Astonishing Ayau

Starting in the morning — either from Waisai or your close by accommodation — we make our way north. En route we pass through Raja Ampat's magnificent island world, snorkel vivid reefs and visit empty beaches. Get ready to dive into Raja Ampat's little visited areas, full of surprises. We reach the first homestay in the late afternoon. Take your time to freshen up before enjoying a fantastic dinner with fresh fish and seafood, sided by a variety of vegetables and rice.

We follow north Waigeo's impressive coast line. On the way we can stop at a few, hardly ever visited reefs. At one of the many bays along the coast we stop by for a barbecue on the beach and a shower at one of the waterfalls. We continue along the coast until we reach the sheltered Lam-Lam bay at the foot of the impressive Mount Nok. After having a look around Kapadiri village, we decide whether we want to stay at a friend's house or set up camp for the night.

Starting in the morning and keeping the tides in mind — it's not possible to reach the island inside the lagoon at low tide — we cross the open ocean. Our first stop is Yenkawir village, where we meet up with a friend who will accompany us during our time in Ayau. In the afternoon we can snorkel and explore the smaller islands or follow the path across the main island. We spend the night in a homestay on Ayau's main island, enjoy fantastic fresh fish and learn about unique customs.

Leaving Yenkawir at rising tide, we make our way north and enter Ayau's larger lagoon. The lagoon by itself is breathtaking. Gliding over huge bommies and fine sand, all perfectly visible through the crystal clear water. We spend the day exploring the lagoons northern part, with plenty of opportunities to snorkel, swim in the tropical sea and visit sandbanks and islands. You can decide spontaneously whether you want to spend the night camping on a beach or in a village.

A full day to further explore the large lagoon: Cruise between the endless reefs, marvel at the amazing colours of the water, snorkel the vivid outer reefs and the fantastic bommies within the lagoon. We can visit some more islands, grill fresh fish on the beach and simply enjoy life. Again, you can decide rather spontaneously whether you want to spend the night camping on a beach or in a village.

Another relaxed day cruising through the large lagoon, slowly making our way towards the channel. On the way to the smaller lagoon we will visit a ship wreck on the outer reef and snorkel before heading to Yenkawir village. In the afternoon we can relax and hang out in the village, cruise through the smaller lagoon or take the path to Dorekhar — Ayau's largest village. We spend the night at the homestay on Ayau's main island, where we will be served a delicious dinner.

After breakfast we prepare for the crossing to Waigeo. As soon as we can leave the lagoon we start and head for Waigeo's coast. Depending on the time and the weather conditions, we either visit a few bays and islands along the way or head straight for Aljui bay. We can stop to snorkel a few times on the way and visit some beaches before arriving at the homestay in the late afternoon. After yet another delicious dinner you can enjoy a clean bed, fan and en suite bathroom.

After breakfast we leave the homestay behind us and start our relaxed cruise south. On the way — and depending on your further plans — we can stop at several islands, snorkel some more reefs, hang out on the beach and have a fresh coconut. The exact itinerary depends on weather conditions, seasonal particularities and where you plan to end your tour. Enjoy a relaxed final day, before arriving at your destination in the afternoon.