Raja Ampat Liveaboard

Raja Ampat has world-class diving and is one of the best places to see the blue-whale shark. There are a few Raja Ampat liveaboards, but they’re all reasonably small boats that can only take around 12 guests each. 

If you love diving and have time to spare, then a Raja liveaboard might be for you. But if you’re pressed for time or want to see lots of different places in a short period, then it’s probably not suitable for you. This article explores your options if you want to visit Raja Ampat on a liveaboard… 

When to visit Raja Ampat?

Raja Ampat is an excellent destination for any time of the year. For most people, the best time to visit is between April and October. That’s when the sea is calmest, the weather is warm, and the water visibility is at its highest. An advantage of visiting outside of these months is that rates are cheaper. 

Regarding climate, Raja Ampat is a low-risk area for tropical storms and hurricanes. That said, you should always keep an eye on the forecast and know what to do in bad weather. With its remote location, Raja Ampat is susceptible to swarms of jellyfish. In the wet season, jellyfish are more common. If you visit during the rainy season, ensure you have a stinger suit. 

Discovering Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is a cluster of islands in the eastern part of Papua, Indonesia. It consists of four main islands and a few smaller ones. Raja Ampat is remote, rugged, and unspoiled. The region is home to more than 1,200 species of fish, 700 species of coral, and 10,000 types of crustaceans. 

It’s also one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. Raja Ampat’s rich marine life is the result of its geographic location. Situated between the Coral Triangle, the South China Sea, and the Arafura Sea, it’s full of currents, eddies, and tides. These create nutrient-rich upwellings, which support a considerable amount of marine life. 

What to know before you go?

Raja Ampat is a beautiful but remote destination. If you plan to visit Raja Ampat on a liveaboard, ensure your transfer is organized. The trip from Sorong, where most people fly, to Raja Ampat is around seven hours by speedboat. And there are no regular flights from Raja Ampat to other parts of Indonesia. 

You’ll have to decide how long you want to spend in Raja Ampat. A typical Raja Ampat liveaboard is around seven days. You’ll want to factor in time for transfers, getting to and from the dive sites, and a day for each beach.

Another thing to consider is the climate. Raja Ampat has a tropical climate, with lots of rain from October to March. During the rainy season, seas can be rough and visibility poor. 

Which boat to take? 

There are three main types of boats in Raja Ampat.

– Traditional liveaboard: Most boats in Raja Ampat are traditional liveaboards. They’re small, have 12+ guests, and are often chartered by a single group. Traditional liveaboards are often hired by groups of friends or on a company team-building trip. Traditional liveaboards offer an excellent experience for those who want to have the boat to themselves.

– Small-group liveaboard: There are also a few small-group liveaboards. These are bigger boats that can take anywhere between six and 12 guests. Small-group boats are often chartered by a mix of individuals and small groups. Small-group boats are a good option if you want to socialize with other guests but prefer not to have the boat to yourself.

– Luxury liveaboard: If you want something different, you can try a luxury liveaboard. These are usually much bigger boats that take 12 or fewer guests. They’re a premium experience but come at a premium price. You’ll get an extraordinary level of personalized service on a luxury boat. But you’ll have to pay for it. 

We strongly recommend considering looking at Neptune Liveaboards. It’s the liveaboard built and operated by the founders of Bali’s highest-rated dive center, Neptune Scuba Diving. You simply can’t go wrong… their liveaboard is called Neptune One. 

The pros and cons of a liveaboard in Raja Ampat 

Pros

– More time in Raja Ampat: If you like Raja Ampat as much as everyone else does, you may want to extend your stay. On a liveaboard, you can stay for as long as you want.

– More time for diving: If you’re a diver, you’ll appreciate the extra time you have to spend diving. The more time you have underwater, the more dives you can do.

– Less time traveling: If you’re planning to visit Raja Ampat from elsewhere in Indonesia, you’ll appreciate the reduced travel time.

Cons

– Smaller groups: If you prefer to socialize with other guests, you might be disappointed by the smaller group sizes on a liveaboard.

– Less flexibility: If you want to decide when and where to go each day, a liveaboard may not be for you.

Tips for your liveaboard experience in Raja Ampat 

– Do your research: Before booking a liveaboard in Raja Ampat, ensure you know exactly what you’re getting. Read as many reviews as possible and talk to people who have been.

– Choose your boat based on your needs: If you want to socialize with other guests, choose a small-group liveaboard. If you want to be able to relax in peace, then go on a traditional boat.

– Bring some comfort items: If you’re the kind of person who likes to travel in comfort, bring a few things with you. Some people bring a soft pillow, a beach towel, and a favorite book. 

– Make friends with the crew: If you’re on a small group boat, you’ll be able to spend time with the team. Make sure you get to know them as much as possible. 

Summary 

Raja Ampat is a beautiful but remote destination. If you plan to visit Raja Ampat on a liveaboard, ensure your transfer is organized. The trip from Sorong, where most people fly, to Raja Ampat is around seven hours by speedboat. And there are no regular flights from Raja Ampat to other parts of Indonesia. You’ll have to decide how long you want to spend in Raja Ampat. 

A typical Raja Ampat liveaboard is around seven days. You’ll want to factor in time for transfers, getting to and from the dive sites, and a day for each beach. 

There are three main types of boats in Raja Ampat. Traditional liveaboards are often chartered by groups of friends or on a company team-building trip. Small-group boats are a good option if you want to socialize with other guests but prefer not to have the boat to yourself. And luxury liveaboards are a premium experience but come at a premium price. 

When planning your trip, ensure you know exactly what you’re getting. Choose your boat based on your needs and make friends with the crew.