raja ampat north
itinerary
8 Days 7 Nights
Explore world-class diving destinations in Raja Ampat with La Galigo Liveaboard diving trip
THINGS TO KNOW
Length Of Trip
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
Park Fees
- US $ 285
Departure
- Pick Up At 06.00 A.M
- Sorong
- Sorong (SOQ)
Return
- Until 11.00 A.M.
- Sorong
- Sorong (SOQ)
Dives
Approximately 20 – 21 dives in total. This number may vary depending on weather conditions.
Experience
Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required
- Prices listed are net payable and based per person, they are
inclusive of National and Localised Taxes. - You will embark La Galigo in Sorong harbour. A senior member of the La Galigo crew will meet you in Sorong and accompany you to the vessel. The vessel will sail to Waisai for harbour clearances prior to beginning your journey.
- You will disembark La Galigo at Sorong Harbour.
- Please check your visa requirements for entering Indonesia, all passports must have at least 6 months remaining on them
when entering the country. - All guests are required to have valid travel and diving insurance (including Medevac) for the duration of their trip. La Galigo is a recognised D.A.N. partner and can assist you with the purchase of a short-term dive insurance policy.
- To partake in any scuba diving activity with La Galigo, you
must hold a certification from a recognised scuba diving society such as SSI, CMAS, BSAC, PADI or similar. It is the clientʼs responsibility, as a certified diver, to respect and follow the guidelines given by the La Galigo guides and instructors, and to follow the regulations stipulated by their
certification agency. - All dives are conducted to a maximum depth of 30 metres/100 ft.
- Average water temperatures in Raja Ampat vary between
27 – 30 Celsius / 80 – 85 Fahrenheit. - The best time of year to dive in Raja Ampat is September
to April. - BYO Alcohol Policy on Spirits and Wines only.
INCLUDES
- Transfers to and from the harbour from your hotel or the airport on the day of embarkation and disembarkation.
- All meals and post dive refreshments / snacks, coffee and tea.
- Diving services including 12L tanks, weights and belts , SMB & reel, reef hook, air fills, dive computers, snorkelling equipment, dive guides and dive tenders.
- Land excursions where applicable.
INCLUDES
INCLUDES
EXCLUDES
- Flights and airport taxes
- Travel and dive Insurance
- Visas and associated fees
- Airport to Hotel /Hotel to Airport Transfer
- Marine park fees including port clearances,
ranger fees, anchorage charges and village
donations - Dive rental equipment
- Nitrox
- 15 litre tanks
- Private dive / snorkel guides
- Courses
- Soft drinks, wine and beer
- La Galigo merchandise
- Staff gratuities (many of our guests base their tips around 10% of the cost of the trip).
Tipping is optional but greatly appreciated! - Fuel surcharges (may fluctuate with markets, you may be asked to pay an extra fuel allowance of up to 30 days before departure, of no more than US $ 20 per person per day)
EXCLUDES
HIGHLIGHTS
- Observe the most biodiverse thriving coral reefs full of colour, and teeming with life, including sites such as Melissaʼs Garden and Cape Kri.
- Hike both Penemu and our secret Wayag lookout points which have become synonymous with Raja Ampat.
- Explore the northern most part of Raja Ampat, in the remote Pulau Wayag, home to the worldʼs first confirmed Manta Ray nursery.
- Dive with Giant Oceanic Manta Rays and huge schools of pelagic fish through the Dampier Strait.
- Meet the locals in the quaint remote villages of Arborek / Saonek to get a taste of life in paradise.
- Discover a diverse array of some of the most desirable macro subjects youʼve seen or read about, with world-class muck diving on a multitude of sites throughout the trip.
INCLUDES
INCLUDES
DAY 1
SORONG TO WAISAI
DAY 2.1
DAMPIER STRAIT
Day one starts with your pickup from either your hotel or the airport. If we are picking you up from your hotel, it is generally around 07:30 – 08:00, if you are arriving on the day of departure, it is important that your arrival time is before 07:30. We will then head directly to Sorong Port, where you will be taken to the vessel.
Once onboard you will be met by the Cruise Director and a welcome drink. After you have been shown to your rooms and unpacked your luggage, itʼs time for a welcome briefing before we have some lunch, then you have some time to relax and soak up the amazing surroundings en route to our clearance point, and then onwards to our first dive of the trip.
