Why choose Ambai: Ambai offers Free Nitrox to all qualified divers, Free Internet is available, Large Dive deck, Excursions / Beach visits and Treks are included in the price, 17 crew for 16 guests, max 4 people per dive group, on-board masseuse available.
Ambai is 32 meters long and caters up to 16 divers in absolute comfort in 8 boutique cabins with individually controlled air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. An inside lounge and restaurant, large shaded deck areas and a sun deck completes this great Liveaboard.
Why choose Ambai: Ambai offers Free Nitrox to all qualified divers, Free Internet is available, Large Dive deck, Excursions / Beach visits and Treks are included in the price, 17
... crew for 16 guests, max 4 people per dive group, on-board masseuse available.
Ambai is 32 meters long and caters up to 16 divers in absolute comfort in 8 boutique cabins with individually controlled air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. An inside lounge and restaurant, large shaded deck areas and a sun deck completes this great Liveaboard.
Why choose Coralia: Coralia offers Free Nitrox, Free Wifi, on-board Masseuse, Very experienced dive crew, Eco friendly, Winner of best Liveaboard from DIVE 2019 and 2021, Luxury and professional with delicious food.
Coralia has 8 spacious cabins for a maximum of 16 guests designed totally to provide you a stylish and authentic sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. Coralia’s trips are led by our 2 experienced cruise directors Debbie and Jerry who have been leading liveaboard cruises all over Indonesia for more than 10 years.
Why choose Coralia: Coralia offers Free Nitrox, Free Wifi, on-board Masseuse, Very experienced dive crew, Eco friendly, Winner of best Liveaboard from DIVE 2019 and 2021, Luxury
... and professional with delicious food.
Coralia has 8 spacious cabins for a maximum of 16 guests designed totally to provide you a stylish and authentic sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. Coralia’s trips are led by our 2 experienced cruise directors Debbie and Jerry who have been leading liveaboard cruises all over Indonesia for more than 10 years.
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 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 La Galigo: La Galigo has an experienced crew for only 14 divers, An amazing suite with 270 degree views, spacious living and diving area, very popular with guests.
La Galigo Liveaboard has 7 privately controlled air-conditioned en-suite cabins for 14 guests each with an American style deep spring mattress double bed and for added luxury you can choose the Suite, which has everything you need for your ultimate liveaboard experience, including a private balcony, an HD TV and 270 degree views.
Why choose La Galigo: La Galigo has an experienced crew for only 14 divers, An amazing suite with 270 degree views, spacious living and diving area, very popular with
... guests.
La Galigo Liveaboard has 7 privately controlled air-conditioned en-suite cabins for 14 guests each with an American style deep spring mattress double bed and for added luxury you can choose the Suite, which has everything you need for your ultimate liveaboard experience, including a private balcony, an HD TV and 270 degree views.
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 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 Aggressor stands out from other Liveaboards with its exceptional service, experienced crew and top-notch amenities. The yacht is spacious and comfortable accommodating up to 16 guests and the crew provides personalized attention and that goes above and beyond to create an unforgettable diving experience. With Raja Ampat Aggressor you can explore the best diving spots in Raja Ampat in style and comfort.
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 Aggressor stands out from other Liveaboards with its exceptional service, experienced crew and top-notch amenities. The yacht is spacious and comfortable accommodating up to 16 guests and the crew provides personalized attention and that goes above and beyond to create an unforgettable diving experience. With Raja Ampat Aggressor you can explore the best diving spots in Raja Ampat in style and comfort.
Why choose Samambaia: Very Experienced Cruise director, Free Nitrox for qualified divers, Very low 3:1 guide to diver ratio, Free beer and soft drinks, A La Carte food and a masseuse on board.
Samambaia's focus is the utter satisfaction of their guests and caters to only 14 guests in 7 tastefully decorated staterooms: 2 double cabins, 2 convertible cabins (double or twin) and 2 twin cabins on the lower deck, plus a beautiful 160 sq.ft. Master Cabin with stunning 180 degree sea views on the main deck.
