An expedition to Raja
Ampat and beyond…
Join a 14-day ship-based naturalist’s expedition through Papua, crafted by marine biologist Dr. Geoffrey Gearheart. Encounter iconic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes with the insight of a seasoned field biologist—traveling not just as a guest, but with the perspective of someone who’s spent decades exploring this region.
Thanks to Geoffrey’s deep roots and long-standing network of Papuan collaborators—some working with him for over 20 years—you’ll gain rare access to people and places that few outsiders ever experience.
The Raja Ampat and Beyond expedition is designed for the Naturalist at Heart: the kind of traveler who seeks more than scenery—someone drawn to the hidden stories, ecological richness, and cultural depth of one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
Note: This is not a dedicated SCUBA diving trip (we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel—Raja Ampat already has dozens of dive operators). Instead, this is an amphibious expedition that explores both the underwater and terrestrial worlds, extending well beyond Raja Ampat.
Reviews
Key activities
Snorkel and SCUBA dive the world’s richest reefs in Raja Ampat and Cendrawasih Bay
Forest treks to discover some of Papua’s iconic species, such as birds-of-paradise, cassowaries, marsupials, hornbills and butterflies
Climb the karst hills of Wayag
Visit remote villages
Witness giant leatherbacks nest on some incredibly remote beaches
Swim with whale sharks and manta rays
Visit a ground-breaking green sea turtle conservation project
Meet and support conservationists working tirelessly to protect Papua’s natural riches
Explore WWII wrecks and much, much more…
Read the trip journals for more details…
Itinerary
The Shakti will take you on a 14-day, 1000-mile journey through Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, the top of the Vogelkop Peninsula and down to the southern tip of Cendrawasih Bay. The expeditions are scheduled between May and September, aligning with the leatherback nesting season. Group size is limited to 12 persons.
Start and end point: Jakarta (optional)* or West Papua
Find a more detailed itinerary in the “Trip Brochure”.
*It is highly recommended to start the adventure in Jakarta with the rest of the group - it is the preferred option for most travelers. See the FAQ page for more info.
Expedition leader
Dr. Geoffrey Gearheart is a marine biologist and oceanographer with over a decade of experience in research and conservation in West Papua. From 2005 to 2008, he served as a biologist with Conservation International, where he led their sea turtle conservation program in Raja Ampat. Working in partnership with a local Papuan non-profit, Geoff helped protect the archipelago’s most critical green turtle nesting site at Piai Island.
In 2008, he moved to San Diego, USA, to pursue a PhD at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (UCSD), focusing on leatherback sea turtles in Papua’s Bird’s Head Peninsula, and later, penguins and seals in Antarctica.
Now based in Australia with his family, Geoff continues to support conservation efforts across the region.
Over the years, Geoff has gained deep insight into Papua’s unique ecology, including the vital connections between its terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Motivated by a passion for sharing this knowledge and promoting conservation through ecotourism, he founded Kalawai Adventure —named after a traditional Papuan fishing spear. Since 2016, he has been designing immersive expeditions that allow travelers to explore Papua’s natural wonders while also contributing to local conservation efforts. For Geoff, these journeys are more than work—they offer a way to stay connected with and support his long-time Papuan friends and partners.