La Galigo · Indonesia · 11 nights
Embark on an 11-night dive adventure through Raja Ampat, Indonesia, starting and ending in Sorong. This itinerary explores the diverse marine ecosystems of Dampier Strait, Misool, and other iconic regions. Divers can anticipate encountering a rich array of marine life, from schooling fish and sharks to various macro critters and the renowned manta rays. The trip combines thrilling dive experiences with opportunities for land excursions, offering a comprehensive exploration of this unparalleled underwater paradise.
Your journey begins in Sorong, where you'll be welcomed aboard La Galigo. After settling into your cabin and a safety briefing, the vessel sets sail towards Saonek. The first dive is a relaxed check dive at Saonek Jetty, allowing divers to adjust their gear and buoyancy. Saonek is known for its diverse marine life, making it an excellent introduction to Raja Ampat's underwater world.
Dive sites: Saonek Jetty
Today's diving explores the vibrant sites of Dampier Strait. The morning starts at Chicken Reef, known for bustling fish populations and reef sharks. Later, at Lao Lao, soft corals and sea fans provide a stunning backdrop to darting turtles. The final dive of the day, Batu Lima, features bommies rising from sandy bottoms, each teeming with diverse marine creatures.
Dive sites: Chicken Reef, Lao Lao, Batu Lima
This day is dedicated to diving iconic sites like Blue Magic and Cape Kri, both renowned for their incredible biodiversity. Blue Magic is famous for schooling barracuda, trevallies, and often features oceanic mantas. Cape Kri holds a world record for the highest number of fish species in a single dive. The afternoon offers a relaxing contrast with dives at Sawandarek, featuring colorful coral gardens, giant clams, and friendly turtles.
Dive sites: Blue Magic, Cape Kri, Sawandarek
Today's itinerary focuses on the cleaning stations and diverse ecosystems around Dampier Strait and Waigeo. Dives at Manta Sandy offer opportunities to witness manta rays gliding gracefully. Mayhem, true to its name, is known for strong currents and dense schools of fish. Citrus Ridge provides gentler conditions, perfect for exploring colorful coral slopes and spotting various macro critters.
Dive sites: Manta Sandy, Mayhem, Citrus Ridge, Gam Bay
Dive into the vibrant waters of Yefnaba and Yeben Reefs, which teem with sharks, barracuda, and reef fish, set against limestone cliffs. Batu Rufus further enhances the day with rich marine biodiversity. In the afternoon, a shore excursion to Pianemo offers breathtaking panoramic views of turquoise lagoons and scattered limestone islets. The day concludes with a dive at Jelly Galaxy, known for its diverse array of critters and unusual nocturnal behaviors.
Dive sites: Yefnaba, Yeben Reefs, Batu Rufus, Jelly Galaxy
The day begins with a dive at My Reef, a dynamic site characterized by strong currents, teeming with fusiliers and trevallies. Melissa's Garden follows, featuring vast hard coral fields populated by anthias and reef fish. After lunch, enjoy one last dive in Piaynemo before the overnight journey transitions the boat to Misool. Guests are encouraged to relax on deck and share stories of their underwater encounters.
Dive sites: My Reef, Melissa's Garden
Arrival in Misool offers a unique opportunity to snorkel at Jellyfish Lake, home to thousands of harmless jellyfish. Diving continues at iconic sites like Nudi Rock or Tank Rock, known for dramatic drop-offs and bustling fish life. Wedding Cake offers tiered coral formations teeming with activity. An optional night dive might reveal Misool's nocturnal creatures, including decorator crabs, cuttlefish, and squid.
Dive sites: Nudi Rock, Tank Rock, Wedding Cake
Explore the Fiabacet region, celebrated for its incredibly vibrant soft corals and pygmy seahorses. Dives at sites like Kaleidoskop reveal stunning coral formations and abundant marine life including barracuda and trevallies. Neptune Sea Fan offers encounters with giant sea fans and often pygmy seahorses. A shallower dive at Tracking Lagoon Love provides a gentle conclusion to the day, ensuring a memorable experience in Misool's rich waters.
Dive sites: Kaleidoskop, Four Kings, Neptune Sea Fan, Tracking Lagoon Love
Today's diving focuses on the Wararaket area, starting at Shadow Reef (Magic Mountain), a renowned site for manta encounters and sharks patrolling its ridges. Eagle Nest follows, often filled with fusiliers and barracuda. In the afternoon, Boo Windows offers swim-throughs lit by shafts of sunlight, revealing reefs bursting with soft corals. As evening approaches, an optional night dive at Romeo or Juliet presents a different dimension to Misool's underwater beauty.
Dive sites: Shadow Reef (Magic Mountain), Eagle Nest, Boo Windows, Romeo and Juliet
Continue exploring Misool's underwater treasures, with dives at sites like Nudi Rock or Tank Rock, known for strong currents and abundant schooling fish. Boo East brings gentler conditions with colorful coral gardens and sea fans, showcasing another facet of Misool's marine environment. Another thrilling dive is planned at Tank Rock, or alternatively, an opportunity to revisit Romeo or Juliet for macro enthusiasts, revealing the smaller wonders of the reef.
Dive sites: Nudi Rock, Tank Rock, Boo East, Romeo or Juliet
The final day of diving begins at Warna Berwarna, a site filled with colorful corals and abundant fish schools. At Andiamo, expect pelagics like trevallies and tuna, offering thrilling encounters. The last dive is a relaxed one, providing time to savor the underwater beauty before heading back to the boat. In the afternoon, guests pack and prepare for a farewell dinner as La Galigo begins its overnight crossing back to Sorong.
Dive sites: Warna Berwarna, Andiamo
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye. Transfers are arranged for the airport or local hotels in Sorong. Guests depart with incredible memories of reef manta rays, stunning coral reefs, and the unique limestone landscapes of Raja Ampat.