If you’re searching for a liveaboard in Raja Ampat, one thing you have probably noticed is that the prices are not always clear. Some liveaboards advertise “all-inclusive,” others hide park fees and extras until later.
It leaves you wondering: Is this trip only for the wealthy? Will I blow my budget before I even get there?
Let’s breakdown what factors make for the pricing, and which type of liveaboard suit you for your adventure in Raja Ampat!
Factors That Affect Raja Ampat Liveaboard Trip Prices
The Season You Travel
As how things are, liveaboard pricing is also affected by the concept of supply and demand. Seas are calmer and visibility’s better in peak season. This brings higher demand, and higher prices. During this period too, liveaboards tend to sell out far in advance.
The Length of the Trip
The longer duration the liveaboard travels, the higher fuel and logistic expenses are. This is especially the case in Raja Ampat, where logistics are challenging due to the remoteness of the area.
The Type of Cabin
Cabin types differ based on what you prefer. They are tiered to represent the inclusions in the room. The higher the tier of the cabin type, the more comfortable it is, and more stuff usually included in it.
The choice of cabin can change your trip cost by hundreds to thousands of dollars, so it’s worth deciding early how much comfort you want.
What’s Included in the Price
What’s included in the price also affects the rates. It’s always a good rule of thumb to review an operator’s price inclusions to see exactly what is covered.
Comparing the inclusions of one boat with another can also be a good idea. This will help you determine what is necessary and what is not for your diving trip.
Cost Comparison: Raja Ampat Liveaboards in 2025/2026
1. Budget Liveaboards ($1,700–$2,800 per trip)
Budget liveaboards is accessible for more divers, and that’s their greatest strength. They provide all the basics: a cabin, daily meals, and guided dives at the same sites as more expensive boats.
The drawback is comfort.
Cabins are usually small, bathrooms may be shared, and there’s less space to relax between dives. Food is basic but filling, and service is friendly, though you won’t get the polish of a luxury crew. Most budget liveaboards also don’t provide Nitrox onboard.
If you care more about the underwater experience than your comfort in the vessel, budget boats are for you.
2. Mid-Range Liveaboards ($3,500–$4,500 per trip)
Mid-range liveaboards usually come with ensuite cabins, better dining, and larger dive decks.
They offer a well-rounded experience that balances comfort and cost.
The suite cabins on a mid-range liveaboard essentially provide everything you would expect from a luxury liveaboard.
If you are looking for more comfort and diving experience, this is for you.
3. Luxury Liveaboards ($5,000–$7,000+ per trip)
In luxury liveaboards, cabins are spacious. They often come with private balconies and fine finishes, and meals are closer to restaurant dining than ship food. Some vessels even add extras like spa treatments, photography workshops, or private dive guides.
The downside is the price.
Another drawback is, because everything is polished and managed for you, the experience can sometimes feel less adventurous.
If you’re looking to experience Raja Ampat in complete comfort, though, luxury boats are what you’re looking for.
Raja Ampat Liveaboard Price Table (2025/2026)
| Category | Average Price Range | What’s Included | Who It’s For |
| Budget | $1,700–$2,800 | Diving, meals, basic cabins | Budget divers |
| Mid-Range | $2,900–$4,500 | Diving, ensuite cabins, nitrox | Divers looking for comfort & value |
| Luxury | $5,000–$7,000+ | Diving, luxury suites, spa, fine dining | Couples, photographers, VIP experience |
Additional Costs to Consider
When comparing boats & calculating your budget, remember the extras:
Marine Park Fee
Raja Ampat areas are divided into different marine protected areas. Each of them is managed by local villages in partnership with conservation authorities. To support reef protection, marine patrols, and community development, you are required to pay conservation permits when entering these areas.
One of the main permits is the PIN (Permit Entry Raja Ampat). This is a regional entry ticket that helps fund marine conservation and community programs across the archipelago.
Raja Ampat PIN Fee (2025):
- International visitors: IDR 1,000,000 (approx. USD 62)
- Indonesian citizens (WNI): IDR 500,000 (approx. USD 31)
- Children under 12 years old: Free (no PIN required)
Raja Ampat’s local government changes the PIN fee annualy so expect a different price in 2026.
Since each marine protected area may have its own entry fee, liveaboards usually combine all of these into a single “Marine Park Fee.” This makes it simpler for guests, you just pay once, and the crew takes care of handling all the permits on your behalf.
You can check the total Marine Park Fee listed in each of our Raja Ampat itineraries for clarity before your trip.
Diving & Travel Insurance
Your dive insurance should cover diving emergencies, evacuation, and medical treatment. Dive insurance is mandatory, and most operators (including La Galigo) also strongly require travel insurance. To save money is a risk most divers regret if something goes wrong.
Fortunately for you, we give free diving insurance if you book your trip to Raja Ampat directly with us.
Diving Equipment Rental
If you don’t travel with your own gear, then you’ll need to rent them. Most liveaboard operators offer full sets for an extra charge. The pricing varies, so you’ll need to check.
Indeed, bringing your own gears save money, but they add weight to your flights, which can mean higher baggage fees. Also, it’s less fun carrying a lot of stuff in your travel.
