In Indonesia, Raja Ampat also called “The Four Kings,” is known for its beautiful corals. Because of this, liveaboards in Raja Ampat are the best place to go for people who love seeing big schools of fish and strange creatures.
Raja Ampat is an archipelago that straddles the Equator and is part of the world-famous Coral Triangle. If you go diving there, you’ll get to see the most different kinds of marine life on Earth. Divers who are lucky will see a huge number of rare sea creatures, such as wobbegong sharks, manta rays, epaulet sharks, bobtail squid, whale sharks, pygmy seahorses, and thousands of tropical fish.
This group of small islands, called an archipelago, has about 1,500 of them. Underwater, there are reef dives, deep dives, and high-speed drifts. Landscapes are made up of volcanic rocks, and there is great coral growth because the population is small and new protections have been put in place.
There are scuba diving resorts on many of Raja Ampat’s main islands, but a liveaboard will let you dive more into the 200 dive sites in the area. Because of this, the most common way to get around Raja Ampat liveaboard.
Most dive safaris that go to this part of Indonesia leave from Sorong, which is in West Papua. Most liveaboard trips last between 7 and 10 nights, but some companies offer shorter 5-night trips.
Where is Raja Ampat?
Raja Ampat is near the northwest corner of Papua’s Bird’s Head Peninsula. Where Papua is the island that is the farthest east in this group of Indonesian islands.
Raja Ampat is all about variety, and most of the people who go there are advanced divers. This is because of the currents and drift diving. It is also a dive spot that is “off the beaten path.”
Due to the strong currents, Raja Ampat is probably not a good place for beginning divers. Someone who has been in a strong down-current said the quote below is worth reading.
How to Get to Raja Ampat?
The first step is to get to Sorong. There are no international flights that go straight here, but you can get here from Jakarta, Makassar, Ambon (from which some liveaboards leave!), or Manado. You can also fly there with a stopover from Bali. We suggest that you fly with Lion Air, Xpress Airways, Sriwijaya Airlines, Nam Airlines, or Garuda Indonesia.
In general, a round-trip flight from Jakarta will cost between $450 and $600. From Bali, flights should cost about the same. Click Here to go to our favorite place to find great last-minute deals on cheap flights. Don’t forget that there are no ATMs in Sorong, so bring a lot of cash with you.
Once you get to Sorong, however, you don’t have to worry about anything else to get to Raja Ampat. Because most liveaboard operators want to make things easy for their guests, they offer transfer services from Sorong Airport and hotels straight to and from their boats. Nice!
What To Expect on a Liveaboards in Raja Ampat?
Liveaboards are the best way to see this amazing dive area, Raja Ampat. letting divers go to Indonesian places that haven’t been touched by people. Raja Ampat is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia. It is known for its beautiful islands, clear water, and white sand beaches.
The archipelago is made up of more than 1,500 islands that are spread out over a large part of the coral triangle close to New Guinea. Divers can use liveaboards to explore these islands and see what they have to offer. Because it is lucky enough to be between the Indian and Pacific oceans, it is thought to have some of the best marine life in the world.
Liveaboards in Raja Ampat go to four main islands: Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo, and Misool. They also go to a lot of smaller islands. The name of the group of islands, “the Four Kings,” comes from these islands. A local legend says that four kings came from four eggs that a woman found. When the eggs hatched, each king took control of one of the main islands.
After that, the area was taken over by Europeans, and for a while, it was ruled by the Dutch. In modern times, tourism is the main industry. Most of the people who live there are from Indonesia, and most of them either work in tourism or fish. To help protect the marine life in Raja Ampat, the area recently put in place a fee for liveaboard visitors to the marine park.
This fee helps pay for reef-protecting patrols and projects. Even though tourism is growing in Raja Ampat, the area still feels unspoiled, especially when you’re on a liveaboard anchored near mostly uninhabited islands.
13 Reasons to Visit Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- Hidden Paradise
- Scuba Diving in Raja Ampat
- Snorkeling in Raja Ampat
- Pure Natural Beauty
- Paradise birds
- Waterfalls and Adventures in the Rainforest
- Cultural Encounters
- Most kinds of sea life than anywhere else in the world.
- Views that make you gasp
- Animals on land that are very different
- Landscapes that make you gasp
- Amazing sunsets & a stunning night sky
- Friendly people and a slow-paced way of life.
