The Indonesian charter company has revealed eight exclusive conservation-focused charter itineraries created with marine biologist Dr Mark Erdmann.

Silolona Sojourns, the Indonesian charter company managing Phinisi yacht cruises, has released details of eight new exclusive charter itineraries focused on scientific research. 

Created in collaboration with marine biologist Dr Mark Erdmann and his team of researchers, the itineraries will span across the cruising grounds of Raja Ampat, Komodo, the remote Widi Islands, the Banda Sea and West Papua. 

Each itinerary has been carefully designed to allow charter guests to actively contribute to scientific research together with host Dr Erdmann and his team, while also enjoying a luxury charter experience on board the 50m phinisi Silolona.

As Sarah Seery, Silolona Sojourns’ co-owner, explained: “We’re bridging a gap. We are connecting Mark and his projects with suitable clients, and weaving them into charters to make these incredible, rich, deep, interesting trips.”

Dr Erdmann has been working in conservation in Raja Ampat since 2001, and described Silolona as “a floating museum” and “unquestionably my favourite ship in the ocean”.

“Each one of these carefully curated trips will be a real one of a kind experience for the guests who come, and they’re really good for families with children. It’s not going to be like anything they’ve ever done before,” Erdmann said. “I have been on a lot of billionaires’ yachts, but nothing compares to the service you get on board Silolona.”

Aside from enjoying the luxurious facilities and service on board Silolona, guests who book these charter itineraries will also enjoy programmes with a variety of activities that balance on-shore exploration and water sports with dives and snorkelling sessions that will help document local manta ray populations, search for new fish species or include visits to reefs and shark nurseries. 

Seery said: “These itineraries suit diving enthusiasts, of course, because much of it is underwater, but there’s so many other activities that we can weave into their itinerary. And then to add on Dr Mark’s programme, and to make a difference in the scientific world by mapping these regions, will be an incredible addition.”

Itinerary one: Manta Rays, Sharks & Discovery

Location: Raja Ampat

Season: October-April

Exploring the global epicentre of marine biodiversity, Raja Ampat, guests join active manta ray monitoring programs across regions rarely visited by research teams. From diving and snorkelling at manta cleaning stations, to deploying underwater GoPro “camera traps” to monitor behaviour, this itinerary combines hands-on conservation efforts with exceptional diving and exploration.

Itinerary two: Leopard Shark Tracking Adventures 

Location: Raja Ampat

Season: October-April

Get up-close to the monitoring efforts of the global ReShark program which is reintroducing endangered leopard sharks into Indonesian waters. Guests can track these majestic creatures in real time, visit shark nurseries at Kri Island and even dive to locate these sharks in the wild.

Itinerary three: In Search of New Fish Species

Location: Raja Ampat

Season: October-April

This expedition focuses on exploring rarely dived environments in the regions of North Waigeo and northern Misool, where new species – such as the Patti Seery goby named after the founder of Silolona Sojourns – are most often found.

Itinerary four: Discovering East Komodo to Alor & Beyond

Location: Eastern Indonesia 

Season: May-September

East of Komodo National Park lies a vast region still lightly studied by marine scientists. Here, exploration dives frequently yield new discoveries. Protected bays, nutrient-rich reefs, and remote volcanic coastlines create ideal conditions for documenting new reef biodiversity and surveying manta populations. These voyages combine conservation efforts with spectacular scenery and strong cultural encounters.  

Itinerary five: Exploring the Mysteries of Banda

Location: Banda Sea 

Season: October-April

Expeditions in the Banda Sea focus on searching for manta ray populations and exploratory diving, visiting reefs where records remain sparse. Itineraries can incorporate visits to the historic Spice Islands to see evocative remnants of Dutch mansions, ancient forts and former nutmeg factories, or hike the epic Gunung Api Volcano for unforgettable views.

Itinerary six: Exploring Indonesia’s Next Frontier

Location: Banda Sea 

Season: October-April

The remote Widi Islands remain virtually untouched by tourism and working with conservation partners managing the archipelago, Silolona expeditions can support early biodiversity surveys documenting reef fish communities, dolphins and whales, birdlife and terrestrial ecosystems. This voyage offers guests the rare opportunity to explore a destination comparable to Raja Ampat, before it gains global recognition.

Itinerary seven: Whale Shark Conservation Expedition

Location: Triton Bay & Cenderawasih Bay

Season: October-April

This epic trip gives guests the rare opportunity to photograph the enchanting whale sharks of the region. Survey work typically takes place during mornings, leaving afternoons for diving, waterfalls, birding, and coastal exploration. 

Itinerary seven: The Search for Lost Sharks

Location: Triton Bay & Cenderawasih Bay

Season: October-April

Perhaps the most adventurous of all, this journey focuses on locating shark and ray species not recorded for decades, from suspected new wobbegong shark species in Kaimana and the Aru Islands to the long-unseen Kei Stingray, absent from records for over a century. Activities may involve both day and night dives as well as collaboration with local fishers whose ecological knowledge guides exploration. Evenings bring scientific briefings explaining the history and mystery of each target species, transforming guests into participants in ecological detective work.

Each private charter itinerary will be created bespoke, with Silolona charters charged at US$18,700 / £14,100 per day (+ 12% VAT), for up to 12 guests. There is also the option to arrange charters on a second vessel, the 40.2m Si Datu Bua for up to eight guests, with charters are charged at US$12,000 / £9,000 per day (+12% VAT). Price includes all F&B, diving, scheduled activities and accommodation. 

silolona.com