Thinking about booking 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.
Why Choose a Raja Ampat Liveaboard in 2026?
Unlike resorts, which are fixed to one location, a liveaboard allows you to explore multiple regions of Raja Ampat: from the lush coral walls and soft coral gardens of Misool, to manta cleaning stations in the Dampier Strait, and the iconic limestone lagoons of Wayag in the north.
But beyond access, it’s the mobility and adaptability of a liveaboard that truly sets it apart.
What Makes Liveaboards Ideal in Raja Ampat
- Access to remote dive sites unreachable from land-based operations
- Up to 4 dives per day, with no time lost in daily transfers
- Wake up each day to a new reef, new scenery, and a new adventure
- All-inclusive rhythm: dive, eat, rest, repeat — surrounded by pristine nature
- Adaptability to conditions: when currents, weather, or visibility are less favorable in one area, the vessel can relocate to another region — ensuring you’re always at the right place at the right time
- Efficient navigation: the boat covers large distances in relatively short time, maximizing exploration across diverse habitats in one journey
- Deeper immersion: with no fixed return point, guests are fully immersed in the seascape — often encountering wildlife above and below the surface throughout the day
👉 Want a deeper dive? Explore our Raja Ampat itineraries
Raja Ampat Liveaboard Prices: What to Expect in 2026?
Liveaboard pricing in Raja Ampat reflects the remoteness of the region, the quality of the boat, and the level of service provided. Here’s a general breakdown by category:
Budget Liveaboards: €250 – €380 per night
- Simple cabins (often bunk or twin beds, shared bathrooms)
- Basic Indonesian meals
- Larger group sizes, limited personal attention
- Nitrox generally not available
- Functional, no-frills diving and logistics
Mid-Range Liveaboards: €380 – €500 per night
- Private cabins, usually with en-suite bathrooms and A/C
- Better local food and onboard service
- Nitrox usually available (extra fee)
- More experienced dive crew, smaller groups
- Good comfort-to-value ratio
Luxury Liveaboards: €500 – €800+ per night
- High-end staterooms or suites, boutique service
- Gourmet cuisine, curated wine list, tailored experiences
- Experienced dive guides, top-notch safety standards
- Nitrox, large tanks, camera rinse stations sometimes included
- Ideal for couples, families, or full charters
Private charters are available for families or groups.
Best Time to Dive Raja Ampat on a Liveaboard
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 Liveaboard Itineraries: What to Expect
Raja Ampat is divided into three major regions:
- Dampier Strait (Central Raja Ampat) — closest to Sorong, ideal for short cruises
- Misool (Southern Raja Ampat) — remote and vibrant, home to world-class dive sites
- Wayag (Northern Raja Ampat) — iconic limestone islands and dramatic landscapes
Most liveaboard itineraries are designed to explore one, two, or all three regions—depending on cruise length, sea conditions, and seasonal factors.
Short Cruises (Up to 5–6 Nights)
Expect to explore the Dampier Strait, located just 5–6 hours by boat from Sorong. This central region is known for:
- Reliable manta ray sightings at Manta Sandy and Manta Ridge
- Exceptional reef health and coral biodiversity
- Jetty dives at Arborek and Sawandarek
- Easy access to land excursions and village visits
This area offers fantastic diving and snorkeling with minimal transit time, making it ideal for shorter trips.
Mid-Length Cruises (6–9 Nights)
Cruises of this length usually explore two out of the three main zones:
- Misool + Dampier Strait — A southbound itinerary that reaches the lush coral walls and reef systems of Misool (about 13–15 hours from Sorong), followed by a return north to dive Central Raja Ampat.
- Dampier Strait + Wayag — A northbound option combining the vibrant reefs of Central Raja Ampat with the jagged karst seascapes, calm lagoons, and scenic viewpoints of Wayag.
These itineraries balance remote exploration with manageable travel time and generally offer more varied dive conditions.
Long Cruises (10 Nights or More)
Extended expeditions allow liveaboards to cover all three regions: Misool, Dampier Strait, and Wayag — the full Raja Ampat experience.
This is the most comprehensive option for experienced divers and adventure travelers. However, it’s important to note that the journey north to Wayag can be impacted by sea conditions. In cases of strong swell or adverse weather, the captain may adjust the route for safety.
Seasonal Note:
Due to the Southeast Monsoon, Misool is not accessible from late June to mid-September. During this period, vessels that remain in Raja Ampat tend to focus on the Dampier Strait and northern areas like Wayag, which offer calmer seas and protected dive sites even in the off-season.
All trips start and end in Sorong (SOQ).
👉 Looking for something specific? Contact us for custom itineraries
Top 10 Dive Sites in Raja Ampat
- Magic Mountain (South – Misool) – Manta encounters, reef sharks, and vibrant walls
- Cape Kri (Central – Dampier Strait) – Record-holding fish biodiversity
- Boo Windows (South – Misool) – Swim-throughs and soft coral gardens
- Melissa’s Garden (Central – Piaynemo) – Massive hard coral fields
- Sardine Reef (Central – Dampier Strait) – High-current pelagic action
- Blue Magic (Central – Dampier Strait) – Oceanic mantas and schooling fish
- Mike’s Point (Central – Dampier Strait) – Ledges, caves, and schooling snappers
- Manta Sandy (Central – Dampier Strait) – A reliable cleaning station
- Yillet (South – Misool) – Sea fans, pygmy seahorses, and macro critters
- Sawandarek Jetty (Central – Dampier Strait) – Pristine coral gardens, turtles, and schooling fish
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
Essential Tips to Prepare Your Raja Ampat Liveaboard Trip
- 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)
- Operators generally handle airport transfers, marine park permits (not included in cruise fare), and port logistics for a seamless experience.
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.