The natural beauty and the friendly locals in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat is proving to be quite a draw for charter yachts in the far east.
Richard Lofthouse and Jimmy Blee of AsiaPacific Superyachts Indonesia report that they have worked with a record number of Superyacht Captains that have cruised the area in the last six months
Renowned for its biodiversity, Raja Ampat encompasses over 40,000 square kilometres in the northeast seas of the Indonesian Archipelago where the Pacific becomes the Indian Ocean
Translated the name means ‘The Four Kings’ and it was derived from the four major islands in the group nestled on the tip of Papua’s Birds Head peninsula. Chartering here takes guests through one of the world’s most exceptional marine areas and stunning sea and land scenes.
Ocean currents collide and stir up nutrient-rich water in the tropical climate, nurturing magnificent coral reefs and unparalleled marine life. The result is diving has become a main attraction with some of the most incredibly bio diverse coral reefs in the world.
These riches include over 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, islands cloaked in tropical jungle are filled with unique flora and fauna, karst forests of rare orchids, sea eagles, tree kangaroos and beautiful birds of paradise.
Straddling the equator, the islands boast amazing natural rainforest and thousands of species of birds, highlighted by the much sought after ‘Bird of Paradise’.
Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia currently manages three vessels operating out of Bali and handles 90% of all superyachts coming to Indonesia and has a 100% market share of all superyachts over 50 metres visiting Indonesia.
Speaking for the agency Lofthouse says, “The feedback we get starts with clients using the words ‘breathtaking’ and ends only when they run out of superlatives!” All of our clients both owners and Captains rave about their Raja Ampat experience.” He reports
His partner in the business is Jimmy Blee who has worked as a Captain in the area for 17 years. He often acts as a guide aboard visiting super yachts and recently did so aboard, Octopus. He says, “I can honestly say Raja Ampat is my favourite destination in Indonesia to cruise. The jungle, the people, and of course the seaways are magnificent. It is a challenge to service boats in this remote part of the world but through persistence we have all the logistics and systems in place to provide everything our clients need.”