Sea Safari VIII— Photo: Sea Safari Cruises

A chartered cruise to eastern Indonesia aboard a small party luxury vessel promises outstanding forest birding, beautiful tropical scenery, and snorkeling.

We are delighted to announce an exciting addition to our cruise program: a specially designed birding and natural history cruise of the islands of eastern Indonesia.

Our adventure will take place aboard the two-masted Sea Safari VIII, considered among the finest luxury vessels to ply these waters. A remarkable voyage to the islands of Sulawesi and Halmahera, this trip begins at Sorong, on the western tip of New Guinea, and home to a host of spectacular endemic birds. From Sorong we will sail to the island of Waigeu, the largest of the Raja Ampat Islands. Here we will search for two remarkable endemic birds-of-paradise in addition to a range of other exotic species including Western Crowned-Pigeon. Departing Waigeu, we will spend a day at Kofiau before arriving at the island of Halmahera where we will have three days to enjoy that island's wonderful collection of birds, namely the incomparable bird-of-paradise, Wallace's Standardwing.

Cruising west, we'll cross the Molucca Sea to the island of Sulawesi, where we will spend two days exploring the Tangkoko-Batuangus Reserve, seeking a high percentage of the island's 115-plus endemic birds.

On a par with the outstanding birding opportunities, these islands are blessed with gorgeous white sand beaches, aquamarine waters, and marvelous coral reefs that offer some of the world's best snorkeling. A series of fabulous landscapes and intriguing cultures will further enhance the aura of this voyage.

Sea Safari VIII is truly a model of elegance. Featuring all-wood construction, tasteful styling and decoration inside and out, and an airy, casual ambience, she is perfect for exploring such an enchanting and seldom visited destination. Twelve bright staterooms comfortably accommodate 22 passengers and include either twin or double bed sleeping arrangements, en suite facilities with shower, window or porthole, and air-conditioning. The primary leaders for this departure will be David Bishop and Dion Hobcroft. David wrote the definitive field guide to the birds of these fabled islands, while he and Dion have spent years birding and traveling in Southeast Asia. They will be joined by Brian Gibbons, another superb member of our staff.

This trip, limited to just 16 participants, promises expedition cruising at its best. We hope you will consider joining us on this inaugural departure.

All accommodations and cuisine, except for one night in Jakarta, aboard Sea Safari VIII; itinerary includes lots of walking and birding with some snorkeling opportunities; physical demands light to moderate; warm and humid conditions with at least some rain likely.