About Triton Bay
Triton Bay Snorkeling Tour
Triton Bay is located off the southwestern tip of West Papua (Indonesia) and is part of the Bird’s Head Seascape, a protected region that comprises the coastal waters around the entire west coast of the island of New Guinea. This way-off-the-beaten-path destination is a throwback to the way people around New Guinea existed 50 years ago. Lush tropical forests and quiet coves with perfect white sand beaches can be found throughout the rugged coastline and jungle-clad islands. With few commercial exports, island life revolves around subsistence living (fishing and agriculture) and the main town of Kaimana, the center of import and commerce in the region, boasts population of 13,000 residents.
Scientists and marine naturalists, however, are quickly recognizing this area for its diversity of marine life and habitats. The Kaimana regency of which Triton Bay is a part, is also referred to as the “Kingdom of Fishes”. Like it’s more popular northern neighbor, Raja Ampat, Triton Bay has some of the highest levels of marine biodiversity on the planet. All of the usual parameters for excellence apply; over five hundred species of hard corals and well over one thousand species of fishes, but the highlights continue on with whale sharks, a chance to see endemic species such as the Triton Bay walking shark and Giti’s damselfish. As a result, marine tourism is fast becoming one of the more popular activities in the region. Given the marine diversity and abundance comparable to Raja Ampat and that only handful of tourists visit the area each year, Triton Bay may just be Indonesia’s best kept secret.
Our special snorkeling tour takes to along the western coast from Sorong to Kaimana where we will have the chance to snorkel the best reefs and habitats of Triton Bay and Raja Ampat. Though our main focus will be on the incredibly rich underwater world, we will have opportunities to view rare or endemic birds, summit dramatic rock islands for incredible views, and relax on idyllic white-sand beaches. We have been hearing about Triton Bay for years and having lead over 35 snorkeling tours to Raja Ampat, can’t wait for the chance to explore the rich waters of Raja’s southern neighbor, Triton Bay!
March 21 – April 3, 2021
Trip Reports:
Raja Ampat Trip Report, Feb 2018
Raja Ampat Trip Report, Nov 2017
Click on a tour date below to read about trip details including accommodations, pricing, and how you can join us!
Itinerary
Our snorkeling tour begins and ends in Jakarta, Indonesia. Our internal flight departs Jakarta for Sorong, West Papua, and we will cruise to Kaimana in Triton Bay where we catch out flight back to Jakarta. Please note that although we visit many of the islands and island groups in the sample itinerary below, each of our departures is unique and that weather, tides, and opportunities to explore all play a role in the decisions about our daily schedule as well as the overall itinerary.
Day 1: Jakarta / Bandara International
Meals provided: D
Meet in Jakarta, Indonesia at our group hotel, the Bandara International, for the tour orientation and welcome dinner. Overnight Bandara International
Day 2: Sorong / Transfer to M/V Pindito
Meals provided: B,L,D
Fly to Kaimana and transfer to our live-aboard boat, the M/V Pindito for our boat orientation and lunch before we depart for our snorkeling adventure into the islands. Overnight Pindito.
Day 3 – 5: Raja Ampat
Meals provided: B,L,D
We begin in the Raja Ampat seascape, with our focus squarely on the southern island of Misool and Batanta in Dampier Strait. The reefs in Batanta are incredibly lush and vibrant. Coral gardens in quiet bays give us the chance to snorkel lazily above the reef until we are interrupted by a passing manta ray! Misool is known for its incredible scenery comprised mostly of jungle-clad limestone islands and islets. The reefs fringe from the islands and often drop in dramatic wall-like fashion providing us with the chance to snorkel over shallow coral reef and look out into the deep blue where the bigger fish are spending time. Some of our other sites include swift passes between the islands where colorful soft corals create beautiful complex homes for the thousands of reef fish that feed nearby in the currents. Overnight Pindito
Please note that days 6 – 12 are approached as exploratory in nature, and given the reputation of the area, we expect to have an amazing time discovering new sites that flourish with some of the highest levels of marine biodiversity on the planet!
Day 6 – 7: Pisang / Mommon
Meals provided: B,L,D
As we cruise south along the rugged West Papuan coast towards Triton Bay, we’ll spend our days snorkeling pristine reefs and exploring quiet lagoons and hidden bays. We’ll also have the opportunity to see rare birds and admire the raw, prehistoric jungle landscape that dominates along the coastline. Overnight Pindito
Day 8 – 12: Triton Bay
Meals provided: B,L,D
Triton Bay possesses almost every type of marine habitat and we will spend the next four days exploring many of them on our quest to see the world’s healthiest and dazzling reefs. Shallow fringing reefs, clear mangroves, colorful coral gardens, fields of seagrasses, and tens of thousands of dazzling marine fishes will be the story of the day while in Triton Bay. We will also have the chance to snorkel with whale sharks that have taken up residency near local fishing platforms in the Bay. Because this is an exploratory, we will work with the captain to develop our day-to-day itinerary based on weather and preferences. Overnight Pindito
Day 13: International flights or overnight in Jakarta
Meals provided: B,L,D
Disembark in the morning for our return flight to Jakarta. International flights are possible for evening departures only. Overnight Bandara International
Day 14: International flights or extensions
Meals provided: B
What to Expect
Currents around Triton Bay and the islands of Raja Ampat may be strong. While we plan our snorkel session around the slack tides, we also have several sites where having water movement is an advantage. These drift snorkels allow us to cover large tracks of reef without having to swim too hard. Our snorkel sessions are 100% boat supported and they will be there at all times to assist anyone for whatever reason.
There will be opportunities to visit beaches for nature walks as well as the chance to climb up to the top of the islands for incredible panoramic views. The beach walks only require loose fitting clothes and foot protection that can get wet (e.g., sandals or neoprene booties). Our summit hikes require sturdy foot wear, though the hike is climbing a series of constructed stairs. A good pair of binoculars is a definite bonus! Birds like parrots, doves, and cockatoos are spotted nearly every day!
Please click on our page About our Tours to read about what a typical day of snorkeling looks like on most of our tour programs.
Join Us!
Click on the tour date to read about trip details including accommodations, pricing, and how you can join us!
March 21 – April 3, 2021
Please email us with any questions you may have about these trips.