Raja Ampat is famous for it's stunning reefs, macro life and close up Manta rays encounters, situated at the end of the earth it is considered one of the best dive spots in the world due to it's remoteness and untouched reefs.
These liveaboards offer you the best experience possible and are for people enthusiastic or serious about their diving but also gladly welcome snorkellers and non-divers who will have their own separate itinerary.
How to get to Raja Ampat
Sorong is the harbour town in West Papua and the normal departure point to dive Raja Ampat.
If you are unsure of how to get to Sorong to start your trip it will depend on where your international flight into Indonesia is landing.
We recommend flying to Jakarta or Bali to make your entry point into Indonesia and each has it's pros and cons as explained below.
From Jakarta to Sorong with Garuda air is an over night flight arriving in the morning perfect for a pick up by your liveaboard crew at the airport.
The downside of this is that you may be awake most of the night before your board the liveaboard depending on if you sleep on flights but most boats cruise only on the first day so you can catch up on your sleep during the day.
Garuda currenlty also offers a 23K sports bag allowance which includes diving equipment on top of the usual 20 Kilos and bearing in mind it is Indonesia's most reliable airline this is the one we recommend as you can also purchase the tickets yourself (most other Indonesian airlines won't let you purchase tickets without an Indonesia creit card).
Garuda JAKARTA - SORONG GA682 etd 00.30am eta 06.35am direct.
Flights from Bali to Sorong are not quite so simple and cannot be done in one day, you will need to fly from DPS (Bali) to UPG (Makassar) the day before your liveaboard and stay over night in Makassar in a hotel or guesthouse and then continue on with the UPG (Makassar) to SOQ (Sorong) flight the following morning, arriving the day of your liveaboard departure.
This ends up being perfect timing to be picked up on your arrival in Sorong at the airport to then be taken to the boat.
This takes longer but you might arrive more refreshed than the Jakarta rooute and of course you could always factor in a stay in Bali before or after your trip, this flight is also by Garuda airlines.
DENPASAR - MAKASSAR Garuda Indonesia GA620 etd 1720 eta 1855
MAKASSAR - SORONG Garuda Indonesia GA698 etd 0330 eta 0645
Recently Garuda, our recommended airline, has made it possible to purchase their tickets online and we recommend you take this approach as it is often cheaper than the set price we have to charge using other airlines and Indonesian flight agents.
Other airlines are cheaper but are not so trustworthy or have such good luggage allowances.
Again, we highly recommend TRIP and BAGGAGE insurance as well as diving insurance just in case something were to go wrong with your flights or luggage.
It is also possible to come throught Kuala Lumpur (KUL) in Malaysia to Denpasar (DPS) in Bali or Jakarta (JKT) with Malaysian Airlines and then join one of the above 2 options above to get to Sorong, here are the flights from KUL to Jakarta and Bali
Please note: Flight times may vary and should always be double checked.
by Malaysia Airlines
KUALA LUMPUR - DENPASAR MH715 etd 0900 eta 1205
KUALA LUMPUR - DENPASAR MH851 etd 1225 eta 1530
KUALA LUMPUR - DENPASAR MH853 etd 1500 eta 1830
KUALA LUMPUR - JAKARTA MH713 etd 0720 eta 0830
KUALA LUMPUR - JAKARTA MH711 etd 0855 eta 1015
KUALA LUMPUR - JAKARTA MH717 etd 1000 eta 1120
KUALA LUMPUR - JAKARTA MH721 etd 1345 eta 1505
KUALA LUMPUR - JAKARTA MH723 etd 1610 eta 1735
KUALA LUMPUR - JAKARTA MH725 etd 1750 eta 1905
KUALA LUMPUR - JAKARTA MH727 etd 2150 eta 2305
Premier liveaboard diving and its local flight agent can purchase the tickets on your behalf, however, in doing so, Premier liveaboard diving is only acting as an agent for the airline and is not responsible for, and can accept no responsibility for, cancellations, delays, schedule changes, or problems caused by the air carrier.
We highly recommend trip interruption and cancellation insurance.
Raja Ampat diving
All our boats run fantastic Raja Ampat liveaboards of varying length visiting all the best places each with their own unique itinerary and features.
They are all different prices dependant on the length of the trip and standard of the liveaboard.
