Heart of the Coral Triangle

Raja Ampat’s reefs are an oceanic crossroads where the Pacific and Indian Ocean species collide. The archipelago’s gateway is Sorong. From here, live-aboards offer divers the luxury of exploring he archipelago from South to North. The Southern most Misool Island group teems with coral gardens, cave systems and mangroves. These southern waters boast blue holes at Jef Pele, towering burial caves at Tomolol, dramatic soft coral walls at Wayalibit Chanel and schooling yellowtail barracuda & bigeye trevally at Fabiacet Rocks. 

If you are not a live-aboard fan enjoy the best the southern islands have to offer from Misool Eco Resort. The small resort is located on the private island of Batbitim, nestled deep in a vast archipelago of uninhabited islands, 150 miles from the nearest resort and half a day's journey from the nearest village. Raja Ampat has over 700 species of mollusks and 1,200 species of fish. Counted among those is the newly discovered 'walking' epaulette shark, commonly seen on night dives on the house reef.

Northwest of Misool are Kofiau and Walo Islands, both very popular for diving and the site of a record fish count. Further north he winding passages of Aljui Bay at Waigeo Island, offering incredible wall dives, superb muck diving, hordes of leaf fish and Ambon Scorpionfish.

At the center of Raja Ampat is Kri Island and its surrounding reefs. The currents of Dampier Strait pour past the front door of Sorido Bay Resort & Kri Eco Resort.

Raja Ampat Live-Aboards

Kararu Cheng Ho – The 160 foot Cheng Ho is a modified Pinisi (Bugis) Schooner constructed in 2002. There are 13 cabins and staterooms catering to a maximum of 20 divers. October thru May the Cheng Ho cruises the waters of Raja Ampat & the Banda Sea.

MV Pindito – With 15 plus years of experience sailing Raja Ampat, the MV Pindito was extensively refurnished in 2006, with 8 en-suite private cabins.  There are several itineraries to choose from; October thru April the Pindito departs from Sorong and Ambon. The Ambon itinerary starts with the capital of the Moluccas. From there visit the best dive sites of Saparua and Nusa Laut before reaching the historically important Spice Island Banda Neira. From Sorong the Pindito takes you on the Misool route showing you an abundance of the undersea world.

Ocean Rover – September thru December the Ocean Rover moves up to Raja Ampat to dive the amazing underwater world of Waigeo, Gam, Kri, Wai, Batanta, Kawe and more!

Peter Hughes Paradise Dancer – The largest in the Dancer fleet at 188 feet, September thru March the Paradise Dancer cruises around Raja Ampat.  

Dive Damai - A new concept in the diving industry: a boutique liveaboard. "Damai" is an Indonesian word meaning "peaceful," providing tranquility above the water while avoiding crowds down below. Dive-Damai is dedicated to small groups and offers the chance to enjoy diving remote areas in Indonesia, while experiencing unprecedented service and an unlimited amount of dives and bottom time.