Whale and Bird Watching into the Heart of Raja Ampat

This week, the Mermaid One partnered with Naturetrek to lead an expedition encompassing snorkeling, whale watching, and bird watching into the heart of Raja Ampat.

Our journey began in the southern region of Raja Ampat, where guests were treated to the breathtaking sight of hard and soft coral reefs teeming with vibrant marine life. Graceful green and hawksbill turtles glided effortlessly through the crystal-clear waters, while elusive octopuses darted among the coral formations. A thrilling encounter with blacktip reef sharks added to the excitement of our underwater exploration.

As we navigated between islands, we came across multiple schools of spinner dolphins dancing off our bow, before eventually crossing paths with an impressive pod of thirty pilot whales. But the highlight was the rare sighting of an Omura’s whale, a rare and recently discovered baleen whale of the Indo-Pacific.

But our expedition wasn’t confined to the ocean alone. We ventured into the lush jungles of Waigeo Island, rising well before dawn to seek out the elusive Wilson’s bird of paradise and the Red Bird of Paradise. Our efforts were rewarded as we arrived just in time to witness their mesmerizing mating dances.

From the stunning vistas to the incredible marine encounters and rare bird sightings, this trip was an unforgettable experience for both crew and guests alike.

John Roney

MV Mermaid I
March 15-24, 2024