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Raja Ampat & Spice: Indonesia’s Crowning Glory

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

Welcome to your Raja Ampat expedition—where pristine limestone islands harbour 75% of all known coral species, and every day reveals marine biodiversity unmatched anywhere on our planet.

Over the next 13 days, you’ll snorkel above coral gardens protecting 1,800 reef fish species while exploring over 1,500 islands rising dramatically from crystal-blue waters. This isn’t marine observation—you’ll swim beneath freshwater waterfalls cascading directly into the sea, walk through living museums of spice trade history where nutmeg was once more valuable than gold, and search for remarkable birds of paradise in pristine rainforests crowning limestone karst formations.

Each morning brings new discoveries across four million hectares encompassing the heart of the Coral Triangle—Earth’s most biodiverse marine region. You’ll navigate inside spectacular volcanic calderas, explore colonial forts where global powers once fought for spice trade control, and snorkel pristine reefs where the Indonesian Throughflow creates the strongest ocean currents on Earth, nourishing spectacular marine life through constant circulation of eggs and larvae.

From swimming among coral species representing three-quarters of Earth’s known varieties to connecting with communities maintaining traditional lifestyles across the remotest frontiers, every encounter reveals why Raja Ampat represents our planet’s ultimate marine sanctuary. Our small expedition community of just 30 guests ensures intimate access to environments where larger vessels cannot venture, whether you’re exploring hidden lagoons or learning traditional fishing techniques from local communities.

This is expedition travel to Earth’s final marine frontier: pristine, educational, and utterly extraordinary. Your Raja Ampat adventure begins and ends in Timor-Leste.

21 December, 2026 to 01 January, 2027

Ocean Double Stateroom $22,495 AUD pp

14 sqm - Double Bed While the experiences encountered ashore are paramount, so too is your comfort onboard. On Paspaley Pearl adventure and elegance combine. Each of the 15 Staterooms and Suites is designed to provide a relaxed ambiance for you to enjoy during your stay. Comfortable yet practical, with plenty of storage space, fine Aesop toiletries, soft furnishings and quality linen greet you. The interior style reflects the history, destinations and communities we visit, a salute to the era of grand touring when wicker was the signature furnishing, reminiscent of the days when travel was enjoyed only by the privileged few….   Our modern take reflects finishes that are textural – a gentle pallet of rattan, linen and copper add finishing touches that are warm and welcoming. Your relaxing haven after a day of activity.
view cabin photo

Ocean Twin Stateroom $23,495 AUD pp

While the experiences encountered ashore are paramount, so too is your comfort onboard. On Paspaley Pearl adventure and elegance combine. 16 sqm - Twin Bed Each of the 15 Staterooms and Suites is designed to provide a relaxed ambiance for you to enjoy during your stay. Comfortable yet practical, with plenty of storage space, fine Aesop toiletries, soft furnishings and quality linen greet you. The interior style reflects the history, destinations and communities we visit, a salute to the era of grand touring when wicker was the signature furnishing, reminiscent of the days when travel was enjoyed only by the privileged few….   Our modern take reflects finishes that are textural – a gentle pallet of rattan, linen and copper add finishing touches that are warm and welcoming. Your relaxing haven after a day of activity.
view cabin photo

Ocean Stateroom $25,495 AUD pp

17.5sqm, 18 sqm - Queen Bed While the experiences encountered ashore are paramount, so too is your comfort onboard. On Paspaley Pearl adventure and elegance combine. Each of the 15 Staterooms and Suites is designed to provide a relaxed ambiance for you to enjoy during your stay. Comfortable yet practical, with plenty of storage space, fine Aesop toiletries, soft furnishings and quality linen greet you. The interior style reflects the history, destinations and communities we visit, a salute to the era of grand touring when wicker was the signature furnishing, reminiscent of the days when travel was enjoyed only by the privileged few….   Our modern take reflects finishes that are textural – a gentle pallet of rattan, linen and copper add finishing touches that are warm and welcoming. Your relaxing haven after a day of activity.
view cabin photo

