My senses were immediately overwhelmed when I descended below the surface on my first dive in Raja Ampat. I saw more on one dive than I would often see in multiple dives elsewhere: a blacktip reef shark, schools of barracuda, and then a manta ray so large it made me forget to breathe.
What amazed me straight away was that this is just a regular experience here. That’s what people usually see while diving in Raja Ampat. I tried asking a guide about the very best sites, but his answer was simply, “those are out of reach for us, sorry.”
That’s when it hit me: Raja Ampat really is remote. It’s spread across more than a thousand islands. The best dive sites are simply too far for day trips, because by the time a small boat reaches the good spots, it’s already time to head back.
If you want to experience the real thing, you need to live on a boat. Not permanently, of course, but at least for a week or so.
Why I Chose a Liveaboard Over Day Boats
Once I realised the best dive sites were out of reach for day boats, I had two options: stay close to shore and settle for the “accessible” sites or commit to a liveaboard. And honestly, if I’d already flown halfway across the world, settling for the “accessible” ones didn’t make sense.
But choosing a liveaboard wasn’t something I rushed into. I spent nights going down rabbit holes of TripAdvisor reviews, Scubaboard forums, and Instagram posts. There were so many boats to choose from. Some looked like floating hotels, others like converted fishing vessels that had seen better days. The prices ranged from budget to eye-watering luxury.
Why Day Boats Are Not Enough
At first, I wondered:
Do I really need to spend a week living on a boat?
Couldn’t I just do a few day trips and still tick the highlights? The more I read, the clearer it became no. The sites I was most excited about, Boo Windows, Magic Mountain, Four Kings, they were hours, sometimes days, away from any resort. Day boats couldn’t get me there, and even if they could, I’d only manage one rushed dive before having to turn back (ugh).
I also thought about comfort and safety. Seven days at sea isn’t a small commitment. I checked what each liveaboard included: cabins, dive gear set-up, safety protocols, the ratio of dive guides to divers. I read stories from other divers about what made a good boat great: reliable briefings, flexible itineraries, and a crew that knew the currents of Raja Ampat.
In the end, the decision became obvious. If I wanted to experience Raja Ampat properly, not just scratch the surface: I needed a liveaboard. It wasn’t about luxury. It was about time, access, and the freedom to wake up already at the dive site instead of burning half the day just getting there.
Read Also: Here’s some Benefits of Diving from a Liveaboard Boat
The Reason Why We Created La Galigo
That’s the whole reason me and my partner started La Galigo. We’d asked ourselves the same questions anyone would: is it safe to live on a boat for a week? Will the cabins feel okay after days at sea? Does the crew really know these waters, or are we just hoping for the best?
We didn’t want another generic dive boat. We wanted something built by divers, for divers. A place where you can stretch out and rest between dives, put your trust in a crew that knows how to handle Raja Ampat’s currents, and wake up already anchored at the sites you’ve been dreaming about. La Galigo exists because we wanted all of that and couldn’t find it anywhere else.
The 10 Raja Ampat Dive Sites Only Accessible by Liveaboard
Boo Windows, Misool
Boo Windows is probably the most talked-about site in Misool. The wall has two big holes that look like windows. When the sun hits just right, the whole reef glows.
Fish stream through those openings like cars in traffic. It never stops. On one of my dives there, a manta drifted past in the blue, and under a ledge, a wobbegong had made itself at home.
Magic Mountain, Misool
This was hands-down one of my favourite dives. Manta rays circled the cleaning station while reef sharks cruised below. Anthias and fusiliers filled the water like confetti. One dive isn’t enough in Magic Mountain, you need a liveaboard so you can return again and again.
Four Kings, Misool
Four Kings has Four huge pinnacles rising from the sea, each covered in soft corals and packed with fish. I swam between them and felt like I was in the middle of a living tornado. Absolutely wild.
Farondi Caves
This dive felt different from the rest. We explored caverns and tunnels, shining torches into dark corners where bamboo sharks were hiding. It was eerie, quiet, and unforgettable.
Fiabacet
Fiabacet is pure colour! Soft corals everywhere, reef sharks gliding past, turtles cruising overhead. I even spotted pygmy seahorses tucked into sea fans. It’s one of those dives where you don’t know where to look first.
Kawe, Wayag
Wayag looks like paradise above water, but underwater at Kawe is just as special. Mantas sweep past in the current, tuna dart in and out, and the reef feels untouched. It’s remote, so only a liveaboard will get you there.
The Passage
This site blew my mind. It’s a narrow channel between islands where mangroves grow right above the reef. Sunlight filters through the trees, archerfish shoot water at insects, and corals grow along the roots. It feels like diving in a jungle.
Blue Magic
Blue Magic is fast, furious, and alive. The currents are strong, but they bring in schools of barracuda, trevally, and even manta rays. I had to hook into the reef just to watch the action unfold in front of me.
