Mari · Indonesia · 11N
This 11-night liveaboard itinerary from Sorong explores the exceptional dive sites of Misool and Central Raja Ampat. Guests will encounter a vibrant array of marine life, from manta rays and pygmies seahorses to schooling fish within pristine coral gardens. The trip traverses diverse landscapes, including dramatic underwater seascapes and stunning reef systems, with opportunities for both day and night dives.
Guests are welcomed aboard the Mari in Sorong. After settling into cabins and receiving a safety briefing, the vessel begins its voyage into the renowned Raja Ampat archipelago. The first dive, Matam, offers excellent visibility and healthy coral formations, providing a perfect setting for check dives. This site is known for its diverse hard and soft corals, with fusiliers, sweetlips, and surgeonfish often seen, and even occasional hawksbill turtles.
Dive sites: Matam
Today is dedicated to exploring the spectacular limestone islands of Misool in the Southern Raja Ampat region, an area widely considered among Indonesia's most pristine marine environments. Daram is protected by local conservation initiatives, fostering healthy coral growth and an abundance of marine life. Currents are often present, supporting a rich ecosystem where vibrant soft corals and sea fans thrive, and schools of fusiliers and snappers are commonly sighted.
Dive sites: Andiamo, Candy Store, Vifli, Vifli Jelly
The Heart of Misool offers some of the most celebrated dive sites in the world, renowned for their vibrant macro life and majestic manta rays. This region is characterized by numerous tiny creatures and stunning nutrient-rich reefs. Dive sites here often feature steep slopes, swim-throughs, and dramatic reef structures that attract a wide array of marine species. Expect strong currents and exceptional visibility.
Dive sites: Magic Mountain, Four Kings, Warna Berwarna, Harapan Jet
Today explores the dramatic limestone islands of Farondi, featuring impressive narroy waterways and unique dive sites. This area is characterized by steep drop-offs, swim-throughs, and diverse topography, including submerged caves. The visibility is often excellent, allowing for clear views of the vibrant reef ecosystems and the various creatures that inhabit the walls and crevices, such as pygmy seahorses and an assortment of crustaceans.
Dive sites: Gua Farondi, Farondi 2, Nudibranch Rock
The Fiabacet and Tomolol areas offer an extraordinary biodiversity, characterized by diverse reef structures and vibrant marine life. This region is known for its nutrient-rich waters that support a variety of coral formations, from massive corals to delicate soft corals. The dive sites feature abundant schools of fish, along with various macro subjects and unique reef topography, including walls and overhangs. Night dives here are particularly rewarding for observing nocturnal crustaceans.
Dive sites: Fiabacet, Tank Rock, Waleh, Nudi Rock
The journey continues to the northern part of Misool and crosses north, a region celebrated for its flourishing coral ecosystems and rich marine biodiversity. The dive sites here are characterized by spectacular swim-throughs, dramatic overhangs, and vibrant wall dives covered in soft corals. Guests expect to see large schools of fusiliers, snappers, and a rich array of smaller reef fish, making it a truly immersive experience.
Dive sites: Boo Windows, Boo West, Romeo
The Fam Islands and Melissa's Garden represent some of Raja Ampat’s most celebrated dive destinations, known for their stunning coral formations and abundant marine life. This area features distinctive landscape and vibrant reef ecosystems. Dive sites include pristine hard coral reefs, rich nutrient currents supporting diverse marine life, and spectacular reef formations that are home to various juvenile fish and interesting macro critters. Night dives are also a highlight for observing nocturnal activity.
Dive sites: Melissa's Garden, Keruo Channel, My Reef, Night Dive - Rufas Lagoon
Today's dives focus on the Pienemu and Mayemau areas, renowned for their iconic viewpoints and spectacular underwater scenery. This region offers vibrant currents that attract a high diversity of marine life, including large schools of fish and various pelagic species. The topography includes pinnacles and reefs covered in colorful soft corals, making for excellent photographic opportunities. From the iconic viewpoint, guests can also enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding islands.
Dive sites: Barracuda Point, Galaxy, Pienemu
The day explores the legendary Dampier Strait, considered the heart of Central Raja Ampat. This nutrient-rich channel supports an immense diversity of marine life, including several manta ray cleaning stations. Arborek is also known for its beautiful jetty, which frequently hosts schooling fish and vibrant soft corals. Strong currents are common here, making for exhilarating drift dives and excellent opportunities to observe pelagic species.
Dive sites: Manta Sandy, Arborek Jetty, Citrus Ridge, Night Dive - Arborek Jetty
Dampier Strait continues to offer some of the most famous dive sites in Raja Ampat, known for its nutrient-rich waters and incredible biodiversity. This area provides exceptional opportunities for encountering various species, from large pelagics to stunning macro life. The dive sites feature diverse topography, including walls, pinnacles, and sloping reefs, often with strong currents that bring a wealth of marine activity. Expect vibrant coral gardens and a high density of reef fish.
Dive sites: Blue Magic, Sardine Reef, Cape Kri
On the final day of diving, divers explore the reefs around Kri, Mansuar, and Mioskon, widely recognized as premier dive destinations in Raja Ampat. These sites are famous for their remarkable abundance of marine life and diverse coral ecosystems. Guests expect to see large schools of reef fish, various shark species, and vibrant healthy corals. The underwater terrain often features sloping reefs and dramatic drop-offs, making for dynamic and memorable dives.
Dive sites: Sawasandarek Jetty, Mike's Point
After a final breakfast on board, guests will be transferred to Sorong Airport for their onward flights. This concludes a memorable journey through Raja Ampat's spectacular underwater world.