The Climate, Diving Season, and Best Time Visit to Raja Ampat
Some liveaboard boats in the West Papua Province go out all year, but most Raja Ampat diving charters only go out from October to April because there is less chance of rain and rough seas then. Outside of these times, the Indonesian liveaboards usually go to Komodo and Banda or to Cenderawasih Bay on the north coast of Papua for whale shark season.
The water in Raja Ampat is warm all year long. From November to April, it is 30°C, and from May to October, it is 27°C. From October to April, when the plankton blooms, a lot of manta rays come to feed on them.
Where to Stay in Raja Ampat, Indonesia: Top 15 Places
Finding a place to stay in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, is the first step toward the best diving trip of your life. The quality of your scuba diving or snorkeling will depend on the area and hotel you choose. You can learn about the different kinds of places to stay in Raja Ampat, like homestays, dive resorts, and liveaboards.
- Homestay
- Liveaboard
- Dive Lodge
- Dive Resort
- Agusta Eco Resort
- The Waiwo Dive Resort
- Papua Paradise Eco Resort
- The Raja Ampat Biodiversity Nature Resort
- Cove Eco Resort
- Misool Hotel
- Kordiris Homestay
- HamuEco Resort to Dive
- Papua Explorers Resort
- Stay PapuArts Alternative
- Kakatua Hostel
Best Reviews of Liveaboards in Raja Ampat
During these months, you can choose from the most liveaboards and the weather is the best. The weather on the surface is calm, and the sky is mostly dry. But you can dive in Raja Ampat all year long, and the same amount of marine life is there even when it’s not the peak season.
Divers who want to go to Raja Ampat should have at least an intermediate level of skill and be used to diving in unpredictable conditions. In this area, there are sometimes currents, but most dive sites are calm and have good visibility.
1. Neptune Liveaboards
The boat is just right for single divers, small groups, and private charters. Neptune liveaboard takes divers to the Indonesian Archipelago all through the year. Check out liveaboard trips in Raja Ampat and Komodo, as well as trips in places like Alor, Ambon, Triton Bay, or Misool that aren’t as popular.
2. Damai II Liveaboard
The Damai II is the best liveaboard for vacationers who want to be pampered. This dive safari is just as nice as a luxury resort on land. This yacht is sure to impress with its wide range of amenities. The traditional yacht, which is 130 feet (40 meters) long, was made for small group dive safaris. Also, each room has reef-safe amenities like sunscreen and shampoo, as well as a 3G hotspot so you can always stay in touch with the rest of the world.
Divers will like the large dive deck and the fast tenders that take them to the dive sites. Also, you can dive as much as you want (as long as your air lasts), and there will be one guide for every four divers.
With 7 staterooms, each boat can hold up to 14 divers, but there are 20 people on each boat’s crew. On the Damai II, one of the most luxurious liveaboards in the world, you’re sure to get personalized service and have a wonderful diving vacation.
3. Amira Liveaboard
Amira was made by local craftsmen using ancient Pinisi boat-building techniques and wood from the area. She has a navigation system, security and rescue gear, and technology that are all at the cutting edge. She is a great place to stay when you go diving in Komodo, Raja Ampat, or Banda.
4. Liveaboard Pearl of Papua
This 30m liveaboard in Raja Ampat is run by a crew of 12 people who all know a lot about the area. The divemasters can get around in the water without much trouble.
Even though the ship is a luxury liveaboard, it is a lot less expensive than the other liveaboards in the area. This boat is a great choice for those on a budget because it has nice cabins, massages on board, and delicious food.
The boat has places for photographers to put their gear, rinse their cameras, set up their cameras, and charge their batteries. The Pearl of Papua offers multiple eight- to eleven-day trips that show off the best of what Raja Ampat has to offer.
5. A boat named Calico Jack
Calico Jack has only 5 cabins, which makes her a great choice for people who want more privacy. This is also a great liveaboard for people who don’t dive, as the different itineraries include many other activities and the boat has more amenities.
6. Kira Kira Liveaboard
The 22-meter sailing Phinisi Kira Kira, which came out in 2014, is a great way to explore Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat on a budget. The Kira Kira liveaboard was made by hand over the course of two years. It was made to be stable, comfortable, and safe. She can go up to 1000 nautical miles and is very economical and good for the environment. Kira Kira Indonesia can accommodate a maximum of 8 people in 4 cabins. This allows for more personalized service on board and is great for groups of friends, families, or people who want to travel with others.
