Raja Ampat, Indonesia 2027
If you've ever wanted to dive the most biodiverse waters on Earth, this is the trip.
Raja Ampat, in Indonesia, is famous for its reefs, remote islands and the sheer number of species packed into it. For 12 days, March 1 to 12, 2027, you'll live aboard the MV Pindito, a traditional wooden Indonesian sailing vessel. Wake up, dive, eat, repeat.
$6,500 per person. Reserve your cabin with a $1,000 deposit.
Availability: In Stock
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 to reserve your cabin
The diving in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat sits off the northwest tip of Indonesian Papua. It was declared the world's most biodiverse place in 2002, and the marine park has more than 1,000 fish species and over 500 coral species, according to Liveaboard.com.
The diving is big and varied. You'll find 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, such as 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 in strong current areas, such as Dampier Strait
- Pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish and nudibranchs, especially around Misool
Animals come and go, so nothing is guaranteed. That's part of what keeps it exciting.
Conditions
Water temperatures run about 26 to 30°C (79 to 86°F), warm enough that 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. Raja Ampat isn't a great first trip for brand-new divers. If you want to build confidence first, ask us about the Advanced Diver course.
The most popular season runs from October through April, with calmer seas and better visibility. Our March dates are in it.
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's about 142 feet long, with eight air-conditioned cabins, each with its own bathroom. She carries a crew of 17 and three dive guides.
The Dive Shop describes the Pindito as Indonesia's most experienced and longest operating liveaboard. 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's 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
Extra fees to plan for
- Fuel surcharge of $200, if applicable
- Harbor fee of $80
- 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 aren't included, call us before you book yours. We'll help you pick one that gets you to the boat on time.
Reserving your cabin
A $1,000 deposit reserves your cabin. Call us at (801) 295-5445 for the deposit terms and the payment schedule. Not quite ready? Use the form on this page and we'll keep you posted. We promise no mailing lists.
Where we got the details
Want to read more before you go? These are the sources behind the destination info on this page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Raja Ampat trip?
The trip is $6,500 per person. A $1,000 deposit reserves your cabin. Extra fees include a harbor fee of $80, a national park fee of $150 to $200, and a $200 fuel surcharge if applicable.
What's included?
All meals and snacks, nitrox for up to four guided dives a day, beer, spirits, soft drinks, juices, premium coffee and tea, weights and belts, 12-liter tanks, paddle board use when possible, and airport to harbor transfers.
What's not included?
Flights, hotels, wine, rental gear, 15-liter tanks and laundry. The fuel surcharge, harbor fee and national park fee are also extra.
How many people are on the boat?
Only 16 guests. There are four tender boats, so the trips to and from the dive sites are uncrowded.
Do I need to be an advanced diver?
You don't need an advanced card, but Raja Ampat has strong currents in places, and many dives are drifts. It isn't a good place for a brand-new diver. Ask us about the Advanced Diver course if you'd like more practice.
When is the best time to dive Raja Ampat?
October through April is the most popular season, with calmer seas and better visibility. Diving is possible year-round, and our March dates fall in the good season.
Can I bring my own gear?
Yes. Rental gear isn't included, so bring your own or ask us about rentals.
How warm is the water?
About 26 to 30°C (79 to 86°F). A thin suit is plenty for most people. Fire urchins are around, so cover your skin.
Do I need to book my own flight?
Yes. Flights and hotels aren't included. Liveaboard trips usually start from Sorong, so call us before you book anything.
