Pearl of Papua is a Buginese phinisi schooner that was traditionally built-in Sulawesi in 2010. The tropical wooden construction has a length of 30- and a beam of 8 meters.
Specially designed as a diving vessel, it is fitted with the latest in nautical and safety technology. High standards are met for the comfort of 14 guests.
We organize diving excursions to Raja Ampat and Cendarawasih for 4 to 10 nights. Swimming with whale sharks and wreck diving are just a few of the possible adventures in these rich tropical waters of Western Papua.
Pearl of Papua has seven attractive cabins. The air-conditioned cabins with en suite bathrooms also have 220V outlets, reading lights, cabinets, and shelves.
Two master cabins on the upper deck have a double bed or two single beds. The lower deck has one spacious suite cabin with a single bed and a double bed and four standard cabins with bunk beds.
All cabins on the lower deck have portholes for windows. Upper deck cabins have huge windows. Housekeeping and provision of clean towels are taken care of daily.
Pearl of Papua’s welcoming and friendly crew consists of 12 people providing you with 5-star service.
The lounge is the indoor communal place with a library, multimedia entertainment, comfy furniture, and a saloon.
The sundeck with reclining chairs is perfect for your après-dive recharging and after dinner sunset delight.
Onboard, we have a dedicated spa/massage room and a laundry service for your convenience.
Experience the flavors of Asian cooking or enjoy western gourmet food on Pearl of Papua dive cruises. Our professional chef will satisfy everyone’s taste and surprise you with delicious entremets.
Fresh vegetables and fruits are part of the daily menu. If you have special alimentary requests due to religious beliefs or food allergies, please inform us at the time of your booking.
Partly because of the Indian and the Pacific Ocean’s geographic location, these waters surrounding West Papua province are incredible fertility and biodiversity.
The dive sites have stunning soft corals and huge sea fans where pygmy seahorses love to hide. Oceanic mantas and reef sharks are regular visitors during the dives. Night dives also are not to be missed during your liveaboard diving vacation.
Our dive guides have excellent knowledge of remote and unspoiled diving sites. Not only scuba diving but also snorkeling will blow your mind on each occasion.
The shaded dive deck on Pearl of Papua has warm water showers, rinse tanks, and charging stations for your camera equipment. We run a diving gear rental service, including nitrox. Courses are available. Evening dives/snorkeling is always very much appreciated.
Year built: 2010
Length: 30 meters
Beam: 7.5 meters
Top speed: 8 knots
Cruising speed: 6 knots
Engines: Mitsubishi MEBDC 91A 200HP
Max guests: 14
Number of cabins: 7
Number of bathrooms: 7
Water capacity: 10’000 liters
Fuel capacity: 6’000 liters
Freshwater maker: 2’000 liters per day
✓ Radar
✓ Depth Sounder
✓ GPS
✓ Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
✓ E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
✓ Emergency Rafts
✓ Life Vests
✓ Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
✓ Oxygen
✓ First Aid Kits
✓ Fishfinder
✓ Satellite & mobile phones
✓ Searchlight
✓ Crew trained in first aid
M/V Pearl of Papua schedules year-round liveaboard diving around West Papua province, including Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay.
DAY 1: Sorong
DAY 2: Dampier Straits
DAY 3: Wayag
DAY 4: Fam & Penemu Island
DAY 5: Arborek
DAY 6 – 8: Dampier Straits
DAY 9
Marine Life: At least 75 percent of all coral species can be found in Raja Ampat, divers can expect a range of topography from soft corals and sea fans, to hard corals, seagrass beds, mangroves, shallow reefs, deep drop offs, caves, black sand and white sand. Giant manta rays, sea turtles, sharks, cuttlefish, pipefish, various seahorse species and massive schools of reef fish are the norm, plus the delightful wobbegong sharks and epaulette sharks inhabit these waters too
* Sailing itineraries and daily program are subject to change due to weather and sea conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations and other factors. Every effort will be made to carryout the program as planned. Program changes may take place during the cruise to take advantage of local cultural events, to adapt to sailing conditions, or in response to other factors. * Experience level: Advance/intermediate plus, currents: can be strong, water temperature: 27 C – 30 C, visibility: 10 m – 40 m, depth: 5 m – 30 m * We strongly advise you to bring your own dive equipment with dive torch for comfort and familiarization. The Pearl of Papua has a strict NO GLOVE POLICY and all divers must have dive insurance.
Day 1 – Sorong
Arrive at Sorong Airport. Our crew will be waiting outside the arrival hall; they will escort you to the Pearl of Papua. After a 15 minute ride, you will be onboard the vessel. Cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before departure. Take this time to familiarize yourself with the facilities and make yourself comfortable. Lunch and dinner will be served while heading towards Raja Ampat National Park. Sorong to Penemu is roughly an eleven-hour journey.
Day 2 – Fam and Penemu
Spread over nearly 700 square kilometers of ocean, just above the midway point on Raja Ampat’s north-south axis. Fam and Penemu’s vivid coral gardens revel in the nutrient-rich water brought forth from the Dampier Straits. My Reef has excellent fish life and is the perfect way to start your first full day of the expedition.