Nitrox Charges
Using Nitrox is an option, but they can give you longer bottom times and safer profiles. Some mid-range and luxury boats include it, but some budget liveaboards usually don’t. The fee differs on each boat. We charge $25 per person per day.
Flights and Transfers
Reaching Raja Ampat requires at least one domestic flight. Depending on where you land from your international flight, you’ll need to take a domestic flight either from Jakarta or Bali to Sorong. They typically cost $130 to $200. Return tickets average $250 to $400.
This pricing depends on the season, airline, and how early you book (the price fluctuates, check with the airlines).
Some liveaboards include transfers from the airport to the harbour in their pricing, but not all do, so it’s worth checking before you finalize your booking.
Crew Tips and Gratuities
Crew members onboard work long hours to keep everything running smoothly. A a general rule of thumb, many base their tips on 10% of the cost of the trip. Considering there is a significant amount of behind-the-scenes onboard staff, all tips are pooled and shared equally, unless it is the case that you wish to tip a particular staff member directly. Tipping is optional but greatly appreciated!
Why Raja Ampat Liveaboard Is Worth it
If you are wondering “is joining a liveaboard in Raja Ampat really worth it?” The answer, is yes, and here’s why.
Access to Remote Dive Sites
Land-based diving in Raja Ampat is limited to areas near where the land your starting point is. If you are opting to go with a liveaboard, however, you can travel across the islands and reach remote regions like Misool in the south or Wayag in the north. Or explore all of them in a longer duration liveaboard trip.
Many of these sites are otherwise difficult to access. You could attempt to reach them by land-based diving, but by the time you arrive, it’s usually already time to head back. At best, you might squeeze in one rushed dive, and that’s not much fun.
Read also: Top 10 Dive Sites in Raja Ampat You Can Only Reach by Liveaboard
Quality of Diving
With a liveaboard, you will focus more on enjoying your diving. Depending on the type of liveaboard you choose, your needs will be covered. Simply, much less time wasted on delays or transits, and more time underwater.
See More of Raja Ampat in One Trip
This actually depends, but some liveaboards in Raja Ampat also include land excursions in their itineraries (yes, we do too!). This means you can visit the famous Pianemo during the same trip while diving with us.
Long-Term Value
Raja Ampat is not a place you’re likely to visit every year, albeit every month. It is far from home, and for many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The extra money spent, gives you an access to the best sites, reliable liveaboard operators, and a chance to see the richest reefs on the planet.
The cost here should be less like an expense and more like an investment in a memory that will last a lifetime.
Why Choose La Galigo Liveaboard
La Galigo focus on comfort, space, and a personal approach. Our trips sit between mid-range and luxury, giving you roomy cabins, great food, and safe diving without going overboard on price.
We run dedicated Raja Ampat itineraries each season, led by experienced dive guides who know the reefs inside out.
See our 2025/2026 Raja Ampat Liveaboard Trips here
FAQs About Raja Ampat Liveaboard Costs
Do I need to pay marine park fees separately?
Yes, usually collected onboard. Check each of our Raja Ampat itineraries for more details for how much the Marine Park Fee is.
Do I have to pay the Raja Ampat marine park fee?
Yes, it’s mandatory for all visitors and helps fund local conservation and community.
Are flights included in the liveaboard price?
No. You’ll need to book flights to Sorong separately.
Do I need dive insurance?
Yes, we and most other liveaboard operators require proof of dive insurance before boarding.
What’s included in the price of a liveaboard?
Most include three daily meals, snacks, drinking water, tea and coffee, dive guides, tanks, and weights. Some boats also include nitrox, airport transfers, and soft drinks. See what’s included in our trip.
What costs are not included?
These are commonly not included in Raja Ampat Liveaboard price: Marine Park Fees, diving equipment rental, nitrox (if you choose to use), alcohol, Wi-Fi, crew tips, and flights to Sorong. Travel insurance is also required (We include it if you book directly with us).
Do I have to bring my own dive gear?
You can bring your own or rent onboard. If you bring your own, factor in airline baggage fees, as domestic flights often have strict weight limits.
Do you provide diving equipment rental onboard?
Yes! We have full equipment rental onboard.
How much do you charge for Nitrox in Raja Ampat?
$25 per person per day, for up to 4 tanks per day.
Do you provide transfers from Airport?
Yes, we provide transfers from the airport to hotels, from the airport to the port, and back again at the end of your trip.
Is food included on liveaboards?
Yes, as is the case for us, most other boats in Raja Ampat provide three main meals per day. Check our review to see what our guests say about our food onboard :).
Are there any hidden costs I should watch out for?
Hidden costs are rare, but some often forget about baggage fees, visa costs, or overnight stays in Jakarta or Sorong before and after the trip.
When is the cheapest time to go?
The shoulder season often brings lower prices and more availability. The peak months are busier and more expensive. Check our article about The Best Time to Dive in Raja Ampat.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes, we do have discounts. They typically don’t last long so you might want to check our Liveaboard Special Offer page frequently.
Is travel insurance necessary?
Absolutely. Us and most other dive operators require dive insurance & travel insurance.
Can non-divers join your liveaboard?
Yes! Be it snorkelers or non-diving, We welcome you onboard! ❤️
How far in advance should I book?
At least eight months ahead for peak season trips. For shoulder season, booking three to five months ahead is usually enough.