Horizon Suite $31,995 AUD pp

20 sqm incl Balcony - Queen Bed While the experiences encountered ashore are paramount, so too is your comfort onboard. On Paspaley Pearl adventure and elegance combine. Each of the 15 Staterooms and Suites is designed to provide a relaxed ambiance for you to enjoy during your stay. Comfortable yet practical, with plenty of storage space, fine Aesop toiletries, soft furnishings and quality linen greet you. The interior style reflects the history, destinations and communities we visit, a salute to the era of grand touring when wicker was the signature furnishing, reminiscent of the days when travel was enjoyed only by the privileged few….   Our modern take reflects finishes that are textural – a gentle pallet of rattan, linen and copper add finishing touches that are warm and welcoming. Your relaxing haven after a day of activity.
view cabin photo

Pearl Suite $38,495 AUD pp

27 sqm incl Balcony - Queen Bed While the experiences encountered ashore are paramount, so too is your comfort onboard. On Paspaley Pearl adventure and elegance combine. Each of the 15 Staterooms and Suites is designed to provide a relaxed ambiance for you to enjoy during your stay. Comfortable yet practical, with plenty of storage space, fine Aesop toiletries, soft furnishings and quality linen greet you. The interior style reflects the history, destinations and communities we visit, a salute to the era of grand touring when wicker was the signature furnishing, reminiscent of the days when travel was enjoyed only by the privileged few….   Our modern take reflects finishes that are textural – a gentle pallet of rattan, linen and copper add finishing touches that are warm and welcoming. Your relaxing haven after a day of activity.
view cabin photo

16 February, 2027 to 27 February, 2027

Ocean Double Stateroom $22,495 AUD pp

Ocean Twin Stateroom $23,495 AUD pp

Ocean Stateroom $25,495 AUD pp

Horizon Suite $31,995 AUD pp

Pearl Suite $38,495 AUD pp

04 December, 2027 to 15 December, 2027

Ocean Double Stateroom $22,495 AUD pp

Ocean Twin Stateroom $23,495 AUD pp

Ocean Stateroom $25,495 AUD pp

Horizon Suite $31,995 AUD pp

Pearl Suite $38,495 AUD pp

16 December, 2027 to 27 December, 2027

Ocean Double Stateroom $22,495 AUD pp

Ocean Twin Stateroom $23,495 AUD pp

Ocean Stateroom $25,495 AUD pp

Horizon Suite $31,995 AUD pp

Pearl Suite $38,495 AUD pp

28 December, 2027 to 08 January, 2028

Ocean Double Stateroom $22,495 AUD pp

Ocean Twin Stateroom $23,495 AUD pp

Ocean Stateroom $25,495 AUD pp

Horizon Suite $31,995 AUD pp

Pearl Suite $38,495 AUD pp

Raja Ampat & Spice: Indonesia’s Crowning Glory itinerary:

show reverse itinerary

Day 1 Dili, Timor Leste - Colonial heritage and marine environments

Board Paspaley Pearl in South-east Asia’s youngest nation, where Portuguese colonial heritage creates distinctive character. Visit the iconic Cristo Rei statue while our expedition team prepares you for encounters with Earth’s richest marine environments across the legendary Spice Islands and Raja Ampat archipelago.

Day 2 At Sea - Historic Island Adventure

Connect with expedition community during our crossing toward historic Maluku islands as marine biologists prepare you for extraordinary underwater encounters. Learn about coral reproduction, fish behaviour, and Indonesian Throughflow creating strongest ocean currents nourishing Raja Ampat’s spectacular marine life through constant circulation.

Day 3 Kei Islands, Maluku - White sand beaches and remote islands

Discover pristine white sand beaches on remote islands where local oral histories trace ancestral roots to Bali during Majapahit empire expansion. Join traditional welcome performances while exploring idyllic beaches where your expedition group represents the only human visitors, sharing paradise with communities welcoming us warmly.

Day 4 Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon - Freshwater and coral reefs

Experience the extraordinary phenomenon of freshwater cascading directly from cliff faces into the ocean on West Papua’s remote peninsula. Swim under falls where chilled freshwater meets warm ocean currents while surrounded by pristine rainforests and vibrant coral reefs creating remarkable ecological contrasts.

