Raja Ampat & The Spice Islands: A Bird Lover's Paradise

We are excited to introduce a new all-inclusive and fully escorted luxury expedition cruise to Raja Ampat & The Spice Islands aboard the most exciting new expedition ship in the region; Paspaley Pearl, by PONANT.

Departing in January 2025, and hosted by myself & Peter, this vessel only has the capacity for 30 guests so will offer a very personal experience for those of us interested in Bird Watching and Wildlife experiences.

With us on the ship will be Christophe Thebaud, who has over 15 years field experience dedicated to studying the complex behaviour of Birds of Paradise. Christophe will be with the birders on all shore excursions and be on hand to point out first hand what we are seeing. During the evenings he will also host a chat for those who will what to know what Birds we can hope to see the next day.

See below to learn more about what we'll experience on this incredible itinerary, our luxury expedition vessel Paspaley Pearl, and all the details of the tour.    

I do hope you can join us, and I am excited to be able to invite you along.

So much to look forward to!

Our expedition will take us through the captivating landscapes of Ambon and Raja Ampat, where history, culture, and natural wonders converge to create an unforgettable journey. Each moment is a celebration of cultural heritage and natural marvels, promising an experience that transcends the ordinary.

Well view the dramatic scenery surrounding the water village of Sawai, hike in search of Birds of Paradise in Raja Ampat, explore the dramatic Karst landscape of ‘the thousand temples’ in Misool, view the spectacular Kitikiti waterfall and walk along streets that were once the most sought-after real estate on the globe.

Another voyage highlight we are hoping to visit will be to see the Giant Manta Rays as they visit  Manta Ridge or Manta Sandy. These locations also provide rare opportunities to see and interact with these magnificent creatures.

Departs 29th Jan 2025, Returns 11th Feb 2025

Tour inclusions 

Exclusive to CruiseAlong clients:

• Your return economy airfare with Qantas from any airport in Australia to meet our group flight in Darwin before we fly to Dilli.
• Your return economy airfare from Darwin to Dilli with Qantas.
• 1 night pre-cruise Hotel in Dilli with airport and ship transfers.
• Hosted dinner at our Dilli Hotel with Lance & Peter.

The Regular Ponant inclusions:

• All meals – menus designed by Serge Dansereau of Bathers Pavilion.
• Open Bar including French champagne, wine, beer, spirits & cocktails.
• Complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi (connectivity dependent)
• Shore landings and exploration vessel outings
• The services of a team of expert Expedition guides.
• Entry fees to National and Marine Parks
• Non-motorised water sports (Kayaking, SUPs, Snorkelling)
  
  

A taste of what to expect onboard PONANT's Paspaley Pearl

Marrying PASPALEY’s heritage of over 80 years in the Kimberley and Northern Australia with PONANT’s 35-year history of luxury expedition travel, PASPALEY PEARL emerges as the embodiment of comfort and adventure.

Featuring 15 staterooms and suites and hosting a maximum of 30 guests per voyage, PASPALEY PEARL will discover extraordinary destinations, as PONANT unites kindred spirits in the pursuit of adventure. Each journey is enriched by four expert expedition guides, making every moment unforgettable.

 

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