RAJA AMPAT FREEDIVING, YOGA & BREATHWORK EXPEDITION
Event Details
THE LAST PARADISE ON EARTH
Raja Ampat is called the Last Paradise on Earth, it’s the El Dorado of any underwater adventure.
More than 30 years ago, a Dutchman Max Ammer received a lead from a friend and war veteran, about a submerged World War II aircraft sunk in the waters of Indonesia.
This led to a six month diving expedition trip through different archipielagos, where they consulted with local fishermen. Communication wasn’t easy since every island has their own mother tongue and no one back then spoke english. Once of the paradisiac places they visited really stood out from the others: Raja Ampat, in Indonesia’s West Papua Province.
Raja Ampat is located in the heart of the Coral Triangle. The Raja Ampat Marine Protected Area Network spans over 4 million hectares and includes around 1,500 islands. It has the richest marine biodiversity on Earth and its remote location that has allowed it to escape mass tourism. Therefore it is still claimed to be “the last paradise on Earth.” It’s home to more than 1,600 species of fish, while some 75% of the world’s known coral species can be found there.
Join us as we adventure out on a magical expedition. There are very few places on the planet that can match the wonder that exists here, both above and below. So what better place to reconnect with yourself, nature and the power of both?
Take in the crystal clear waters, marvel at the marine life that surrounds us, explore the watery world below and connect with nature on a deeper level before returning to land with different eyes to when you left
Deepen your personal connection with the natural world through daily freediving, snorkelling, yoga and breathwork classes. Observe the natural beauty of the reef from above, learn from experienced freediving instructors, watch and connect with marine megafauna and then dive deep into the night before resurfacing and returning to the real world, refreshed, rejuvenated and refocused.
RAJA AMPAT
Raja Ampat is an archipelago made up of over a thousand islands and an epicenter of global marine biodiversity. Located off New Guinea’s North-West, it stretches over an area of 40,000 km2. Raja Ampat’s characteristic lagoons and karst-islands make for a postcard-perfect scenery, while underwater life explodes in an endless variety of shapes and colours.
Discover a Unique Marine Ecosystem at Raja Ampat Freediving and Yoga Expedition!
Raja Ampat’s unique marine ecosystem is home to the world’s highest biodiversity. The diversity here is considerably greater than any other area sampled in the coral triangle. Raja Ampat’s reefs are also extremely resilient to bleaching and other diseases. They are the backbone on which the islands’ entire marine ecosystem builds upon.
In Raja Ampat Freediving and Yoga Expedition, fish appear in vast numbers. Nutrient-rich currents lead enormous shoals to congregate in the relatively shallow waters. Megafauna (including sharks and mantas) are quite common in the archipelago’s warm waters.We will find up to 1.400 species of reef fish, of which at least 23 of the species found here are endemic. These include species of walking shark, flasher wrasse, damselfish, coral goby, cardinal fish and dottyback.
WHALES, DOLPHINS AND DUGONGS AT RAJA AMPAT FREEDIVING AND YOGA EXPEDITION
16 different species of whales and dolphins can be found in Raja Ampat. Besides the impressive blue, sperm and orca whales, there are white dolphins, pygmy whales and enormous pods of pilot whales to be encountered in the archipelago. Yay!
With a bit of luck, another rare creature — the dugong — can be encountered throughout Raja Ampat. These sweet and gentle mammals are often found feasting on seagrass beds where, when carefully approached, they usually don’t mind freedivers.
More than 600 different kinds of coral form the base structure of Raja Ampat’s lush reefs – that’s 75% of all the known coral species in the world. It is estimated that at least 20 of them are new to science, which are currently being surveyed.
The archipelago’s coral abundance at relatively high sea temperature suggests – and is backed by recent studies – that its reefs may be relatively resilient to coral bleaching and coral disease, which now threaten the survival of other coral ecosystems around the world.
A PARADISE FOR BIRDS OF PARADISE
More than 350 bird species can be observed in Raja Ampat, six of which are endemic to the archipelago. Many of the birds inhabiting the islands are rare sights anywhere else and the region has become famous among ornithologists all over the world.
The colourful Wilson’s and the enchanting Red Bird of Paradise are just two examples of the wonderful feathered life forms living on the tropical islands. On the larger islands delightful Crowned Pigeons and flightless Cassowaries roam the dense jungle.
Interested in freediving, exploring the underwater world.
