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If diving Raja Ampat is on your bucket list, a liveaboard adventure is the ultimate way to experience it. Floating through an archipelago of over 1,500 islands off the coast of West Papua, Indonesia, you’ll explore the richest reefs on Earth — places that day boats simply can’t reach.
This is where marine biodiversity peaks: over 1,700 fish species, 600 corals, and countless macro wonders, all protected within a massive 4.5-million-hectare marine park. And the best way to see it all? Eat, sleep, and dive aboard a liveaboard yacht designed for exploration.
Why Choose a Liveaboard in Raja Ampat
A liveaboard lets you go beyond the well-trodden Dampier Strait to reach Misool’s coral cathedrals, Wayag’s limestone peaks, and Arborek’s turtle gardens, all without backtracking to shore.
Most trips run 7–11 nights, include 18–25 dives, and operate October–April when the seas are calm and visibility hits 20–30 meters.
Between dives, you’ll relax on deck with ocean views, enjoy chef-prepared meals, and wake up each morning anchored beside a new island paradise.
💡 Insider Tip: For the best experience, book 6–12 months ahead. Peak season (November–February) often sells out early.
What You’ll See Underwater
Raja Ampat’s currents bring life, and plenty of it.
Expect giant mantas swooping through cleaning stations, wobbegong and walking sharks, swirling schools of barracuda, and camouflaged pygmy seahorses clinging to sea fans.
At night, the reefs transform: stargazers, decorator crabs, and cuttlefish prowl the seabed, while the bio-luminescence glows like a galaxy below the surface.
Top dive sites to look forward to:
- Cape Kri – World record for most fish species in a single dive
- Blue Magic – Pelagic hotspot with trevallies, tunas & occasional hammerheads
- Manta Sandy – Shallow cleaning station for both oceanic & reef mantas
- Melissa’s Garden (Misool) – Explosion of soft corals and macro life
- Arborek Jetty – Shallow, photogenic reef filled with turtles and bumpheads
🐡 Skill level: Strong currents (up to 4 knots) make Raja Ampat ideal for Advanced Open Water divers with 50+ logged dives. Beginners should consider resort-based diving first.
Rare Sea Life
Diving Raja Ampat is considered a bucket-list experience for underwater enthusiasts due to its staggering biodiversity, with more than 1,500 species of fish and 550 types of coral. During your liveaboard trip, you’ll have the opportunity to dive with an astonishing variety of marine life, from the tiniest critters to massive pelagics. You may encounter pygmy seahorses camouflaged in vibrant sea fans, majestic manta rays gliding gracefully through cleaning stations, and schools of barracudas swirling around you in mesmerizing patterns. One of the highlights is the chance to spot the rare wobbegong shark, a bottom-dwelling species known for its unusual appearance and distinct “carpet-like” patterns. Night dives often reveal even more surprises, such as the endemic walking shark, a fascinating species that “walks” along the sea floor using its pectoral fins.
Between Dives: Hidden Beaches & Island Life
Liveaboards aren’t just about the diving. Between tanks, your yacht anchors near secluded white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, or exploring on foot. These remote beaches, framed by lush jungles and turquoise waters, are perfect for a quick swim, sunbathing, or a stroll along the sand.
Islands like Wayag and Piaynemo offer cinematic views from their limestone peaks, while the Misool lagoons invite slow paddles through mirror-flat, coral-fringed waters.
Sunsets are a ritual — cocktails on deck, music low, and skies painted pink over the karsts.
Vibrant Coral Reefs
No trip to Raja Ampat would be complete without exploring its world-famous coral reefs. The vibrant coral gardens here are considered some of the healthiest and most diverse in the world, making every dive an awe-inspiring experience. As you descend into the clear waters, you’ll be greeted by a riot of colours: flourishing soft and hard corals, massive Gorgonian sea fans, and fields of anemones swaying gently in the current. Some of the most renowned reef sites include Cape Kri, where divers have recorded the highest number of fish species in a single dive, and Melissa’s Garden, known for its dense coral coverage and impressive biodiversity. Whether you’re a diver or a snorkeler, the underwater beauty of Raja Ampat’s reefs is truly unmatched, making it a highlight of any Raja Ampat liveaboard trip.
A liveaboard experience in Raja Ampat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. With its rich marine biodiversity, breathtaking coral reefs, and hidden beaches, the region offers something for every type of explorer. Whether you’re drifting alongside majestic manta rays, relaxing on secluded shores, or immersing yourself in the vivid underwater gardens, diving Raja Ampat will captivate you with its unmatched beauty and sense of wonder. Embarking on a Raja Ampat liveaboard journey allows you to experience the very best of this remote paradise, ensuring that every moment is filled with discovery and awe.
What’s Included on a Raja Ampat Liveaboard
Most liveaboards (including Calico Jack and Anne Bonny) operate all-inclusive:
- Accommodation in ensuite, air-conditioned cabins
- 3–4 dives per day (plus night dives)
- All meals, snacks, and soft drinks
- Dive guides, tenders, tanks, weights, and safety gear
- Transfers from Sorong (SOQ) airport to the boat
Expect rates between US$3,000–$10,000 per person for a 7–11 night trip, depending on comfort level.
Marine park fees (~US$100) and nitrox (if used) are usually extra.
What Makes Raja Ampat Special
Unlike most tropical dive regions, Raja Ampat still feels remote and unspoiled. Many reefs have never seen a human fin, and the commitment to conservation runs deep — local communities enforce no-fishing zones, and operators contribute to reef protection and waste reduction.
The result: diving here isn’t just beautiful, it’s meaningful. Every trip supports the long-term preservation of this “Last Paradise.”
