, a traditional cultural performance of the Manggarai people. Later in the morning, it will be time to say goodbye to the crew and your fellow shipmates and head to the airport for the flights back to Bali. 

Embark on an extraordinary adventure as we present our highly anticipated Reposition Cruise with Dr. George Beccaloni, set to sail on a specific date. Get ready to redefine your cruising experience with a unique itinerary designed to captivate your senses and create lifelong memories.

PM: Your flight arrives on the small island of Ternate, the capital of the North Maluku Province. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the stately Ombak Putih, moored off Ternate City. There will be time for you to get settled into your rooms, have a quick safety briefing, and enjoy an alfresco lunch while meeting the other passengers and the crew.

In the afternoon we will venture into the city, which has retained its commercial and political importance as the administrative and trading center of North Maluku. Of the four historically powerful spice sultanates, Ternate is the only one where the sultanate has survived uninterrupted.

We will visit Fort Toluko built by the Portuguese and the ‘Kedaton', the palace of the Sultan, with its rich collection of heirlooms. We will also see the impressive Fort Oranje built by the VOC (Dutch East India Company) and the probable site of the house where Wallace was living when he posted his essay on natural selection to Charles Darwin in 1858. After our tour, we will move back to the boat ready to start our journey.

AM: Today we will wake up off the coast of Halmahera, just across from Ternate, with the mighty peaks of Ternate and Tidore as our dawn backdrop. After breakfast we will head to the village of Dodinga: the very place where Wallace was living when, in a fit of malarial delirium, he discovered the mechanism which drives evolutionary change - natural selection. Once he had recovered, he promptly wrote a detailed essay explaining his theory, which he posted to Charles Darwin as soon as he returned to his base on Ternate. His essay, which was published together with Darwin's thoughts on the subject in August 1858, prompted Darwin to publish his book Origin of Species in 1859, which explained the theory in greater detail. Dodinga is a pretty little riverside village with friendly people, colorful houses, and the ruins of an old Portuguese fort, and its importance in the history of science cannot be understated.

PM: After spending some time with the villagers, sharing some fresh coconuts, and enjoying their hospitality, we will head back to the boat for lunch and then go off for an afternoon of snorkeling and relaxation. We will head south later in the day ready for our first Bird of Paradise encounter the following morning.

AM & PM: Today we will visit the Guarici Archipelago, a chain of islands with white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and some lovely local villages. We will spend a full day here snorkeling, swimming, and paying a visit to one of the villages to meet the local people.

The islands are part of a government-controlled conservation area, designed to protect the reefs and the many beautiful marine species that live there.

These protected waters also provide the perfect location for beginner or rusty snorkellers to become familiar with the water and to home their skills for the many days of snorkeling that lie ahead.

AM: We will wake up off the western coast of Bacan, another of Indonesia’s historic spice sultanates. We go ashore to explore the forested slopes where Wallace made some of his greatest zoological discoveries, including the Moluccan Cuscus, the Standardwing Bird of Paradise, the world's largest bee Megachile pluto, and the huge and magnificent Golden Birdwing Butterfly. Wallace described the latter species as the "finest butterfly in the world". When he caught the first male in 1859 he wrote: "When I took it out of my net and opened its gorgeous wings, I was nearer fainting with delight and excitement than I have ever been in my life; my heart beat violently, and the blood rushed to my head, leaving a headache for the rest of the day." Very few Westerners have ever seen this species alive and no groups of tourists have ever been taken to see it before. Of course, there is no guarantee we will see it - but we will try very hard and will be employing as our guide the one person on Bacan who knows exactly where it can be found.

PM: We will also keep a close watch for these and a host of other animals, some of them endemic to these islands, including parrots, cockatoos, lorikeets, hornbills, the elusive cuscus, and the endangered black macaque – the only monkey in Maluku. It’s the wrong side of the Wallace Line for monkeys; these ones were introduced hundreds of years ago by North Sulawesi.

AM & PM: In the morning we make landfall at the Pisang Islands. These tiny gems isolated in the vast waters of the Ceram Sea offer us a chance to relax and enjoy the sparkling white-sand beaches, clear waters, and vibrant reefs before making our way to the shores of West Misool.

AM: Today we will try our best to see the Lesser Birds of Paradise displayed in the wild, an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to see them. We will rise around 4 am and have a quick breakfast and go ashore, where local guides will be waiting for us to take us through the forest to hopefully see the birds as they dance around in their ‘lekking’ (courtship display) trees. We can make no guarantees, however, as we do not have them on a leash.

PM: We will have time for a look around the village and possibly a visit to the school and to learn about their way of life. Mid-afternoon we will set off to the eastern side of Misool to Tomolol Bay.

AM: This morning we will wake to see the sun rise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the eastern part of the Misool archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides.

After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites. The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave.

PM: We will then move on to a mysterious jellyfish lake and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals: undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. After returning to the ship, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric cave paintings, estimated to be anything between 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, and plants, tools, and vessels.

AM: After our days of marine exploration, the jungle-clad island of Batanta offers us a change of scenery and a chance to stretch our legs on an adventurous trek into the island’s interior. We anchor at the foot of Arefi Village, nestled on the north coast of the island, here we can visit the village and the school, and watch the children’s performance.

PM: For those who wish, IF THE TIDE IS RIGHT we will be able to take a short walk along the riverbed brings us to the first of two jungle waterfalls complete with a refreshing pool for cooling off. The fit and adventurous may choose to continue the uphill climb along the rocks to where a second, larger cascade awaits. After this, the boat will move to Dayang Island for another great snorkeling opportunity.