After completing your third dive, the Pearl of Papua will begin her nine-hour journey to Wayag.
Day 3 – Wayag
The Pearl of Papua will moor in front of Mt. Pindito. After completing the first dive, you will have the opportunity to hike up to the top, so bring your cameras, shoes, and a hat – the views are spectacular! Upon descending, our speed boats will cruise around the bay exploring hidden areas, thus affording you an up-close view of the stunning limestone karst formations.
Day 4 – Kawe and Waigeo
So many beautiful dives, so little time! As there are several exceptional sites in the northern part of Raja Ampat, we will spend a bit more time in this area to properly explore it. Changgo is an excellent site; it offers a stunning combination of soft corals and sea fans, which provides a beautiful backdrop while photographing thick schools of fishes. We will dive at The Passage, this site located at the south coast of Waigeo, here schools of giant trevally, Bumphead parrotfish, and the occasional reef shark can be spotted on the way.
Day 5 – Yanggefo and Arborek
En route to the Dampier Straits, we will pass the islands of Yangefo and Arborek. Arborek is a small island inhabited by about 130 local Papuans. Here you will have the opportunity to take a more intimate look at their lives and explore an authentic village.
There are a few excellent sites in this area. Mayhem is not to be missed; with its vibrant benthic life and a plethora of fish about, you are sure to love the dive. This area also boasts a manta cleaning station, Manta Sandy!
Day 6 – Dampier Straits
The Dampier Straits contain some of Raja Ampat’s most action-packed dives. There are several beautiful sites in the area, many of which are exposed to and best-dived when the current is running. Encounters with various sharks, Bumphead Parrotfish, schools of Barracuda, Oceanic Triggerfish, and Big-Eyed Trevally are quite common. The sheer number of fish is astounding. At times shoals are so thick the sunlight is practically blocked out.
Finally, what better way to end your diving expedition than to have a barbeque on an uninhabited island? The crew will prepare a wonderful meal for you to enjoy as you watch thousands of fruit bats begin their journey to neighboring islands searching for food.
Day 7 – Dampier Straits
We can’t get enough of Dampier Straits! Today you will dive at Chicken Reef and Sardine Reef; these dive spots offer an unforgettable diving experience where you may spot vast schools of fishes being stalked by Barracuda and Trevally. And if you’re lucky to even a few Manta Rays!
After completing your second dive of the day, the Pearl of Papua will begin her return voyage to Sorong. It is roughly a seven-hour journey. Upon arriving in Sorong, you will have the opportunity to purchase some souvenirs for your family and friends.
Day 8 – Sorong
After breakfast, prepare for disembarkation. The official check-out time is 10 AM. From here, you will be transferred to your next destination. Your diving journey has ended, and we certainly look forward to welcoming you onboard again.
The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip. Divers are recommended to wait for 24hours before flying after the last dive.
Sailing itineraries and daily programs are subject to change due to weather and sea conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations, or in response to other factors. Every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned.
Day 1 – Sorong
Arrive at Sorong Airport. Our crew will be waiting outside the arrival hall; they will escort you to the Pearl of Papua. After a 15 minute ride, you will be onboard the vessel. Cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before departure. Take this time to familiarize yourself with the facilities and make yourself comfortable. Lunch and dinner will be served while heading towards Raja Ampat National Park. Sorong to Penemu is roughly an eleven-hour journey.
Day 2 – Fam and Penemu
Spread over nearly 700 square kilometers of ocean, just above the midway point on Raja Ampat’s north-south axis. Fam and Penemu’s vivid coral gardens revel in the nutrient-rich water brought forth from the Dampier Straits. My Reef has excellent fish life and is the perfect way to start your first full day of the expedition.
After completing your third dive, the Pearl of Papua will begin her nine-hour journey to Wayag.
Day 3 – Wayag
The Pearl of Papua will moor in front of Mt. Pindito. After completing the first dive, you will have the opportunity to hike up to the top, so bring your cameras, shoes, and a hat – the views are spectacular! Upon descending, our speed boats will cruise around the bay exploring hidden areas, thus affording you an up-close view of the stunning limestone karst formations.
Day 4 – Kawe and Waigeo
So many beautiful dives, so little time! As there are several exceptional sites in the northern part of Raja Ampat, we will spend a bit more time in this area to properly explore it. Changgo is an excellent site; it offers a stunning combination of soft corals and sea fans, which provides a beautiful backdrop while photographing thick schools of fishes. We will dive at The Passage, this site located at the south coast of Waigeo, here schools of giant trevally, Bumphead parrotfish, and the occasional reef shark can be spotted on the way.
Day 5 – Yanggefo and Arborek
En route to the Dampier Straits, we will pass the islands of Yangefo and Arborek. Arborek is a small island inhabited by about 130 local Papuans. Here you will have the opportunity to take a more intimate look at their lives and explore an authentic village.
There are a few excellent sites in this area. Mayhem is not to be missed; with its vibrant benthic life and a plethora of fish about, you are sure to love the dive. This area also boasts a manta cleaning station, Manta Sandy!