Embracing a deeper understanding of self and the connection between emotions, breathing patterns and the natural world.
Looking to unlock energy, break free from fight or flight responses, lower anxiety levels and eradicate repressed or held emotions, and
Seeking adventures and connections with like-minded humans
Keen to witness the beauty of this stunning setting in a unique and expansive way
As a result, seeking to explore personal limits in a safe, held environment.
What’s Included?
Freediving sessions guided by professional freediving instructors
4 Boat dives
Countless shore dives
Hiking the jungles and exploring the Islands
Daily yoga, lung stretching and/or breathwork sessions
All transportation fees during the program, except flights
Accommodation (two people in one room) in bungalows, 8 nights and meals
2 nights stay in hotels in Makassar and Sorong (two people in one room)
Not included:
Flights to Bali, Makasaar and Sorong are not included (we will assist with your itinerary). The approximate cost of the flights to Makasaar and Sorong from Sydney are AUD 1000
Raja Ampat Permits (IDR 700.000, which is approximately AUD 70) which will be purchased in Wasai
Meals not mentioned here
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
What To Bring
Freediving gear: mask, snorkel, weight belt, weights, fins, light wetsuit
The water in Raja Ampat is usually around 28-30ºC. Wetsuits are good so you can be warm and relaxed in the ocean for many hours. Anything lighter than a 3mm should work just fine!
It’s very important that we pack the weights we’ll take, since the dive shops and home-stays at the islands can’t provide us with them. The general rule of thumb is to take one kilo of lead for every millimetre of a long sleeve wetsuit, or 0,5 kg of lead for every millimetre of short wetsuit.
Sunglasses/Hat
The sun at the equator is stronger than you think – and yes, stronger than in Australia. We will spend a couple of hours every day on boats and in the ocean. Here, the wind and the water will make it feel not as hot, which can make us not realise we could get sunburned.
Sun Protection: Reef Safe Sunscreen and Rash Guard
The equatorial sun on a boat, with no shade available, is no joke. Even on overcast days, the UV rays get past the clouds, so you can get burnt within an hour.
Regular sunscreen is harmful to coral. So when swimming and diving, wearing a lycra shirt or a light wetsuit is a great option. The second best is reef-friendly sunscreen. The UV-protection factor of your sunscreen should be at least 50.
Personal clothes
Swimwear, a sarong, a couple of t-shirts and shorts will do: you won’t need much. Maybe add a pair of trousers to be safe, and the other items listed below.
Light sweater
Bring a sweater or hoodie to put on in the evenings. Although the temperature rarely drops beneath 25°C, windchill can make it feel cool at night. It’s a good idea to keep your sweater handy on airports, flights, ferries, etc. Air conditioning can be extreme.
Shoes with hard soles
The limestone rocks are razor sharp, so shoes with a hard sole are a must. Keep in mind, shoes will most probably get wet, so don’t bring the best pair you have.
Light waterproof jacket
On the equator rainstorms are unpredictable and can appear – and disappear – in minutes. Bring a lightweight waterproof jacket, especially on the boat it can get cold without one.
Personal toiletries
Anything you’ll need for personal hygiene. Bring shampoo, brush, toothpaste, moisturiser, nail clipper… whatever you think you’ll need on a daily basis. For the women, don’t forget your period supplies, since it will be very hard to find on the islands.
Medicine
We always travel with a first aid kit and a well equipped medicine cabinet, but it’s always a good idea to pack basic medical supplies.We will be at very remote places, where finding medicine and other essentials can be hard. Don’t forget to ask a specialised doctor.
Dry bag
We will go on a few adventures, taking speedboats to different dive sites. It’s good to bring a dry bag for safekeeping of your phone, dry clothes or any other thing you would like to keep dry,
Pocket Money
The shops in the villages usually don’t have means to charge a credit card. It is very useful to bring some pocket money to pay for things you might want to buy.
Reusable Water Bottle
As freedivers, we love the ocean. To reduce waste and our footprint in the environment, it’s a great idea to bring a reusable water bottle. We will be drinking it a lot! There will be places to refill our water bottles on the accommodation.
Freediving certification
If you haven’t done your Level 1 Freediver, please bring your certification, or email it to us beforehand.
Deposit/Cancellation Policy
Non-refundable deposit of $1000 is due within 30 days of booking date. – This includes PADI certification and online pre-learnings material access.
Final balance due 60 days prior to travel date, on the 27th of May. 100% cancellation fee if all or part of booking cancelled inside 30 days after booking.