Our ‘welcome diveʼ is usually conducted at the nearby island of Saonek Kecil. The waters are generally calm, and is a perfect spot to get the diving going. After the check out dive you can get nice and comfortable in your new surroundings and get excited about the first full day of diving tomorrow.
Whilst in the central Dampier Strait we will conduct 4 dives. This is what we typically aim for in a day throughout the trip, although some days are a little different as the number of dives may be reduced by doing a land tour or having to do a large crossing from one region to another (Raja Ampat is a big place!).
The typical schedule is morning dive, breakfast, mid-morning dive, lunch, afternoon dive, afternoon snack, night dive, and dinner…. DIVE, EAT, SLEEP REPEAT!
One of the top dive sites in this area is Blue Magic Dive Site, home to majestic Oceanic Manta Rays, and other large pelagics such as Spanish Mackerel and Bigeye Trevally. Next up is one of the Dampier Straitʼs highlights, we will head to the nearby island of Mioskon Dive Site, to dive into its spectacularly colorful reef with an assortment of large bommies encrusted with hard and soft corals.
DAY 2.2
DAMPIER STRAIT
DAY 3
GAM
The other dive sites we will be visiting today are dives on Kri Islandʼs south coast, in Yenbuba Villageʼs Jetty Dive Site. An amazing array of fish have populated this area both under the jetty pylons as well as amongst the hard coral garden that protrudes down the slope past it. This will be our anchor point for the night as you soak in the stunning sunset views with the islands of Waigeo and Gam in the distant, fiery horizon.
Our morning kicks off at the tranquil Manta Sandy Dive Site, for an opportunity to dive with the Manta Ray population often located here on the cleaning station. We then head to Gam Island. There are some great dive sites around this area with vibrant fish-covered reefs and plenty of stunning macro subjects.
Two sites we regularly visit in Gam are the Citrus Ridge Dive Site and Mayhem Dive Site. Citrus Ridge is aptly named for the plethora of orange and yellow soft corals on the reef. Mayhem gets its name from the intensity of pelagic feeding frenzies amongst the schools of bait fish on the top of the submerged sea mount.
DAY 4
PIANEMO (A.K.A. PENEMU)
DAY 5.1
WAYAG & KAWE
Melissaʼs Garden Dive Site is undoubtedly the top dive in this area, with a staggering number of coral and fish species packed into this small piece of marine real estate. It gets its name from an amazing hard coral garden situated on a reef between 3 small islands. Its beauty needs to be seen to be believed.
Another one of the places we may visit today is Keruo Channel Dive Site. A great gentle drift dive down a mini wall and slope on the edge of Keru Island. One of our other favourites we often visit in this area is Batu Rufus Dive Site. This dramatic dive site has a 40m plus drop off wall to the blue. Amazing views when you sit at 20 meters depth and look up and down at the stark landscape you are floating between. The iconic limestone pinnacles have become as a much a part of the Raja Ampat experience as the diving has, and Pianemo lagoon/lookout is just one of many such stunning formations. The best time to hike this hill is late afternoon, when the temperature has dropped and the lighting starts to turn golden, but the rewards for climbing are well worth it.
Awake bright and early to witness sunrise north of the equator as you have just passed from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere overnight. Jump on our tender as we go cruising between the limestone formations that make up the island of Wayag, in preparation for the morningʼs hike. These limestone islands and pinnacles have become synonymous with Raja Ampat, and the bay is also home to the worldʼs first confirmed Manta Ray nursery. The best time to hike this hill is early morning before temperatures rise, the rewards for climbing are well worth it.
The beaches here are also pristine, with fine white sand and turquoise waters surrounding the limestone cliffs of the islands.
DAY 5.2
WAYAG & KAWE
DAY 6.1
DAMPIER STRAIT
After getting back from the hike we will start sailing to Kawe, an island located exactly on the equator and is also one of our favorite islands to dive in north of Raja Ampat. Dive sites visited here are very heavily dependent on day-to-day unpredictable conditions such as swell, but one of our favorite sites in the area is a very colorful coral reef (somewhat ironically) known as the Black Rock Dive Site. Eagle Rock Dive Site (which comprises 3 separate dive sites) is well known for its Pygmy Seahorse as well as its Manta populations, and we will dive these sites early afternoon.
