La Galigo · Indonesia · 11 nights
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Raja Ampat, exploring the region's most iconic dive sites and pristine reefs. This itinerary focuses on the diverse marine life and stunning underwater landscapes of areas like Dampier Strait, Misool, and Batanta. Experience vibrant coral gardens, encounters with majestic manta rays, and unique critter dives, making it an unforgettable adventure for experienced divers.
Your adventure begins in Sorong as you board the La Galigo, settle into your cabin, and receive a safety briefing. The vessel then sets sail towards Saonek. A check dive at Saonek is planned, perfect for adjusting gear and buoyancy, offering an introduction to Raja Ampat's diverse underwater world.
Today's dives focus on the Dampier Strait, starting at Chicken Reef with its fusiliers and reef sharks. Lao Lao showcases soft corals and sea fans, often accompanied by schools of colourful turtles. Miokon is known for thousands of glassfish, frequently hunted by giant trevallies, while Batu Lima offers bommies rising from sandy bottoms, each teeming with unique marine life. An evening scenic view of Waigeo and Gam concludes the day.
The day's diving centers on Blue Magic and Cape Kri, both celebrated for their incredible fish diversity and the chance to encounter oceanic mantas. Cape Kri holds a world record for the highest number of fish species recorded on a single dive. Later, a relaxing contrast awaits at Sawandarek with its vibrant coral gardens, giant clams, and friendly turtles. An optional night dive offers opportunities to spot ghost pipefish, lionfish, and squid.
Today features a visit to a manta cleaning station near Batanta, where these majestic creatures gracefully gather. Mayhem, a site known for pelagic predators like swirling schools of baitfish, offers a thrilling spectacle. Citrus Ridge provides gentler conditions, ideal for exploring colourful coral slopes teeming with critters. An optional night dive at sheltered Gam Bay reveals nudibranchs, squid, and the elusive walking shark.
The day includes dives at Yefnabi and Yeben reefs, known for their vibrant marine life including sharks, barracuda, and reef fish, set against stunning limestone cliffs. In the afternoon, a hike to Piaynemo's famous viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramas of turquoise lagoons. As evening approaches, a dive at Galaxy Jetty promises encounters with critters and unusual nocturnal behaviour.
The morning begins with a dive at My Reef, featuring a current-swept ridge teeming with fusiliers and trevallies. Melissa's Garden, rich in hard coral, is filled with anthias and reef fish. After a final dive in Piaynemo, the vessel commences its overnight journey south, heading towards the Misool region, setting the stage for new underwater explorations.
Today's activities include snorkeling at Jellyfish Lake, home to thousands of harmless jellyfish. At Anchovies, massive bait balls attract predators like tuna and trevallies. Later, dives at Nudi Rock or Tank Rock reveal dramatic drop-offs and bustling fish life, with Wedding Cake offering intricate coral formations. An optional night dive allows for encounters with Misool's nocturnal creatures, including decorator crabs, cuttlefish, and squid.
The Fiabacet region of Misool offers vibrant soft corals at Kaleidoscope and Four Kings, where divers can expect to see barracuda, sharks, and trevallies. In the afternoon, Neptune Sea Fan offers giant sea fans and elusive pygmy seahorses, while a shallower dive at a calm lagoon, such as Tracking Lagoon Love, concludes the diving. Dinner is enjoyed under the stars in a tranquil Misool bay.
Today's dives in Warakeret, Misool, include Shadow Reef (Magic Mountain), renowned for manta encounters and sharks patrolling its edges. Eagle Nest is another highlight, filled with fusiliers and barracuda. Boo Windows offers unique swim-throughs bathed in sunlight, revealing reefs bursting with soft corals. As night falls, an optional night dive at Romeo and Juliet provides new insights into Misool's nocturnal life.
Further exploration of Misool's Warakeret region continues today. Dives at Nudi Rock or Tank Rock reveal strong currents and schooling fish, while Boo East provides gentle conditions with beautiful coral gardens. A visit to Tank Rock may also be repeated for another exhilarating pinnacle dive. An optional night dive could be planned at Romeo and Juliet for macro encounters.
The day begins at Wagma Bermeana, characterized by colourful corals and diverse fish schools. At Andiamo, pelagics like trevallies and tuna are often seen. The final dive offers stunning underwater beauty before the boat begins its overnight crossing back to Sorong. A farewell dinner is held on board La Galigo, celebrating the incredible experiences of the trip.
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye. Transfers are arranged for the airport or local hotels, concluding your unforgettable dive adventure in Raja Ampat. Guests depart with cherished memories of incredible reefs and marine encounters.