Luxury Raja Ampat Biodiversity Expedition 2028

Luxury Raja Ampat Biodiversity Expedition 2028

Join Bluewater's 11-night luxury liveaboard adventure through Raja Ampat aboard the Dewi Nusantara, featuring world-class diving, guided excursions, and elegant comforts.

Why Join This Trip?

• Discover why our Raja Trips are the pinnacle of diving with spectacular biodiversity
• 11-night route dives the absolute best of Raja Ampat
• Manta rays, wobbegong sharks, mind-blowing corals, and schooling fish, highest marine diversity in the world
• Raja is considered by many to be their No. 1 top bucket list dive destination in the world
• Diver to Guide ratio is 4:1
• 25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
• Fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure

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Trip Overview

This 11-night journey aboard the Dewi Nusantara explores the very best of Raja Ampat, from the coral-rich waters of Waigeo and Batanta to the dramatic seascapes of Misool. The region’s astonishing biodiversity is on full display—delicate pygmy seahorses, graceful manta rays, swirling schools of fusiliers, and the elusive wobbegong shark are just a few of the highlights. Divers will encounter thriving coral gardens, steep walls, seamounts, and even unique habitats such as mangroves where corals grow alongside tropical foliage. Above the surface, guests are treated to breathtaking limestone karsts, pristine beaches, and hidden lagoons, ensuring a truly immersive experience in one of the most extraordinary marine environments on earth.

Read all about our latest trip to Raja Ampat in 2025 here.

Click the Manta Trust logo to learn more!

Check out this amazing video from our Raja Ampat Photo Workshop in 2022.

Marine Life To Photograph

Raja Ampat boasts one of the most diverse arrays of fish species on the planet. Among the captivating marine life you can encounter are wobbegong sharks, jacks, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, trevally, bumphead parrotfish, pygmy seahorses, batfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, barramundi cod, and an impressive variety of nudibranchs.

When the currents become stronger at deeper waters, exploring reveals the presence of reef sharks at numerous sites, particularly at renowned locations like Blue Magic and Sardines. These spots also serve as gathering points for schooling fish, forming breathtaking congregations when the currents are strong. During such moments, you might find yourself immersed in swirling clouds of fusiliers and surgeonfish in the mid-water region, while vast numbers of sweetlips completely veil the sizeable coral heads below. It's an underwater spectacle that never fails to amaze.

See also: Raja Ampat Dive Travel Guide

Sample Itinerary

• Day 1 – Sorong
  Arrive in Sorong and board Dewi Nusantara at noon. After a welcome briefing and check dive, relax as the vessel sets sail into the heart of Raja Ampat.
• Day 2 – Dampier Strait: Mioskon & Kri
  Start the adventure with world-famous dive sites like Cape Kri and Blue Magic, home to massive schools of fusiliers, barracuda, trevallies, reef sharks, and occasional oceanic mantas.
• Day 3 – Yangello
  Drift along coral ridges and seamounts such as Mayhem, known for strong currents and big fish action, balanced with mangrove habitats that make for unique wide-angle photo opportunities.
• Day 4 – Wofoh Islands
  Dive dramatic walls and pristine sloping reefs covered in black coral bushes. Between dives, explore white sand beaches and crystal-clear shallows.
• Day 5 – Aljui Bay (Waigeo)
  Discover macro-rich walls and critter dives, including pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs. At night, dive the piers of the Cendana Pearl Farm, one of Raja Ampat’s premier night dives.
• Day 6 – Penemu
  Experience dazzling reefs and drift dives, highlighted by Melissa’s Garden, one of the most celebrated shallow coral gardens in all of Indonesia.
• Day 7 – Daram Islands (Misool)
  Dive kaleidoscopic reefs and dramatic topography in one of Misool’s most remote areas. Expect vibrant coral growth, swirling fish schools, and the chance for exploratory dives.
• Day 8 – Wayil (Misool)
  Explore sites like The Four Kings, a seamount cluster attracting both reef and pelagic life. Other dives reveal sea fan channels, barracuda-filled reefs, and colorful pinnacles.
• Day 9 – Jef Pele, Lili & Kepotsol
  Less-visited sites offering spectacular ridges and seamounts such as Kaleidoscope Ridge, teeming with both large predators and intricate coral life.
• Day 10 – Fiabacet & Boo (Misool)
  Immerse in world-class diving at iconic sites like Boo Windows, Magic Mountain, and Nudi Rock. Expect manta rays, sharks, dense schools of fish, and stunning coral formations.
• Day 11 – Batanta: Sagewin Strait
  Finish with macro-focused dives along dark sandy slopes, home to critters such as frogfish, ghost pipefish, and the rare walking shark.
• Day 12 – Sorong
  Early morning return to Sorong. Disembark after breakfast and transfers to the airport or hotel.

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Diving Conditions

Raja Ampat offers exceptional diving conditions between December and February, as this falls within the calm season. This time of year provides warm waters and relatively predictable weather, making it ideal for diving adventures. Air temperatures are reliably constant, with a daytime average maximum of 89F (32C) and a nightly minimum of 77F (25C).

• Water Temperature: 80 - 86F (27 - 30C)
• Visibility: 30 to 70 feet (9 to 20 meters)
• Depth Range: Ranging from 30 to 70 feet

Read the reviews on diving Raja Ampat here.

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Recommended Scuba Gear

Download our full scuba gear guide to Raja Ampat, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF! Click the image below to download (PDF).

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Trip Type

This is a GUIDED GROUP TRIP. Led by an experienced Bluewater trip leader or accredited local guide who will manage the trip logistics and ensure your needs are met throughout. While this trip is designed to optimize your photography opportunities, it is not led by one of our photo instructors and so meaningful photography advice from your trip leader should not be expected.

