Sail & Dive Raja Ampat

The Expedition
Twelve days on a traditional sailing ship through the most biodiverse reefs on Earth. 30+ dives through manta cleaning stations, barracuda schools, and epic coral gardens.

Between dives: swim with stingless jellyfish, kayak hidden lagoons, trek to Piaynemo viewpoint, meet local villages, beach barbecues under stars.

Never dived? We'll certify you onboard. PADI Open Water available -  leave with your license and stories that'll make experienced divers jealous.

February 2027. Peak season. Perfect visibility. Eight spots.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Welcome Aboard
Board in Sorong at 10am. Safety briefing, cabin settling, meet your group. Set sail south toward Misool through calm seas and limestone islands. First sunset on deck. The adventure starts now.
Day 2 — First Dives & Limestone Arches
Four dives through coral ridges teeming with reef sharks, pygmy seahorses, and colorful reef fish. Swim through iconic twin limestone arches at Boo East. Optional night dive. Evening on deck with fresh juice or wine as stars fill the sky.
Day 3 — Kayak Hidden Lagoons & Manta Encounters
Kayak through hidden turquoise lagoons surrounded by jungle. Dive Boo Windows, Magic Mountain (manta rays and pelagics), and Eagle Nest (pinnacle diving with trevally and turtles). Four dives plus night dive option.
Day 4 — Barracuda Schools & Sunset Paddles
Drift dive through Four Kings' coral pinnacles and barracuda schools. Explore Neptune Fan Sea's gorgonian gardens. Easy hike to Love Lagoon viewpoint. Sunset kayaking beside limestone walls. Four dives plus night dive.
Day 5 — Swim With Stingless Jellyfish
Morning dives at Anti-Chovy and Four Kings. Afternoon: swim through thousands of golden, stingless jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake — surreal, meditative, unforgettable. Quiet lagoon tour through jungle reflections.
Day 6 — Melissa's Garden & Piaynemo Viewpoint
Fast-paced drift diving at My Reef with reef sharks and rays. Melissa's Garden — Raja Ampat's most iconic reef. Then climb 320 steps to Piaynemo viewpoint for the shot everyone takes home. Meet locals at family-run stalls.
Day 7 — Black Coral Gardens & Beach Barbecue
Dive Black Forest's gardens of black coral, Wofoh Wall's vertical drop covered in sea fans, Red Patch Wall's vivid red soft corals. Beach barbecue at night — grilled seafood, barefoot in the sand, bonfire, music, laughter.
Day 8 — Village Life & Mandarinfish Night Dive
Mayhem North and South — strong currents, dense marine action, excellent visibility. Arborek Jetty night dive (mandarinfish, pipefish). Walk through Arborek village barefoot, meet villagers, witness traditional weaving.
Day 9 — Manta Cleaning Station
Two dives at Manta Sandy watching mantas circle cleaning stations for prolonged encounters. Macro diving at Sapokren (nudibranchs, frogfish, leaf scorpionfish). Hammock time. Sunset drinks with your group.
Day 10 — Cape Kri & Bird of Paradise
Blue Magic — fish-packed pinnacle with hunting barracuda and sharks. Cape Kri — legendary dive with the highest recorded fish count. Saonek Jetty night dive. Jungle hike to find the Bird of Paradise.
Day 11 — Blue River & Farewell Sails
Last drift at Blue Magic. Trek through forest to Kali Biru blue river — swim in crystal-clear water under jungle canopy. Open Sails Ceremony — final sunset voyage with farewell feast on deck.
Day 12 — Sorong Disembarkation
Farewell breakfast. Hugs and stories. Transfer to Sorong hotels or airport. You leave salt-kissed, sun-fed, and changed.
Testimonial
Lars
Copenhagen
"I've dived the Red Sea, the Caribbean, the Maldives. Raja Ampat is different. The biodiversity is insane. The people on the boat are now friends! We're already planning Tonga together."
Sail Raja Ampat -
Review
Nina
Berlin
"I did my Open Water on this trip. By day three I was diving Cape Kri. By day twelve I was planning my next liveaboard. The group made it — everyone genuinely wanted to be there. No egos. Just people who love the ocean."
Sail Raja Ampat -
Review
Things to know
What’s included?
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✓ 12 days / 11 nights onboard traditional sailing ship. Shared cabin basis (4 convertible double/twin cabins + 1 dedicated twin). Private cabin upgrade available.

✓ All meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks throughout the day. Fresh, local ingredients. Excludes alcohol (available for purchase onboard).`

✓ 33+ world-class dives with professional dive guides. Full dive equipment provided.

✓ PADI Open Water certification course available onboard for beginners (additional fee).

✓ Airport transfers to/from Sorong

✓ All activities: jellyfish lake, kayaking, jungle treks, viewpoint hikes, village visits, beach barbecues, cultural interactions.

✓ Professional onboard photographer — daily photo selects for social media or full gallery at trip end.

✓ Freediving, underwater photography, and marine biology workshops.

✓ Daily housekeeping with fresh towels and bedding changed twice during trip.

✓ Two speedboats for dive transfers and island exploration.
What’s not included?
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✗ Flights to/from Sorong
✗ Travel and cancellation insurance (required)
✗ Alcohol — bar available onboard, drinks on your tab
✗ PADI Open Water certification course fee (if applicable)
✗ Personal dive computer or underwater camera
✗ Raja Ampat marine park entry fees (paid locally)
✗ Tips for crew (discretionary)
What’s the best way to get there?
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Fly into Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta or Makassar. Most international travelers route through Jakarta. We handle all transfers from Sorong airport to the boat.
Is the ship comfortable?
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Five air-conditioned cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Spacious lounge and dining area. Sundeck with sun beds and shade. Dive deck with hot showers. It's a traditional wooden vessel, not a luxury yacht — and that's the point.
What are the diving conditions?
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February is peak season — excellent visibility (20-30m+), calm seas, water temp around 28-29°C. Some sites have strong currents (that's where the big stuff hangs out). All levels accommodated.
Why is there an application or selection process?
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Twelve days. Eight people. One boat. We pick carefully so everyone actually enjoys being around each other. Personality compatibility matters more than your diving resume.
Do I need diving experience?
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No. Complete beginners can do PADI Open Water certification onboard (additional fee). Experienced divers will love the advanced sites. Everyone finds their level.
Can I skip dives?
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Absolutely. This is your trip. Dive three times a day or spend afternoons reading in a hammock. No pressure. Some of the best moments happen on deck between dives.