![Best Raja Ampat Liveaboards [2022 Dive Boat Guide]](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/anna-and-tom-cz-1.jpg "Best Raja Ampat Liveaboards [2022 Dive Boat Guide]")
Looking for the most effective Raja Ampat liveaboards? In this journey information, I’m going to stroll you thru our prime liveaboard picks within the space.
Located within the newly-named West Papua Province of Indonesia, Raja Ampat is an idyllic paradise recognized for its gorgeous palm-fringed seashores and superb marine life.
This archipelago is made up of over 1,500 lovely islands, making it each diver’s dream vacation spot as it’s house to a few of the greatest diving on the planet. You can simply spend just a few weeks exploring the various dive websites within the space.
Raja Ampat is even stated to have extra marine variety than the coral triangles of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. In brief, there are a great deal of issues to see and discover underwater which is why liveaboards are fairly common on this vacation spot.
Due to the massive variety of decisions and variations in itineraries, selecting a liveaboard in Raja Ampat could be an arduous process. To show you how to out, we’ve put collectively an entire information of the most effective Raja Ampat liveaboard boats starting from funds to luxurious.
Our Top Raja Ampat Liveaboard Picks
Comparison Table for Best Raja Ampat Liveaboards
Best Budget Liveaboard Diving in Raja Ampat
Pearl of Papua
Max. Divers: 14 friends
Rooms: 7 cabins / AC
Bathrooms: 7
This 30m Raja Ampat liveaboard is led by a 12-member crew who’re all extremely educated in regards to the space. The divemasters are capable of navigate their method by way of the waters with ease.
While the ship is a luxury-style liveaboard, the worth is unquestionably so much cheaper in comparison with the opposite liveaboards within the space. Offering premium cabins, onboard massages, and scrumptious meals, this boat is a good selection for the budget-conscious.
The boat is outfitted with gear stations, rinse tanks, digicam tables, and battery charging stations for underwater photographers. The Pearl of Papua runs a number of journeys, various from eight to eleven days, masking the most effective of what Raja Ampat has to supply.
What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Towels
Click the button under to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Pearl of Papua.
IIike
Max. Divers: 16 friends
Rooms: 8 cabins
This conventional phinisi boat presents year-round journeys throughout Indonesia, together with the Raja Ampat Archipelago. It presents aggressive charges and has an nearly 1-1 visitor and crew ratio, ensuring you’re in good palms.
When you’re not busy diving, you’ll be able to lounge round on the solar deck or within the open-air lounge with e-book. People who’ve carried out this liveaboard rave in regards to the scrumptious native and worldwide meals served all through the journey.
What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Towels
Click the button under to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the IIike.
Calico Jack
Max. Divers: 10 friends
Rooms: 5 cabins /AC
Bathrooms: 5
In addition to operating journeys within the Komodo Islands, Calico Jack, a conventional 30m Indonesian crusing boat which is fitted with trendy facilities and furnishings, additionally sails round Raja Ampat. The boat has a big galley and salon in addition to a wonderful outside eating space.
This boat is a good selection for pictures buffs because the Calico Jack has pictures stations, with particular storage for underwater digicam setups. The diving platform is giant and spacious, supplying you with room to gear up correctly.
Power up after your diving with the scrumptious Asian fusion delicacies served onboard.
The boat has 8 crew members prepared that will help you take advantage of out of your dive journey.
What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary toiletries, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Towels
Click the button under to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Calico Jack.
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Best Mid-Range Liveaboard Diving in Raja Ampat
SMY Ondina
Max. Divers: 16 friends
Rooms: 8 cabins / AC
Bathrooms: 8
After present process a renovation in 2014, the Ondina was relaunched with 8 air-conditioned cabins with en-suite loos, a big outdoors deck, and an leisure/eating space.
The meals is served buffet fashion and is a mixture of each Asian and Western meals. One factor is for certain: you received’t go hungry when onboard.
The Ondina makes journeys round Raja Ampat for 9 to eleven nights, going to a few of the greatest scuba diving websites in Raja Ampat. The divemasters are extraordinarily useful and educated, and can safely information you round these pristine waters.