All our liveaboards are for people enthusiastic or serious about their diving but also welcome snorkellers and non-divers who will have their own separate itinerary.
Raja Ampat (or the Four Kings) is an archipelago consisting of the islands of Misoool, Salawati, Batanta, and Wiageo which are surrounded by over 1,500 small islands and cays. Formerly known as Irian Jaya, this area is now part of the newly named West Papua province of Indonesia and is located on the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula, on the island of New Guinea.
Put simply, Raja Ampat could quite possibly be the best diving in the world. It certainly is the world's most bio diverse marine region with more recorded fish, coral and mollusc species than anywhere else on Earth. The variety of marine life can be staggering. Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs. In Mansuar, you may encounter large groups of manta rays and turtles. From the boat and often close to shore you may get the chance to don your snorkelling gear for some unforgettable interaction with resident pods of dolphins or even some passing whales. Other highlights include the innumerable war wrecks, both ships and planes (with new wrecks being discovered constantly).
The reefs of Raja Ampat are just as varied as the marine life. There are vertical walls, reef flats, slopes, sea mounts, mucky mangroves, lagoons and pinnacles. The reefs are in pristine condition with miles of perfect hard corals and many varied colourful species of soft corals. The diving is predominantly drift dives due to the moderate prevalent currents in the area which provide nutrients for the myriad fish and coral. Currents are average to moderate and vary from none to very strong. Visibility is normally very good but can vary and is normally at its best earlier in the day so your pre-breakfast dives are not to be slept through!
This is truly "Frontier Diving". Topside the beautiful islands stretch as far as you can see and are largely uninhabited. At night the lights of local fishing boats twinkle in the dark along the few inhabited shorelines while in more remote areas you may only see a distant spec of light over the entire horizon.
Not many liveaboards dive the Raja Ampat area, making this adventure even more unique and special.
Raja Ampat has a high season from October to May and weirdly enough it is during their rainy season due to the winds in the dry season making parts of the park inaccessable. The rainy season should not be mis-construed though. It is generally mostly a shower in the late afternoon and evening and most of the time the days are nice, wind is minimal and the skys are generally clear or slightly over cast. The seas are calmer at this time of the year as the oppposite season has winds that kick up waves and make it very difficult to dive the more exposed sites in the Southern part of Raja Ampat. The water temperature stays around the 27-30 degrees celcius mark all year round.
Recently due to the popularity of Raja Ampat a lot of boats have been running trips in the so called low season but this is also the dry season and so promotes nicer weather and better visibility but the trade of is that only the northern more sheltered part of the park is accessable but as the area is so vast and there are so many quality dive sites the reports from these northern trips have been glowing so far - how to get to Raja Ampat.
Why choose Damai II: All core staff have been with the company between 8-12 years, 4 to 1 guide to diver ratio, no bottom time limit, free beer or wine at dinner, Treks, village visits, deserted beaches and wildlife exploration visits, 45 min welcome massage, only 12 guests and 18 staff.
Luxurious Damai II has been built to an uncompromising standard and fitted out with all the latest diving, navigation and safety equipment and the below deck accommodation has been designed to accommodate 12 guests in single or twin or double occupants in a level of luxury not seen on another vessel in Indonesia. Each cabin boasts a private shower and head with a queen-size bed and a separate day bed.
Why choose Damai II: All core staff have been with the company between 8-12 years, 4 to 1 guide to diver ratio, no bottom time limit, free beer or wine at dinner, Treks, village
... visits, deserted beaches and wildlife exploration visits, 45 min welcome massage, only 12 guests and 18 staff.
Luxurious Damai II has been built to an uncompromising standard and fitted out with all the latest diving, navigation and safety equipment and the below deck accommodation has been designed to accommodate 12 guests in single or twin or double occupants in a level of luxury not seen on another vessel in Indonesia. Each cabin boasts a private shower and head with a queen-size bed and a separate day bed.
Why choose Emperor Harmoni: Included in the trip price is Free Nitrox for qualified divers, park and port fees and a free glass of wine with dinner, no hidden extras.
Emperor Harmoni comfortably accommodates 24 guests in 12 cabins on 2 different decks, each with ensuite, mini safe, individually controlled air-conditioning and fan. On the main level is a lounge area, fully air-conditioned with a 49 inch HD flat screen, movie, music & book library, board games and mini-bar and free Nitrox, port and park fees all included.