The Kira Kira liveaboard has four cabins. Three of them have two beds, and one has a double bed and a great view from the roof. There are two shared bathrooms on board, and each cabin has space for bags and scuba gear, as well as closets and plenty of room for clothes, personal items, laptops, cameras, and other electronics.
Guests can relax on the sun deck or in the open-air lounge, which both have beautiful views of the sunset. They can also read a book, drink a cold beer, or ask the onboard chef for cooking tips. Meals will be a selection of freshly-cooked Indonesian and Western meals, along with the catch of the day, and freshly baked bread and treats throughout the day.
Divers will love the amazing variety of Indonesia. They can go to Komodo National Park to see Manta Rays and Komodo Dragons and to Raja Ampat, which has a lot of different kinds of animals and is always finding new dive sites.
7. Ilike Liveaboard
This traditional phinisi boat goes all over Indonesia, including to the Raja Ampat Archipelago, all year long. It has reasonable prices and almost as many guests as crew, so you can be sure you’re in good hands.
You can read a good book on the sun deck or in the open-air lounge when you’re not diving. People who have been on this liveaboard can’t stop talking about how good the local and international meals were.
8. SMY Ondina Liveaboard
After being fixed up in 2014, the Ondina was put back into service with 8 air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms, a large outside deck, and a dining and entertainment area. The food is a mix of Asian and Western dishes and is served on a buffet. You won’t go hungry on board, that’s for sure.
The Ondina takes nine to eleven-night trips around Raja Ampat. It goes to some of the best places to scuba dive in Raja Ampat. The divemasters are very friendly and knowledgable, and they will show you around these clear waters in a safe way.
9. Sea Safari 6 Liveaboard
The Sea Safari 6 Liveaboard is a luxury Phinisi boat that goes to some of the best places to dive in Indonesia all year long. These places include Raja Ampat, Komodo, Maumere, Lembeh, Wakatobi, Ambon, Ternate, and the Forgotten Islands.
The KLM Sea Safari 6 Liveaboard has 10 cabins, and each one has its own bathroom and air conditioning. The KLM Sea Safari VI Liveaboard has 4 decks to give you space and comfort. There is a lot of room to relax. The KLM Sea Safari 6 has an air-conditioned restaurant and lounge area with a 32-inch LCD TV and a DVD player, as well as a beautiful bar area outside where you can talk or watch the sunset while drinking a drink. There is also a nice place to hang out on the sun deck in between dives.
The diving station is big, so there is plenty of room to store gear. There are separate tanks for cleaning dive gear and underwater cameras, as well as a table just for the camera. All of the ships in the Sea Safari Fleet have modern navigation systems and the latest first aid and safety gear. Start your live-aboard scuba diving trip in Indonesia today by reserving your spot.
10. Solitude Adventurer Liveaboard
Solitude Adventurer (IMO MV Mega Adventurer) is the newest member of the Solitude Liveaboards family. It is a 36-meter (118-foot) aluminum catamaran that specializes in dive trips around Indonesia. Solitude Adventurer can hold up to 18 people, and it has a lot of safety and comfort features to make sure everyone is safe and happy, whether they are getting ready to dive or just hanging out on the surface.
11. Jaya Liveaboard
The Jaya is the ship we use for our trips. She moves between Komodo, Raja Ampat, and long-range expeditions depending on the time of year. She was built in 1999 and has sailed and explored the waters of South East Asia with her loyal captain, who has been in charge of the boat from the start.
Under the deck, there are 7 cabins that can sleep a total of 14 people. Each of the 4 twin cabins with two shared bathrooms and 3 double rooms with private bathrooms has an air conditioner to keep you cool and a plug for charging your devices. All of the bathrooms have showers with fresh water, shampoo, and soap for basic hygiene.
12. Epica Liveaboard
Epica really does have the most fun and interesting tours in Raja Ampat. She has a number of different trips that visit a mix of the best dive sites in the north, center, and/or south of Raja Ampat.
With themes like “Sensory Overload,” “Pelagic Magic,” and “Fish Frenzy” for each day, the atmosphere is very friendly and fun. Guests can enjoy exciting night dives, action-packed drift dives, wall dives, and more.
