Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is one of the youngest provinces of this huge country. With a population of only four people per square kilometre it is seen as a vast un-tapped area. Oil and copper represent over 90% of the value of the province’s exports.

In the last few years the Indonesian province of Papua, in the western part of the island of New Guinea, became famous because of its untouched, colourful reefs and great island scenery. Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool are the main islands that make up Raja Ampat, an area which consists of more than 1500 islands in total. Cruising through this unique area is breath-taking, to say the least.

The biodiversity of Raja Ampat is unique. In this archipelago are recorded more than 1000 species of reef fishes, more than 700 molluscs and more than 560 species of hard corals, which is more than 75% of all know hard corals worldwide. More than 4.6 million hectares of more or less untouched underwater areas are waiting with mangroves, colourful coral gardens, deep walls, giant schools of fish, manta rays, wobbegong sharks, as well as nudibranchs and critters.

Sorong, with 130,000 inhabitants, is an important city for oil and the starting point for our cruises. The city is easily accessible from Singapore with Silk Air via Manado, (one night stopover), then with Merpati or Wing Air on to West Papua.

Commencing September 2009 Ocean Rover will be based in this unique area. Our crew will meet you at the airport or your hotel and bring you to the departure point in Sorong for boarding. During the itinerary we will dive at the best locations in Raja Ampat. Our experienced dive guides will seek out interesting marine life for our guests plus macro subjects and wide angle impressions for the underwater photographers and videographers.

Cruising through the islands of Raja Ampat while relaxing on Ocean Rover and enjoying the delicious meals prepared by our chef is by far the most enjoyable and comfortable way to visit this unforgettable destination.