Raja Ampat Liveaboard Diving Expeditions

Small-group dive expeditions across Wayag, Misool and Dampier Strait with 30+ dives aboard Calico Jack.

Guaranteed Departures

Our trips run with small guest numbers and confirm early, once booked, you can plan your travel with confidence.

Small Group Expeditions

Maximum of just 10 guests for relaxed dive operations, small groups, and a far more personal onboard experience.

Explore the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on Earth

From manta rays and reef sharks to vast schools of fish and pristine coral reefs, Raja Ampat offers one of the most complete and rewarding diving experiences on the planet.

  • 11–12 night expeditions
  • Up to 30–35 dives
  • Water temperature: 26–30°C
  • Visibility: 15–30m
  • Best for: Intermediate to
  • Advanced Divers
  • Departure: Sorong (West Papua)

Why Dive Raja Ampat?

Raja Ampat is widely regarded as the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on Earth, and for good reason. Located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, this remote Indonesian archipelago is home to over 75% of the world’s known coral species and an extraordinary concentration of marine life.

From manta ray cleaning stations and shark encounters to macro life hidden within soft coral gardens, Raja Ampat delivers one of the most complete diving experiences anywhere in the world.

Marine Biodiversity

Raja Ampat holds the title as the global epicentre of marine biodiversity, with more species recorded here than anywhere else on the planet.

You can expect to encounter:

  • Massive schools of fusiliers, trevallies and barracuda
  • Reef sharks including blacktip, whitetip and grey reef
  • Oceanic and reef manta rays at cleaning stations
  • Wobbegong (carpet sharks) resting beneath coral ledges
  • Turtles, napoleon wrasse and bumphead parrotfish

At the same time, the reefs are packed with smaller life:

  • Pygmy seahorses
  • Nudibranchs and rare macro critters
  • Ghost pipefish and reef octopus

Every dive offers a balance of big pelagic action and intricate macro life, making it one of the most rewarding destinations for all types of divers.

Iconic Dive Sites

Raja Ampat is home to some of the most famous dive sites in the world, many of which are consistently ranked among the best globally.

Highlights include:

  • Cape Kri — holds the world record for the highest number of fish species recorded on a single dive
  • Blue Magic — a seamount known for pelagic encounters including manta rays and large schools of fish
  • Manta Sandy — one of the most reliable manta cleaning stations in Indonesia
  • Melissa’s Garden — pristine hard coral reefs with exceptional visibility and fish life
  • Misool Region — dramatic pinnacles, soft coral forests, and vibrant reef systems

Each area offers a different experience, from high-energy drift dives to relaxed reef explorations.

Reef Health & Conditions

One of the defining features of Raja Ampat is the health and vitality of its reefs.

Thanks to its remote location and ongoing conservation efforts, the reefs remain:

  • Largely untouched and exceptionally well preserved
  • Covered in dense hard corals, soft corals, and sea fans
  • Teeming with fish life at all levels of the reef

Visibility typically ranges between 10–20 metres, which may be lower than some destinations, but this is a direct result of the nutrient-rich waters that support such incredible biodiversity.

Water temperatures remain consistently warm, between 28–30°C, making it ideal for extended dive schedules.

Dive Experience & Conditions

divers.

Typical conditions include:

  • Moderate currents, which bring in nutrients and marine life
  • Drift dives along reefs and pinnacles
  • Seamount and reef dives with pelagic encounters
  • Sheltered sites available in most conditions
  • Our itineraries are designed to adapt to conditions, ensuring you dive each site at the optimal time based on tides and currents.

A minimum of Open Water certification is required, though we recommend 25+ logged dives for the best experience.

Beyond Diving

While diving is the main focus, Raja Ampat offers just as much above the surface.

Between dives, you can:

  • Kayak through hidden lagoons and limestone karsts
  • Paddleboard across calm turquoise bays
  • Trek to panoramic viewpoints like Piaynemo and Wayag
  • Visit remote island villages
  • Relax on untouched white sand beaches

It’s this combination of world-class diving and raw natural beauty that makes Raja Ampat a truly unforgettable expedition.

Calico Jack – A Different Kind of Liveaboard

We operate small-group expeditions designed around dive quality, flexibility, and access to remote areas most liveaboards don’t reach.

Expedition-Led Itineraries

We adapt routes based on conditions, not fixed schedules, allowing us to dive the best sites at the right time.

Access to Remote Locations

Our size and setup allow us to reach areas larger boats cannot operate efficiently in.

Small Group Diving

Maximum of 10 guests ensures relaxed dive operations, small groups, and more time in the water.

Experienced Expedition Crew

Years of experience operating across Raja Ampat and Indonesia’s most remote regions.

Trusted by Divers Worldwide 

Calico Jack Charters is consistently rated ‘Excellent’ on Google with 5★ Average Rating from 140+ Verified Reviews

Featured Raja Ampat Dive Trips

Explore our upcoming voyages aboard Calico Jack and secure your place on one of Indonesia’s most unique dive expeditions.

Calico Jack Sailing Schedule

Sailing year-round across the Indonesian archipelago, from Komodo to Raja Ampat and the remote Spice Islands.

Need help or have questions before booking?
We’re here to help.

Call or Whatsapp: +62 813-3932-5544
Email: calicojackbookings@gmail.com

Guaranteed Departures

Our scheduled expeditions run with very small guest numbers, and most trips confirm well in advance. Once your departure is confirmed you can confidently arrange your flights and travel plans.

Small Guest Groups

Calico Jack carries a maximum of just 10 guests. This allows for relaxed dive operations, small dive groups, and a far more personal onboard experience than larger liveaboards.

Expedition Experience

Our crew has spent years navigating Indonesia’s remote seas, guiding divers across Raja Ampat, Triton Bay, the Banda Sea and other rarely visited regions of the Coral Triangle.

Trusted by Divers Worldwide

Calico Jack Charters is consistently rated among the top liveaboards in Indonesia, with excellent guest reviews and many returning divers joining multiple expeditions.

Prepared for Your Expedition

Before departure you’ll receive a complete trip preparation guide covering travel logistics, packing advice, dive equipment recommendations, and destination information.

FAQs

Have questions about the trip, diving, or logistics? You’ll find the key details below, and if there’s anything else, our team is always here to help. 

Do I need to bring my own dive equipment?

No. Full dive equipment rental is available onboard, including regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, computers and accessories. Most guests choose to travel light and rent equipment directly on board.

You can of course bring all of your own equipment if you prefer. 

See – Dive Equipment Rental 

What certification level is required?

A minimum of Open Water certification is required. However, we recommend at least 25 logged dives, as Raja Ampat includes currents, deeper profiles, and repetitive diving.

However, if you are traveling in a group and private charter Calico Jack, we can run a full range of PADI dive certifications.

How many dives will we do?

Most expeditions include 3–4 dives per day, with alternating night dives. Depending on the itinerary, you can expect between 24–35 dives per trip.

What is the group size and dive setup?

We carry a maximum of 10 guests, typically split into small dive groups with experienced guides. Two dive tenders ensure efficient and relaxed dive operations.

How do I get to Raja Ampat?

Guests fly to Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta, Bali or Makassar. Our team will arrange airport or hotel transfers directly to the vessel.

What’s included in the trip?

Your expedition includes accommodation, all meals, guided diving, tanks, weights, transfers, and access to kayaks and paddleboards. Some extras such as park fees, alcohol, and equipment rental are additional.

Is this suitable for non-divers?

Yes — non-divers are welcome and can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, beach excursions and remote island exploration throughout the trip.

Plan Your Raja Ampat Expedition

Speak directly with our team to find the right trip, check availability, or plan your journey.