What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Towels
Click the button under to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the SMY Ondina
Sea Safari 8
Max. Divers: 23 friends
Rooms: 12 cabins / AC
Bathrooms: 13
This lovely 34m conventional Indonesian Phinisi boat is a good choice for many who need consolation and luxurious with out having to interrupt the financial institution. Equipped with 12 air-conditioned cabins with en-suite loos and TVs, the Sea Safari is a cushty selection for a memorable liveaboard expertise.
You’ll get many day and night time diving alternatives, and have the time to discover a few of the uninhabited islands round Raja Ampat.
The boat has a spacious dive deck, indoor lounge with a full leisure system, and a wonderful outside bar and solar deck. Nitrox can be out there, if requested.
What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Possible Fuel Surcharge, Towels
Click the button under to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Sea Safari 8
Raja Manta
Max. Divers: 20 friends
Rooms: 10 cabins / AC
Bathrooms: 10
Formerly generally known as the M/V White Manta, the Raja Manta is a mid-range liveaboard and is without doubt one of the greatest choices for many who wish to expertise Raja Ampat in consolation and elegance.
Dive facilities embody Nitrox, full dive gear, digicam tables, and rinse tanks. Guests can chill out of their en-suite cabins or within the air-conditioned salon geared up with a big plasma TV and DVD.
The employees is extremely pleasant and attentive, making the entire dive expertise enjoyable and one among a form.
What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Tanks, Weights, Belts, All Meals, Towels
Click the button under to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Raja Manta
Best Luxury Liveaboard Diving in Raja Ampat
Mutiara Laut
Max. Divers: 14 friends
Rooms: 7 cabins / AC
Bathrooms: 7
If you’re seeking to discover Raja Ampat in probably the most luxurious and greatest method attainable, hop aboard the Mutiara Laut, a surprising 46m conventional Indonesian Phinisi luxurious liveaboard.
The cabins are constructed with en-suite loos, queen-sized beds, double wardrobes, and writing desks. The outside deck is a crowd favourite as you’ll be able to lounge on outsized daybeds whereas staring on the string of islands round you.
After a full day of scuba diving, take pleasure in an onboard spa therapy or the scrumptious worldwide delicacies ready every day. The dive tools is freed from cost, and the crew and divemasters will show you how to navigate your method round a few of the most gorgeous dive websites you’ll ever see. It explores the spectacular dive websites of Raja Ampat with 10-11 night time diving journeys.
What’s Included: Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Transfers/pickups from Airport, diving gear, Tanks, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Free Nitrox, Possible Fuel Surcharge, Towels
Click the button under to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Mutiara Laut
Samambaia
Max. Divers: 14 friends
Rooms: 7 cabins / AC
Bathrooms: 7
The Samambaia sails within the areas of Raja Ampat, Banda Sea, Alor, and Komodo. While the areas are totally different by way of topography, what’s comparable is you’ll obtain an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime expertise aboard this ship.
The Samambaia is a brand new ship inbuilt a conventional wood fashion and is dedicated to supplying you with five-star service. The ship has 6 beautiful wood cabins, a beautiful deck, and unbelievable meals from locally-sourced meals.
While touring on the Samambaia, put together to have life-changing day and night time dives in the most effective of Raja Ampat, in addition to stepping off the boat for land excursions. Many itineraries embody touring by way of lagoons and coves, trekking by way of scenic routes, and visiting secluded seashores.
What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Tanks, Weights, Belts, All Meals, Towels
Click the button under to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Samambaia
Tiger Blue
Max. Divers: 14 friends
Rooms: 5 cabins / AC
Bathrooms: 5
This luxurious 34m Raja Ampat liveaboard presents the last word five-star service for dive fanatics. The employees will go above and past to make your expertise as satisfying as attainable.
From the manager chef whipping up delectable meals all day to the information and expertise of the dive crew who can expertly navigate you across the dive websites, the crew will take excellent care of you all through the journey.
The 8-day journey usually consists of round 17 dives, taking you round a few of the greatest areas in Raja Ampat. Luxury meets journey as they set up the last word sea safari for friends to take pleasure in.
