Mari · Indonesia · 7N
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day liveaboard journey through Central Raja Ampat and the Dampier Strait. This itinerary offers unparalleled diving experiences, from vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life to dramatic seascapes and cultural encounters. Explore iconic sites known for manta rays, schooling fish, and incredible biodiversity, all while enjoying the natural beauty and pristine environment of one of the world's healthiest marine ecosystems.
After a morning transfer from Sorong Airport to the harbor, guests will be welcomed aboard the Mari liveaboard. The day includes settling into cabins, a comprehensive safety briefing, and a delightful lunch as the vessel begins its cruise towards Central Raja Ampat. A relaxed check-dive around Pulau Matan allows guests to familiarize themselves with the equipment before the adventure truly begins.
Today's diving focuses on the spectacular limestone scenery and rich coral gardens of Penemu. Melissa's Garden, an internationally celebrated site, offers exceptional biodiversity and dense coral coverage. The area is known for expansive hard coral gardens, barracuda, sweetlips, and reef sharks, with opportunities for drift dives through fish-filled channels, making it a paradise for underwater photography.
Dive sites: Keruo Channel, Melissa's Garden, My Reef, Galaxy (night dive)
Experience the stunning beauty of Gam Island and the southern Wayag region, renowned for its rich-fish currents and dramatic reef structures. The area boasts beautiful soft coral reefs, frequented by wobbegong sharks and turtles. Excellent macro opportunities and scenic reef ridges add to the day's allure, promising diverse encounters for divers.
Dive sites: Way Pretty Shallow, Mayhem, Citrus Ridge, Gam Ridge (night dive)
This day is dedicated to unforgettable manta ray encounters at Raja Ampat's best-known cleaning stations, Manta Ridge and Manta Sandy, where reef mantas are often seen gracefully gliding. Divers will also visit the traditional Papuan village of Arborek, offering a glimpse into local culture. Other highlights include stunning coral gardens and an exceptional jetty night dive.
Dive sites: Manta Ridge, Arborek Island (Village Visit), Manta Sandy, Sawandarek (night dive)
Explore the famed Dampier Strait, known for its nutrient-rich currents that attract an extraordinary abundance of marine life. This area is recognized as one of the world's most biodiverse marine environments. Expect massive schools of fusiliers and snapper, frequent sightings of reef sharks and turtles, and vibrant soft coral-covered reefs, making for a spectacular day of diving. A critter-rich night dive is also planned.
Dive sites: Yanbuba Island, Chicken Reef, Fririwin Banda, Fririwin Banda (night dive)
Today's diving focuses on classic Dampier Strait sites, offering thrilling drift dives, pelagic encounters, and iconic Raja Ampat underwater landscapes. Mike's Point, originally damaged during World War II, has evolved into a spectacular reef teeming with marine life. Divers can expect barracuda, giant trevallies, and tuna, alongside schools of hunting fish and vibrant coral formations.
Dive sites: Otodima, Mike's Point, Blue Magic, Saonek Bonde (night dive)
Enjoy a memorable final dive day at two of Raja Ampat's most legendary sites. Cape Kri holds the world record for the highest number of reef fish species recorded on a single dive, offering dramatic fish action and breathtaking coral scenery. Sardine Reef also provides exceptional biodiversity, massive schools of fish, and abundant pelagic species, making for a spectacular conclusion to the trip.
Dive sites: Cape Kri, Sardine Reef
After breakfast, guests will disembark in Sorong with unforgettable memories from one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth. Please prepare to leave the boat between approximately 5:00 AM and 11:00 AM, depending on your onward travel schedule. Complimentary transfers will be provided either to Sorong Airport or your hotel.