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Friday, March 11, 2016

Birdwatching and Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

As a tour guide, I organize snorkeling and rainforest birding tours both in the mainland New Guinea (particularly West Papua's Sorong, Tambrauw and Manokwari regencies) and Raja Ampat.
I could organize snorkeling and hiking tours in the northern part of Raja Ampat such as to Yenbekaki village, Warebar river, Yenanday, Mamiaef island and Dolphins lagoon.  These places, due to its remote location, are hardly ever visited by tourists.
I could also organize tours to the conventional destination in Raja Ampat such as to Kri, Mansuar, Arborek, Gam, Kabui bayand Pianemo islands
Kabui bay of Waigeo island
Kabui bay - Raja Ampat
From my recent trip in Raja Ampat, I was able to watch tropical birds that usually live in the coastal area such as Lesser Frigatebird, Radjah Shelduck, Sacred Kingfisher, Beach Kingfisher, Striated Heron, Eastern Reef Egret, Wimbrel, White-bellied Sea Eagle. When we were at the Passage (a very narrow strait that separates Gam island and Waigeo island), we saw some Blyth's hornbill birds flying above our speedboat.
Birds of Paradise such as the Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise could be seen in the rainforest of Waigeo, Gam and Batanta. I went there especially for snorkeling and sightseeing. But I also enjoyed some birdwatching activity there. I accompanied some Czech tourists for several days traveling across the sea to coral reef areas in Mansuar island, Arborek, Kabui bay, and Fam islands. Coral reef looked like colorful flowers. 
Marine Life in Yenbuba strait between Kri and Mansuar islands
Marine Life in Yenbuba Strait
The underwater world of Raja Ampat was very beautiful. I saw a lot of fish while snorkeling in the regency. Some of them were Red Slender Anthias, Snappers, Damselfishes, Anemonefishes, Striped Surgeonfish, Spadefish, Convict Surgeonfish, Blacktip Reef Shark, Barracuda, Scads, Groupers, Parrotfishes and Wrasses, and still a lot more fishes that I could not identify one by one. 
Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica)
Pacific Swallow from Kri island
During the trip in Raja Ampat, we stayed at a homestay in Kri island. It was a small beautiful island in Raja Ampat with abundant marine life including sea birds. In my previous trip to the island, I was able to take a picture of a Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica), Willie Wagtail, White-breasted Woodswallow, Moustached Treeswift, Olive-backed Sunbird. Before sunset, frigate birds were gliding in the air in large formation and in the morning, a couple of White-headed Shelducks (Tadorna Radjah) were walking slowly at the beach. They were not afraid of visitors who were sitting at the jetty to enjoy their hot tea and coffee.
Radjah Shelduck
White-headed Shelduck
As a tourist guide, I offer a 5-day/ 4-night snorkeling and birdwatching tour in Raja Ampat islands. When taking the tour you will enjoy snorkeling in world class snorkeling spots of Raja Ampat, including Batu Lima (Five Rocks), Friwen, Karst islets of Kabui bay, Cape Kri, Sawondarek, Northern West Mansuar, Southern West Mansuar, Arborek, Manta Point, Post of Pianemo, and a lot more.
If you are interested in traveling to Raja Ampat and wants me to be your guide, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 for prices and customized itinerary.
Also read:
Birding in Kabui bay of Raja Ampat