Eliya: Raja Ampat, 7 nights, Sorong return

This 8D7N expedition focuses entirely on Central Raja Ampat, exploring the legendary reefs and island groups that have made the region world-famous among divers.

Scattered across the far western edge of Papua, Raja Ampat is one of the last truly untouched marine frontiers on Earth. This immense archipelago, located in the centre of the Coral Triangle, shelters the highest marine biodiversity ever recorded, making it a dream destination for divers, underwater photographers and ocean explorers alike.

Above the water, jagged limestone islands emerge from crystal-clear lagoons covered in dense tropical rainforest. Hidden beaches, winding passages and remote anchorages create landscapes that feel almost unreal. Beneath the surface lies an underwater world of astonishing richness, where coral reefs burst with life and every dive reveals something new.

From massive schools of fish and hunting predators to tiny endemic critters hidden within the reef, the diversity here is simply extraordinary. Wobbegong sharks rest beneath coral overhangs while manta rays glide through nutrient-rich channels swept by powerful currents.

If you have a little extra time, we highly recommend considering our 9 day , or 10 day package, which opens up the diving in the South of Raja Ampat!

Dive sites will be chosen based on the conditions at the time, tides, your dive experience level and of course if you have any particular requests, we will always try to accommodate where possible!

Please note we require all divers to hold a minimum Open Water license + Deep Adventure dive (allowing you to dive up to 30M), with at least 20 logged dives , and last dive within 9 months of embarkation.

Our Standard Terms and Conditions can be found here .

Itinerary below is for illustration purposes and will be subject to conditions at the time

Between 9-930am, one of our drivers will collect you from your hotel* and bring you to the harbour in Sorong. The specific time of pick up will be confirmed over Whatsapp by your Cruise Director the night before you sail!

After settling into your cabin, there will be time to meet the crew, get comfortable with life onboard and attend the trip briefing. As Eliya slowly departs Sorong, we begin our journey north toward the heart of Raja Ampat.

During the crossing, dolphins and even whales are occasionally spotted in the distance.

In the afternoon, we will conduct a relaxed check dive on a nearby reef around Waisai, where healthy coral formations provide shelter to reef fish, turtles and the iconic wobbegong shark. Back onboard, the first sunset over the archipelago marks the true beginning of the expedition.

*If you plan to take the early morning flight we can also arrange a pick up from the airport, as long as you land no later than 10am. We highly recommend planning on arriving the night before embarkation to avoid any undue stress or risk of flight delays.

Today we begin exploring the legendary Dampier Strait, one of the richest marine environments in Raja Ampat. Here, strong tidal currents bring nutrient-rich water through the narrow channels between the islands, creating ideal conditions for an explosion of marine life.

Depending on tides and conditions, dives may include world-renowned sites such as Cape Kri, Sardines Reef, Blue Magic, Chicken Reef, Mioskon or Sawandarek. Large schools of fusiliers, barracudas and jacks gather above thriving coral reefs while reef sharks and turtles patrol the slopes below. Manta rays are also regularly encountered in the area.

After sunset, the reef transforms completely. Night dives reveal a fascinating world of nocturnal activity, often including encounters with the endemic Raja Ampat walking shark.

Today we head toward the remote western side of Waigeo, where isolated reefs and submerged pinnacles attract impressive fish life.

Sites such as Mayhem are known for fast-paced action in the blue, with giant trevallies, dogtooth tuna and large schools of jacks hunting through dense clouds of fusiliers. One of the highlights of the region is a unique mangrove ecosystem where coral reefs grow directly beneath the trees, creating an extraordinary underwater landscape unlike anywhere else in the world.

The Penemu region is famous for its spectacular scenery both above and below the surface. Maze-like limestone islands rise from shallow turquoise lagoons while nutrient-rich currents feed some of the healthiest coral reefs in Central Raja Ampat.

Among the highlights is Melissa’s Garden, renowned for its pristine hard coral formations and abundant reef life. Schools of sweetlips, snappers and fusiliers gather across the reef while reef sharks and napoleon wrasses cruise through the deeper sections.

In the late afternoon, we go ashore for a short hike to the iconic Piaynemo viewpoint. From the summit, one of Raja Ampat’s most breathtaking panoramas unfolds across a sea of limestone islands and hidden lagoons.

Today we continue exploring a more remote side of Central Raja Ampat, visiting reefs and island groups rarely frequented by other liveaboards.

Over the years, our dive team has discovered several exceptionally healthy dive sites in this area, featuring vibrant coral gardens, excellent visibility and remarkable fish density. Protected lagoons, white sand beaches and quiet anchorages reinforce the feeling of exploration that defines Raja Ampat.

Conditions permitting, we also hope to visit a manta cleaning station along with several lesser-known reefs known only to us.

As Eliya gradually makes her way back toward the Dampier Strait, we continue exploring the incredible diversity of dive sites spread throughout the region.

With countless reefs, pinnacles and submerged ridges scattered between the islands, every dive offers a different experience. Depending on conditions and guest preferences, we may return to a favourite site or explore another hidden corner of Central Raja Ampat. Large schools of fish, vibrant coral formations and encounters with sharks, turtles and manta rays remain possible until the very last days of the expedition.

Our final diving day offers one last opportunity to experience the extraordinary biodiversity that has made Raja Ampat one of the most celebrated diving destinations in the world.

Two final dives will be selected according to conditions and recent sightings before Eliya begins her journey back toward Sorong. Once back onboard, equipment is rinsed and secured while guests enjoy a final evening at sea surrounded by the unforgettable landscapes of Raja Ampat.

After breakfast, guests begin disembarkation in Sorong.

Departures may take place from 5:00 AM onwards, with all guests leaving the vessel by 10:00 AM. Transfers can be arranged either to Sorong Airport or to hotels within the city for guests continuing their travels through Indonesia.

Between the diversity of the reefs, the richness of the marine life and the scale of the archipelago itself, Raja Ampat is a destination that never truly feels fully explored. For many divers, one journey here is only the beginning