Route Description - Raja Ampat Central & South 9N (Sorong-Sorong)
A spectacular liveaboard journey through Raja Ampat aboard Adelaar, exploring Misool, Piaynemo, Yangeffo, and Arborek. Dive iconic sites like Boo Windows and Magic Mountain, encounter manta rays, sharks, and vibrant reefs, and enjoy island viewpoints, lagoons, and cultural visits—an unforgettable blend of world-class diving and adventure, ending in Sorong.
Day 1 – Sorong to Matan Island
The journey begins in Sorong. After airport or hotel pickup, guests are welcomed aboard Adelaar with a refreshing drink and a safety briefing. Cruising south toward Misool, a relaxed check dive takes place at Pulau Matan — a shallow, protected reef ideal for easing into the water.
Non-divers: Matan Island offers white-sand beaches where locals gather to relax. Guests may interact with families along the shore or enjoy refreshments at small beachside warungs. Overnight crossing to Misool (Daram area). (1 check dive)
Day 2 – Daram & Yilliet (Misool)
Diving in the remote Daram area at sites such as Warna Bewarna, Andiamo, and Candy Store, featuring dramatic walls, vibrant soft corals, and swirling schools of fusiliers.
After a full day of diving, Adelaar relocates to Yilliet for a night dive at “Romeo, the Impossible Lover,” where nocturnal marine life such as crustaceans, cuttlefish, reef sharks, moray eels, and possibly the endemic epaulette shark may be seen.
Non-divers: Snorkeling at Warna Berwarna or a scenic dinghy tour along Daram’s limestone coast. (3 day dives, 1 night dive)
Day 3 – Boo, Fiabacet & Wayil
Based on Misool Eco Resort permits, dives may include:
•Nudi Rock & Tank Rock – Iconic macro sites with rich coral gardens and schooling fish
•Whale Rock – Colorful shallow reefs with pinnacles attracting fusiliers and reef sharks
•Gorgonian Passage – A drift dive through dense sea fans, home to pygmy seahorses
•Boo Windows – Famous swim-throughs, sharks, and schooling pelagics
•Magic Mountain – Legendary manta ray cleaning station featured in Blue Planet II
•Four Kings & Wedding Cake – Pinnacles covered in sea fans and marine life
Non-diving highlights: Depending on permissions, a visit to a secluded turtle nesting beach by speedboat, kayak, or paddleboard may be possible, including a potential sunset visit. (4 day dives)
Day 4 – Fiabacet, Wayil & Pele
Further exploration of Misool’s reefs, with opportunities to revisit Nudi Rock, Whale Rock, Gorgonian Passage, Boo Windows, Magic Mountain, and Four Kings.
Adventure: An early-morning hike to Wayil’s iconic Love Lake viewpoint, featuring a heart-shaped lagoon. Access is tide-dependent. (3 day dives)
Day 5 – Balbulol*
Exploration of Balbulol Lagoon, known for dramatic limestone karst formations.
Dives at Two Tree Island, Plateau, No Contest, and Love Potion, offering drop-offs, schooling fish, and stunning coral scenery.
Exploration: Guests may skip the afternoon dive for kayaking or a speedboat tour through the karst lagoons. A steep viewpoint hike may also be arranged for adventurous guests. (2 day dives)
*Option to visit one of two jellyfish lakes
Day 6 – Piaynemo
Diving in Piaynemo at:
•Melissa’s Garden – Dense hard coral formations
•Keruo Channel – High-energy drift with large schools of fish
•Batu Rufus – Sloping reefs and colorful walls
Trek: Visit the iconic Piaynemo viewpoint, featured on Indonesia’s 100,000 rupiah note. The short stair climb is typically scheduled before the night dive, with refreshments available at the top. (3 day dives)
Days 7–8 – Yangeffo & Mutus Village
Diving in Yangeffo at sites such as Citrus Ridge, Mayhem, and Gam Ridge, known for vibrant corals, strong currents, and abundant marine life. Night dives may reveal walking sharks and nocturnal creatures.
Non-diving activities: A cultural visit to Mutus Village offers insight into local daily life. Later, enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding through Yangeffo’s mangrove-fringed reefs. (6 day dives, 2 night dives)
Day 9 – Arborek & Mansuar
•Diving at two sites among:
•Arborek Jetty – Schooling fish and macro life
•Manta Sandy – Renowned manta ray cleaning station
•Sawandarek Jetty – Hard corals, giant clams, and large reef fish
•Yenbuba – Drift dive with fusiliers, barracudas, and turtles
Non-divers: Snorkeling from jetties or observing mantas from the surface.
Overnight navigation back to Sorong. (2 day dives)
Day 10 – Sorong & Farewell
Early morning arrival in Sorong. After breakfast, the crew assists with airport transfers or hotel drop-off.
As guests disembark Adelaar, memories of manta rays, pristine reefs, island viewpoints, and shared adventures bring this remarkable expedition to a close.