Amanresorts Offers Indonesian Cruise Expedition

Renowned for its biodiversity, Raja Ampat (or "The Four Kings") encompasses nearly 25,000 square miles in the northeast seas of the Indonesian Archipelago, where scuba divers can see more than 1,300 species of fish, 603 species of hard coral (including 75% of all known coral species in the world), 57 species of mantis shrimp and 15 mammal species. Above water, these tropical islands are home to karst forests of rare orchids, sea eagles, tree kangaroos and the famed birds of paradise. Gam Island is usually the first to be visited, the setting for two exceptional dive sites, while Yangello Island offers unspoiled beaches and mangroves through which guests can kayak, as well as the action-packed dive site known as Mayhem and the colorful coral wall of Citrus Ridge. Seven-night itineraries also include stops in Aljui Bay where guests can visit the pearl farm and see the newly discovered "walking shark" on a night dive.

The Amanikan, equipped with three luxury cabins with king-sized beds and en-suite bathrooms, is ideal for private cruises for one, two, or three couples, or a family, and supports a crew of ten, including a dive instructor and a private chef. Because Amanikan is offered exclusively, preferred routes and dive sites can be discussed with the crew before departure. Large teak decks feature loungers and dining furniture for relaxing, sunbathing and eating - Amanikan offers a menu of Asian and Western dishes tailored to guests' preferences.

The Raja Ampat Expedition will embark from Sorong (accessible by air from Bali, Singapore, Jakarta or Makassar) on 14 trips during the 2012-2013 season, which runs from November 2012 through February 2013. Rates range from $33,500 for one couple on the five-night expedition to $50,600 for three couples on the seven-night journey; rates include all food and non-alcoholic beverages while aboard Amanikan, as well as all dives, airport transfers, trekking, beach excursions, speedboat tours, kayaking and national park entrance fees.

And from April through October 31, 2012, the Amanikan will continue to operate its signature seven-night Komodo Expedition-starting or ending with a two-night stay at the luxury tented hideaway of Amanwana on Moyo Island, and including five nights aboard the cruiser to explore the world's only two islands still inhabited by Komodo dragons.

For more information about expeditions aboard the Amanikan, please visit www.amanresorts.com.