Raja Ampat
Flagship Coral Triangle expedition to witness highest biodiversity fish and coral reefs, manta rays and critter life
Raja Ampat sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle and is presented as one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth, with exceptional coral and fish diversity. The territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, covering 9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish. This makes it the most diverse living library for world's coral reef and underwater biota. Around 75 percent of the world's species live here.
Our expeditions explore North and Central and South Raja Ampat aboard the Amira, combining wide-angle spectacle with critter and night dive opportunities. Trip itineraries may vary between different sailings.
OUR PROMISE
Insider Divers always carefully select the optimal season and best operator for every destination. For Raja Ampat, winter offers the most rewarding conditions. Among liveaboards worldwide, Amira stands out as a premier choice.
You will be in the company of fellow ocean lovers and accompanied by an Insider Divers group leader who handles logistics, making your trip effortless. We will enrich your experience with wildlife talks and provide professional photos as a memory of your trip.
Overview
Animals
Accommodation
Amira
MSV Amira is one of Insider Divers’ favorite Indonesian dive vessels and offers expeditions all over Indonesia. Built with locally grown timber using traditional Pinisi craftsmanship, the 52m vessel offers lots of relaxing areas as well as spacious cabins, all with showers, toilets and natural lighting. The crew is fantastic and the food delightful.
Amira
Lower Deck Cabin
Large twin cabins with private facilities, big bathrooms, AC, toilets and natural light
Upper Deck
Twin or double cabins with natural light and seaview, private facilities, big bathrooms, AC, toilets
Single room
One single room with private facilities, bathrooms, AC and toilets
Activities
Reef Dives
Reef Dives
Raja Ampat is one of the largest reef marine parks in the world. Every dive will be on lush soft and hard coral reefs. Often these reefs are on unique lime stone formations.
The diving is often at a mild drift but can also have strong currents where we hook onto corners and watch the magic.
Manta Cleaning Stations
Manta Cleaning Stations
There are several beautiful Manta Cleaning stations that invite for observing Manta Rays up close.
Often this requires hooking in strong current while the Mantas gently cruise the rushing water.
Jellyfish Lake
Jellyfish Lake
There are a few of these fresh water lakes that are filled to the brim with non-stinging jellyfish.
This snorkel can only be offered on a south route tour.
Baby Shark Snorkel
Baby Shark Snorkel
Several areas of Raja Ampat are shark nurseries. In some shallow tide pools baby sharks can be seen up close
This snorkel can only be offered on some tours.
Night Dives
Night Dives
On many nights the dive team will offer exiting night dive opportunities.
At night the reefs come to life with animals you do not always see during the day
Trip leader
Grant Thomas
Grant Thomas is an international award-winning photographer, videographer, travel guide and writer who has spent over 10 years travelling the globe capturing some of nature's finest moments. Originally from the UK, he moved to Asia to work as a scuba diving instructor and now leads tours and workshops focused on wildlife encounters and underwater photography.
REsponsibilities
- Briefings and wildlife presentations
- Logistics and organisation
- Guiding wildlife encounters
- Creating and sharing professional photography
Itinerary
Inclusions
- Full board based on shared room
- All snorkeling and diving
- Breakfasts, lunch, dinner plus snacks
- Presentations
- Photography training
- Professional photos
- Transfers from SOQ
- FREE T-Shirt
- Access to Insider Divers Portal
- Flights
- Rental equipment
- Nitrox (mandatory on Insider Divers trips)
- Wifi with Starlink
- Marine Park fees
- Fuel Surcharge
- Tips
Reviews
Couldn't have wished for a better first liveaboard. Give me all the reefs and fish and mantas!
The organization in advance was great and the group leader was very helpful and knowledgeable throughout the trip. Sharing his amazing photos with us including the best pics I've ever had of myself diving is a lovely addition. Crew and boat facilities were great as well. Had the best time in Raja Ampat, I'm so full of memories, impressions and experiences, I can't believe it was only 10 days because it certainly feels more like 100 in the best way possible 😍.
Looking forward to go on more Insider Divers trips in the future.
Raja Ampat CNY 2023 with Insider Divers
It was simply the best experience ever ! The boat, the diving, the organization of the trip left nothing to ask for better.
I really enjoyed the between dives workshops and presentations about sharks, mantas, underwater photography and the country and its people held by Simon Lorenz from Insider Divers.
Thanks again for this unforgettable experience !
Great added value by INSIDER DIVERS
What stood out for me on this trip compared to other trips we've done, is all the extras and different types of diving on offer. For example the talks on photography, sharks and mantas, plus the personal portraits of each of us underwater.
I enjoyed the new and different types of diving and snorkeling such as muck diving, diving under jetties, black water diving, snorkeling under the mangroves, with baby sharks and in a jellyfish lake.
I also appreciated Simon's helpfulness and advice regarding my camera and how to improve my photography. Great value-add from INSIDER DIVERS!
videos
FAQ
What experience level do I need?
This destination offers accessible diving conditions, yet it is not suitable for absolute beginners. To join, participants must have:
- A minimum of 50 logged dives
- Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification or higher
- Nitrox certification (mandatory on all Insider Divers trips to ensure longer, safer dives)
This is a great trip for people doing their first time on a liveaboard as the water is calm and we never experience rough seas.
Will I get seasick?
This destination presents a moderate challenge for those prone to seasickness. The boat cruises mainly between sheltered islands, avoiding waves and rough seas to ensure a calm journey.
Some choppiness may occur during longer overnight crossings between major areas, but unless you are highly sensitive, it’s generally manageable. For extra reassurance, we suggest bringing seasickness medication, though most guests rarely need it and only use it in unexpected situations.
What should I pack and bring?
As part of our process you will receive a log in to our Insider Divers portal which will have downloads, such as an extensive packing list after signing up.
We do recommend bringing your own gear but you can also rent everything on site.
When is the best time to dive Raja Ampat?
The main Raja Ampat liveaboard season runs from October through April, with most operators pausing or changing routes from May through September due to rougher seas. The peak months of November through March typically offer the best combination of calm conditions and marine life activity.
What marine life can I expect in Raja Ampat?
Raja Ampat sits in the heart of the Coral Triangle and has the highest marine biodiversity on Earth. Expect manta rays (reef and oceanic), wobbegong sharks, walking sharks, schooling barracuda and sweetlips, pygmy seahorses, critter life on blackwater dives, turtles, and kaleidoscopic coral gardens.
How do I get to Raja Ampat?
Fly into Sorong (SOQ) in West Papua, typically connecting via Jakarta (CGK) or Makassar (UPG). Liveaboards such as the MSV Amira board in Sorong harbor with a short transfer from the airport. We recommend an overnight in Bali or Jakarta before embarkation.
We’re here to help — reach out with any question you may have.