Ilike Liveaboard: Raja Ampat, 7 nights

Raja Ampat – The Four Kings of the Coral Triangle

Raja Ampat, meaning “Four Kings” in Indonesian, is an archipelago of more than 1,500 islands located in Western Papua. The four main islands are Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool. Positioned in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat is recognized as the most biodiverse marine ecosystem in the world, with over 500 species of corals and thousands of fish species. Deep ocean currents rise into shallow waters, bringing nutrients that support this extraordinary underwater life.

Misool – Southern Marine Sanctuary

Misool is known for its breathtaking underwater landscapes and flourishing marine life. Divers can explore coral walls, pristine coral gardens, underwater pinnacles, and schools of fish. The island is also home to the elusive epaulette shark, also known as the walking shark, a nocturnal species that moves across the reef using its fins. Much of Misool is protected as a marine park, established in cooperation with local communities to conserve the area and prevent fishing.

Penemu – Lagoon Views and Pristine Reefs

Penemu is famous for its postcard-perfect viewpoint overlooking a maze of turquoise lagoons and limestone islets. A short hike leads to one of the most iconic panoramas in Raja Ampat. Beneath the surface, Penemu offers spectacular reef dives with hard coral ridges, swift currents, and a vibrant abundance of reef fish — making it a favorite among wide-angle photographers.

Dampier Strait – Where Big Fish Gather

The Dampier Strait, located between Waigeo and Batanta, is well known for strong currents carrying an abundance of nutrients. This attracts larger marine species, including giant trevallies, yellowfin tuna, rainbow runners, and several shark species such as blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks. Remarkably, this is one of the few places in the world where both species of manta rays can be seen on the same dive site.

Night Diving and Cultural Encounters

Northern Raja Ampat offers beautiful night diving experiences, with diverse marine life emerging after dark. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore local villages or hike to scenic viewpoints overlooking the islands.