Why choose Samambaia: Very Experienced Cruise director, Free Nitrox for qualified divers, Very low 3:1 guide to diver ratio, Free beer and soft drinks, A La Carte food and a
... masseuse on board.
Samambaia's focus is the utter satisfaction of their guests and caters to only 14 guests in 7 tastefully decorated staterooms: 2 double cabins, 2 convertible cabins (double or twin) and 2 twin cabins on the lower deck, plus a beautiful 160 sq.ft. Master Cabin with stunning 180 degree sea views on the main deck.
Why choose Tiare: There only six cabins on board with the diving area separated from the relaxation areas allowing both divers and non-diving customers to be on board. The upper deck provides a perfect area to enjoy the sun, or to relax during the sunset with the deck in front having the possibility of transforming into a living room, and into a table for outdoor dining. A dedicated camera station, Free Internet when possible, BBQs on the beach and all excursions, local villages, waterfalls etc are included in the park fees.
Tiare offers a spectacular experience for divers as well as non-divers, with bright airy cabins, spacious bathrooms and a large front deck where you can eat under the stars or just relax in the sunshine. With 2 triple cabins that are spacious enough to accommodate two adults and one child or three adults. The other four cabins accommodate two adults each for a maximum capacity of 14 guests.
Why choose Tiare: There only six cabins on board with the diving area separated from the relaxation areas allowing both divers and non-diving customers to be on board. The
... upper deck provides a perfect area to enjoy the sun, or to relax during the sunset with the deck in front having the possibility of transforming into a living room, and into a table for outdoor dining. A dedicated camera station, Free Internet when possible, BBQs on the beach and all excursions, local villages, waterfalls etc are included in the park fees.
Tiare offers a spectacular experience for divers as well as non-divers, with bright airy cabins, spacious bathrooms and a large front deck where you can eat under the stars or just relax in the sunshine. With 2 triple cabins that are spacious enough to accommodate two adults and one child or three adults. The other four cabins accommodate two adults each for a maximum capacity of 14 guests.
Why choose White Manta: Stable, spacious & safe steel hulled vessel great for long haul or blue water crossings, Large dive deck with individual rinse tanks and separate dive platform, Beach & island visits (itinerary dependant), dedicated camera room, Low Single occupancy rates, Comfortable saloon with flat screen TV, 24hr Satellite internet available, Indoor & outdoor dining areas, Sundeck & shaded area, Experienced boat & dive crew, most cabins have a sea view.
The New White Manta measures 46m long, this steel hulled vessel will take 20 guests in 14 double & twin share en-suite cabins. White Manta includes a dedicated camera room, delicious food, a huge spacious dive deck, a beautiful sundeck and 24 hour satellite WIFI connection anytime, anywhere.
Why choose White Manta: Stable, spacious & safe steel hulled vessel great for long haul or blue water crossings, Large dive deck with individual rinse tanks and separate dive
... platform, Beach & island visits (itinerary dependant), dedicated camera room, Low Single occupancy rates, Comfortable saloon with flat screen TV, 24hr Satellite internet available, Indoor & outdoor dining areas, Sundeck & shaded area, Experienced boat & dive crew, most cabins have a sea view.
The New White Manta measures 46m long, this steel hulled vessel will take 20 guests in 14 double & twin share en-suite cabins. White Manta includes a dedicated camera room, delicious food, a huge spacious dive deck, a beautiful sundeck and 24 hour satellite WIFI connection anytime, anywhere.
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.
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 roughly the same 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 (May to October) and this is also the dry season and so promotes nicer weather and better visibility but the trade off is that only the northern more sheltered part of the park is accessable due to higher winds and waves 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 and there are new dive sites being discovered all the time.
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.
Dive insurance is mandatory but as well as the Mandatory Dive Insurance we HIGHLY recommend Trip and Travel Insurance on the off chance of missed or cancelled flights / lost baggage / documents / money / passport or Covid issues or any other unforeseen problems that could possibly occur.
Dive Assure Insurance offers cover for all these eventualities as well as complete Dive Insurance all in one package.
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.
Please note: Flight times may vary and should always be double checked.
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.
Free Nitrox
EnSuite
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