Slack Water
Liveaboards · Indonesia

Raja Ampat liveaboards

6–14 nights from Sorong or Waisai. The highest reef biodiversity on record, with the currents that feed it.

Compare boats and dates ↗Raja Ampat dive guide
Forested karst islets scattered across a turquoise lagoon at Pianemo, Raja Ampat, under a blue sky
Photo: sutirta budiman / Unsplash (Unsplash License)

At a glance

Best months
October to April
Trip length
6–14 nights
Departs from
Sorong, Waisai
Price per night
US$250–US$500Per person, typical published rates
Certification
Open Water on some boatsAdvanced recommended
Current
ModerateModerate to strong at many sites

When boats run

October to April.

Overview

Raja Ampat liveaboards leave from Sorong, or sometimes Waisai, in West Papua. Trips typically last 6 to 14 nights. Short trips focus on the Dampier Strait, while longer ones add the remote north around Wayag or the south around Misool.

Most boats run their main season from October to April. Day rates on Dive The World in 2026 typically run from about USD 250 to 500 per person, with a few boats lower or higher. Visitors also pay a marine park tag and a regency tourist levy, together about IDR 1.7 million for foreigners in 2026.

Routes

  • Dampier Strait and central Raja Ampat6 nights · October to April. Shorter trips around the Dampier Strait and Waigeo, known for fish density, manta cleaning stations and current. The central area also stays fairly sheltered in the rougher months.
  • North Raja Ampat (Wayag)9 nights · October to April. Adds the remote north and the limestone islands of Wayag to central sites. Suits divers with time who want the full range of the region.
  • South Raja Ampat (Misool)9–13 nights · October to April. Starts with a long overnight crossing from Sorong to Misool for soft coral and macro, often combined with the Dampier Strait on 10 to 13 night trips. Misool's southern sites close in the rough season.

Getting to the boat

  • Sorong, West PapuaMost liveaboards board in Sorong, reached by domestic flights, typically via Jakarta or Makassar; one boat lists airport or hotel transfers to the boat at USD 50 per person one way.
  • Waisai, WaigeoSome boats start in Waisai, the Raja Ampat regency town, reached by ferry from Sorong.

Who can go

Some Open Water divers can join, but expect conditions. Dive The World says most Raja Ampat operators recommend Advanced Open Water and at least 50 logged dives. Master Liveaboards requires AOW plus 50 logged dives, or for Open Water divers at least 60 logged dives and deep (30 m) training, and crew may stop guests who do not meet this from diving.

Advanced Open Water and a decent number of logged dives recommended.

What it costs

Published rates typically run US$250 to US$500 a night. Per person per day, shared cabin, most Dive The World 'from' prices seen in 2026; the full listed range is about USD 159 to 619 per day. Excludes park fees, flights to Sorong, transfers and drinks; one operator charges a 60% supplement for sole cabin use.

  • Raja Ampat Marine Park tag (PIN): IDR 700,000 for international visitors, valid 12 months (Raja Ampat Biodiversity, 2026)
  • Regency tourist levy (visitor entry ticket): IDR 1,000,000 for international visitors, raised from IDR 300,000 (TTG Asia, July 2026); combined with the tag, about IDR 1.7 million
  • Online registration through SIPARI before arrival is reported for 2026 (Ocean Earth Travels)
  • Transfers from Sorong airport or hotel to the boat: USD 50 per person one way on at least one boat (Dive The World listing, seen 2026)

Know the risks

  • Current
  • July to September is the roughest period; some sites close
  • Remote location, limited medical access

Questions

How much does a Raja Ampat liveaboard cost?

Most Dive The World listings seen in 2026 typically start at about USD 250 to 500 per person per day, and the full range is about USD 159 to 619. Flights to Sorong, park fees, transfers and drinks are usually extra.

Can Open Water divers do a Raja Ampat liveaboard?

Sometimes. Most operators recommend Advanced Open Water and 50 logged dives. Master Liveaboards accepts Open Water divers only with at least 60 logged dives and deep dive training.

What are the Raja Ampat park fees?

In 2026 international visitors pay IDR 700,000 for the marine park tag and IDR 1,000,000 for the regency tourist levy, about IDR 1.7 million in total. Fees have changed several times, so check before you travel.

How long is a Raja Ampat liveaboard trip?

Trips typically run 6 to 14 nights. A 6 night trip covers the Dampier Strait; 9 nights or more are needed to add the north or Misool in the south.

Book

Some of these links may earn us a commission at no cost to you. It never changes what we recommend. How this site is funded

Also by boat in the same months

Sources

Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Prices and fees change every season; confirm with the operator before you book.