Cape Kri, arguably the top house reef in the world, was made famous by Raja Ampat pioneer Max Ammer and is next on the itinerary. A booming current-driven site where you can see pelagics hunt as you float leisurely nestled in the reef above on a reef hook. Our other site for the day is Sawandarek Jetty Dive Site, further down the southern coast of Kri island, where you will probably feel like youʼre in an aquarium – only the fish are incredibly numerous, wild, and free. This site has stunning dives and we are normally met by the smiles of the village children sitting on the jetty as we surface. As an added bonus we have also been known to see giant Oceanic Manta Rays around Sawandarek from time to time.
DAY 6.2
DAMPIER STRAIT
DAY 7
DAMPIER STRAIT
Another highlight dive of the Dampier Strait will be on the cards for today, Mikeʼs Point Dive Site. Legend has it that it was mistaken for a battleship during WWII, and was heavily bombed by enemy aircraft. It has a stunning overhang, as well as gentle-swim throughs in addition to its magnificent coral reef. We will also take a night dive on Batu Lima Dive Site, to look for the nocturnal Raja Ampat walking shark! An amazing endemic nocturnal Raja Ampat species with unique adaptations to finish off the last night dive of the trip.
We will be making our way back to the central part of the Dampier Strait, and this is a great opportunity to dive Friwen Dive Site. This will be your final dive of the trip and a great place to see lots of schooling fish including Two Spot Snappers, Fusiliers and Trevallies of various varieties.
We will then take you on a land trip to one of Raja Ampatʼs hidden natural wonders, Kali Biru, a river with cool, clear blue waters surrounded by lush tropical jungle. The incredible colour of the water needs to be seen to be believed. A wondrous sight to simply take in, it also makes a great spot for a swim in an unspoiled, remote plot of paradise. After an incredible trip, our crew will make sure youʼre comfortable, while they prepare a night of food, song and dance to party the night away with for your last night in pristine Raja Ampat before we set sail for Sorong.
DAY 8
DISEMBARK IN SORONG
La Galigo will be anchored up in the morning around 5:00 A.M. in Sorong, in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel. Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00 A.M., and our staff will assist you with transportation to your desired location. After breakfast, guests may also take the time to exchange photos and swap contact details to keep in touch with new friends and dive buddies!
*La Galigo does not guarantee this outlined itinerary, and it is to be considered as a rough guideline. Information compiled here is based on past trips we
have conducted, and includes common dive sites and routes we often visit. Weather and sea conditions in the area can be unpredictable, and La Galigo
retains the right to alter an itinerary from advice of the shipʼs captain, cruise director, or owner for the safety of the vessel, its passenger and crew.
RAJA AMPAT NORTH
itinerary
8 days 7 nights
Explore world-class diving destinations in Raja Ampat with
La Galigo Liveaboard diving trip
THINGS TO KNOW
Length Of Trip
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
Park Fees
- US $ 285
Departure
- Pick Up At 06.00 A.M
- Sorong
- Sorong (SOQ)
Return
- Until 11.00 A.M.
- Sorong
- Sorong (SOQ)
Dives
Approximately 20 – 21 dives in total. This number may vary depending on weather conditions.
Experience
Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required
INCLUDES
- Prices listed are net payable and based per person, they are
inclusive of National and Localised Taxes. - You will embark La Galigo in Sorong harbour. A senior member of the La Galigo crew will meet you in Sorong and accompany you to the vessel. The vessel will sail to Waisai for harbour clearances prior to beginning your journey.
- You will disembark La Galigo at Sorong Harbour.
- Please check your visa requirements for entering Indonesia, all passports must have at least 6 months remaining on them
when entering the country. - All guests are required to have valid travel and diving insurance (including Medevac) for the duration of their trip. La Galigo is a recognised D.A.N. partner and can assist you with the purchase of a short-term dive insurance policy.
- To partake in any scuba diving activity with La Galigo, you
must hold a certification from a recognised scuba diving society such as SSI, CMAS, BSAC, PADI or similar. It is the clientʼs responsibility, as a certified diver, to respect and follow the guidelines given by the La Galigo guides and instructors, and to follow the regulations stipulated by their
certification agency. - All dives are conducted to a maximum depth of 30 metres/100 ft.
