TL;DR
- Swan Hellenic debuts SCUBA diving programmes on four East Asia expeditions aboard SH Minerva in 2026 and 2027
- Ten- and 11-night voyages offer 5-6 dives at prime Raja Ampat sites including Pulau Kri and Ayu Atoll
- PADI Advanced Open Water certification required; dive packages start from £200 per single dive
- Fares from £6,340 with early bird savings available before 30 June 2026
- Non-divers enjoy regular expedition itineraries including whale shark encounters in Cenderawasih Bay
The Diving Details
Swan Hellenic has put together something worthwhile for certified divers heading to one of the planet’s most biodiverse marine regions. Four expeditions aboard SH Minerva now feature dedicated SCUBA programmes in Raja Ampat, the heart of the Coral Triangle, across 2026 and 2027.
Each voyage blends 5-6 dives at sites like Pulau Kri, Pulau Fam, Pulau Mansuar, and Ayu Atoll with cultural shore excursions and snorkelling for every guest. Diving happens via ship-to-site transfers using private boats staffed by professionals, with equipment, insurance, and permits all bundled in.
For context, Raja Ampat holds the record for marine biodiversity on Earth. Your clients won’t need convincing once they’ve seen the photos.
The Four Sailings
In 2026, Secrets of the Coral Triangle departs Sorong on 18 April for 10 nights, priced from £6,340. Heart of the Pacific Isles follows on 28 April for 11 nights at £6,975.
The 2027 calendar opens with Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay on 16 April (from £6,490), then Raja Ampat and Philippines on 26 April (from £7,135). All sail roundtrip from Sorong.
The Practical Bit
PADI Advanced Open Water certification is the minimum requirement. Guests bring their own dive computer but otherwise, equipment is provided. Dive packages start at £200 per single dive, with exact pricing varying by itinerary.
Early bird deals knock up to £1,200 off per guest on select 2026-27 sailings when booked before 30 June 2026, plus onboard credit. Groups of six or more qualify for additional perks.
For Your Client Conversations
Non-divers aren’t sidelined here. They follow the regular itinerary with whale shark encounters in Cenderawasih Bay, WWII heritage sites, and visits to island communities. It’s a thoughtful setup for couples or groups where only one person dives, or for multi-generational families where diving ability varies. Everyone travels together, shore excursions are shared, but the divers get their deep-water fix.
This could suit certified divers who’ve already done the Maldives or Red Sea and want something rarer. Raja Ampat’s remoteness and biodiversity give it serious bragging rights, and Swan Hellenic’s expedition format adds a layer of comfort and cultural context.
Bookings go through Swan Hellenic’s specialist team, so you’ve got support on the technical side for clients asking about certification levels, equipment specs, or dive site conditions.