What to Expect from Our Guided Group Trips

• Meet like-minded travelers - Our Group Trips are perfect for solo travelers who enjoy meeting other divers or photographers and enjoy the support of a pre-arranged itinerary. Your trip leader will arrange group activities such as meals or game nights to ensure everyone feels part of the Bluewater family.
• Problems solved - Your trip leader will be on hand to assist with any issues you may have. From delayed or canceled flights, to lost room keys and dietary requirements. We have dealt with it all before and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly.

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Inclusions

• 11 nights accommodation onboard, double/twin occupancy
• Meals: grazing breakfast, full breakfast, buffet lunch, snacks, elegant dinner with waiter service
• Beverage: water, soft drinks, tea & coffee (including espresso machine), local beer, a glass of red or white wine for dinner
• Bathroom robes and towels, deck towels
• Mid-cruise bed linen and towel change
• Mini massage (head and shoulders) after each dive
• Two-way ground transfers on embarkation and disembarkation dates (hotel or airport - Dewi Nusantara - hotel or airport)
• Diving: up to 4 dives per day, including night dives. Up to 2 shallow dives on the day before disembarkation, depending on the departure flight time
• Activities (weather permitting): excursions, 2 kayaks, 2 stand-up paddle boards
• Camera room for photographers: multiple charging stations, DVD player and TV for photo/video playback
• Wi-Fi for messaging only (WhatsApp, emails etc.) - available only in areas with mobile phone coverage
• Professional dive guide (4 divers per guide)
• 12 lt. air aluminum tanks (for both DIN and YOKE regulators)
• Weights, weight belt
• Safety equipment for the duration of the cruise: Nautilus Lifeline, whistle, SMB

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Exclusions

• Port & park fee ($390 per person, invoiced in advance)
• Fuel surcharge ($330 per person, invoiced in advance)
• Nitrox ($230 per trip)
• Equipment rental ($330 per trip)
• Domestic and international flight tickets
• Visa for Indonesia
• Hotel before/after the cruise
• Diving insurance (mandatory for each diver)
• Travel and “Cancel for any reason insurance” (highly recommended!!!) - contact us for more information about our Preferred Travel Insurance Partner
• Satellite-based Wi-Fi (voucher/s to be booked and paid on board)
• Massages (to be paid on board)
• Boutique items (souvenirs and/or alcoholic beverages) - guests can bring their own alcohol on board
• Crew gratuities/tips

*all additional fees and charges are subject to change.

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Accommodation

About the Dewi Nusantara

The Dewi Nusantara is a 58-meter, three-masted schooner designed to set the standard for luxury liveaboard diving in Indonesia. Accommodating just 18 guests across one expansive master suite and eight deluxe staterooms, the vessel offers a spacious and elegant experience at sea. Each cabin features ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and thoughtful details that blend comfort with practicality, while the master suite boasts panoramic windows and a private lounge. With wide decks, a stylish lounge, and al fresco dining areas, the yacht provides a refined yet relaxed atmosphere for life between dives.

Purpose-built for divers, the Dewi Nusantara features a large dive deck, custom tenders for easy water entry, and a dedicated camera room with multiple workstations and charging points, making it especially appealing for underwater photographers. Guests enjoy the ease of full gear handling, complimentary post-dive massages, and exceptional service delivered by a professional crew.

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Raja Ampat Trip Extensions

Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! See more of Indonesia before or after your liveaboard in Raja Ampat with Bluewater.

Read More.

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Trip Leader

Laura Taylor

Laura grew up in Chicago, and now lives in Brisbane, Australia. She met her Australian dive instructor husband in the Bahamas, where she learned to dive. Together they worked for Club Med Eleuthera, Hurgada, and Cancun before moving to Australia. Laura has an MBA and had an executive career in hospitality.

Laura's dive experience includes extensive dive travel in South Pacific (where she achieved dive master certification), and work as a Dive Master in South Africa, PNG and Australia. She has experience in both liveaboard and resort management.

Laura's Most Memorable Dives: PNG, Galapagos and The Yongola

Laura's bucket list destinations: Palau, Cocos Islands and Misool.

Read more about Laura Taylor.

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How To Get There

Flight Information

The trip will begin and end in Sorong (airport code SOQ). The recommended route is to fly internationally to Jakarta and then take a domestic transfer to Sorong. We recommend arriving into Sorong at least 1 day before embarkation to allow time to rest and for delayed flights/baggage.

Recommended hotels in Sorong are the Swiss BelHotel and the Aston. You will be transferred from your hotel to the boat on embarkation day. The cruise departs on November 2, 2028, Thursday, at 12:00 noon; check-in/embarkation is at 11:30 am.

Check-out/disembarkation is on November 13, 2028, Monday, at 9:00 am or earlier.

We are happy to assist you with flight suggestions and hotel bookings if required.

Flight Package

Our group trips attract guests from all over the globe and many of our customers prefer to book their own flights to take advantage of mileage points or credit card discounts. For these reasons, flights are not included in our group trip packages.

However, we are more than happy to work with you to find the best travel itinerary for your trip and will gladly give suggestions and advice, even if you make the final booking. We will check through your travel reservations at any time to ensure they fit with the trip schedule and can give recommendations on transit hotels and day tours where needed.

If you would like us to book flights and transit hotels for domestic and/or international travel on your behalf, we are also happy to arrange this. Contact Us for more information.

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Payment Schedule

• Deposit: $1,500 to book your spot
• Payment 2: $2,000 due 1 November 2026
• Payment 3: $2,000 due 1 November 2027
• Balance: due 1 May 2028

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