La Galigo · Indonesia · 8 nights
This immersive 8-night liveaboard journey explores the southern regions of Raja Ampat, renowned for its pristine coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity. The itinerary focuses on iconic dive areas like Dampier Strait, Misool, and Batanta, offering a mix of vibrant reef dives, exhilarating drift dives, and exceptional critter hunting. Guests will discover an underwater paradise teeming with diverse fish life, pelagics, and macro subjects, complemented by opportunities for stunning topside views and cultural encounters.
The trip begins with transfer from your hotel or airport to Sorong Port, where you will board the vessel. After settling into your cabins, a welcome briefing will be held. The day includes a 'welcome dive' near Saonek Kecil, providing a gentle introduction to the region's underwater environment and allowing divers to familiarize themselves with the conditions.
Today's diving centers around the Dampier Strait, a region famous for its nutrient-rich currents and prolific marine life. Dive sites like Blue Magic Site are known for their strong currents and offer encounters with large pelagic species such as Spanish mackerel and bigeye trevally. The day may also include a visit to Kri Island's south coast, featuring a jetties dive with abundant fish life and vibrant soft corals, concluding with a sunset anchor near Waisai and Gam.
Dive sites: Blue Magic Site, Kri Island (south coast), Yenbuba Village's Jetty Dive Site, Mioskon Dive Site
This day is dedicated to exploring the Pianemo region, celebrated for its unique limestone formations and rich coral gardens. Dive sites like Melissa's Garden Dive Site showcase an incredible variety of coral and fish species inhabiting a small reef area. Keruo Channel Dive Site provides a gentle drift dive along a wall, while Batu Rufus Dive Site boasts a dramatic wall dropping to 40 meters. The day also includes a hike to Pianemo lagoon's lookout for panoramic views.
Dive sites: Melissa's Garden Dive Site, Keruo Channel Dive Site, Batu Rufus Dive Site
The journey continues to Batanta, located in the western end of Batanta island. The Dayang Dive Site is a key highlight, known as a cleaning station where reef manta rays are frequently sighted. This area also serves as a crucial habitat for other marine life, making it an excellent location for observing diverse species. After a rewarding day of diving, the vessel will set sail for the southern islands of Misool.
Dive sites: Dayang Dive Site
Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Misool region, characterized by its stunning limestone karst islands and abundant marine life. Dive sites such as Four Kings Dive Site feature towering pinnacles teeming with a diverse array of fish and corals. Other notable sites like Barracuda Rock Dive Site are known for schooling barracuda, while Neptune's Sea Fan Dive Site is famous for its large gorgonian sea fans. The area commonly offers encounters with giant trevally and Napoleon wrasse.
Dive sites: Four Kings Dive Site, Barracuda Rock Dive Site, Neptune's Sea Fan Dive Site
Diving today focuses on the Fiabacet and Boo regions of Misool, celebrated for their exceptional biodiversity and unique underwater topography. Boo Window Dive Site is known for its distinctive window-like swim-throughs and large schools of mobula rays. Nudi Rock Dive Site is a pinnacle teeming with nudibranchs and vibrant corals, offering excellent macro opportunities. Pygmy seahorses are also a common sight in this area.
Dive sites: Boo Window Dive Site, Mobula Dive Site, Nudi Rock Dive Site
The final full day of diving explores the pristine coral reefs in the heart of Misool, focusing on areas like Warakarakaet. Dive sites such as Whale Rock Dive Site and Tank Rock Dive Site are rich in beautiful soft coral and diverse schools of fish. The area is known for numerous reef manta rays that glide gracefully through the water. Weather permitting, dives may also include Shadow Reef Dive Site, offering another chance to witness Misool's incredible marine diversity.
Dive sites: Whale Rock Dive Site, Tank Rock Dive Site, Shadow Reef Dive Site
On the penultimate day, the trip visits the southern Raja Ampat area, starting with Andiamo Dive Site, known for its pygmy seahorses, hunting giant trevallies, and barracuda. The final dive of the trip takes place at Warna Berwarna Dive Site, an area abundant in sea fans, schooling fusiliers, and bumphead parrotfish. After an incredible week of diving, guests can enjoy a farewell party with dinner, song, and dance as the vessel sails towards Sorong.
Dive sites: Andiamo Dive Site, Warna Berwarna Dive Site
The La Galigo will anchor in Sorong around 5:00 AM. Guests are welcome to stay on board until 11:00 AM, enjoying breakfast and exchanging photos. Transportation to the airport or hotel will be arranged based on individual travel plans.