La Galigo · Indonesia · 7 nights
This 7-night liveaboard adventure explores the vibrant northern regions of Raja Ampat, renowned for its unparalleled marine biodiversity. The itinerary focuses on a mix of macro life, colorful reef systems, and pelagic encounters across legendary dive sites. Guests will experience dynamic drift dives, explore stunning coral gardens, and visit areas known for schooling fish and elusive pygmy seahorses. This journey promises an immersive experience in one of the world's richest marine ecosystems.
Guests will be welcomed aboard La Galigo at Sorong Harbor between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM, just off the airport. Cabins will be assigned, and a safety briefing will take place before settling in. The afternoon offers the first opportunity to dive at Pulau Ayemi, providing calm waters and a gentle introduction to the region's underwater beauty.
Dive sites: Pulau Ayemi
Today focuses on the rich biodiversity around Batanta, one of Raja Ampat's less-traveled islands. This area is celebrated for its diverse reef structures, from black sand to vibrant coral gardens, supporting a unique array of marine life. Dives here often feature macro photography opportunities and encounters with quirky critters amidst serene underwater settings, making it an ideal spot for detailed exploration. Sites like Black Beauty, Algae Patch, and Happy Ending offer calm conditions for observing unique marine species.
Dive sites: Black Beauty, Algae Patch, Happy Ending
The day begins with a dive at Manta Sandy, one of Raja Ampat's well-known cleaning stations, offering opportunities to observe majestic manta rays. Following this, the focus shifts to the stunning coral gardens of Gam, where colorful soft and hard corals thrive. This area is known for supporting a wide array of reef fish and invertebrates, creating a vibrant ecosystem. Citrus Ridge is a highlight for its beautiful orange and yellow soft corals, providing excellent wide-angle photography opportunities.
Dive sites: Manta Sandy, Citrus Ridge, Mayhem
Today's exploration moves to the islands of Kawe and Wofoh, where diverse dive sites like Black Rock showcase colorful coral and rich marine life. The area is known for its incredible variety of reef fish and invertebrates. Later, Eagle Rock offers the chance to spot elusive pygmy seahorses among its vibrant coral formations. Wofoh North, a slopping coral-covered reef, provides an excellent backdrop for both macro life spotting and wide-angle photography, rounding out a beautiful day of diving.
Dive sites: Black Rock, Eagle Rock, Wofoh North
Yeben Ridge offers an exhilarating start to the day with vibrant corals and schooling fish, leading to a drift dive at Melissa's Garden. This site is celebrated for its abundant hard and soft corals, creating a rich habitat for various marine species. The famous dive site Barracuda Rock and Galaxy are known for schooling barracuda and jackfish, while Batudua offers excellent soft coral displays. The iconic limestone pinnacles of Playemno Lagoon provide stunning scenery, often featuring dramatic light play in the late afternoon.
Dive sites: Yeben Ridge, Melissa's Garden, Barracuda Rock, Galaxy, Batudua, Playemno Lagoon
Today involves four distinct dives around Playemno, starting with My Reef, known for its diverse marine life. The Kerou Channel provides an exciting drift dive, offering rapid currents that sweep divers along vibrant reef walls and delicate soft coral formations. Later, the Rufus Dive Site features a 40-meter drop-off, providing opportunities for deeper exploration and encountering larger pelagic species. The day concludes with a final evening dive in the Playemno Jetty area, often revealing unique critter activity.
Dive sites: My Reef, Kerou Channel, Rufus Dive Site, Playemno Jetty
The day begins in East Blue Magic, known for its vibrant underwater topography and submerged pinnacles. This area often has strong currents, attracting schooling fish and larger pelagics. Later, dives are planned around Mansuar Island, an area celebrated for its abundant fusiliers, snappers, and other reef fish. The crystal-clear waters of Kalibiru offer a unique opportunity for a freshwater swim amidst lush rainforest, providing a refreshing change of pace before returning to the boat.
Dive sites: East Blue Magic, Mansuar Island
La Galigo will arrive back in Sorong in the morning, with guests expected to check out by 11:00 AM. Staff will assist with transfers to the airport or onward arrangements, ensuring a smooth departure. There will be an opportunity to exchange photos and bid farewell to fellow guests.