If you’re a scuba diver, you’ve probably heard about Indonesias Raja Ampat and probably in the most glowing terms.
The Indonesian area called Raja Ampat, which means four kings is in reference to the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Waigeo, and Batanta islands
They consist of over 1,500 tiny islands and cays, creating countless, stunning scuba diving and only accessible by liveaboard diving.
It’s found in Indonesia, specifically in the province of West Papua, right in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Studies have shown that this region has the highest marine diversity anywhere on earth due to its serendipitous location at the meeting of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
It’s not surprising then, that is so frequently cited as one of the best dive sites in the world.
This diversity is plainly visible in the vibrant soft corals and hard coral reefs (it’s in the coral triangle for a reason), so clearly thriving in these crystal clear waters. They hold a myriad of marine life and macro creatures and play host to volumes of fish that seem unreal. You can also find hammerheads, schools of fish/ pelagics like barracudas, turtles, mantas, dolphins, and possibly the wobbegong shark.
Considering that the landscapes above the water are just as beautiful as those below, we also recommend that you stop off on an island for a day or two as well. This is only possible by a Raja Ampat Liveaboard.
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Best Overall
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Budget for Raja
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Best for Comfort
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Luxury Option
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From $492/d
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From $318/d
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From $381/d
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from $436/d
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At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
Best Raja Amapat Liveaboards
Tiare Cruise
- Dedicated camera room
- Luxurious cabins
- Other activities available
- Somewhat pricey
- Extra for nitrox
- Extra for alcoholic beverages
Are you a diving enthusiast looking for a unique and luxurious liveaboard experience in Indonesia? Look no further than the Tiare Cruise! This traditional Indonesian phinisi-style boat offers exceptional amenities and services for just 12 guests in 6 ensuite cabins. Each cabin has individually controlled air conditioning, hairdryers, and a thoughtful “shore kit” that includes essentials like suntan lotion and a thermos.
In addition to the comfortable cabins, guests can enjoy the air-conditioned lounge for socializing and complimentary drinks and snacks. Freshly prepared meals can be catered to different dietary requirements and served in the lounge or alfresco dining area. Relax in the shaded Bow Lounge or comfortable sundeck for some peace and quiet.
The Tiare Cruise also offers world-class facilities such as massages and kayaks for guest use, as well as free Wi-Fi. With a nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, you’ll always have someone on hand to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
The dive deck is shaded and provides complimentary nitrox, DIN adaptors, and side mount capabilities. Underwater photographers can take advantage of the dedicated maintenance area for their equipment. Two dive tenders make travel to and from dive sites quick and easy.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/Divers: 14
- Number of Dives: 4+ a day
- Number of cabins: 6 cabins
- Trip Length: 8 to 12 days
- Wifi: Yes
- Nitrox: Yes
- Drinks: Yes
- Port: Depends on Route
- Onshore Excursions: Yes
- Route/ Itinerary: Depends on usually Ambon/ Raja Ampat
- Camera Station: Yes
Gaia Love
- Dedicated camera room
- Beautiful, modern design
- Extremely luxurious
- Pricey
- Extra for nitrox
- Extra for alcoholic beverages
The Gaia Love is a 130ft (40m) long liveaboard vessel that offers eleven beautifully designed cabins, each with a private ensuite bathroom, storage, and AC. Each of the cabins on the top deck also features large ocean-view windows and private balconies and gives you a breathtaking view of the ocean.
This ship is not only modern but has a dining area that offers a full entertainment system for your pleasure. The external decks provide both shaded and sunny areas to relax between dives or enjoy a drink at the bar. The Gaia Love is like a floating resort that offers all the comforts you could possibly need.
The dive deck at the back of the yacht has space for 28 divers This gives you abundant space to set up your diving gear. It also has two skiffs that you can hop on and will drop you off at the dive sites. This allows you to explore all the dive spots Indonesia has with ease. It features plenty of rinsing stations and a specific camera station and a dedicated camera room for maintenance and editing when you are not in the water.
The Gaia Love liveaboard is the perfect choice for those seeking a luxurious and unforgettable diving experience in Indonesia. With its spacious cabins, modern amenities, dedicated camera room, and personalized customer service, the Gaia Love provides a truly exceptional liveaboard experience that is sure to exceed your expectations.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/Divers: 22
- Number of Dives: 3- 4 a day
- Number of cabins: 11 cabins
- Trip Length: 7 to 12 days
- Wifi: Yes, free of charge (but connection may be limited in some remote areas)
- Nitrox: Yes, available for an additional fee
- Drinks: Yes
- Port: Labuan Bajo, Flores
- Onshore Excursions: Yes
- Route/ Itinerary: Komodo National Park, Maumere, Alor, or Raja Ampat
- Camera Station: Yes
Blue Manta
- Largest cabins of all the Komodo liveaboards
- Dedicated camera room
- Incredibly comfortable & spacious
- Onboard spa
- Pay for WiFi available
- Expensive
- Bigger groups
The Blue Manta, is a purpose-built luxury dive ship that offers the ultimate diving adventure. With 14 spacious cabins, modern amenities, and personalized customer service. It is the perfect choice for those seeking a truly exceptional liveaboard experience.
You can chill out in the air-conditioned lounge, enjoy a drink at the bar, and take advantage of the dedicated camera room to look at your photos fro that day’s dives. The cabins are designed to ensure maximum comfort and privacy, making it easy to unwind after a day of diving.
The crew will take you to some of the most stunning locations in Indonesia, where you can explore underwater landscapes. The diving equipment is top-of-the-line, and the experienced diving instructors and guides will make sure that you are safe and enjoy yourself.
The gourmet dining options are also a highlight of the experience. With three chefs on board and five mouth-watering meals per day, you’ll never go hungry. The chefs use fresh ingredients and innovative techniques to create a variety of delicious dishes, and snacks are available 24/7.
