Working on the principle that ‘the more you know, the more you see’, Indonesian expedition cruise operator, SeaTrek Sailing Adventures, has expanded its series of expert-led cruises for 2023 and 2024 with the addition of marine biologist, Vincent Chalias, who will lead two end-of year cruises to explore the Jewels of Raja Ampat departing 29th December 2023 and 10th January 2024.

The islands of Raja Ampat are one of the jewels of Indonesia with some of the most biodiverse underwater habitats on the planet, featuring almost 90% of all known coral species and home to several species of Birds of Paradise. The 10-day voyage sails to the southernmost islands of the Raja Ampat National Park with its picturesque chain of jungle-covered limestone islets.

In addition to daily snorkeling expeditions across Raja Ampat’s rich and bountiful coral reefs, guests will swim in a mysterious lake of stingless jellyfish, visit a sea cave filled with massive stalagmites and stalactites, see 3,000-5,000-year-old prehistoric caves painted, and kayak, swim and play on some beautiful white sand beaches.

Forest treks will go in search of the elusive Wilson’s and Red Birds of Paradise to witness its dance around in the ‘lekking’ trees. There’s a jungle walk and refreshing waterfall swim, plus a visit to a pearl farm to see how this precious commodity is produced and harvested. In Central Raja Ampat the group will see how a local village is promoting sustainability with its solar-powered streetlights and practicing sustainable fishing through a collective community effort.

Chalias will be sharing his knowledge and expertise throughout the cruise with nightly presentations and will be on hand to answer guests’ questions and offers a greater understanding of the region and a more enriching, intellectual, and cultural experience.

Commenting on the news, Michael Travers, Head of Communications for SeaTrek said “Vincent is a very welcome addition to the SeaTrek stable of experts and we look forward to welcoming him aboard to show our guests the beauty and complexity that exists among the coral reefs of Raja Ampat. His 20 years of experience growing, restoring, and researching corals in Indonesia make him the perfect choice to intimately connect our guests with the amazingly biodiverse coral reefs of Indonesia.“