Thinking about a liveaboard in Raja Ampat? You’re not alone. With over 1,500 species of fish and 550 species of coral, Raja Ampat is the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on Earth—and the best way to experience it is by liveaboard.
This guide covers everything divers and adventure travelers need to know about planning the ultimate Raja Ampat liveaboard cruise with Adelaar.
Why Choose a Liveaboard in Raja Ampat?
Unlike resorts, which are limited to one region, a liveaboard allows you to explore multiple zones: from the lush coral walls of Misool, to manta cleaning stations in the Dampier Strait, to the limestone lagoons of Wayag.
What Makes Liveaboards Ideal in Raja Ampat:
- Access to remote dive sites unreachable from land
- Dive up to 4 times per day with no wasted travel time
- Wake up each morning to a different sunrise, reef, and environment
- All-inclusive rhythm: dive, eat, rest, repeat—surrounded by nature
🟡 Want a deeper dive? Explore our Raja Ampat itineraries
When to Dive Raja Ampat?
The best time to join a Raja Ampat liveaboard is October through April/May, when seas are calm and visibility is at its best.
- Visibility: 15–30 meters
- Water Temperature: 28–31°C (82.4°F to 87.8°F)
- Conditions: Great for drift diving, reef exploration, wide-angle & macro photography
Raja Ampat Itineraries with Adelaar
We offer several Raja Ampat liveaboard options between October and April/May, which is the region’s best dive season.
- 11D/10N – Comprehensive expedition: Misool, Dampier Strait, and Wayag
- 9D/8N – Focused trip through Misool & Central Raja Ampat
- 7D/6N – Same route as the 8-night cruise, but with less time in one of the two regions.
All trips start and end in Sorong (SOQ).
🟡 Looking for something specific? Contact us for custom itineraries
How to Get to Raja Ampat
Fly into Sorong (SOQ) via:
- From Jakarta (CGK): Direct with Garuda Indonesia or Batik Air
- From Bali (DPS): Direct early morning with Garuda Indonesia, or via Makassar with Lion Air
Tip: We recommend arriving 1 day before embarkation. We’ll pick you up from your hotel or flight on departure day.
What’s the Diving Schedule Like?
Adelaar follows a relaxed but rewarding dive rhythm:
- 07:00 – Morning dive
- 10:00 – Mid-morning dive
- 14:00 – Afternoon dive
- 18:30 – Night dive (unless a long overnight crossing is required)
We dive in small groups with experienced guides, adapting to the best conditions of the day.
Up to 4 dives per day are offered, with plenty of surface time to relax, snorkel, or explore.
Dive Experience Requirements
Raja Ampat is suitable for Intermediate Recreational Diver. Minimum:
- Open Water Certification
- 50/60+ logged dives
Operators also consider: - Age and physical fitness
- Experience in currents
- Buoyancy control
- Recent diving activity
Nitrox, Gear & Tanks
- Nitrox 32% available (fee applies)
- 12L aluminum tanks standard
- 15L aluminium and smaller tanks available on request (extra fee)
- Dive computers and SMBs required
🟡 Have fewer dives? Reach out. We assess each diver individually.
Marine Life in Raja Ampat: Macro to Megafauna
This is the most biodiverse marine region on Earth. You’ll find a unique balance of pelagic species and macro critters—perfect for wide-angle photographers and macro enthusiasts alike.
🐟 Pelagics
- Manta rays (reef & oceanic)
- Reef sharks, wobbegongs, blacktips, Epaulette (walking) sharks
- Mobula rays, dolphins, bumphead parrotfish
- Napoleon wrasse, barracudas, giant trevallies
🔍 Macro
- Pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs
- Frogfish, leaf scorpionfish, bobtail squid
- Blue-ringed octopus, harlequin shrimp, decorator crabs
📸 Underwater photographers take note:
- Night dives reveal rare behaviors
- Reefs teem with tiny life for super-macro work
- Wide-angle sites feature soft corals, fans, and schooling fish
Top 10 Dive Sites in Raja Ampat
- Magic Mountain – Manta encounters, reef sharks, and vibrant walls
- Cape Kri – Record-holding fish biodiversity
- Boo Windows – Swim-throughs and soft coral gardens
- Melissa’s Garden – Massive hard coral fields
- Sardine Reef – High-current pelagic action
- Blue Magic – Oceanic mantas and schooling fish
- Mike’s Point – Ledges, caves, and schooling snappers
- Manta Sandy – A reliable cleaning station
- Yillet – Sea fans, pygmy seahorses, critters
- Wayag Lagoon – Scenic reefs and calm snorkel zones
Snorkeling & Non-Diving Activities
Not diving? No problem. Raja Ampat is equally breathtaking from the surface.
- Shallow coral reefs full of life
- Sea turtles, reef fish, and mantas seen while snorkeling
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, and tender rides in lagoons
- Beach visits, birdwatching, and panoramic hikes
What to Pack
- Soft duffel bag (no hard suitcases)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- 3mm wetsuit or dive skins
- Light sweater for breezy nights
- Adapters (Type C / Euro plug, 220V)
- Dive gear essentials (mask, computer, SMB)
Entry Requirements
- Visa: 30-day visa on arrival for most nationalities
- Dive Insurance: Mandatory
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended
- Marine Park Fees: Not included; payable in advance or onboard
Planning Tips
- Add an extra day before in Sorong for stress-free travel
- Bring your own dive gear if possible; rentals are available
- Reef-safe sunscreen only
- Cash (IDR, EUR, or USD) for marine park fees and crew tips
- Lifejackets or harnesses for children must be brought from home (required)
Adelaar handles airport transfers, marine park permits (not included in cruise fare), and port logistics for a seamless experience.
What’s the Cost of a Liveaboard?
Raja Ampat liveaboard pricing reflects its remote access and luxury level. Expect:
- €5,000–€7,500 per person for 10–11 nights
- Full board, diving, and transfers included
- Extras: Nitrox, gear rental, marine park fees, crew gratuities
Private charters are available for families or groups.
Luxury & Vessel Types
Adelaar is a high-end Dutch schooner offering boutique comfort:
- Ensuite staterooms with A/C
- Indoor and alfresco dining
- Sundeck, dive platform, camera station
- Gourmet meals and fine wines onboard
We cater to both individual bookings and private charters.
Final Thoughts
A Raja Ampat liveaboard is more than a dive trip—it’s a deep dive into one of the last untouched marine ecosystems on Earth.
With Adelaar, you’ll explore far-reaching reefs in comfort, guided by an expert crew aboard a luxury boat. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting your underwater journey, this is the kind of voyage that stays with you forever.
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