Dancing Wind · Indonesia · 12D/11N
Explore the renowned marine biodiversity of Raja Ampat over eleven days, beginning and ending in Sorong. This itinerary ventures through the iconic northern and central regions, including the Misool archipelago, and covers a diverse range of dive sites known for vibrant coral reefs, schooling fish, and encounters with manta rays and wobbegongs. Expect nutrient-rich waters supporting a dense concentration of species, with drift diving often a feature of the stronger currents. The trip offers a balanced exploration of both macro life and substantial pelagic action, making full use of the region's productive pinnacles and sheltered bays.
Sorong
Guests are picked up from the local airport or hotel and transferred to the harbor to board the vessel. After settling in and attending a welcome briefing, the boat sets sail towards the Dampier Strait area, offering a chance to relax and prepare for the adventure.
Good to know: The journey begins, allowing guests to settle in and meet fellow divers as the vessel cruises towards the first dive locations.
Saonek, Dampier Strait
The underwater adventure begins with introductory dives at Saonek and the nearby Saonek Jetty. These initial dives are perfect for adjusting buoyancy and camera gear while getting a first taste of Raja Ampat's macro life. Expect to see unique critters like frogfish and potentially the endemic walking shark.
Dive sites: Saonek, Saonek Jetty
Good to know: These relaxed first dives serve as a great warm-up for the days to come.
Dampier Strait
Spend a full day at the vibrant sites of the Dampier Strait, starting at Chicken Reef with its clouds of fusiliers and patrolling sharks. Dives continue at Lao Lao, showcasing colorful sea fans, and Mioskon, famous for its dense schools of glassfish. The day concludes at Batu Lima, where coral-covered pinnacles rise from the seabed.
Dive sites: Chicken Reef, Lao Lao, Mioskon, Batu Lima
Good to know: A full day exploring some of the most dynamic and fish-prolific sites in the northern region.
Dampier Strait
Dive one of the area's most famous sites, Blue Magic, a submerged pinnacle that attracts pelagics like barracuda and occasional oceanic mantas. The journey continues to Cape Kri, a site holding a world record for the highest number of fish species on a single dive. An afternoon dive at Sawandarek's coral gardens offers a more tranquil experience with turtles and giant clams.
Dive sites: Blue Magic, Cape Kri, Sawandarek
Good to know: An optional night dive may be offered to search for nocturnal creatures like lionfish and squid.
Dampier Strait & Gam Bay
The day begins at Manta Sandy, a well-known cleaning station offering incredible encounters with reef mantas. The action continues at Mayhem, a site that lives up to its name with strong currents and huge schools of fish. Conditions become gentler at Citrus Ridge, known for its bright, critter-filled coral slopes.
Dive sites: Manta Sandy, Mayhem, Citrus Ridge
Good to know: The evening is spent in the sheltered Gam Bay, with a chance for a night dive to find walking sharks or nudibranchs.
Piaynemo
Explore the reefs around Piaynemo, diving sites like Yefnabi and Yeben, which feature healthy corals and a variety of reef sharks and barracuda. In the afternoon, take a break from diving to hike to the iconic Piaynemo viewpoint for stunning panoramic photos. The day may conclude with a night dive under a local jetty at Galaxy.
Dive sites: Yefnabi, Yeben, Batu Rufus, Galaxy Jetty
Good to know: The land excursion to the Piaynemo viewpoint offers one of the most famous and breathtaking photo opportunities in Raja Ampat.
Piaynemo
Enjoy a final day in the central region, starting at My Reef, where strong currents attract schools of fusiliers and hunting trevallies. The day's highlight is Melissa’s Garden, an expansive hard coral plateau teeming with colourful anthias. After the day's dives, the vessel begins the overnight crossing south to the Misool region.
Dive sites: My Reef, Melissa's Garden
Good to know: This is a transit day, with the boat repositioning overnight to the southern part of Raja Ampat.
Wayil, Misool
Arrive in the stunning Misool region and begin with a snorkel in the surreal Jellyfish Lake, surrounded by thousands of non-stinging jellies. The diving begins at Anchovies, where massive bait balls attract hunting pelagics. The day continues at dramatic structures like Nudi Rock and the tiered coral formations of Wedding Cake.
Dive sites: Jellyfish Lake (Snorkel), Anchovies, Nudi Rock / Tank Rock, Wedding Cake
Good to know: Jellyfish Lake is a non-diving activity. Optional night dives in Misool reveal crabs, cuttlefish, and other nocturnal marine life.
Fiabacet, Misool
Explore the Fiabacet island chain, starting with the vibrant soft corals and pygmy seahorses at Kaleidoskop. Dive the famous Four Kings, a series of sea mounts swarming with barracuda and sharks. The afternoon is spent searching for more pygmy seahorses on the giant gorgonians at Neptune Sea Fan.
Dive sites: Kaleidoskop, Four Kings, Neptune Sea Fan
Good to know: The Fiabacet region is renowned for its incredibly rich soft coral gardens and high-density fish life.
Warakaraket, Misool
Dive one of Raja Ampat's premier sites, Shadow Reef (also known as Magic Mountain), an oceanic pinnacle famous for attracting both reef and oceanic manta rays. Afterwards, swim through the iconic rock arches of Boo Windows, which are decorated with soft corals. The day might also include a drift dive at Eagle Nest to see schools of fusiliers.
Dive sites: Shadow Reef (Magic Mountain), Boo Windows, Eagle Nest
Good to know: Night dives at sites like Romeo or Juliet are often offered, showcasing Misool's macro life after dark.
Misool / En route to Sorong
Enjoy the last day of diving with a couple of final immersions in Misool's rich waters. Dives at sites like Warna Berwarna or Andiamo offer a last chance to see pelagics and colorful corals before the boat begins its return journey to Sorong. Spend the evening sharing photos and memories with new friends.
Dive sites: Warna Berwarna, Andiamo
Good to know: The number of dives on the last day is limited to allow for sufficient off-gassing time before flying.
Sorong
After a final breakfast on board, the crew will assist with your transfer to the Sorong airport or a local hotel. This marks the end of the liveaboard adventure through Raja Ampat.
Good to know: Ensure your flight schedule allows for the recommended 24-hour no-fly period after your last dive.