Swan Hellenic Launches Exciting SCUBA Diving Programs for Raja Ampat Cruises

Swan Hellenic has enhanced its expedition offerings by launching dedicated SCUBA diving programs for upcoming voyages in Raja Ampat aboard the SH Minerva. These specialized diving trips will be available during four sailings that are scheduled for 2026 and 2027.

The programs cater to guests who hold a PADI Advanced Open Water certification, featuring multiple dives from private dive boats under the guidance of professional dive masters. Standard diving gear—such as masks, fins, wetsuits, buoyancy control devices, regulators, weights, and tanks—will be provided, though participants are responsible for their own dive computers and must arrange their individual travel, medical, and dive insurance.

Each of the 10 or 11-night voyages will include 5 to 6 dives. For those not diving, the vessel’s regular expedition schedule will still be available, offering cultural and ecological exploration. All passengers can also participate in snorkeling activities, with excursions to sites like Cenderawasih Bay National Park, famous for its whale shark sightings.

Dive operations will occur at popular sites such as Pulau Kri, Pulau Fam, Pulau Mansuar, and Ayu Atoll, with direct transfers from the ship. Dive packages start at $250 for single-dive excursions, with half-day and full-day options also included.

The first departure in 2026, titled "Secrets of the Coral Triangle: West Papua and Raja Ampat," sets sail from Sorong on April 18 and returns on April 28, featuring a 10-night itinerary. Prices begin at $7,925. This voyage will offer dives alongside visits to Cenderawasih Bay, Misool, and Kabui Bay, along with historical World War II sites and local island communities. Following this, the 11-night "Heart of the Pacific Isles" voyage will depart on April 28, 2026, ending in Manila on May 9, with fares starting at $8,720. This route connects Raja Ampat with lesser-known southern Philippine locations and includes dives at sites such as Melissa’s Garden, Batu Rufas, Keru Channel, Manta Ridge, and Sawandarek Jetty.

Similar itineraries are planned for 2027, with the "Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay: Indonesia’s Coral Triangle" cruise leaving Sorong on April 16 and returning on April 26 with fares from $8,110. The "Raja Ampat and Philippines: The Last Paradise on Earth" voyage will follow on April 26, 2027, arriving in Manila on May 7, starting at $8,920.

These four expeditions are part of Swan Hellenic’s Elevated Expeditions promotion, which includes fare reductions and additional perks for bookings made through February 28, 2026.

For more information, visit Swan Hellenic’s official page for Cruise Lines or explore details about Raja Ampat.

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