Day 6 – Dampier Straits
The Dampier Straits contain some of Raja Ampat’s most action-packed dives. There are several beautiful sites in the area, many of which are exposed to and best-dived when the current is running. Encounters with various sharks, Bumphead Parrotfish, schools of Barracuda, Oceanic Triggerfish, and Big-Eyed Trevally are quite common. The sheer number of fish is astounding. At times shoals are so thick the sunlight is practically blocked out.
Finally, what better way to end your diving expedition than to have a barbeque on an uninhabited island? The crew will prepare a wonderful meal for you to enjoy as you watch thousands of fruit bats begin their journey to neighboring islands searching for food.
Day 7 – Dampier Straits
We can’t get enough of Dampier Straits! Today you will dive at Chicken Reef and Sardine Reef; these dive spots offer an unforgettable diving experience where you may spot vast schools of fishes being stalked by Barracuda and Trevally. And if you’re lucky to even a few Manta Rays!
After completing your second dive of the day, the Pearl of Papua will begin her return voyage to Sorong. It is roughly a seven-hour journey. Upon arriving in Sorong, you will have the opportunity to purchase some souvenirs for your family and friends.
Day 8 – Sorong
After breakfast, prepare for disembarkation. The official check-out time is 10 AM. From here, you will be transferred to your next destination. Your diving journey has ended, and we certainly look forward to welcoming you onboard again.
The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip. Divers are recommended to wait for 24hours before flying after the last dive.
Sailing itineraries and daily programs are subject to change due to weather and sea conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations, or in response to other factors. Every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned.
Potential Schedule for 11 days/10 nights in Raja Ampat Islands
Day One: Sorong
When you arrive at Sorong Airport our crew will be waiting for you in the arrival hall, after collecting your luggage we will escort you to the harbour where our tender boats will take you out to the Pearl of Papua and our friendly crew will greet you with a cold refreshing towel and drink. This will be followed by cabin allocation and boat orientation. When all guests are on board the Cruise Director will give you a presentation about the Pearl of Papua and diving recommendations. Depending on departure time they maybe an opportunity to have a check dive just outside Sorong Harbour. Lunch and dinner will be served during the sail out to South Raja Ampat (12hrs)
Day Two, Three, Four, Five: Misool
One of the many fascinating diversities of Raja Ampat, with some of the most amazing land scapes imaginable, deep mangroves to ravines and canyons, the Misool Islands have been shaped by the powerful forces of nature, underwater the vibrant variety of colour of the hard corals / soft corals / fish species is wonderful. Diving at the Boo Windows, Nudi Rock, Goa Farundi and Magic Mountain (Reef Bayangan) are just some of the awesome sites you can see
Day Six: Fam and Penemu
More great examples of Raja Ampats diversity. The Penemu Islands very recently became an Marine Protected Area and we spend most of our time here in the M.P.A. Melissa’s Garden has probably the best complete coral coverage you will ever see and no visit to these islands is complete without seeing the Hidden Bay
Day Seven: Wayag (Northern Hemisphere)
After your tour of The Hidden Bay we set of for a 12hr drive up to the north of Raja Ampat and dive around the Kawe Islands and Aljui Bay. The entire Aljui Bay has been leased out by Atlas Sea Pearls and the dive sites include White Arrow, Tear Drop Corner and the infamous Cendana Pearl Farm Jetty. It is also possible to tour the pearl farm
Day Eight: Yanggefo
After a 12hr drive back down to the south / middle of Raja Ampat we will dive at Yanggefo. Here we will dive Mayhem, Citrus Ridge and Gam Ridge followed by some snorkelling in the mangroves looking for the Archer Fish and seeing the unique corals that grow in front of the mangroves (normally corals grow 100m plus away from the mangroves), followed by a night dive at either of the ridges, we will overnight in the mangroves
Day Nine: Arborek
The morning dives are at Manta Sandy where we regularly see the Black / White and the all Black Manta Rays come to cleaned. This famous site now has a line of dead coral where guests line up and watch the show. Third dive is a beautiful coral / fish dive close to Arborek Island where guests can also have a sun set walk on the beach before the fourth / night dive at the village jetty
Day Ten: Dampier Strait
Finishing off your great trip with two shallow dives in the Dampier Strait which has some great action packed fish dives, like Cape Kri and Blue Magic. After your busy diving schedule has come to a sad end we will have a lazy afternoon on Pulau Pasir (Sand Island) before returning to Sorong
Day Eleven: Sorong
After breakfast the Cruise Director will escort the guests to either the airport / hotel and will assist with checking in. Sorry to say that your Pearl of Papua Raja Ampat trip has come to an end and we look forward to welcoming you onboard again.
Notes:
Cruising itineraries and daily programs are subject to change due to weather / sea conditions and dive site / anchorage availability. Every effort will be made to complete the program as planned and the Cruise Director will update the guests at meal times
We strongly advise you to bring your own dive equipment for comfort and familiarization and that The Pearl of Papua has a strict NO GLOVE POLICY
Please Note That All Guests Must Have Dive Accident / Evacuation Insurance
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