La Galigo · Indonesia · 11 nights
This immersive journey through Raja Ampat South offers an unparalleled dive experience in one of the world's most biodiverse marine ecosystems. Explore the vibrant reefs of Dampier Strait, encounter majestic manta rays, and marvel at the unique limestone formations of Piaynemo. The itinerary includes exhilarating muck diving, breathtaking wall dives, and opportunities for close-up encounters with a rich variety of marine life across Misool and Batanta. Conclude your adventure with a celebratory farewell evening as you navigate the stunning waters of Indonesia.
Guests are picked up from their hotel or the airport in Sorong for transfer to the vessel La Galigo. After a warm welcome, cabin setup, and a comprehensive briefing, the liveaboard sets sail for Waisai. The initial part of the journey allows for relaxation and appreciation of the surrounding landscapes before the first dive near Saonek Kecil, a perfect spot to begin the diving adventure.
Dive sites: Saonek Kecil
Today is dedicated to exploring the renowned Dampier Strait, a region celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity. Divers can expect multiple dives, often including iconic sites like Blue Magic Dive Site, known for its manta ray encounters, and Magic Mountain. The area is characterized by strong currents that bring nutrients, supporting a wide array of marine life including schooling pelagics, vibrant soft corals, and an abundance of reef fish.
Dive sites: Blue Magic Dive Site, Magic Mountain, Mioskon Dive Site
The day continues with dives around Kri Island, particularly in Yenbuba Village's Jetty Dive Site and other southern areas. This region is famous for its extremely high fish diversity and healthy coral gardens that slope down into deeper waters. An anchor point near the jetties allows for exploration of vibrant sunsets across the waters of Waigeo and Gam, providing a picturesque backdrop after a day of diving.
Dive sites: Yenbuba Village's Jetty Dive Site, Kri Island
Today's focus is on Piaynemo, also known as Penemu, a site renowned for both its stunning underwater topography and iconic limestone island formations. Melissa's Garden Dive Site offers an exceptional array of coral and marine life, while Keruo Channel Dive Site and Batu Rufus Dive Site feature dramatic walls and drop-offs. The area's scenic beauty includes unique viewpoints like Penemu lookout, offering spectacular vistas of the surrounding karst formations and a chance to witness the interplay of light and shadow underwater.
Dive sites: Melissa's Garden Dive Site, Keruo Channel Dive Site, Batu Rufus Dive Site
The journey continues to Batanta, a lesser-known but equally captivating part of Raja Ampat. The day's diving centers around the Dayang Dive Site, which is a significant cleaning station for manta rays. This provides excellent opportunities for divers to observe these majestic creatures. The area also offers insights into the diverse cleaning behaviors of marine life, making it a unique stop on the itinerary before sailing south towards Misool.
Dive sites: Dayang Dive Site
Today is dedicated to exploring the Wajil region within Misool, characterized by its stunning limestone islands and satellite clusters. This area boasts incredible biodiversity, with dive sites offering everything from towering pinnacles to vibrant reef ecosystems. Highlights often include Four Kings Dive Site, known for its gorgonian sea fan gardens, and Barracuda Rock Dive Site, a pinnacle attracting schooling barracuda and large pelagics. Divers can anticipate encounters with a rich variety of marine life.
Dive sites: Four Kings Dive Site, Barracuda Rock Dive Site, Neptune's Sea Fan Dive Site
The iconic Boo Window Dive Site is a key highlight today, featuring unique swim-throughs and a chance to spot pygmy seahorses. Anchovy Dive Site is known for its schooling Mobula rays, while Nudi Rock Dive Site showcases vibrant nudibranchs and an abundance of macro life. The region's topography includes overhangs, diverse coral formations, and abundant marine life in an area rich with current-swept ecosystems.
Dive sites: Boo Window Dive Site, Anchovy Dive Site, Nudi Rock Dive Site
Diving continues in the pristine areas of Misool, focusing on sites like Whale Rock Dive Site and Tank Rock Dive Site. These areas are celebrated for their healthy soft coral gardens and abundant schooling fish, including jacks, barracuda, and snappers. Shadow Reef Dive Site, also known as Karang Bayangan, often features large numbers of manta rays gliding across its diverse underwater landscapes, particularly in the blockbusting dive sites of the region. The diverse ecosystems provide a rich tapestry of marine encounters.
Dive sites: Whale Rock Dive Site, Tank Rock Dive Site, Shadow Reef Dive Site (a.k.a. Karang Bayangan/Magic Mountain)
The penultimate day of diving begins at Andiambo Dive Site, offering another spectacular experience in southern Raja Ampat. The area is known for its macro life, including pygmy seahorses, and encounters with hunting giant trevallies and barracuda. The final dive of the trip takes place at Warna Berwarna Dive Site, where divers can expect strong currents, schooling fusiliers, and bumphead parrotfish, concluding a fantastic journey through this vibrant region.
Dive sites: Andiambo Dive Site, Warna Berwarna Dive Site
After a final dive in the Daram area, the La Galigo begins its journey back to Sorong. The travel time to Sorong Port is approximately 18 hours, depending on currents and weather conditions. Guests can relax on board, reflecting on their incredible diving adventure, and enjoy a farewell party with food, music, and dancing as the vessel sails towards its final destination.
M. M. and will be assisted with transportation to their desired location, whether it be to the airport for flights or to a hotel. Breakfast is served, offering a final opportunity to exchange photos and contact details with new friends.
After breakfast, guests prepare to leave the vessel in Sorong, Indonesia with disembarkation Drop-off is between 06:00 AM - 11:00 AM. The crew assists with departure arrangements and onward airport transfers where applicable.