Days 5 - 9 Raja Ampat - 5 Days in marine excellence

Spend five extraordinary days exploring Earth’s richest marine environment, where 1,500 islands harbour 75% of all known coral species alongside 1,800 fish species. Navigate limestone karst formations, snorkel pristine reefs, search for birds of paradise, and connect with traditional communities across these untouched frontiers.

Day 10 Banda Neira, Maluku - Spice trade history up close

Walk through living spice trade history on an island where the demand for nutmeg drove European powers to undertake dangerous voyages around the world. Explore Fort Belgica and colonial remnants while learning how modern Bandanese maintain cultural continuity through traditional rituals against volcanic landscape backdrops.

Day 11 Ambon, Maluku - Cultural and historical journey

Discover an island shaped by centuries of colonial conflicts, from Portuguese arrival to the infamous Amboyna massacre. Tour Dutch East India Company forts and ANZAC War Cemetery while experiencing how this resilient community transformed historical challenges into cultural celebrations, earning UNESCO Creative City recognition.

Day 12 At Sea - Marine encounters and underwater diversity

Reflect on extraordinary marine encounters during our return crossing toward Timor-Leste. Join enrichment sessions processing remarkable underwater diversity witnessed across Earth’s richest coral reef ecosystems while understanding conservation efforts protecting these fragile marine environments for future generations to experience.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Raja Ampat & Spice: Indonesia’s Crowning Glory reverse itinerary:

show main itinerary

Please note: *

Itineraries are subject to change.

Day 12 At Sea - Marine encounters and underwater diversity *

Day 11 Ambon, Maluku - Cultural and historical journey *

Day 10 Banda Neira, Maluku - Spice trade history up close *

Days 5 - 9 Raja Ampat - 5 Days in marine excellence *

Day 4 Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon - Freshwater and coral reefs *

Day 3 Kei Islands, Maluku - White sand beaches and remote islands *

Day 2 At Sea - Historic Island Adventure *

Day 1 Dili, Timor Leste - Colonial heritage and marine environments *

* = Indicative

Map for Raja Ampat & Spice: Indonesia’s Crowning Glory

Paspaley Pearl

Vessel Type: Yacht

Length: 50 meters

Passenger Capacity: 30

Built / Renovated: 2021 / 2024

Paspaley Pearl is a boutique expedition vessel designed for intimate exploration in remote and pristine regions. With only 15 staterooms and suites, each blending refined comfort with practical detailing, the ship offers a relaxed yet elegant retreat at sea. Interiors reflect a modern take on grand touring style, with rattan, linen and copper finishes creating a warm, textural palette. Select suites boast private balconies, and all offer spacious bathrooms with premium Aesop toiletries, quality linens, and generous storage. Whether enjoying a quiet moment in the Sunset Lounge or unwinding in the upper-deck jacuzzi, guests are surrounded by thoughtfully crafted spaces designed to enhance both connection and reflection.

At just under 50 metres, Paspaley Pearl is purpose-built for accessing secluded destinations beyond the reach of larger ships. Her advanced propulsion system, featuring twin Azipod thrusters and dynamic positioning, ensures whisper-quiet operation and exceptional manoeuvrability without disturbing delicate seabeds. Onboard technology reflects a deep environmental commitment, with systems that reduce emissions, repurpose heat, and minimise waste. Equipped with custom expedition tenders, Zodiacs, kayaks, and dive gear, Paspaley Pearl invites guests to engage with the natural world through immersive activities—while returning each day to superb dining, seamless service, and the understated luxury of true small-ship expedition travel.

• Snorkelling Raja Ampat’s Coral Gardens: Dive into the heart of the Coral Triangle, snorkelling vibrant reefs hosting 75% of the world’s coral species and 1,800 reef fish, nourished by the powerful Indonesian Throughflow currents.

• Kei Islands’ Pristine Beaches and Culture: Explore the remote Kei Islands, with pristine white sand beaches and traditional welcome performances, connecting with communities whose oral histories trace back to the Majapahit empire.

• Spice Trade History and Volcanic Calderas: Navigate spectacular volcanic calderas and visit colonial forts in the Maluku Islands, uncovering the spice trade’s storied past where nutmeg once rivalled gold in value.