Misool - Fam - Central
Raja Ampat Explorer · Indonesia · 11D/10N
About this route
Located off the northwestern tip of West Papua, Raja Ampat is in the heart of the Coral Triangle. It is an archipelago of over 1500 small islands and reefs surrounding the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati in the north and Misool in the south. The marine diversity in this archipelago is staggering and - quite literally – like nowhere else on earth. Raja Ampat is reef diving perfection – one with a promise of exploration and discovery. The diving in Raja Ampat can be broadly divided into two main areas. The north with its nutrient-rich currents, denser fish life and better hard corals. While Misool Island in the south offers divers better visibility and more plentiful soft corals.
Regions on this route
Day-by-day plan
Day 1: Embarkation in Sorong
Sorong, West Papua
Upon arrival at Sorong's airport, you will be transferred to the harbor to board the vessel. After a welcome briefing and settling into your cabin, the boat will depart, sailing overnight towards the southern reaches of Raja Ampat.
Good to know: Dinner is served onboard as the journey to Misool begins.
Day 2: The Underwater Jewels of Misool
South Misool
The first day of diving begins in the heart of Misool's marine protected area. Dives may explore sites like Boo, famous for its "windows" or swim-throughs, and surrounding reefs teeming with colorful soft corals and abundant fish life.
Dive sites: Boo
Good to know: The area is known for its incredible biodiversity, setting a high standard for the trip.
Day 3: Fiabacet's Walls and Caves
South Misool
Today's dives focus on the islets of Farondi and Fiabacet. Explore dramatic walls and coral-encrusted caves, keeping an eye out for the many species of nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses that shelter in the large sea fans.
Dive sites: Fiabacet, Farondi
Good to know: A night dive might be offered, revealing nocturnal critters like the unique epaulette "walking" shark.
Day 4: Heart of the Coral Triangle
South Misool
Continue exploring the maze of islands in southern Misool, where every dive presents a new spectacle of marine life. The reefs are a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals, frequented by patrolling reef sharks and schools of fusiliers.
Good to know: The exact sites are chosen by the cruise director based on conditions to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 5: Journey to the Fam Islands
Between Misool & Fam Islands
After a couple of morning dives in the Misool area, the boat begins its journey north towards the Fam Islands. The afternoon is spent cruising, offering a chance to relax on deck and enjoy the spectacular island scenery of Raja Ampat.
Good to know: This is a longer transit day, bridging the southern and central regions of the archipelago.
Day 6: Piaynemo & Melissa's Garden
Fam Islands / Penemu
Arrive in the Fam Islands, home to the postcard-perfect Piaynemo viewpoint. Following a short trek for breathtaking photos, you'll dive at Melissa's Garden, a sprawling reef top covered in a dense carpet of pristine hard corals swarmed by anthias.
Dive sites: Melissa's Garden, Fam Wall
Good to know: The day includes a rewarding land excursion to the famous Piaynemo scenic viewpoint.
Day 7: Arborek & Manta Encounters
Dampier Strait
The journey continues to the central Dampier Strait region. Dives are planned around Arborek Island's famous jetty and Manta Sandy, a well-known cleaning station offering incredible encounters with graceful reef mantas.
Dive sites: Manta Sandy, Arborek Jetty
Good to know: A visit to Arborek village can be a highlight, offering a glimpse into local island life.
Day 8: Dampier Strait Classics
Dampier Strait
Dive some of Raja Ampat's most legendary sites in the nutrient-rich Dampier Strait. Experience the thrilling currents and immense fish biomass at Cape Kri and hunt for pelagics at the submerged pinnacle of Blue Magic.
Dive sites: Cape Kri, Blue Magic
Good to know: Currents can be strong at these sites, attracting large schools of fish, barracuda, and sharks.
Day 9: Gam and Kri Island Dives
Gam Island / Kri Island
Explore the diverse dive sites surrounding Gam and Kri islands. Dives might include Sardine Reef, known for its massive schools of fusiliers and trevallies, or discovering the varied underwater landscapes from gentle slopes to plunging walls.
Dive sites: Sardine Reef
Good to know: The biodiversity in this central area is staggering, holding records for fish and coral species concentration.
Day 10: Final Dives & Return to Sorong
Dampier Strait
Enjoy two final morning dives in the Dampier Strait, perhaps exploring the fish-laden pilings of Sauwandarek Jetty. Afterwards, the boat begins its cruise back to Sorong Harbor, allowing time to rinse gear and share photos.
Dive sites: Sauwandarek Jetty
Good to know: The boat travels back to Sorong during the afternoon. A farewell dinner is held with the crew and new friends.
Day 11: Farewell to Raja Ampat
Sorong, West Papua
After a final breakfast on board, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to the crew. You will be transferred to the Sorong airport to catch your onward flights.
Good to know: Depending on flight schedules, there may be time for some last-minute souvenir shopping in Sorong.
Upcoming departures
- 2026-11-13 – 2026-11-23from 3,692 USDBook
- 2026-11-27 – 2026-12-07from 3,692 USDBook
- 2026-12-11 – 2026-12-21from 3,692 USDBook
- 2026-12-26 – 2027-01-05from 3,692 USDBook
- 2027-03-03 – 2027-03-13from 3,692 USDBook
- 2027-03-16 – 2027-03-26from 3,692 USDBook
- 2027-04-03 – 2027-04-13from 3,692 USDBook
- 2027-04-16 – 2027-04-26from 3,692 USDBook
- 2027-04-30 – 2027-05-10from 3,692 USDBook
- 2028-03-13 – 2028-03-23from 3,862 USDBook
- 2028-03-27 – 2028-04-06from 3,862 USDBook
- 2028-04-10 – 2028-04-20from 3,862 USDBook
All routes of this liveaboard
About the vessel
Raja Ampat ExplorerIndonesia