Why choose Emperor Harmoni: Included in the trip price is Free Nitrox for qualified divers, park and port fees and a free glass of wine with dinner, no hidden
... extras.
Emperor Harmoni comfortably accommodates 24 guests in 12 cabins on 2 different decks, each with ensuite, mini safe, individually controlled air-conditioning and fan. On the main level is a lounge area, fully air-conditioned with a 49 inch HD flat screen, movie, music & book library, board games and mini-bar and free Nitrox, port and park fees all included.
Why choose Gaia: A stunning luxury, steel-hulled, twin engined liveaboard with a 1:4 guide to diver ratio, 4 dives a day, satellite wifi is available on board, included in the price are all non-alcoholic beverages and snacks such as chips, cookies or candies that are always avaialble 24 hrs a day.
Gaia is a modern 40 meters steel hull purpose built vessel that can accommodates up to 20 guest in 11 spacious ensuite rooms; six on the upper deck and five on the lower deck. Each room averages in size of approximately 20 square meters and has individual air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms with hot water. The upper deck rooms will feature an additional private outdoor balcony.
Why choose Gaia: A stunning luxury, steel-hulled, twin engined liveaboard with a 1:4 guide to diver ratio, 4 dives a day, satellite wifi is available on board, included in the
... price are all non-alcoholic beverages and snacks such as chips, cookies or candies that are always avaialble 24 hrs a day.
Gaia is a modern 40 meters steel hull purpose built vessel that can accommodates up to 20 guest in 11 spacious ensuite rooms; six on the upper deck and five on the lower deck. Each room averages in size of approximately 20 square meters and has individual air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms with hot water. The upper deck rooms will feature an additional private outdoor balcony.
Why choose Gaya Baru Indah: Small Liveaboard catering to only 8 persons at a reasonable rate. Perfect for a family or small group of friends.
Gaya Baru Indah is a traditional Indonesian Phinisi with a total capacity of 8 guests in 2 double and 2 twin cabins making for a cozy atmosphere perfect for a group of friends / family or people that like to avoid the crowds. There is plenty of room on deck to find your personal favorite lounging spot.
Why choose Gaya Baru Indah: Small Liveaboard catering to only 8 persons at a reasonable rate. Perfect for a family or small group of friends.
Gaya Baru Indah is a
... traditional Indonesian Phinisi with a total capacity of 8 guests in 2 double and 2 twin cabins making for a cozy atmosphere perfect for a group of friends / family or people that like to avoid the crowds. There is plenty of room on deck to find your personal favorite lounging spot.
Why choose Indo Siren: Attentive personal service, Fantastic food, 1:1 staff to guest ratio, Land visits included, onboard Masseuse, long term experienced crew and small dive groups, great for photographers.
Indo Siren accommodates 16 guests in 8 large air-conditioned Twin or Double cabins. The outdoor dining area is very comfortable offering a great setting for all your meals and Indo Siren has a designated indoor and outdoor workstations for charging, preparation and maintenance of your camera and video equipment.
Why choose Indo Siren: Attentive personal service, Fantastic food, 1:1 staff to guest ratio, Land visits included, onboard Masseuse, long term experienced crew and small dive
... groups, great for photographers.
Indo Siren accommodates 16 guests in 8 large air-conditioned Twin or Double cabins. The outdoor dining area is very comfortable offering a great setting for all your meals and Indo Siren has a designated indoor and outdoor workstations for charging, preparation and maintenance of your camera and video equipment.
Why choose Katharina: A dedicated boat for snorkelers and explorers, everything is included in the price apart from tips and alcohol, Free also is the use of paddle boards, kayaks and snorkelling equipment. These trips are adventure and discovery trips to show the true Indonesia where you are not playing second fiddle to divers.
Katharina is a traditional Indonesian phinisi, she has been fitted her out as a Snorkelling only cruising vessel and provides very comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in six cabins located below decks with trips focussing on snorkelling, trekking and experiencing the Indonesian archipelago.
Why choose Katharina: A dedicated boat for snorkelers and explorers, everything is included in the price apart from tips and alcohol, Free also is the use of paddle boards, kayaks
... and snorkelling equipment. These trips are adventure and discovery trips to show the true Indonesia where you are not playing second fiddle to divers.
