An expedition to Raja

Ampat and beyond…

Join a 17-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, 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

  • 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 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.

Find a more detailed itinerary in the “Trip Brochure”.

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.

Frequently asked questions

  • You can find info on pricing, inclusions and many other topics in the “Pricing and dates” section and in the “Trip Brochure”, which you can access through the link on this page!

  • With only 6 cabins and just 2–3 trips a year, it’s essential that every spot is filled. Fortunately, the cabins are spacious, and the experience is intense enough that solo travelers who share quickly become friends. I personally vet each guest to ensure the group dynamic is just right — and if you check the TripAdvisor reviews from past solo travelers, you'll get a feel for the atmosphere onboard.

  • I often get asked about safety. West Papua is among the friendliest and safest travel destinations—provided basic precautions are followed. First, make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date by consulting your doctor. Since malaria is endemic, taking prophylactics is strongly advised. While there is an ongoing, low-intensity conflict between the “Free Papua Movement” and the Indonesian government, it is confined to urban areas like Timika (near the Freeport gold mine) and Jayapura (the regional capital). Kalawai Adventure expeditions take place in remote, natural areas, far from any civil unrest.

  • The trip is entirely ship-based and very comfortable (see the “Ship” section), but we do snorkel extensively, so you should be a confident swimmer. We go ashore almost daily for rainforest explorations and visits to islands and villages. Most walks are under two hours round-trip on relatively flat terrain. A more challenging 6-hour river hike is occasionally offered, but only if the whole group is keen — otherwise, we skip it. Reasonably fit travelers of all ages can take part in most land activities; I’ve welcomed guests from age 4 to 84. Our team of four guides is always available to assist, and each guest is free to choose activities that suit their fitness level. For a true sense of the experience, read the “Trip Journals.”

  • I schedule trips during the “off-season” — which is when leatherback turtles come to nest. While underwater visibility is slightly reduced, it’s still excellent for everyone except professional underwater photographers. Rain is a bit more frequent (Papua doesn’t have true wet/dry seasons, but rather trade wind and monsoon periods), but in over 20 years, no one has ever complained — just check the TripAdvisor reviews!

  • We travel mostly along sheltered waters with minimal motion. Only one stretch — about 8 hours long — occasionally has larger swells (the biggest I’ve experienced is around 4–5 feet). After that, it’s calm again for the remainder of the expedition. On our most recent trip, a guest prone to seasickness took Ondansetron, which eased her nausea within minutes. (Note: in Australia, Ondansetron requires a prescription.)

  • Our aquatic activities focus mainly on snorkeling. However, we can accommodate a limited number of SCUBA dives at select 'star locations' for certified divers, depending on interest.