Swan Hellenic Adds Diving Programs to East Asia Voyages

The islands of Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Cruise Industry Asia
By
Updated Published

Swan Hellenic has announced a new series of diving-focused expeditions that enhance four of its East Asia itineraries, each sailing to Raja Ampat aboard the Minerva.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito said: “It gives us great pleasure to extend our guest discovery beneath the waves on these four exceptional voyages.”

“They each bring a new dimension to exploration of the most biodiverse marine paradise on Earth and exciting new opportunities to see what others don’t,” Zito added.

In a press release, the company said the new dive offerings are available to guests holding a PADI Advanced Open Water certification, with two sailings scheduled for 2026 and two more planned for 2027.

Each voyage includes multiple diving opportunities using purpose-built adventure dive boats, supported by experienced dive masters and an exclusive concierge service for divers. All essential equipment will be supplied, including masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, BCDs, regulators, weights, and tanks. Required permits are arranged in advance, meaning guests only need to bring their own dive computers along with travel, medical, and dive insurance.

Swan Hellenic said dives at Palau Kri, Palau Fam, Palau Mansuar, and Ayu Atoll will be conducted using private dive boats that transport guests directly from the ship to top-tier dive locations. Dive excursion packages are customized to individual preferences, with both full-day and half-day options available. Prices start at $250 for a single-dive experience.

Guests who reserve any of the 2026 or 2027 sailings before the end of February can benefit from Swan Hellenic’s Elevated Expeditions promotion.

The first itinerary in the dive series is “Secrets of the Coral Triangle: West Papua and Raja Ampat,” which departs Sorong on April 18, 2026, and returns on April 28 after 10 nights exploring the Coral Triangle.

Next is “Heart of the Pacific Isles,” an 11-night cultural expedition that journeys across and beyond the Coral Triangle. This sailing departs Sorong on April 28, 2026, and concludes in Manila on May 9.

The two 2027 voyages follow the same routes and are also included in the Elevated Expeditions offer:

  • “Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay: Indonesia’s Coral Triangle” departs April 16, 2027, and arrives in Sorong on April 26
  • “Raja Ampat and Philippines: The Last Paradise on Earth” departs Sorong on April 26, 2027, and arrives in Manila on May 7