Raja Ampat.

Even the name sounds like somewhere you should probably go and have an adventure. And if it sounds familiar, it’s probably because your marine biologist friend has been going on about it for ages while showing you photos of water so blue it’s suspicious.

If your travel wish list leans towards places that are wild, watery and a little harder to reach, this scattering of islands in eastern Indonesia deserves a spot somewhere near the top.

Think tiny green islands rising straight out of clear tropical seas. Coral reefs you can swim straight over. Jungle, beaches, hidden bays and the sort of anchorages that make you wonder why anyone ever invented hotels.

Raja Ampat is also one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. Which is one reason it has been on our radar for a while.

Another World Adventures has been a long term supporter of Women in Ocean Science (AWA’s founder Larissa Clark is on the Advisory Board and is a Trustee of the Women in Ocean Science charity) , and in 2024 we nominated their brilliant Raja Ampat project for funding through the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund. The project supports local women to develop skills in marine conservation, diving and ecosystem monitoring, while helping restore damaged coral reef habitat in areas important for manta rays.

[Read more about Women in Ocean Science restoring coral reefs in Raja Ampat]

So when the chance came along to add a small yacht sailing around these islands to the AWA collection, our answer was a fairly enthusiastic yes.

See it from the sea

Francesco and Anna, one of our favourite sailing teams, are taking their 52ft yacht to Raja Ampat for a series of voyages over Christmas, New Year and January.

There are just six guest places aboard, which feels about right for somewhere like this.

Your home travels with you. Wake up at anchor, eat breakfast on deck, sail off towards the next island, jump over the side for a snorkel, explore ashore and find somewhere beautiful to drop anchor for the night.

There is no need for previous sailing experience, although you can get involved as much as you like. The itinerary stays flexible too, leaving room to follow the weather, the conditions and whatever looks interesting around the next corner.

Four voyages run between 20 December 2026 and 30 January 2027, including Christmas and New Year departures.

And frankly, if the idea of seeing in the New Year barefoot on the deck of a yacht in Raja Ampat sounds better than standing in a crowded bar wondering where your coat has gone, we suspect you are in the right place.

Explore our new Sail Raja Ampat adventure.