Dive in the Gorgeous Dampier Strait & Misool in Raja Ampat!

Why We Love It

Raja Ampat is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs on the planet. With magnificent views, clear lagoons, and islands lined with coral gardens, pinnacles and drop-offs, the two main areas - Dampier Strait to the north and Misool are unmissable. The Misool marine protected area is mainly accessible with a liveaboard. The founders of the marine area have an eco resort, but it is full for the next three years...! Observe splendid reef and oceanic manta rays at their cleaning station, reef sharks, and multitudes of fish. An unforgettable cruise with only 16 divers on board!

Conservation

The founders have created the Tompotika Foundation to support the creation of a Marine Protected Area in North Sulawesi. Marine biologists are often invited on board. Usage of plastics is reduced as much as possible.

Who Is It For?

For passionate divers with experience in currents. Advanced Open Water or level 2 required. Kayaks and Paddle boards available. Several land excursions. Snorkellers are welcome.

Prices and Dates

Dive Briefing!

Marine Life

• 75% of the world’s coral species
  • 1,400+ reef fish species
  • 600+ coral species
• Sharks
  • White and Black tips
  • Wobbegong sharks
  • Bamboo sharks
  • and various Reef Sharks
• Reef Mantas at nearby cleaning stations
• Majestic Oceanic Manta in open water
• Large schools of tuna, trevally, mackerel, batfish, surgeonfish, angel and butterflyfish, napoleon wrasse, bumpheads, giant sweetlips, damsels, fusiliers, anthias
• Magnificent macro with the rare Pygmy Seahorses

Dive Conditions

• Season: high season from October to April, when plankton blooms reduce visibility but bring greater numbers of manta rays
• Currents: strong and changing - some dive sites are not suitable for beginners or anyone that doesn’t feel comfortable in currents.
• Visibility: 15 to 20 m (50 to 66 ft) (nutrient rich water can lead to reduced visibility)
• Water Temperature: 28° to 30°C (82° to 86°F)
• Depth: deep and shallow dives

Dive Sites

• In Raja Ampat, you get to dive in Dampier Strait and Misool, where some of the prettiest soft coral reefs in the world are located.
• It is almost impossible to put together a daily itinerary due to the magnificent diving everywhere you will go. No trip is the same with so many different sites to visit and explore.
• Some trips also go to Triton Bay, Halmahera and the Banda Sea
• If there is somewhere in particular you really have your heart set on please discuss with the Cruise Director. The staff will do their utmost to get you there – conditions, ship and your safety allowing.

The Team

• Operation in the area since 2001. Liveaboard renovated in 2018.
• PADI Courses available on board: Nitrox and Advanced Open Water.
• Languages spoken: English, French, Indonesian on all trips
• Maximum divers per guide: 4

Safety Information

• Equipment Recommended: 3 to 5 mm long wetsuit, dive computer, surface marker buoy (SMB), whistle, and a 'reef hook' (to use on rocks only!)
• Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe which has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote.
• Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: Darwin, Australia or Manado, Sulawesi - note that there is a chamber in Raja Ampat, but it is not certified or compliant with international standards

Visas, Flights, and More!

Visa Requirements

• Many nationalities are eligible to enter and remain in Indonesia without a visa for 30 days. Others need to obtain a Visa on Arrival for 30 days at the major entry points to Indonesia. Visa on Arrival costs $37 (about ... EUR) and usually can be extended for another 30 days.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and have one full blank page
• Must be able to show an onward ticket that departs before your visa expires
• For official entry requirements for your nationality, consult Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration

How to Get There

• Take an international flight to Jakarta (CGK) and then a direct flight to Sorong (SOQ)
• Plan to arrive in Sorong one day before departure as delays can happen and you'd miss the cruise departure
• Transfers from/to the airport or hotels to the boat within Sorong city limits are included:
• Boarding time is before noon.
• Last day: disembarkation before noon.

More...

• The area is subject to malaria. Take necessary precautions to avoid it.
• Don't forget to bring your walking shoes.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, a rash guard for sun protection.