13. Tiare Cruise Liveaboard
The Tiare liveaboard offers luxury dive cruises to Indonesia all year long. These cruises visit the world-famous dive sites of Komodo National Park, East Flores, Alor, the Forgotten Islands, Banda Sea, and Raja Ampat. Divers can use air or Nitrox 32 (they need a certificate), and all tanks have either DIN or international valves.
Each diver will have their own diving station with their own storage and hot showers will be available on the dive deck. As an extra safety measure, each diver will also be given a “ENOS” beacon. There is a room just for underwater photographers’ cameras, which has several charging stations and benches for cameras.
14. Dewi Nusantara Liveaboard
The Dewi Nusantara was made to serve people who want quality, safety, friendly service, and the most beautiful schooner on the market. The Indonesian archipelago is a safe and pleasant place for divers to explore. The goal is to give guests a first-rate cruise experience in dive spots that can’t be beaten.
15. Raja Manta Liveaboard
The Raja Manta is a mid-range liveaboard that used to be called the M/V White Manta. It is one of the best choices for people who want to see Raja Ampat in comfort and style.
There are Nitrox tanks, full dive gear, camera tables, and rinse tanks for divers. Guests can relax in their cabins with private bathrooms or in the salon, which is air-conditioned and has a large plasma TV and a DVD player. The staff is very nice and helpful, which makes the whole diving experience fun and unique.
16. Liveaboard Gaia Love
Gaia Love is a beautiful and modern boat that offers great diving safaris around the best of Raja Ampat. You can also dive off the Spice Islands. There’s also a spa and cabins with their own balconies.
Other Liveaboard Destinations you may like
- Jelajahi Laut
- Scubaspa Zen
- Empress II
- Mutiara Laut
- Samambaia
- Mermaid II
- Seaisee
- Aurora
- Mermaid I
- La Galigo
- Lady Denok
- Mari
- Coralia
- Neomi Cruise
- Komodo Sea Dragon
- Panunee
- Oceanic
- Aliikai Voyage
- Jakaré
- Adelaar
- Leyla
- Sokaraja
- Fenides
- Gaya Baru Indah
- Moana
- Cheng Ho
- King Harmonia
- Ratu Laut
- Duyung Baru
- Raja Ampat Explorer
- Putri Papua
- Indo Aggressor
- Amaya Explorer
- Neptune One
- Mikumba 2
- Akomo Isseki
- Busy Girl
- Bajak
- Queenesia II
- Queenesia
- Papua is a pearl.
- Pindito
- Cajoma IV
- Aggressor II
- Tarata
- NusaTara
- Kurabesi
- There are seven seas.
- Carpe Diem
- Ikan Biru
- Indo Siren
- Emperor Raja Laut
- Wellenreng
- Situju7
- TemuKira
- Mischief
- Samata
- Tiger Blue
- Anthias
- Andamari Phinisi
- Adishree
- Supraba
- Gammara
- The cruise ship Katharina
- Ombak Putih
- lataran Phinisi Ambasi
- Phinisi Felicia
- Navila
- Lagoon Ocean
- Taka Explorer
- Samara I
- Samara II
- Phinisi Malayeka
- Velocean
- MSY Mutiara laut
- Sea Safari VII
- Alikai
Best time to go on a Liveaboards in Raja Ampat
The weather in Raja Ampat is known to be rather moody and sometimes hard to predict. But guests shouldn’t worry because the people who run liveaboards carefully plan each tour and itinerary to make sure their guests are safe and comfortable.
So, when is the best time to do liveaboard in Rajah Ampat?
Some boats offer trips all year long, but liveaboard fans say that October or November is the best time to go out on the water. If you can’t make it in October or November, you can still do liveaboard from October to April, which is the rest of Raja Ampat’s dry season. The sea should still be steady and calm during this time.
Liveaboard is not recommended from May to September because it is more likely to have strong winds and rain during those months. You can still go on a liveaboard from May to October if you don’t mind the weather and want to see Manta Rays and dive with them.
Extended Liveaboards in Raja Ampat Trips
There are liveaboards that offer trips as long as 15 nights if you want to spend more time on the water. That’s a lot of diving, a lot of sun, and a trip you’ll never forget.
