Secret Retreats, a collection of more than 100 independently owned boutique hotels, restaurants and cruises across Asia has launched a dream diving adventure to the world’s most diverse marine sanctuaries in West Papua, Indonesia.
Yachting safaris of eight to 12 nights explore the remote wilderness of the Bird’s Head Seascape archipelago. Aboard the custom-designed Sequoia Yacht, the journey visits internationally-acclaimed diving sites in Cenderawasih Bay, Raja Ampat and Triton Bay – the epicentre of a coral triangle of islands and marine sanctuaries known by indigenous tribal villagers as ‘Heaven on Earth’.
Named after the Sequoia tree, the 26.1-metre-long handcrafted vessel is a contemporary version of a classic wooden yacht that was built in 2017. The eco-friendly yacht boasts two comfortably-appointed deluxe suites, a large living room, picturesque sky deck and full kitchen. Each day aboard the Sequoia is filled with new discoveries, delicious cuisine and surprising experiences – such as the onboard cinema under the stars, swimming in tumbling waterfalls and diving in some of the world’s most coveted dive sites. Bird’s Head Seascape is famed among the world’s premier dive destinations for its wondrous repository of 1,711 species of reef fish, 600 species of corals, 17 species of whales and dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays, as well as nesting beaches for Pacific leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles.
Starting with guests arriving at either Jakarta or Bali airport, the exclusive safaris and diving parties are led by a full support crew including Cruise Director & Captain and Certified Dive Instructor & Dive Master – along with a butler, chef and photographer-videographer recording the amazing experience.
Through the journey, guests stop in such destinations as Daram, the eastern-most island of Misool with long stretches of beach ideal for turtle nesting, Pisang Archipelago, home to The Dome and T-Done Reef dive sites, remote Mommon Bay on the mainland of West Papua, Aiduma Island on the Iris Strait and more.
The all-inclusive charter is available from October to April and priced starting at $12,100 USD per person for an 8-night cruise including all transportation, food, non-alcoholic drinks, laundry, park fees, diving gear and sport equipment, PADI dive courses up to advanced-level certification, DAN insurance, tax and onboard service.
“Guest will return home with memories of a marine safari they always dreamed of,” says Secret Retreats Managing Director, Stéphane Junca. “This unforgettable adventure ticks-off amazing destinations and experiences on every diver’s bucket list.”
About Secret Retreats
Secret Retreats is a collection of unique properties and experiences – including boutique hotels, villas, cruises, restaurants and exclusive itineraries – throughout Asia. It is a community built by independent owners and chefs to share resources and ideas. Together, we offer our guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to connect to the very heart of Asian culture and traditions. Secret Retreats Members are vibrant advocates of their surroundings and passionate about sharing special moments with travellers curious to discover the “essence of Asia”. All properties, experiences and journeys also emphasise supporting local communities, environments and sustainability efforts in which they are based to ensure continued opportunities for both locals and travellers for years to come