Disclaimer
To run the Raja Ampat Freediving, Yoga and Breathwork Expedition, a minimum number of bookings is necessary. Up to 30 days in advance of the start date, Breathless Expeditions will be able to cancel the trip. In this case, a full refund of all payments including the deposit will be returned to customers. With your booking, you agree that Breathless Expeditions will not be held liable for any other travel arrangements clients could have made, including but not limited to flights and transportation bookings.
Important Information For Course Participants continuing on with their dive education.
Insufficient freedive qualifications and/or some medical conditions may prevent you from diving.
When enrolling, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire regarding your diving qualifications, experience & current fitness.
Participants will be required to complete a PADI Medical statement.
Should you answer yes to any of the medical question asked you will be required to consult a doctor to acquire a written medical clearance to dive prior to your dive course/trip.
If you are unsure about a specific medical condition please check with your doctor or with us prior to making your reservation. Important Information For Certified Freedivers You will be required to sign a Waiver Release & Indemnity Deed onboard the vessel. Please Note: Some medical conditions may prevent you diving.
The questions will include the following: Since completing your last dive medical assessment have you suffered any illness or injury that may affect your ability to dive safely? Are you currently suffering any illness or injury? Are you currently taking any prescription medication other than the contraceptive pill? Is there any other condition, fact or circumstance that may affect your fitness or ability to dive safely
Tell us about your travel plans and we will do our best to accommodate all your preferences and requests.
We created an approximate schedule, but please know that some timings can change. We will be traveling by boat and we can be subject to breakdowns, weather conditions and other circumstances. Please be advised that boats can often be late due to those. This is especially so when arranging transport from a number of different providers and moving a large group as ours.
Ensure you have travel insurance which specifies medical evacuation and support for freediving.
We are staying at homestays where the hosts speak english. In the villages, English is not widely spoken, but you should always be able to find someone with enough to communicate. Bahasa Indonesia is widely understood, but most people use their mother tongue, which will be one of several Papuan languages in their daly life.
Weather and Climate
With an average surface temperature of 29°C, the sea is warm year-round. The tidal currents can be very strong, especially where water movements are channeled by islands and reefs. Large swells are rare and usually limited to the exposed shores in the very north and very south.
Raja Ampat is located on the equator, consequently it is hot and humid throughout the year. There are seasonal changes but these are tendencies rather than guarantees. During the days temperatures typically reach 31°C and rarely drop beneath 24°C at night. However, relative humidity is on average above 80%, which can make it feel hotter. Sun rises at around 6 am and sets shortly after 6 pm throughout the year.
The Local Culture
To be respectful of the locals and their culture, we recommend that if you’d like to wander around the villages and outside the homestay, to have a T-shirt and shorts or a skirt that covers your knees. When in the water, of course, normal swimwear can be used.
More information
There are times when offshore crossings can be very rough. One determining factor is time – in heavy seas and strong winds some routes can take up to four times longer than they usually would – but most importantly are safety considerations. If you are in doubt, bring sea sickness tablets and a light bag or backpack (no suitcases please!)
Space is limited. Everything can — and probably will — get wet. Sensible electronics are best left at home, or stored with great care and in drybags: best practice on the boat as well as in homestays. Bring as little as you can, but enough to be comfortable.
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FACILITATORS
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Johannes Egberts
Johannes Egberts
Founder
Breathless Expeditions
Breathless Expeditions Founder Johannes Egberts is considered Australia’s Leading Breathwork Instructor.
Johannes’s inspiring life journey is punctuated by seeking the positives in every situation, a thirst for self-discovery and a love for unconventional experiences.
Despite a challenging childhood, he discovered something unexpected that would alter the direction of his life forever – controlled breathing.
Breathwork immediately resonated with Johannes, and he relentlessly cultivated knowledge on the subject and acquired more than ten breathwork certifications.
His holistic wellness brand, Breathless Expeditions, has led the breathwork movement in Australia, inspiring thousands of people across the globe since 2018.
He is predominately known for his Breathwork Instructor Training programs and for creating unique experiences in the corporate world.
He offers experiences to every industry for fostering team building and life resilience with an impressive clientele portfolio ranging from professional athletes to renowned authors and high-profile. Click here for Corporate Wellness Opportunities.
Netherlands-born, he has trainined 20,000+ in breathwork, published scientific research and trained more than 300 instructors.
Founder
