2026 TRIPS FULLY BOOKED BUT TAKING DEPOSITS FOR 2027 - NO SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
SUBJECT: Re: Expeditions to Raja Ampat and beyond with Kalawai Adventure
Hi XXX,
Thanks for your interest and apologies for the delay in response.
Thanks for your interest in Kalawai Adventure’s expeditions.
Since you didn’t have a specific question about the trips, I’ll point you toward the Kalawai website, which has lots of detailed information on the expedition format, pricing, dates, availability, and more. The "FAQ's" page is especially helpful.
Here is a short description of the format of the trips, to complement the info on the website:
Most travellers on my expeditions are fit retirees, but ages range widely. I’ve taken guests from 4 to 84, and everyone has had an unforgettable experience. I personally interview each potential traveler via video chat to make sure expectations are aligned before accepting a booking (for example, if you’re expecting a glass of celebratory champagne after each snorkel session, you may be knocking on the wrong door!). This approach consistently results in a great mix of flexible, curious, and nature-loving adventurers on each trip.
Participants typically want to do more than just sightseeing. I endeavor to provide a science-based, naturalist-style experience of West Papua, one that isn’t limited to Raja Ampat alone. We travel to places very few foreigners have ever visited.
The expeditions are broad in scope: they don't focus solely on the marine world. There’s an incredible amount to see and experience on land, so we take advantage of our local knowledge and very good Papuan guides to explore forests, villages and remote beaches.
I rely on a long-standing network of local Papuan friends, former colleagues, and guides, some of whom I’ve known for over 20 years, to assist during the expeditions. This close connection with local communities is one of the things that makes Kalawai expeditions unique. The TripAdvisor reviews linked on the website are also a good resource if you’d like an independent perspective on what to expect.
It’s also important to note that these are not SCUBA diving trips. If scuba diving is your main interest, you may want to explore other companies that cater specifically to SCUBA divers.
Bookings for the 2027 expeditions are now open. You can find all the information you need about the dates, prices, inclusions, itineraries, etc. on the “Dates & Rates” page, as well as the “FAQ’s” page of the website.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Geoffrey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF TRIP FOR OLDER PEOPLE
SUBJECT: Expeditions to Raja Ampat and beyond with Kalawai Adventure
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for your interest.
I assume you've had a look at the Kalawai Adventure website so you have an idea of the overall format of the expeditions.
Most of the travelers on my expeditions are fit retirees. I’ve taken my own mother on several trips as well, including last year when she turned 80. To get a more detailed answer to the “fitness question” (which I get asked very often!), I’ll direct you to the “FAQ’s” page (click here).
I personally interview each potential traveler via video chat to make sure expectations are aligned (for example, if you’re expecting a glass of celebratory champagne after each snorkel session, you may be knocking on the wrong door!). This approach consistently results in a great mix of flexible, curious, and nature-loving adventurers on each trip.
It’s also important to note that these are not SCUBA diving trips. If scuba diving is your main interest, you may want to explore other companies that cater specifically to SCUBA divers. My focus is on providing a science-based, naturalist-style experience of West Papua, one that isn’t limited to Raja Ampat alone. We travel to places very few foreigners have ever visited.
The expeditions are broad in scope: they don't focus solely on the marine world. There’s an incredible amount to see and experience on land, and participants typically want to do more than just sightseeing.
I rely on a long-standing network of local Papuan friends, former colleagues, and guides, some of whom I’ve known for over 20 years, to assist during the expeditions. This close connection with local communities is one of the things that makes Kalawai expeditions unique. The TripAdvisor reviews linked on the website are also a good resource if you’d like an independent perspective on what to expect.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Geoffrey
VETTING PROCESS
If you want to move ahead with a booking, I would first like to “meet” you via a short video chat (WhatsApp or Facetime). I do this with every prospective guest to make sure there are no misunderstandings about the nature and format of the expedition.
These trips are very different from a conventional cruise. This conversation helps ensure the expedition is the right fit for you, while also giving you the opportunity to ask any questions. Over the years, this approach has proven to work extremely well and has consistently brought together groups of flexible, curious, and genuinely adventurous guests, which makes a real difference to the overall experience.
The call is informal and usually takes around 20 minutes. If that sounds good, let me know your availability and I will suggest a few times.
You can add my number to your WhatApp / phone address book: +61431452135
ENQUIRIES ABOUT PRICE
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for your interest in Kalawai Adventure's expeditions.
For Expedition 3 (2026), there is currently one spot remaining.
The price per person is:
AUD 13,000 if you prefer to meet the ship in Papua, or
AUD 14,500 with the Jakarta add-on, which includes all return domestic flights between Jakarta and Papua, as well as three nights in a 4-star hotel in Jakarta during transit.
Bookings are now open for the 2027 expeditions, which follow the same itinerary and duration as the 2026 expeditions.
The price per person is:
AUD 15,000 to meet the ship in Papua, or
AUD 16,500 with the Jakarta add-on, including all return domestic flights between Jakarta and Papua and three nights in a 4-star hotel in Jakarta during transit.
International flights to and from Jakarta are not included.
If you have any questions or would like to talk through the options, I’d be very happy to help. You may also find it useful to read the "Dates & Rates" page on the website for further details on inclusions and dates, as well as the "FAQs" page, which provides a more detailed explanation of the pros and cons of meeting the ship in Papua versus travelling with the group from Jakarta.
Regards,
Geoffrey