Liveaboard Magia 2

The “Four kingdoms”

Raja Ampat is notorious for the Jurassic-like beauty of its cays and shoals embracing over 1,500 rambling islands set like rough jewels in a cerulean sea. Located off the northwest tip of the island of New Guinea, and part of the Indonesian West Papua Province, you can explore prehistoric caves, visit ancient tribes, kayak around virgin coastlines and discover dive sites famed for having the most species recorded on a single dive.

The romance of this far-flung region is embodied by the history of its fairy-tale name which literally translates as ‘four kings’. Local mythology tells of a woman who finds seven mysterious eggs. Immediately after that, four of these hatch and become kings who reign over Raja Ampat’s biggest islands – Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool. The other three are not so lucky and become a ghost, a woman, and a stone.

DAY 1 SORONG – MIOSKON

You will be picked up in style by our staff offering oshibori and refreshing mineral water, from the airport in Sorong and taken directly to the harbour to board Magia II. Today we set sail towards Mioskon, which teases guests with a flavour of all the delights that await in Raja Ampat including blue skies, pristine pellucid oceans and some of the best diving on earth.

DAY 2 CAPE KRI & YENBUBA

Sailing through the night, you wake up in Cape Kri. After a delicious breakfast, the day will be ruled by ocean activities: snorkelling, diving, wakeboarding, water skiing and paddle boarding. Cape Kri is exceptional as it holds the World Record for the largest number of species referenced in one single dive. Tick off the ‘must see’ list of nudibranchs, sea dragons, blue- striped flagtail pipefish, pygmy seahorses, green sea turtles, giant Napoleon wrasse, and Indian lionfish. Likewise, there are abundant untouched corals gardens and sea fans that serve as homes for large schools of colourful small fish.

There is also the chance to visit the Wallas Straight which is named after one of Charles Darwin’s assistants who spent time here investigating the local tribes. Along this stretch of water you can still see traditional villages and beautifully carved rocks.

DAY 3 WAYAG

Wake to a sunrise and survey this ethereal landscape. After a hearty breakfast take one of the tenders to the island to climb the peaks of Wayag and survey the iconic limestone outcrops from above. This is the poster child of Raja Ampat filled surreal conical shaped karst islands scattered in an emerald sea.

Enjoy a delicious fusion lunch and then choose between snorkelling, diving, kayaking or paddle boarding. This is a marine sanctuary so we cannot indulge in some of the water sports as we must respect the ocean here. Limestone cliffs, rugged outcrops, pinnacles, unspoilt rainforest and virgin white sandy coves await your pleasure. Spot dolphins and manta rays in the thriving ecosystems of this incredible destination.

To bring this outstanding day to close we create a cocktail party on the beach around a roaring bonfire. Tell tales of the wildlife you’ve seen while watching billions of stars light up the night sky.

DAY 4 ALJUY BAY

We set sail early in the morning to Kawe so we can cross the equator underwater while you snorkel or dive surrounded by magnificent Giant Manta Rays. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

After a lunch served either on the deck or in the air-conditioned salon, we sail to Aljui Bay. Here we visit the Atlas Pearl Farm, a far-flung yet gorgeous location where some of the world’s best South Sea pearls are to be found. Tour the farm and learn more about these natural wonders. Loose pearls and jewels are available as prized mementoes.

For the intrepid on board, Aljui Bay is notably home to some of the most fabulous night-diving in Raja Ampat. Sink below the ocean and revel in the spectacular array of colours revealed by the dark. This really is like visiting another planet.

DAY 5 WOFOH

Enjoy a laid-back breakfast on the deck. Launch kayaks or take a tender to explore the beautiful bay. This spot is just outside of the National Park so all the watersports are once again at your disposal. The diving here is also unbelievable with endless coral gardens and a high species count.

Return to the boat for an informal lunch served on deck by our lovely staff. Snorkelling, diving and watersports fill the rest of your afternoon, before cocktails and a BBQ on a deserted tropical beach. Overnight we sail to the islands of Pef and Yengefo.

DAY 6 & 7 PEF & YANGGEFO

The day starts with a relaxed healthy breakfast followed by an underwater safari in search of the Giant Manta Ray. The Manta Sandy dive site is located close to Mansuar Island and is shallow, suitable for both diving and snorkelling.

After a lovely lunch, Magia II cruises to the small yet beautiful island of Arborek. Divers can simply plunge into the water from the pier to be instantly engulfed in a glittering array of spectacular coral fans and walls of fish, just below the surface.

The local people in Arborek are very welcoming and industrious, creating unusual handicrafts from sea pandan leaves. They live as they have done for thousands of years and are just one of many indigenous tribes within the region. Return to the boat to be engulfed in luxury, take a sunset drinks and a delectable fine dining feast bringing this magical day to a perfect close.

DAY 8 SORONG – BACK TO REALITY

After a final breakfast on board, bid farewell to the ship and her crew as the tenders deliver you back to port for a transfer to the airport.