What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Diving Gear, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Towels
Click the button under to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Tiger Blue
Raja Ampat Liveaboard Diving Highlights
In Indonesian, “Raja Ampat” interprets to “four kings” which give tribute to the 4 primary islands — Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waige — that make up Raja Ampat.
When diving on this space, one phrase describes it completely: variety.
Expect to see all of it! Home to over 1,000 varieties of coral fish in addition to manta rays and sharks you in all probability received’t see anyplace else, Raja Ampat can simply stake a declare as among the finest scuba diving websites on the planet.
Strong present, drift dives, cathedral swim-throughs, WWII shipwrecks, manta rays, dugongs, sharks, giant pelagics, and a kaleidoscope of colourful smooth corals. Scuba diving right here is actually a once-in-a-lifetime expertise and is a should for avid divers.
With the rising reputation of Raja Ampat (though it nonetheless is logistically onerous and costly to get to), homestays and day dives at the moment are additionally attainable. However, one of the best ways to see, uncover, and take advantage of out of your journey to Raja Ampat is palms down by doing a liveaboard.
FAQ about Diving in Raja Ampat
Good diving could be discovered throughout Indonesia. A couple of common areas are:
1. Bali
2. The Gili Islands
3. Komodo National Park
4. Sulawesi
and extra. For a full checklist, try our detailed information on the greatest diving in Indonesia.
However, should you’re on the lookout for a secluded place that has unbelievable wildlife, Raja Ampat is second to none. The greatest method to discover the diving right here is thru a liveaboard boat so you’ll be able to actually take advantage of out of your time there.
Raja Ampat boasts of a few of the greatest scuba diving in Asia and the world. Located within the Northwest of Papua, Raja Ampat is within the coral triangle which is why it’s plentiful in marine life. It is house to over 1,200 varied species of fish and corals and is usually unspoilt and considerable.
In common, October to mid-December are the most effective instances to go on a liveaboard in Raja Ampat. However, boats run throughout all the dry season which stretches out till April.
Raja Ampat Diving: What You Need to Know
Best Time to Go Diving in Raja Ampat
While you’ll be able to scuba dive all 12 months spherical in Raja Ampat, liveaboard diving may be very a lot depending on the climate. That stated, all of the liveaboard corporations plan their schedules prematurely to get the most effective climate seasons attainable.
As talked about beforehand, October to mid-December are the most effective instances to go on a liveaboard in Raja Ampat. However, boats run throughout all the dry season as effectively.
Mid-June to September is usually a season that liveaboards are likely to keep away from as there’s a larger likelihood of getting just a few robust winds and rain. During these instances, you would possibly wish to think about Cenderawasih Bay the place whale sharks are likely to commune or different diving websites in Indonesia reminiscent of liveaboard diving in Komodo.
Raja Ampat Diving Safety
The currents in Raja Ampat can get fairly robust however it’s also the life drive behind the unbelievable reef and marine life within the space.
The trick is to grasp the currents and know find out how to go along with it. The divemasters on each liveaboard are very educated in regards to the water circumstances and are seasoned divers inside the space. Stick with them and also you’ll be high quality.
As Raja Ampat is positioned in a really distant place, medical amenities are restricted. Most liveaboards will probably be strict in asking medical questions previous to your journey.
It can be obligatory for all friends to get journey insurance coverage which might cowl journey cancellation, evacuations, and dive accidents. Insurance is a should for many liveaboards and proof of insurance coverage will probably be required upon checking in.
We advocate buying dive insurance coverage from World Nomads in your diving adventures.
Best Dive Sites in Raja Ampat
1. Cape Kri
As far as websites in and round Raja Ampat go, Cape Kri is understood to have the best variety of marine life. Among the reefs, you’ll discover colleges of fish, barracuda, hawksbill turtles and even reef sharks.
You’ll possible spot giant colleges of fish reminiscent of trevally, bannerfish, emperors and extra. If you’re fortunate, you may also encounter whitetip or gray reef sharks.