- Average water temperatures in Raja Ampat vary between
27 – 30 Celsius / 80 – 85 Fahrenheit. - The best time of year to dive in Raja Ampat is September
to April. - BYO Alcohol Policy on Spirits and Wines only.
EXCLUDES
- Flights and airport taxes
- Travel and dive Insurance
- Visas and associated fees
- Airport to Hotel /Hotel to Airport Transfer
- Marine park fees including port clearances,
ranger fees, anchorage charges and village
donations - Dive rental equipment
- Nitrox
- 15 litre tanks
Private dive / snorkel guides
Courses
Soft drinks, wine and beer
La Galigo merchandise
Staff gratuities (many of our guests base their tips around 10% of the cost of the trip). Tipping is optional but greatly appreciated!)
Fuel surcharges (may fluctuate with markets, you may be asked to pay an extra fuel allowance of up to 30 days before departure, of no more than US $ 20 per person per day)
DAY 1
SORONG TO WAISAI
Day one starts with your pickup from either your hotel or the airport. If we are picking you up from your hotel, it is generally around 07:30 – 08:00, if you are arriving on the day of departure, it is important that your arrival time is before 07:30. We will then head directly to Sorong Port, where you will be taken to the vessel.
Once onboard you will be met by the Cruise Director and a welcome drink. After you have been shown to your rooms and unpacked your luggage, itʼs time for a welcome briefing before we have some lunch, then you have some time to relax and soak up the amazing surroundings en route to our clearance point, and then onwards to our first dive of the trip.
Our ‘welcome diveʼ is usually conducted at the nearby island of Saonek Kecil. The waters are generally calm, and is a perfect spot to get the diving going. After the check out dive you can get nice and comfortable in your new surroundings and get excited about the first full day of diving tomorrow.
DAY 2.1
DAMPIER STRAIT
Day one starts with your pickup from either your hotel or the airport. If we are picking you up from your hotel, it is generally around 07:30 – 08:00, if you are arriving on the day of departure, it is important that your arrival time is before 07:30. We will then head directly to Sorong Port, where you will be taken to the vessel.
Once onboard you will be met by the Cruise Director and a welcome drink. After you have been shown to your rooms and unpacked your luggage, itʼs time for a welcome briefing before we have some lunch, then you have some time to relax and soak up the amazing surroundings en route to our clearance point, and then onwards to our first dive of the trip.
Our ‘welcome diveʼ is usually conducted at the nearby island of Saonek Kecil. The waters are generally calm, and is a perfect spot to get the diving going. After the check out dive you can get nice and comfortable in your new surroundings and get excited about the first full day of diving tomorrow.
DAY 2.2
DAMPIER STRAIT
The other dive sites we will be visiting today are dives on Kri Islandʼs south coast, in Yenbuba Villageʼs Jetty Dive Site. An amazing array of fish have populated this area both under the jetty pylons as well as amongst the hard coral garden that protrudes down the slope past it. This will be our anchor point for the night as you soak in the stunning sunset views with the islands of Waigeo and Gam in the distant, fiery horizon.
DAY 3
GAM
Our morning kicks off at the tranquil Manta Sandy Dive Site, for an opportunity to dive with the Manta Ray population often located here on the cleaning station. We then head to Gam Island. There are some great dive sites around this area with vibrant fish-covered reefs and plenty of stunning macro subjects.
Two sites we regularly visit in Gam are the Citrus Ridge Dive Site and Mayhem Dive Site. Citrus Ridge is aptly named for the plethora of orange and yellow soft corals on the reef. Mayhem gets its name from the intensity of pelagic feeding frenzies amongst the schools of bait fish on the top of the submerged sea mount.
DAY 4
PIANEMO (A.K.A. PENEMU)
Melissaʼs Garden Dive Site is undoubtedly the top dive in this area, with a staggering number of coral and fish species packed into this small piece of marine real estate. It gets its name from an amazing hard coral garden situated on a reef between 3 small islands. Its beauty needs to be seen to be believed.
