La Galigo · Indonesia · 12 Days / 11 Nights
This comprehensive 12-day voyage explores the best of Raja Ampat, from the central Dampier Strait to the southern islands of Misool. The itinerary features world-renowned dive sites such as Cape Kri and Manta Sandy, alongside Misool's unique attractions like Jellyfish Lake and the Boo Windows swim-throughs. Guests can expect encounters with a vast array of marine life, including manta rays, sharks, and schooling fish, and will also enjoy a scenic trek to the Piaynemo viewpoint.
Saonek
The journey commences in Sorong, where guests board the La Galigo. Following a safety briefing, the vessel sails to Saonek for a check-dive to adjust buoyancy. A subsequent dive at Saonek Jetty introduces divers to Raja Ampat's rich biodiversity, with potential sightings of frogfish, cuttlefish, and the endemic walking shark. The day concludes with dinner as the sun sets.
Dive sites: Saonek, Saonek Jetty
Dampier Strait
The day is spent exploring the Dampier Strait, beginning at Chicken Reef, which is active with fusiliers and reef sharks. At Lao Lao, divers can admire colorful soft corals and sea fans while turtles glide by. Mioskon offers the spectacle of hunting trevallies among large schools of glassfish, and the day's diving finishes at Batu Lima's bommies. The thrilling site of Mayhem is also highlighted for its pelagic action.
Dive sites: Chicken Reef, Lao Lao, Mioskon, Batu Lima, Mayhem
Dampier Strait
Diving continues at two of the region's most famous sites. Blue Magic is known for its potential encounters with barracuda, trevallies, and oceanic mantas, while Cape Kri holds a world record for fish species diversity on a single dive. A more tranquil afternoon dive follows at Sawandarek's coral gardens. An optional night dive is offered to discover nocturnal creatures.
Dive sites: Blue Magic, Cape Kri, Sawandarek
Good to know: night dive
Dampier & West Waigeo
The day begins at Manta Sandy, a cleaning station where manta rays are often seen. The itinerary continues to Mayhem, a site characterized by strong currents and dense schools of fish. A gentler dive at Citrus Ridge provides a look at vibrant coral slopes. The vessel anchors in Gam Bay for the evening, where an optional night dive offers a chance to find walking sharks and other critters.
Dive sites: Manta Sandy, Mayhem, Citrus Ridge
Good to know: night dive
Mutus & Piaynemo
The journey proceeds to the Piaynemo area, featuring dives at the Yefnabi and Yeben reefs, which are bustling with sharks and barracuda. After a dive at Batu Rufus, guests will take a land excursion to hike up to the iconic Piaynemo viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas. The day's diving concludes with a sunset dive at Galaxy Jetty, known for its macro life.
Dive sites: Yefnabi, Yeben, Batu Rufus, Galaxy Jetty
Good to know: hike Piaynemo's famous viewpoint
Piaynemo
The morning is dedicated to diving in Piaynemo, starting at My Reef, a current-swept ridge where schools of fish are common. This is followed by a dive at the renowned Melissa's Garden, a vast hard coral plateau. After one final dive in the area, the boat starts its overnight passage south towards Misool, allowing guests to relax on deck.
Dive sites: My Reef, Melissa's Garden
Good to know: overnight journey south to Misool
Wayil, Misool
Upon arrival in Misool, the day begins with a snorkel in a lake filled with thousands of non-stinging jellyfish. Diving commences at Anchovies, where huge bait balls attract predators. Divers will then explore the dramatic drop-offs of either Nudi Rock or Tank Rock, followed by the tiered coral formations of Wedding Cake. A night dive is offered as an option.
Dive sites: Anchovies, Nudi Rock, Tank Rock, Wedding Cake
Good to know: snorkel at Jellyfish Lake|night diving
Fiabacet, Misool
This day is spent exploring Misool's Fiabacet region. Dives include Kaleidoskop, with its vibrant soft corals and pygmy seahorses, and Four Kings, a series of pinnacles frequented by sharks and trevallies. At Neptune Sea Fan, divers can search for more pygmy seahorses, and the day concludes with a calm, shallow dive in a lagoon like Tracking Lagoon Love.
Dive sites: Kaleidoskop, Four Kings, Neptune Sea Fan, Tracking Lagoon Love
Warakaraket, Misool
Diving continues in the Warakaraket area, starting at the famed Shadow Reef (Magic Mountain), known for manta ray encounters. Subsequent dives are at Eagle Nest, often full of fusiliers, and Boo Windows, with its iconic swim-throughs. An optional night dive at either Romeo or Juliet reveals Misool's nocturnal marine world.
Dive sites: Shadow Reef (Magic Mountain), Eagle Nest, Boo Windows, Romeo, Juliet
Good to know: night diving
Warakaraket, Misool
Another day is spent in the Warakaraket area, with morning dives at either Nudi Rock or Tank Rock, both known for strong currents and schooling fish. The itinerary then moves to Boo East for a gentler dive amidst coral gardens. There may be a return visit to Tank Rock, followed by another optional night dive at Romeo or Juliet for macro enthusiasts.
Dive sites: Nudi Rock, Tank Rock, Boo East, Romeo, Juliet
Good to know: night diving
Wagmab
The final day of diving occurs in the Wagmab area. Divers will explore Warna Berwarna, with its colorful corals, and Andiamo, where pelagic species may be spotted. After a final, relaxed dive, guests will pack their gear as the boat starts the overnight trip back to Sorong, which includes a farewell dinner celebration.
Dive sites: Warna Berwarna, Andiamo
Good to know: farewell dinner celebration|overnight crossing to Sorong
Sorong
After a final breakfast aboard the liveaboard, it is time to disembark in Sorong. The crew assists with arranging transfers to the airport or local hotels, marking the end of the Raja Ampat adventure.
Good to know: Transfers are arranged for the airport or local hotels