12 Day Raja Ampat Charter Itinerary - Sorong to Sorong

If diving is one of your favourite past times then this will be one of the highlights of your trip. The dive sites at Misool have won votes for being some of the best diving opportunities in the world. Such dive sites include Magic Mountain and Boo Windows. The waters in the Raja Ampat area are known to play host a huge amount of marine species, including several breeds of sea turtles. If you're very lucky you may have the chance to see some on your dive.

In addition to the beautiful sights below the water's surface there is also the chance to take home some of the splendour of the sea. Pearling is a way of life on these islands so before breaking for lunch take some time to watch the locals at work and see just what it takes to make a living here. After seeing how it's done, make a purchase from the local businesses and take home some fresh pearls ready to set into some fine jewellery back home.

Away from the water, there are some historical interests on the island of Misool. Caves known as Gua Sacral are located at Tomolol and are clear insights in to life with the Papuans. Another sight worth seeing involves a little swim. Venturing through a cathedral like cave, there are some intriguing ancient cave paintings to see.

As a finisher for your few days at Misool, there is a network of channels and coves which offer many hidden adventures and plenty of opportunities to relax in peace. Rest up on the almost abandoned beaches before indulging in a luxurious feast on board your yacht before heading out to your next location.

A trek up through dense jungle will take you to a beautiful viewing platform where you may have the chance to see the rare Red Bird of Paradise. Have a light snack before making the return journey back down through the jungle and have a well earned dip into the cooling waters by your private rental yacht.

Staying with the water in the afternoon, the salt water river, otherwise known as The Passage, is an ideal activity for a laid back cruise. Bordered by towering limestone cliffs and lush green foliage, there is a lovely atmosphere here as you cruise silently through nature taking everything in. Life below the Passage is equally stunning with a large selection of corals, fish and sponges.    

Start off the day in an anchorage in Mioskon Bay. Head ashore and up in to the dense jungle to visit some prime placed platforms to watch the birds. There's a multitude of species here which fly around the trees, making you want to look everywhere at once. If birding isn't really your thing there are also mangroves to explore, which are home to other native creatures. Whilst looking at the vast selection of wildlife you can also admire the flourishing slopes of corals and underwater vegetation.

Moving further out to the Kri peninsula your underwater adventures can continue with the chance to see some larger and even more impressive underwater residents. Watch over the hard and soft corals as you see sharks, manta rays and even sea turtles playing and swimming around them.

One final stop you can make, if there's time, is to a nearby island called Mansuar. This island is only small but it offers you a glimpse into local life and culture. There's also a very pretty church worth a quick visit.

Heading into the thick of the jungle there is so much to look at you won't know where to look first. The sky scraping trees are home to a huge amount of native and migrating birds which include egrets, cockatoos and sea eagles. Many of the birds nest here so you may be lucky enough to see some fledglings.

As you make your way through the hot jungle, keep your eyes peeled for a little treasure hidden among the trees. Make sure you have your bathing suit with you as your cooling off session comes in the form of a magnificent waterfall. Buried deep in the jungle this is the perfect place to rest and recuperate before making the return journey to the beach.