Located at the epicenter of the coral triangle, Raja Ampat is on every diver’s bucket list. And there is no better way to experience Raja Ampat’s world-class dive sites and breathtaking landscapes is on a liveaboard. Our team of dive travel experts selected for you the best liveaboards to discover the wonders of Raja Ampat.
Best Season for Diving Liveaboards in Raja Ampat
While diving is possible year-round, the best time to visit Raja Ampat is from October to April, when winds are calmer. The months of November to March are especially great for spotting manta rays at cleaning stations like Manta Sandy and Magic Mountain.
From May to September, stronger winds prohibit sailing to the southern part of the park and Misool area. But the Central and Northern part of Raja Ampat offer great conditions. During these monhts, you will also have more chances to have dive sites all for yourself as many boats are cruising in Komodo from April to October.
Water Temperature: 27to 30°C (81 to 86°F)
Visibility: 10 to 30 meters (30 to 100 feet)
Who is it for?
While most dive sites in Raja Ampat are accessible to divers of all levels. Less experienced divers will enjoy beautiful shallow reefs and cruising around jetties or cleaning stations.
Some dive sites like Cape Kri and Blue Magic can be a bit more challenging with strong and rapidly shifting currents. So it is reserved to experienced divers with at least and Advanced Open Water certification. However, many liveaboards are equipped to support divers of all experience levels, offering specialized training or advanced certification courses onboard.
Budget for a Diving Liveaboard in Raja Ampat
Like many remote locations, a trip to Raja Ampat can get quite pricey. Our team has selected for you liveaboards for every budget. From budget-friendly cruises to luxurious floating hotels, we got you covered, and we will help you find the best liveaboard for you.
Budget Liveaboards
For those seeking an affordable way to explore Raja Ampat, budget liveaboards start at around $200 to $300 per night. These boats provide shared accommodations with essential facilities, giving divers the opportunity to experience the region’s top dive sites without breaking the bank. Shorter trips typically range from 5 – 6 days, covering iconic locations like Kri, Mioskon, Arborek Jetty, and Friwinbonda, where vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs await.
Standard and Deluxe Liveaboards
Priced between $300 and $450 per night, these liveaboards strike a balance between comfort and affordability. Expect private cabins, delicious meals, and the guidance of experienced dive crews. Trips typically range from 7 to 10 days and cover all of Raja Ampat’s wonders, from North to South.
Luxury Liveaboards
For a premium experience, luxury liveaboards start from $500 to $600 per night. These vessels feature spacious cabins with en-suite bathrooms, fine dining, and exceptional service. Trips typically range from 7 to 12 days, blending world-class diving with luxury amenities.
Additional Costs
- Marine Park Fees: Raja Ampat Marine Park fees are typically not included in the liveaboard price and range from $200 to $255 per trip.
- Fuel surcharge: Depending on the itinerary, some boat charge additional fuel srucharge to cover longer sailing costs.
- Equipment Rental: If you’re not bringing your own gear, expect to pay $30 to $40 per day for a full set.
- Crew Tips: A 10% tip of the trip’s total cost is a customary way to thank the hardworking crew.
Main Areas & Dive Sites in Raja Ampat
Central Raja Ampat – The Dampier Strait
The heart of Raja Ampat’s diving action, Dampier Strait is famous for its nutrient-rich waters and strong currents that attract an abundance of marine life.
Marine life highlights: Schooling fish, manta rays, reef sharks, wobbegong sharks, epaulaette sharks
Notable Dive Sites
- Cape Kri: Hold the world record for fish species counted in a single dive. Expect to see huge schools of jacks, snappers, and occasional reef sharks.
- Sardine Reef: Named for its massive schools of sardines, this site also attracts larger predators like Spanish mackerel and tuna.
- Blue Magic: A submerged reef known for manta ray encounters and large pelagic fish. Strong currents make this site suitable for experienced divers.
North Raja Ampat – Wayag
Known for its iconic mushroom-like karst islands and pristine diving conditions, Wayag offers some of Raja Ampat’s most untouched reefs.
Marine life highlights: Eagle rays, reef sharks, wobbegong sharks, barracudas, pristine coral gardens
Notable Dive Sites
- Eagle Rock: Features dramatic walls covered in sea fans and soft corals, with frequent eagle ray sightings.
- Cathedral: An underwater cavern system with stunning light effects and abundant marine life.
Fam Islands
The Fam Islands form an enchanting archipelago spanning 700 square kilometers. This serene cluster consists of three main islands, with Piaynemo (also known as Pulau Penemu) being the largest, accompanied by dozens of smaller, untouched islets. The Fam Islands offer a mix of wall diving and reef diving with generally calmer conditions.
Marine life highlights: Hard corals, reef fish, wobeggong sharks, occasional pelagics
Notable Dive Sites
- Melissa’s Garden: A spectacular hard coral garden with abundant reef fish and excellent visibility.
- My Reef: Known for its pristine coral formations and frequent encounters with wobbegong sharks.
South Raja Ampat – Misool
Misool, the southern realm of Raja Ampat, stands as a testament to marine biodiversity at its finest. This remote archipelago is home to some of the most pristine and vibrant reefs in the world. The area encompasses hundreds of small islands and cays, creating a maze of channels, walls, and protected bays that offer extraordinary diving opportunities.
Marine life highlights: Manta rays, devil rays, Napoleaon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, schools of barracudas and jacks, soft corals, macro life
Notable Dive Sites
- Magic Mountain: A legendary site known for its resident manta ray population and incredible biodiversity.
- Boo Windows: Famous for its natural “windows” in the reef and exceptional macro life.
- Nudi Rock: Paradise for macro photographers, featuring numerous nudibranch species and pygmy seahorses.
How to choose and book your Raja Ampat diving liveaboard?
With many boats and itineraries to choose from. our team of dive travel experts is here to help you find the best option for you. Just fill in the form on this page or contact us by email / WhatsApp and tell us what you are looking for. We will provide the best options according to your budget, level of diving and the time of the year you plan to travel.