Another one of the places we may visit today is Keruo Channel Dive Site. A great gentle drift dive down a mini wall and slope on the edge of Keru Island. One of our other favourites we often visit in this area is Batu Rufus Dive Site. This dramatic dive site has a 40m plus drop off wall to the blue. Amazing views when you sit at 20 meters depth and look up and down at the stark landscape you are floating between. The iconic limestone pinnacles have become as a much a part of the Raja Ampat experience as the diving has, and Pianemo lagoon/lookout is just one of many such stunning formations. The best time to hike this hill is late afternoon, when the temperature has dropped and the lighting starts to turn golden, but the rewards for climbing are well worth it.
DAY 5.1
WAYAG & KAWE
Awake bright and early to witness sunrise north of the equator as you have just passed from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere overnight. Jump on our tender as we go cruising between the limestone formations that make up the island of Wayag, in preparation for the morningʼs hike. These limestone islands and pinnacles have become synonymous with Raja Ampat, and the bay is also home to the worldʼs first confirmed Manta Ray nursery. The best time to hike this hill is early morning before temperatures rise, the rewards for climbing are well worth it.
The beaches here are also pristine, with fine white sand and turquoise waters surrounding the limestone cliffs of the islands.
DAY 5.2
WAYAG & KAWE
After getting back from the hike we will start sailing to Kawe, an island located exactly on the equator and is also one of our favorite islands to dive in north of Raja Ampat. Dive sites visited here are very heavily dependent on day-to-day unpredictable conditions such as swell, but one of our favorite sites in the area is a very colorful coral reef (somewhat ironically) known as the Black Rock Dive Site. Eagle Rock Dive Site (which comprises 3 separate dive sites) is well known for its Pygmy Seahorse as well as its Manta populations, and we will dive these sites early afternoon.
DAY 6.1
DAMPIER STRAIT
Cape Kri, arguably the top house reef in the world, was made famous by Raja Ampat pioneer Max Ammer and is next on the itinerary. A booming current-driven site where you can see pelagics hunt as you float leisurely nestled in the reef above on a reef hook. Our other site for the day is Sawandarek Jetty Dive Site, further down the southern coast of Kri island, where you will probably feel like youʼre in an aquarium – only the fish are incredibly numerous, wild, and free. This site has stunning dives and we are normally met by the smiles of the village children sitting on the jetty as we surface. As an added bonus we have also been known to see giant Oceanic Manta Rays around Sawandarek from time to time.
DAY 6.2
BATANTA
Another highlight dive of the Dampier Strait will be on the cards for today, Mikeʼs Point Dive Site. Legend has it that it was mistaken for a battleship during WWII, and was heavily bombed by enemy aircraft. It has a stunning overhang, as well as gentle-swim throughs in addition to its magnificent coral reef. We will also take a night dive on Batu Lima Dive Site, to look for the nocturnal Raja Ampat walking shark! An amazing endemic nocturnal Raja Ampat species with unique adaptations to finish off the last night dive of the trip.
DAY 7
DAMPIER STRAIT
We will be making our way back to the central part of the Dampier Strait, and this is a great opportunity to dive Friwen Dive Site. This will be your final dive of the trip and a great place to see lots of schooling fish including Two Spot Snappers, Fusiliers and Trevallies of various varieties.
We will then take you on a land trip to one of Raja Ampatʼs hidden natural wonders, Kali Biru, a river with cool, clear blue waters surrounded by lush tropical jungle. The incredible colour of the water needs to be seen to be believed. A wondrous sight to simply take in, it also makes a great spot for a swim in an unspoiled, remote plot of paradise. After an incredible trip, our crew will make sure youʼre comfortable, while they prepare a night of food, song and dance to party the night away with for your last night in pristine Raja Ampat before we set sail for Sorong.
DAY 8
DISEMBARK IN SORONG
La Galigo will be anchored up in the morning around 5:00 A.M. in Sorong, in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel. Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00 A.M., and our staff will assist you with transportation to your desired location. After breakfast, guests may also take the time to exchange photos and swap contact details to keep in touch with new friends and dive buddies!
*La Galigo does not guarantee this outlined itinerary, and it is to be considered as a rough guideline. Information compiled here is based on past trips we
have conducted, and includes common dive sites and routes we often visit. Weather and sea conditions in the area can be unpredictable, and La Galigo
retains the right to alter an itinerary from advice of the shipʼs captain, cruise director, or owner for the safety of the vessel, its passenger and crew.