Raja Ampat 2027: 12 Days Diving the Most Biodiverse Waters on Earth
Mac Garrabrants Oct 17, 2026
If you have ever wanted to dive the most biodiverse waters on Earth, this is the trip.
We are heading to Raja Ampat, Indonesia, for 12 days of diving on a traditional wooden sailing ship. Wake up, dive, eat, repeat.
The trip at a glance
- Dates: March 1 to 12, 2027 (12 days)
- Where: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- Boat: MV Pindito, a traditional Phinisi liveaboard
- Guests: 16 on board
- Price: $6,500 per person
- Deposit: $1,000 reserves your cabin
Why Raja Ampat?
Raja Ampat sits off the northwest tip of Indonesian Papua. It is famous for its reefs, remote islands, and the sheer number of species packed into it. According to Liveaboard.com, the marine park has more than 1,000 fish species and over 500 coral species.
The diving is big and varied. Expect healthy hard and soft coral reefs, lots of medium to large fish, good macro life, and a few muck and mangrove sites.
What you might see
- Reef sharks, like whitetip and blacktip, and the odd wobbegong
- Manta rays, sometimes in groups
- Turtles, and now and then a whale shark
- Schools of trevally and tuna where the current is strong, like Dampier Strait
- Pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, and nudibranchs, especially around Misool
Animals come and go, so nothing is guaranteed. That is part of what keeps it exciting.
Conditions
Water temperatures run about 26 to 30°C (79 to 86°F), so a thin suit is plenty. Visibility is typically 25 to 30 meters. Fire urchins are around, so think about covering your skin.
Currents can be strong in places, and many dives are drifts. March is in the popular season, which runs October through April and brings calmer seas and better visibility.
Is it right for you?
Raja Ampat is not a great first trip for brand-new divers. If you want to build confidence first, ask us about the Advanced Diver course. Nitrox is included for up to four guided dives a day, so if you are not certified yet, a Nitrox class is a smart add-on.
Your home for 12 days: MV Pindito
The Pindito is a wooden Phinisi, the traditional Indonesian sailing ship. According to Blue Water Dive Travel, she is about 142 feet long, with eight air-conditioned cabins, each with its own bathroom. She carries a crew of 17 and three dive guides. Zublu Diving says she has been exploring Indonesia's remote islands for over 25 years.
Our trip has only 16 guests aboard, with four tender boats to carry divers out to the sites, so the dive sites never feel crowded. The boat is set up for divers and photographers, with a camera room. There is a sundeck for downtime and a library for rainy afternoons.
What's included
- All meals and snacks
- Nitrox for up to 4 guided dives per day
- Beer and spirits
- Soft drinks and juices
- Premium coffee, espresso, and select teas
- Weights and belts
- 12-liter tanks
- Paddle board use whenever possible
- Round trip airport to harbor transfers
What's not included
- Your flight and any hotel stays
- Wine
- Rental gear: dive computer, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, snorkel, mask, and torch
- 15-liter tanks
- Laundry
Plan for a few extra fees, too: a $200 fuel surcharge if applicable, an $80 harbor fee, and a national park fee of $150 to $200.
Getting there
Liveaboard trips in Raja Ampat typically start with a flight to Sorong, then a transfer to the boat. Because flights are not included, call us before you book yours. We will help you pick one that gets you to the boat on time.
Reserve your cabin
A $1,000 deposit holds your cabin. Call us at (801) 295-5445 for the deposit terms and the payment schedule.
See the full Raja Ampat trip details and reserve your spot.
Before you go, stop by the shop and pick up a free Max Diver figurine. He loves a good photo op.
Where we got the details
- Liveaboard.com: Raja Ampat diving
- Blue Water Dive Travel: MV Pindito
- Zublu Diving: Pindito