Venture right down to the bottom of the reef to discover a sunken anchor from historical instances. Cape Kri doesn’t disappoint, particularly should you’re into underwater pictures.
2. Fabiacet
If you’re searching for the most effective visibility, take a go to to Fabiacet for clear waters and tons of various species of marine life. Be certain to take alongside your digicam for unbeatable images at a depth of 40 meters.
When diving at Fabiacet, you’re sure to catch sight of hammerhead sharks and probably even a inexperienced tortoise.
While the present can typically be robust, this dive web site is appropriate for divers of all ranges of expertise so that you shouldn’t miss it!
3. Misool Island
The second largest of the “four kings,” Misool Island is without doubt one of the most colourful underwater scenes you could find. The reefs are brightly coloured, crammed with all totally different sorts of corals and residential to many species of fish.
The web site is nicknamed “the kaleidoscope” due to this enormous coloration selection, making it a first-rate location for pictures, creature recognizing and extra.
For a novel expertise, go to the Blue Water Mangroves the place you’ll be able to see a mangrove surroundings in nice visibility.
4. Manta Ridge
Located within the center part of Raja Ampat, Manta Ridge is a well-liked dive web site due to its shallow waters.
It’s among the finest spots for sighting manta rays (therefore the identify) as there’s a manta ray cleansing station that attracts the animals in. If you’re fortunate, you could even catch a peek at an all-black manta ray which is relatively unusual.
Besides mantas, you’re prone to see reef sharks, turtles, and lots of species of fish.
For extra on diving in Raja Ampat, try our Complete Guide to Raja Ampat Diving.
How to Get to the Raja Ampat
To entry any of the islands, you’ll first must get to the port of Sorong.
There are not any direct worldwide flights however you’ll be able to fly into Sorong through Jakarta, Makassar, Ambon or Manado. Airlines embody Lion Air, Xpress Airlines, Sriwijaya Airlines, Nam Airlines and Garuda Indonesia.
A return flight from Jakarta will price you round $450 to 600 USD and flights from Bali are attainable (with a stopover) and may price across the identical, however verify schedules and e-book issues prematurely as some airways could not fly day-after-day.
From there, most liveaboard itineraries begin from Sorong and can take you again there, touring to a few of the greatest scuba diving websites inside Raja Ampat.
While most of your diving plus lodging will probably be included, all the time double verify if there are any further park charges. Make certain you get no matter money you want in Sorong; there are ATMs on the airport and close to the port.
After your dive expedition, should you really feel like hanging across the space, try our full information to Raja Ampat which has some info on locations to remain and what to do.
Best Diving Itineraries in Raja Ampat
Short Raja Ampat Liveaboard Trips
Because it’s relatively distant and difficult to get to, brief Raja Ampat itineraries typically run from between 5 and eight nights to take advantage of your journey.
The first day, you’ll be transferred to your vessel, meet the crew and obtain a briefing in regards to the journey. The following days you’ll spend touring between dive websites, discovering all that lies beneath the floor.
A typical 8-night journey could grant you as many as 20 dives, so that you’ll be capable of see all that Raja Ampat has to supply.
Extended Raja Ampat Liveaboard Trips
If you’re concerned with being out on the water for longer, there are liveaboards that supply journeys lasting so long as 15 nights! That’s a ton of diving, a number of solar and a very unforgettable trip.
Take one among these prolonged journeys and develop into an knowledgeable in regards to the marine life all through Raja Ampat. You’ll have the prospect to journey to extra distant websites, dive extra, and actually enhance your abilities and confidence within the water.
On longer journeys, you could even have the prospect for a land tour. If that is one thing that you just’re concerned with, be sure you verify your particular journey’s itinerary when reserving.
Search in your dream Raja Ampat liveaboard now!
We hope our full information to selecting the most effective Raja Ampat liveaboard is helpful. While selecting which boat to go along with appears initially overwhelming because of the number of choices, slim them down in keeping with route and funds, and go from there.
Disclosure: Some of the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks. That implies that should you e-book any of the liveaboards above, we get a small fee at NO EXTRA COST to you. This fee will assist us preserve this web site so we are able to preserve producing superior free content material for you.
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