The Blue Manta liveaboard is the ultimate choice for anyone seeking diving adventures in Indonesia. With its spacious cabins, modern amenities, unparalleled diving experience, gourmet dining options, and personalized customer service, the Blue Manta offers a truly exceptional liveaboard experience that is sure to exceed your expectations.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/Divers: 22 guests/ 18 divers
- Number of Dives: Up to 4 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 14 cabins (12 Deluxe and 2 Master)
- Trip Length: 5 to 14 nights
- Wifi: Yes, free of charge (but connection may be limited in some remote areas)
- Nitrox: Available for an additional fee
- Drinks: Complimentary water, tea, and coffee. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase onboard.
- Port: Depends on the itinerary
- Onshore Excursions: Visits to national parks, villages
- Route/Itinerary: Varies depending on the length of the trip and the season.
- Camera Station: Yes, there is a dedicated camera room.
Carpe Diem
- Equipment rental included in price
- Small group sizes
- Affordable price
- No nitrox
- No wifi
- Extra cost for alcoholic beverages
Carpe Diem is a small Phinisi style yacht, ideal for small groups or anyone who wants a more personal experience.
Experience the ultimate diving adventure with Carpe Diem, a luxurious Phinisi style yacht perfect for small groups seeking a personalized experience. With only 4 cozy cabins available, guests can enjoy a warm and intimate ambiance, complete with soft lighting and gentle ocean breezes. Each cabin is equipped with ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning for maximum comfort.
Carpe Diem Liveaboard Raja Ampat offers a family-style dining table in the saloon, where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine and share stories with fellow travelers. Enjoy your meal on one of two exterior decks, taking in views of beautiful coral reefs while you eat.
The dive deck is equipped with shaded areas and a dive tender that provides easy access to dive sites. All diving equipment rental is included in the affordable price tag, and small dive groups led by experienced guides ensure an unforgettable underwater experience.
The Carpe Diem visits Raja Ampat from November to April and Komodo, Ambon, and the Banda islands for the rest of the year.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/Divers: 8 guests/ divers
- Number of Dives: 3-4 dives per day Number of cabins: 4 cabins
- Trip Length: 6 or 10 nights
- Wifi: Yes, free of charge
- Nitrox: Available for an additional fee
- Port: Labuan Bajo, Flores
- Drinks: Complimentary water, tea, and coffee. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase onboard.
- Onshore Excursions: Yes
- Route/ Itinerary: Komodo National Park, Maumere, Alor, or Raja Ampat. Camera
- Station: Yes
When To Go To Raja Ampat
Like much of Indonesia, the weather in Raja Ampat is seasonal and can be tempestuous. Whilst some boats operate all year round in Western Papua, most liveaboard operators only run cruises from October to April to avoid the rough seas and rain of the summer months. However, Sulawesi, Komodo, Banda, and Cenderawasih Bay all have excellent diving at this time of year. Click here to find out more about diving in Indonesia.
The water temperatures are warm all year round in Raja Ampat, with 80F (27C) in the “off” season between May and October and a balmy 86F (30C) between October and April. The warm waters cause plankton blooms which attract huge numbers of manta rays.
Scuba Diving In Raja Ampat
We have already mentioned the marine biodiversity of Raja Ampat, but it is worth mentioning again. It guarantees to surprise even the jaded diver, with over 500 species of hard and soft corals, pinnacles, and the reefs are kaleidoscopic in their beauty. Visibility can be variable depending on the plankton blooms but the average is around 25m.
Marine Life
The population of sharks and pelagics in Raja Ampat is a big draw and you can see many different species. Black and whitetip reef sharks are most common but you can also see the more unusual, like the bizarre-looking wobbegong sharks as well as intimidating hammerheads. Schools of trevallies are common. Cenderawasih Bay is also famous for the up-close-and-personal encounters with friendly whale sharks, who have scavenged the local fishermen’s nets for centuries.
Four different types of turtles, Green, Hawksbill, olive Ridley, and Leatherbacks – live and nest here each year. Manta rays are common in Raja Ampat and upwards of 30 individuals can be seen in the warm, winter months when they flock here for the plentiful plankton. Pods of dolphins often accompany dive boats and even pop up on some dive sites, a pleasant surprise for divers. In some locations, you might catch a glimpse of the odd whale or even an orca!
The variety of macro species is a big draw for many photographers. Few diving destinations in the world have this range of macro critters hidden within the rocks and corals. Pygmy seahorse, ghost pipefish, nudibranch, and frogfish are just some of the incredible species.
Difficulty
Raja Ampat diving is suitable for a wide range of abilities but the best dive sites do sometimes feature fierce currents that are drift dives with deep profiles. It is possible to find dive centers in Raja Ampat to undertake your Open Water Course, though we recommend arriving already qualified so you can make the most of your trip! It is also not possible to take part in many liveaboards as a beginner diver.
Diving with nitrox is a great idea when scuba
Raja Ampat Liveaboard Routes
The majority of liveaboard cruises in Raja Ampat depart from and return to the coastal city of Sorong, which features one of the few airports. It is not an international airport, but there are regular flights from Jakarta.
The most common destination for liveaboards is the island of Misool as it is surrounded by stunning coral reefs, caves and fascinating mangroves which are just begging to be explored.
Many itineraries encompass other areas of Indonesia, particularly Ambon, the Forgotten Islands and the Banda Sea, which all have superb, pristine diving and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Longer itineraries sometimes sail from locations further afield, like Komodo National Park.
Conclusion
Liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat is some of the best in the world.
Not only does it have the highest level of biodiversity anywhere on earth, but it is also mind-bendingly beautiful.
And with all these excellent vessels to choose from – what are you waiting for?
