Route Description - Raja Ampat - Misool
Christmas Tour & New Year Welcome Itineraries
12 Days /11 Nights (Sorong-Sorong)
Raja Ampat is part of the Coral Triangle, widely regarded as the epicenter of global marine biodiversity. This remarkable archipelago is home to at least 75 percent of all known coral species and nearly 1,300 species of reef fish. Divers can expect an extraordinary range of underwater topography, from soft corals and sea fans to hard coral formations, seagrass beds, mangroves, shallow reefs, steep drop-offs, caves, and stretches of both black and white sand. Encounters with giant manta rays, sea turtles, sharks, cuttlefish, pipefish, and a variety of seahorse species are common, along with vast schools of reef fish. Notably, wobbegong sharks and epaulet (walking) sharks are also found in these waters, adding to the region’s uniqueness. In addition to its aquatic wonders, Raja Ampat is also a paradise for bird watchers, featuring lush forests that are home to a variety of rare avian species.
Day 1: Arrival in Sorong
Guests arrive in Sorong, a coastal city in the eastern Indonesian province of West Papua and the main gateway to the Raja Ampat Islands. Upon arrival, the MARI crew provides a seamless transfer from the airport or hotel to the harbor. Once aboard, guests are welcomed and checked into their cabins. A comprehensive safety and dive orientation follows, setting the tone for the exciting days ahead.
Day 2–10: Diving Across Raja Ampat
For the next nine days, the MARI liveaboard explores the breathtaking underwater world of Raja Ampat. When conditions allow, guests can enjoy up to three or four dives per day. On days involving long crossings, the number of dives may be limited to one or two.
Day 11: Final Dive Day – Return to Sorong
On this final day of diving, guests complete their last underwater explorations in the morning, typically by around 10:45 a.m. Following the dives, the boat begins its return to the port of Sorong. No diving is scheduled after this time to ensure all guests can observe a safe pre-flight surface interval.
Day 12: Check-Out and Departure
Guests will enjoy a final breakfast or lunch on board, depending on individual flight schedules. After heartfelt farewells to the crew and fellow divers, transfers to Sorong Airport or local hotels will be arranged by the MARI crew, who will also assist with check-in and luggage.
The last dive of the expedition is scheduled for Day 11 at approximately 10:45 a.m. Divers are strongly advised to observe a minimum 24-hour surface interval before flying to ensure their safety.