Best of Raja Ampat (Central & South)

Queenesia II · Indonesia · 8D/7N

Duration
8D/7N
Embarkation
Sorong
Disembarkation
Sorong
Dives
18

About this route

This itinerary explores the nutrient-rich waters of central and southern Raja Ampat, known for their exceptional biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs. Divers can anticipate encounters with a wide array of reef fish, schooling pelagics, and various macro life, often within drift dives along current-swept walls and bommies. The journey covers iconic areas, offering both productive Muck dives and encounters with larger marine life, including manta rays at cleaning stations. Expect a dynamic underwater landscape, from shallow coral gardens to deeper pinnacles.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation & Check Dive

    Sorong & Dampier Strait

    Upon arrival in Sorong, guests are transferred to the harbor to board the vessel. After a comprehensive welcome briefing, the boat will set sail for the Dampier Strait for an initial check dive to prepare for the week ahead.

    Dive sites: Mioskon

    Good to know: Boarding typically occurs between morning and early afternoon, followed by the first dive.

  2. Day 2: Dampier Strait's Fish Superhighways

    Dampier Strait

    Experience the legendary biodiversity of the central region's most famous sites. Dives will focus on world-renowned locations like Cape Kri, which holds a record for fish species diversity, and Sardine Reef, known for its swirling vortexes of fish.

    Dive sites: Cape Kri, Sardine Reef, Chicken Reef

    Good to know: Currents in this area can be strong, attracting the dense marine life the region is famous for.

  3. Day 3: Mantas and Iconic Karst Landscapes

    Central Raja Ampat

    The day is dedicated to searching for oceanic mantas at cleaning stations such as Blue Magic. A land excursion is also planned to ascend the viewpoint in the Penemu island group for breathtaking panoramic views of the limestone islets.

    Dive sites: Blue Magic, Melissa's Garden

    Good to know: This day combines diving with a scenic trek to one of Raja Ampat's most famous viewpoints.

  4. Day 4: Journey to Southern Raja Ampat

    Cruising to Misool

    The vessel spends the day transiting south towards the magnificent Misool archipelago, a protected marine reserve. Depending on the arrival time in the southern waters, a late afternoon dive may be conducted before settling in for the evening.

    Good to know: This is a travel day involving a long-distance cruise from the central to the southern region.

  5. Day 5: Exploring Misool's Soft Coral Gardens

    Misool

    Divers explore the kaleidoscopic reefs of the Misool Marine Reserve, famous for its lush soft corals and dramatic scenery. Signature sites include the stunning Boo Windows swim-through and the pelagic-filled pinnacle of Magic Mountain.

    Dive sites: Magic Mountain, Boo Windows, Nudi Rock

    Good to know: Misool's remote location helps preserve its exceptionally healthy and vibrant reef systems.

  6. Day 6: Final Dives in Misool & Return North

    Misool & Cruising North

    Enjoy a final day diving in Misool, with a night dive planned to search for the endemic epaulette 'walking' shark. Afterward, the vessel will begin the overnight passage back north towards the central region.

    Dive sites: Fiabacet, Night Dive for Epaulette Sharks

    Good to know: The boat will cruise overnight to reposition for the final day of diving.

  7. Day 7: Last Dives in the Dampier Strait

    Dampier Strait

    After arriving back in the central region, the vessel conducts the final two dives of the trip. This offers one last chance to immerse in the nutrient-rich waters and witness the incredible density of marine life near sites like Arborek Island.

    Dive sites: Manta Sandy, Arborek Jetty

    Good to know: Fewer dives are scheduled to allow for sufficient off-gassing time before flying the next day.

  8. Day 8: Disembarkation in Sorong

    Sorong

    Following a final breakfast on board, guests will disembark in Sorong. The crew will assist with transfers to the airport for your onward journey, filled with memories of Raja Ampat's underwater wonders.

    Good to know: No diving on the day of departure. Transfers to Sorong (SOQ) airport are included.

Upcoming departures

  • 2026-12-24 – 2026-12-31from 2,800 USDBook
  • 2027-01-31 – 2027-02-07from 2,800 USDBook
  • 2027-02-08 – 2027-02-15from 2,800 USDBook
  • 2027-02-15 – 2027-02-22from 2,800 USDBook
  • 2027-02-22 – 2027-03-01from 2,800 USDBook
  • 2027-03-21 – 2027-03-28from 2,800 USDBook
  • 2027-04-04 – 2027-04-11from 2,800 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

Back to vessel: Queenesia II