Raja Ampat snorkelling cruise

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

A continuous sea journey through Raja Ampat.
Raja Ampat 1 begins in Sorong and is designed around the vessel itself, connecting the islands and marine environments by sea rather than requiring additional domestic flights between destinations once guests are onboard.

Solar power onboard.
Explorer 1 is equipped with a 10 KWp solar power system, including panels, batteries and an inverter. Under suitable weather conditions, this can reduce generator operating time and help lower diesel consumption during the cruise. A typical cruise day uses the generator 2 hours per day , instead of 24 hours/day . Hence a reduction of approximately 375 kg of Co2 over a 22 hour operating day. In addition to drastically reducing carbon emissions, transitioning to solar power actively protects the surrounding marine ecosystem. By eliminating exhaust fumes, fuel leaks, and underwater engine vibrations, it ensures local fish and coral reefs remain completely undisturbed. Furthermore, it delivers a silent, vibration-free experience for ultimate comfort while at anchor or on a mooring, all while fully powering all onboard appliances, including the air conditioning in the passenger cabins.

Walking and water-based exploration.
The itinerary includes trekking to Piaynemo viewpoint, snorkelling, drift snorkelling, beach exploration and time in protected lagoons. These activities allow guests to experience Raja Ampat through walking and water-based exploration. We also encourage our guests to join our crew into beach cleaning missions

Small-group travel in a sensitive marine environment.
With a maximum of eight guests, Explorer 1 allows us to explore Raja Ampat without the scale of mass tourism. This helps limit the number of people visiting the same natural sites at any one time.

Fresh water produced onboard.
Our reverse osmosis desalination system produces fresh water onboard, reducing the need to rely entirely on water brought from shore during the cruise.

Vegetarian and vegan food options.
Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available on our cruises. Guests can request these when booking so that our onboard team can prepare suitable meals throughout the trip.


ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Our crew mission: Faced with the decline of the artisanal fishing industry due to depleting fish stocks, our crew—all former traditional fishermen—adapted by joining the marine tourism sector. This shift transformed their relationship with the ocean: instead of hunting marine life, they have become its primary protectors, guiding our guests while actively safeguarding the local ecosystem

A reef-focused journey through Raja Ampat.
Raja Ampat 1 is designed around experiencing the region’s marine biodiversity. Guests snorkel at Melissa’s Garden, Yenbuba jetty and Cape Kri, as well as exploring the limestone landscapes and protected lagoons around Fam and Kabui Bay.

Piaynemo and the limestone islands.
The trek to Piaynemo viewpoint allows guests to experience Raja Ampat’s distinctive limestone landscape from land. Our crew encourage guests to respect the environment, remain on established paths where possible, and avoid leaving waste behind.

Manta encounters with respect for wildlife.
The itinerary includes a snorkelling stop at Manta Sandy. Guests are encouraged to observe manta rays without touching, feeding or disturbing them, and to follow the instructions of the crew and local guides.

A traditional Papuan village visit.
The visit to Arborek provides an opportunity to learn about local life and the relationship between the community and its marine environment. Guests are encouraged to approach the visit respectfully and follow local guidance.

Protected marine environments.
Where applicable, Raja Ampat entrance and conservation fees are included in the trip price, contributing to the management of protected areas and the conservation of the region’s marine environments.

Responsible snorkelling and reef protection.
Our crew brief guests to avoid contact with coral, not stand on reefs, and take care not to leave waste behind. We aim to reduce unnecessary disturbance to the marine environments visited throughout the cruise.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Indonesian crew and local knowledge.
Explorer 1 is operated by an Indonesian captain and crew. Our team brings local knowledge of the sea and the destinations we visit, helping guests experience Raja Ampat through the people who know the region best.

Supporting local employment through marine tourism.
By prioritising Indonesian crew, we help keep tourism income within Indonesia and create opportunities for people whose livelihoods are connected to the sea.

Visiting Arborek village.
The traditional Papuan village visit in Arborek creates an opportunity for guests to learn about local culture and the communities that live in Raja Ampat. Where applicable, we use local guides and services to support the local economy.

Local services around the cruise.
Wherever possible, we use local services and suppliers in the destinations where we operate, including local guides, shore excursion services, suppliers and other operational support.


EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local employment and fair pay.
Our captain and crew are Indonesian, and we aim to provide fair employment opportunities with salaries in line with the industry standard and our crew qualifications and family status. Where confirmed, additional compensation may be provided for days spent at sea recognising the demands of multi-day liveaboard work. On a busy month, our crew can earn twice their salaries.

Opportunities for people connected to the sea.
Many of our crew come from local Indonesian fishing communities. Working in marine tourism provides an alternative career opportunity while allowing them to maintain their connection to the sea and share their knowledge with guests.

A respectful and inclusive workplace.
We aim to provide a respectful working environment and equal employment opportunities, without discrimination based on gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics.

Small groups and personal service.
With a maximum of eight guests, our crew can provide a more personal experience and respond to individual guest needs. Accessibility should be discussed before booking, as the vessel’s stairs, tender transfers and uneven shore terrain may not be suitable for all guests with limited mobility.

Land Staff :
If our on board crew are all males, 80% of our land staff are females handling reception, administration, accounting, purchasing, catering and laundry duties