Katharina is a traditional Indonesian phinisi, she has been fitted her out as a Snorkelling only cruising vessel and provides very comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in six cabins located below decks with trips focussing on snorkelling, trekking and experiencing the Indonesian archipelago.
Why choose Lady Denok: Lady Denok only has 12 guests so plenty of space, 4:1 guide to diver ratio, 2 kayaks free of charge on board, Satellite internet available (extra charge) and regular wifi available free of charge when in coverage.
Lady Denok is a 28 meter Phinisi schooner that was created and custom crafted by the world-renowned master boat builders in South Sulawesi. She is ready to pamper 12 guests in her 7 cabins, all of which have ensuite private bathroom with portholes, hot and cold water and individually controlled air conditioning.
Why choose Lady Denok: Lady Denok only has 12 guests so plenty of space, 4:1 guide to diver ratio, 2 kayaks free of charge on board, Satellite internet available (extra charge)
... and regular wifi available free of charge when in coverage.
Lady Denok is a 28 meter Phinisi schooner that was created and custom crafted by the world-renowned master boat builders in South Sulawesi. She is ready to pamper 12 guests in her 7 cabins, all of which have ensuite private bathroom with portholes, hot and cold water and individually controlled air conditioning.
Why choose Mermaid II: One of our most popular boats with great reviews and fantastic food, steel hulled fast motor boat with sea view cabins, 4:1 diver to guide ratio, very experienced crew, top choice at a great price.
Mermaid 2, another of our most popular boats, is a 32 metre, double engine steel motor yacht and one of the most comfortable dive boats around, she easily accommodates 16 guests in 8 deluxe sea view cabins and 2 guests in a budget cabin below deck. All deluxe cabins are on the main deck with large panoramic sea view windows. The budget cabin is below deck with twin bunks and air conditioning.
Why choose Mermaid II: One of our most popular boats with great reviews and fantastic food, steel hulled fast motor boat with sea view cabins, 4:1 diver to guide ratio, very
... experienced crew, top choice at a great price.
Mermaid 2, another of our most popular boats, is a 32 metre, double engine steel motor yacht and one of the most comfortable dive boats around, she easily accommodates 16 guests in 8 deluxe sea view cabins and 2 guests in a budget cabin below deck. All deluxe cabins are on the main deck with large panoramic sea view windows. The budget cabin is below deck with twin bunks and air conditioning.
Why choose Pearl of Papua: Great mid range boat, only 14/15 divers, good value for money, experienced crew, covers large areas of Raja Ampat and North Papua, offers visit villages, play with sharks on shallow beaches, barbecue on secluded island, climb hills and trek to see rare birds, Free use of paddle boards, kayaks and snorkelling equipment.
Pearl of Papua liveaboard is a mid-range boat that aims to be your sanctuary at sea with its cosy cabins and en-suite bathrooms, on board massage, delicious and hearty meals. She caters up to 15 guests in 1 suite, 2 deluxe main deck cabins and 4 standard bunk bed cabins on the lower deck all with air conditioning and en-suite bathroom.
Why choose Pearl of Papua: Great mid range boat, only 14/15 divers, good value for money, experienced crew, covers large areas of Raja Ampat and North Papua, offers visit
... villages, play with sharks on shallow beaches, barbecue on secluded island, climb hills and trek to see rare birds, Free use of paddle boards, kayaks and snorkelling equipment.
Pearl of Papua liveaboard is a mid-range boat that aims to be your sanctuary at sea with its cosy cabins and en-suite bathrooms, on board massage, delicious and hearty meals. She caters up to 15 guests in 1 suite, 2 deluxe main deck cabins and 4 standard bunk bed cabins on the lower deck all with air conditioning and en-suite bathroom.
Why choose Pindito: Over 30 years experience in the Indonesian Archipelago, Free Nitrox, Suitable for divers and non-divers, Spirits and beer included in the price, offers special whale watching trips and extra treks and on land exploring, offers flexible itineraries to suit the conditions and provide the best experience possible.