Take one of these long trips and you’ll know everything there is to know about the marine life in Raja Ampat. You’ll be able to go to more remote places, dive more, and really get better at what you do in the water.
On longer trips, you might even get to go on a land trip. If this is something you’re interested in, make sure to look at the itinerary for your trip when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Liveaboards in Raja Ampat
Can you dive in Raja Ampat?
Some of the best scuba diving in Asia and the world can be found in Raja Ampat. Raja Ampat is in the northwest of Papua. It is in the coral triangle, which means that there is a lot of marine life there. It is home to more than 1,200 different kinds of fish and corals and is mostly untouched and full.
When should you go diving in Raja Ampat?
In general, the best time to go on a liveaboard in Raja Ampat is between the middle of October and the middle of December. But boats go out during the dry season, which goes from November to April.
What makes Raja Ampat well known?
Raja Ampat is a group of islands on the western tip of the Indonesian island of Papua. It is known for being a great place to dive. In an archipelago about the size of Switzerland, you can find most of the world’s coral reefs, marine life, and rare species.
How do I know when to go to Raja Ampat?
This is a place to go all year, but the best time for divers to go is from September to April, when a lot of manta rays are at cleaning stations. Visit in November, December, January, February, or March when the water is the calmest and you can see the most.
What is diving like in Raja Ampat?
Raja Ampat diving is breathtakingly beautiful and will stay with you forever. On reefs that are full of life and color, hard and soft corals fight for space. On the reef flats, lots of small fish like damsels, fusiliers, and anthias swim around.
How do I get to Raja Ampat?
You should first fly from Jakarta or Makassar to Sorong to get to Raja Ampat. You can take a small plane to Waisai, which is the capital of the Raja Ampat district, or you can take a ferry from the port of Sorong to the islands.
How much does diving in Raja Ampat cost?
All people who go to Raja Ampat must pay an annual fee to get into the marine park. The fee is IDR 1,000,000 per person (IDR 500,000 for Indonesian citizens) and is good for 12 months.
Is Raja Ampat where people dive the best?
People think that Raja Ampat’s Cape Kri is the best place to dive in the world because it holds the record for the most fish species seen in one dive. The site is in the waterway between the western tip of Pulau Kri and Koh, a small island.
Can you snorkel in Raja Ampat?
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, is in the center of the Coral Triangle. It has some of the most diverse marine life in the world. It is also home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. The best way to enjoy these activities is on a liveaboard trip, which usually lasts between one and two weeks.
To get from Bali to Raja Ampat, how long does it take?
The fastest flight takes 7 hours and 30 minutes and has one stop. When you get to Sorong, take a ferry for about two hours. Raja Ampat is a place you have to work for. The trip there is long, expensive, and needs to be planned well in advance.
How do I get from Singapore to Raja Ampat?
There is no direct way to get to Raja Ampat Island from Singapore. You can also take a ferry to Batam Center, a taxi to the Hang Nadim airport, a flight to Sorong, and then a boat to Raja Ampat Island.
How do I get to Raja Ampat Reef?
How do I get to Raja Ampat? The Raja Ampat archipelago is part of the Coral Triangle and is in the northwest corner of Indonesia’s West Papua province. It is made up of more than 1,500 islands and covers 40,000 km2 of land and sea. The main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo are in the middle of the archipelago.
Is Raja Ampat a country?
Raja Ampat, also known as “the Four Kings,” is a group of islands off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea in the Indonesian province of West Papua.
How do I get from Indonesia’s Bali to Raja Ampat?
If you’re coming from Bali, you’d have to stop in Jakarta or Makassar before going to Sorong. The whole Bali trip, including the stops, would take at least nine hours. To get to any of the Raja Ampat islands from Sorong, you would need to take a speedboat, either on your own or as part of a group tour.
What makes Raja Ampat so unique?
537 different kinds of coral have been found in Raja Ampat. This is an amazing 75% of all the coral species in the world. Also very interesting is that 96% of all hard corals in Indonesia’s huge archipelago can be found in Raja Ampat.
Read Also:
What Time is It in London? Know More Details
The 35 Best Ways Become a Travel Enthusiast
36 Best Things to Do in Salina Kansas
The 32 Best Things To Do In Wichita Falls Texas
The 45 Best Fun Things to Do in Houston