Cape Kri
Cape Kri holds the world record for most fish species spotted in a single dive, and I believe it. Everywhere I looked there were clouds of fusiliers, reef sharks on patrol, turtles, and countless small critters. It’s one of those dives that ruins you for everywhere else.
Manta Sandy & Manta Ridge
If you love manta rays, Manta Sandy & Manta Ridge the place. I counted at least six circling overhead, one after another, as they came in to be cleaned. It’s hard to describe the feeling of being surrounded by these giants, you just have to experience it.
Who Can Join a Raja Ampat Liveaboard?
When I first thought about joining a liveaboard, one of my big questions was: “Am I experienced enough? And what if my partner doesn’t dive?” The good news is, Raja Ampat liveaboards aren’t just for one type of traveler, they welcome a mix of people.
Beginners vs. Advanced Divers
People always say Raja Ampat has strong currents. They’re not wrong, some dives can really move. That’s the reason La Galigo asks for a certain level of experience. You’ll need Advanced Open Water with 20 dives, or Open Water with 40 dives as long as you’ve been diving in the last five years. It’s a simple rule, and it keeps everyone safe.
But don’t let that scare you off.
Not every site is wild. There are plenty of easy drifts and calmer spots mixed in. The guides are smart about reading the group, and they adjust the plan when needed. I found myself pushed just enough challenged, but never uncomfortable. Honestly, it was the perfect balance.
Read Also: Scuba Diving in Raja Ampat: How Difficult Is it?
Non-Divers and Snorkelers
Not a diver? You can still have an amazing time on board. Some of the reefs in Raja Ampat are so shallow that snorkeling feels like floating over an aquarium. Plus, there’s plenty of downtime to relax on deck, read a book, or just soak in the scenery. I’ve met partners of divers who said they enjoyed the trip just as much, even without going deep.
How to Plan Your Raja Ampat Liveaboard Trip
Most liveaboard trips in Raja Ampat last between 7–12 nights. That gives you time to cover all three regions: Misool in the south, Dampier Strait in the middle, and Wayag up north.
If you only have a few days, the boat will usually stick to one area. That’s fine if you just want a taste, but the real magic of Raja Ampat is in the variety. Cleaning stations full of mantas. Pinnacles buzzing with fish. Caves. Soft coral gardens that stretch forever. To see all that, you really do need at least a week on the water.
To make sure you don’t miss out, take a look at La Galigo’s upcoming departure dates. Trips often fill quickly, especially during peak manta season, so checking the schedule now is the best way to secure your spot on board. You can explore all available dates and pricing here: La Galigo Schedule & Pricing.
Frequently Asked Question
Which dive sites need a liveaboard?
The big names, Boo Windows, Magic Mountain, Four Kings, Fiabacet, Kawe. They’re too far for day trips. Some of them could be reached by day boats, but it’s not recommended because by the time a small boat reaches the good spots, it’s already time to head back.
Is liveaboard diving safe for beginners?
Yes! Some sites have strong currents, but the guides on La Galigo made sure everyone dived within their comfort level. As for requirements, we require divers to have an Advanced Open Water certification with 20 dives logged OR Open Water Diver certification with 40 dives logged.
What marine life did I see?
Mantas, reef sharks, wobbegongs, turtles, barracuda, seahorses, and massive schools of fish. Raja Ampat has it all.
When’s the best time to dive Raja Ampat?
You can dive Raja Ampat almost all year. The only exception is June and July, when the winds pick up and conditions at sea are less predictable. Outside of that brief pause, you can count on world-class diving whenever you come.
Do I need to be an advanced diver to join a Raja Ampat liveaboard?
Not necessarily. While some sites have strong currents better suited for experienced divers, many liveaboards (including ours) cater to a mix of levels. Guides usually adjust dive plans based on experience.
How many dives will I do on a liveaboard trip?
Most itineraries offer up to four dives per day, including night dives. On a week-long trip, that can easily add up to 20+ dives. On our itineraries to Raja Ampat, the number varies depending on the duration. In our Ultimate Raja Ampat for example, we dive 34-35 dives in total.
What should I pack for a liveaboard in Raja Ampat?
Light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, a good torch for night dives, and any personal dive gear you prefer. We’ve made a full Liveaboard Checklist to make packing easier.
Is there internet or phone signal on board?
Coverage is very limited once you leave Sorong. However, we do have a fast internet/Wi-Fi onboard.
What is the water temperature in Raja Ampat?
The water is warm year-round, usually between 27–30°C (80–86°F). A 3mm wetsuit is plenty for most divers.
Can non-divers join a liveaboard?
Yes, many boats welcome snorkellers or non-diving partners. The scenery, snorkelling, and chance to relax at sea still make it a memorable trip.
How strong are the currents in Raja Ampat?
Currents vary by site and tide. Some are gentle drifts, others can be very strong. That’s why having experienced dive guides is essential, they know how to plan dives safely.
What’s the food like on a liveaboard?
Meals are included onboard La Galigo. Expect a global buffet featuring Western, Asian, and Vegetarian delights, 4 meals per day plus post dive snacks, and more!
