Raja Ampat has been documented as one of the last frontiers of un-spoilt diving. The archipelago’s pristine reefs are not only rich, but the region also proves to have the greatest coral reef biodiversity for its size in the world. Raja Ampat holds: 600 islands and reefs, 1,320 fish species, 550 coral species, and all that is yet to be discovered.

Raja Ampat is the seascape’s crown jewel. Fittingly, the name means “four kings.” The four main islands or “Kings” of the archipelago: Waigeo in the north, Salawati west of Sorong, Batanta north of Salawati, and Misool in the south.

Visit Waigeo and dive the famous Dampier Strait, some of Raja Ampat´s most action-packed dive sites. Exhilarating current dives and reliable manta cleaning stations where you can experience these majestic giant pelagics dance for hours along with many other treasures such as the tasselled wobbegong shark.

• 5 star luxury liveaboard Mermaid I, won awards for world's best liveaboard multiple times

• A liveaboard is best way to explore Raja – most coverage, best dive sites – access to remote, pristine dive sites impossible to reach on day boats, maximize time underwater

• Highest coral reef biodiversity for its size in the world, 1320 fish and 550 coral species

• March is best time of year to visit

• Best way to see all the big stuff with some macro too.

• Misool – soft coral heaven/gorgonian fans, pygmy seahorses, giant manta rays, sharks,

• Batanta Island – black sand, manta rays, learn about pearl farming (on tour), night dive at jetty = epaulette shark, wobbegong, crocodile fish, frogfish.

• Soft coral and macro photographers delight off Abrokrek & sawanderek Villages

• Dampier Straight – big schools of fish & glorious corals

We recommend staying one night in Sorong on 11th March. Must be in Sorong by 12 noon (airport or hotel pickup) on 12th March 2027. We recommend Aston Sorong Hotel & Conference Centre ($79/room) - 200m from airport.

Misool is the southern island of Raja Ampat. Misool has many groups of islands and there are literally hundreds of dive sites around this magnificent area for all our guests. This is the entrance to divers' paradise and we will be here for a few days. Soft coral heaven and gorgeous gorgonian sea fans are the highlights of Misool. Pygmy seahorses are easily found in almost all the dive sites of Misool! Pinnacles and underwater seamounts with masses of fish, and visits of pelagics such as Giant Manta Rays, sharks and more await you in Misool. Some of the best areas in Misool include Sagof, Wagmab, Farondi, Boo, Fiabacet, Yuliet, Wailbatan, Warakaret and Pele. After the third dive of the day in Farondi or Sagof, there is a chance to spend some time going around the lagoons in the dinghy. Enjoy the natural beauty of this area and look for some amazing wildlife. Then Mermaid I will start heading towards the northern part of Raja Ampat.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included while onboard.

This is where all the weird and wonderful creatures that you have seen in coffee table books like to live! Dive around the island of Kawe, a great place for schooling fish with beautiful reefs covered in black coral bushes and a very good chance to have encounters with Manta Rays. There is a pearl farm in Aljui Bay, where you can take a tour to learn about the entire process of pearl farming. You can even buy pearls if you wish! Diving in Aljui bay is good for macro as well as wide angle. You will find walls covered in soft corals and sea fans, lots of nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses. There is also a great night dive at the jetty where some of the highlights are the Raja epaulette shark (a species of “walking shark”), wobbegongs, crocodile fish, toadfish, frogfish and more.

Heading to the central part of Raja Ampat dive around the island of Yanggefo, with beautiful mangrove areas, stunning reefs covered in orange and purple soft corals and submerged reef with lots of schooling fish. Arborek and Sawanderek Villages are some of the most beautiful islands to visit and great to dive under their jetty! The jetty pillars are covered in soft corals – a photographer’s delight and also good for macro such as signal gobies, nudibranchs, pipefish, blue ringed octopus and more.

The last two dives of your cruise will be done in Dampier Strait area, where big schools of fish and glorious corals are simply amazing! After the second dive MV Mermaid I must go back to Sorong. The crew will take care of rinsing your equipment and there’s time to pack during this 5 - 6 hour run.

• A family-owned Australian business for over 45 years, founded in 1979 and still run by the McKinnon family, brings passion and personal care to every guest experience.

• Guided by Scuba World’s mission to create safe, enthusiastic divers, every trip feels welcoming and memorable.

• Highly trained, experienced, and long-term staff at Australia’s only Aqualung Partner Centre and SSI Diamond Dive Centre ensure world-class safety and education.

• We have a proven history of taking guests on trips for years, often visiting the destination beforehand to ensure a seamless experience and extra bonus information—sometimes having visited many times.

• Suppliers are carefully chosen for being the best in their area when it comes to service and safety. This translates to serviced equipment and boats, clean air, and knowledgeable, friendly staff—elements that truly matter to divers.

• A strong team culture built on trust, with a stable crew, means your trip is led by passionate individuals who care about your experience.

• A warm tour leader enhances the experience through shared activities and laughter, helping guests form meaningful connections.

• Enjoy personal, attentive service from friendly staff and experienced guides, consistently praised by guests.

• In order to maximise the enjoyment of all clients and access the best dive sites, Scuba World requires all participants to hold Advanced Open Water certification. We recommend practicing SMB deployment beforehand and having completed a minimum of four dives within the past six months. 

• Snorkellers are welcome and are charged at the same price as a diver.

• Tips and gratuities are not included. Whilst voluntary, a tip on this trip is highly recommended and appreciated.

• Prices are subject to currency fluctuations and changes in supplier rates, including any fuel tax surcharges. The final price will be determined upon payment of the balance. This pricing estimate is based on the NAB Exchange Rate of 1 AUD to 0.582956 EURO as of March 2026.  

• We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance.

• All divers must hold dive evacuation insurance, such as that included with Diver Alert Network (DAN) membership.

• The price excludes government permits. $275Euro (approximately $470 AUD )for Raja Ampat National Park Fee *subject to change

• Full Terms and Conditions are provided as part of the booking form and must be acknowledged prior to booking.