Pindito liveaboard is one of the only safari boat in Indonesia that has 30+ years of operating experience in Raja Ampat, Komodo, Flores and the Banda sea. Offering 8 cabins for 16 guests in 6 double and 2 twin all cabins feature ensuite bathroom and toilet, individually controlled air conditioning and five 220v AC electrical outlets and free Nitrox to qualified divers.
Why choose Pindito: Over 30 years experience in the Indonesian Archipelago, Free Nitrox, Suitable for divers and non-divers, Spirits and beer included in the price, offers special
... whale watching trips and extra treks and on land exploring, offers flexible itineraries to suit the conditions and provide the best experience possible.
Pindito liveaboard is one of the only safari boat in Indonesia that has 30+ years of operating experience in Raja Ampat, Komodo, Flores and the Banda sea. Offering 8 cabins for 16 guests in 6 double and 2 twin all cabins feature ensuite bathroom and toilet, individually controlled air conditioning and five 220v AC electrical outlets and free Nitrox to qualified divers.
Why choose Raja Ampat Aggressor: The mission of Aggressor Liveaboards is to provide their guests with the highest quality, most innovative and safest experiences possible. They offer unparalleled customer service on their comfortable small group adventures, accessing the most exciting destinations around the world to offer the best experience possible.
Raja Ampat Aggressor2 has 4 deluxe twin lower deck cabins plus 2 Master double lower deck cabins and 2 Upper deck Master cabins to accommodate 16 guests all featuring air conditioning and En-suite shower cabins and bathroom.
Why choose Raja Ampat Aggressor: The mission of Aggressor Liveaboards is to provide their guests with the highest quality, most innovative and safest experiences possible. They
... offer unparalleled customer service on their comfortable small group adventures, accessing the most exciting destinations around the world to offer the best experience possible.
Raja Ampat Aggressor2 has 4 deluxe twin lower deck cabins plus 2 Master double lower deck cabins and 2 Upper deck Master cabins to accommodate 16 guests all featuring air conditioning and En-suite shower cabins and bathroom.
Why choose Scubaspa Zen: Unparelled personal service, full spa experience as well as a full professional dive operation, the best of both worlds. Daily Yoga is available and stunning high end cuisine makes it an experience like no other.
Scubaspa Zen is the sister ship to the majestic, multiple award-winning luxury Maldives vessels Ying and Yang She incorporates the Scubaspa laid-back luxury style and service with an extra personal touch, catering to only 20 guests in nine cabins inlcuding on the main deck the Dolphin Suite, Cowrie Suite & the Owner Manta Suite and on the Lower deck are the 6 Sea Star cabins.
Why choose Scubaspa Zen: Unparelled personal service, full spa experience as well as a full professional dive operation, the best of both worlds. Daily Yoga is available and
... stunning high end cuisine makes it an experience like no other.
Scubaspa Zen is the sister ship to the majestic, multiple award-winning luxury Maldives vessels Ying and Yang She incorporates the Scubaspa laid-back luxury style and service with an extra personal touch, catering to only 20 guests in nine cabins inlcuding on the main deck the Dolphin Suite, Cowrie Suite & the Owner Manta Suite and on the Lower deck are the 6 Sea Star cabins.
Why choose Seven Seas: They are one of the pioneers in the diving world of Indonesia and they welcome experienced and less experienced divers to be able to dive with similar experienced dive teams. They have also had numerous scientists and marine biologists on board over the years which has given their customer oriented team excellent knowledge of the Coral Triangle. Free Nitrox to qualified divers.
Seven Seas is a 33m traditionally built Buginese schooner and has set new standards in Indonesian liveaboard luxury. Custom-designed to accommodate up to 16 guests in spacious comfort over three decks she is perfect for both diving and relaxation. Seven Seas offer Free Nitrox for qualified Nitrox divers.
Why choose Seven Seas: They are one of the pioneers in the diving world of Indonesia and they welcome experienced and less experienced divers to be able to dive with similar
... experienced dive teams. They have also had numerous scientists and marine biologists on board over the years which has given their customer oriented team excellent knowledge of the Coral Triangle. Free Nitrox to qualified divers.
Seven Seas is a 33m traditionally built Buginese schooner and has set new standards in Indonesian liveaboard luxury. Custom-designed to accommodate up to 16 guests in spacious comfort over three decks she is perfect for both diving and relaxation. Seven Seas offer Free Nitrox for qualified Nitrox divers.
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