Duration
11 days
Cabins left
12 / 14
Capacity
16 divers
Operator
Mari Liveaboard
Included
Mandatory surcharges
Optional extras
Certification
OWD or equivalent
Min. dives
30 logged
Check-in
06:00–12:00
Check-out
06:00–12:00
Departing and returning to Sorong, this itinerary visits the must-see dive sites of Misool and Central Raja Ampat Encounter both reef and oceanic manta rays at renowned Raja Ampat dive sites Visit unspoiled hard and soft coral gardens Discover the dramatic underwater landscapes and stunning reefs of Misool Explore the swim-throughs and caves of Goa Farondi See the ancient rock paintings of Timolol Cruise through lagoons in Penemu Land visit to the lookout point on Piaynemo for that classic Raja Ampat photo Search for a Walking shark (Epaulette shark) Dive the well known and action-packed Dampier Strait Search for Pontoh's pygmy seahorse at Mioskon Night dive is included in the schedule
Guests are welcomed aboard Mari in Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. Following embarkation, cabin allocation, introductions and safety briefings, we begin our voyage into one of the world's last great marine wildernesses. Dive 1 – Matam Matam provides an ideal introduction to Raja Ampat diving. This gentle reef offers excellent visibility, healthy coral formations and abundant reef fish, making it the perfect setting for a relaxed check dive and camera preparation. Schools of fusiliers, sweetlips and surgeonfish patrol the reef while hawksbill turtles are often encountered grazing among the corals. After the dive, Mari sets course southward toward Misool for an overnight crossing beneath the stars.
By morning, the spectacular limestone islands of Misool emerge on the horizon. Southern Raja Ampat is widely considered among Indonesia's most pristine marine environments. Protected through local conservation initiatives for more than two decades, the reefs here support remarkable fish biomass and some of the most spectacular soft coral growth found anywhere in the Coral Triangle. Dive 1 – Andiamo One of the jewels of the Daram Islands, Andiamo features a series of coral-covered ridges draped in colorful soft corals and sea fans. Currents sweeping across the reef attract large schools of fusiliers and snappers, while reef sharks frequently patrol the blue water beyond. Dive 2 – Candy Store A site that perfectly embodies Misool's reputation for fish abundance. Strong currents deliver nutrient-rich water that supports dense schools of barracuda, giant trevallies and tuna. Every surface is covered in vibrant soft corals, creating an underwater landscape bursting with color and life. Dive 3 – Yillet Kecil This beautiful reef system combines coral bommies, hard coral gardens and sheltered sections ideal for photography. Macro enthusiasts may discover pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and numerous cryptic reef inhabitants hidden among the corals. Night Dive – Yillet Jetty As darkness descends, the reef undergoes a remarkable transformation. Walking sharks emerge to hunt across the seabed while octopus, cuttlefish, decorator crabs and countless nocturnal creatures become active beneath the lights.
Today we explore the reefs that have made Misool famous throughout the diving world. These nutrient-rich waters attract everything from tiny macro subjects to majestic manta rays and large pelagic fish. Dive 1 – Magic Mountain Arguably Misool's most iconic dive site. This submerged seamount rises from the depths and serves as a cleaning station for both reef and oceanic manta rays. Divers frequently encounter multiple mantas circling effortlessly above the reef while barracuda, giant trevallies and tuna cruise through the surrounding blue water. Dive 2 – Four Kings A collection of submerged pinnacles covered in soft corals and sea fans. The convergence of currents around the pinnacles creates ideal conditions for large schools of fusiliers, snappers and surgeonfish, while reef sharks are regular visitors. Dive 3 – Warna Berwarna Meaning "many colours" in Indonesian, this site offers one of Raja Ampat's most spectacular displays of coral diversity. Brilliant pink, orange and purple soft corals blanket the reef, creating a dazzling underwater tapestry inhabited by countless reef fish. Night Dive – Harapan Jetty An exceptional macro dive where patient observers may discover bobtail squid, pipefish, juvenile reef fish, crustaceans and a fascinating array of nocturnal marine life rarely encountered during daylight hours.
The dramatic limestone landscapes of Farondi showcase another side of Misool. Above water, towering karst cliffs conceal hidden lagoons and narrow waterways. Below the surface, ancient geological formations have created some of Raja Ampat's most unique dive sites. Dive 1 – Goa Farondi A spectacular dive through caverns, tunnels and natural swim-throughs carved into the limestone over millennia. Sunlight filtering through openings in the rock creates an extraordinary underwater atmosphere. Dive 2 – Farondi Wall A vertical reef wall covered with sea fans, black corals and soft corals. The site is particularly rewarding for photographers searching for pygmy seahorses, leaf scorpionfish and other cryptic species. Dive 3 – Nudi Rock One of Misool's premier macro sites. Despite its modest size, the reef supports an astonishing diversity of nudibranchs and small marine creatures, alongside excellent coral growth and schooling reef fish. Afternoon excursion through Farondi's hidden lagoons and limestone caves.
Few places better illustrate Raja Ampat's extraordinary biodiversity than the reefs surrounding Fiabacet. Combined with a visit to the ancient rock art sites of Tomolol, today offers a fascinating blend of natural and cultural discovery. Dive 1 – Fiabacet Often considered among the finest dive sites in all of Raja Ampat. Multiple coral-covered pinnacles rise from deep water and attract immense schools of fusiliers, jacks and snappers. Reef sharks are frequently encountered hunting in the currents. Dive 2 – Tank Rock A dramatic reef structure renowned for both fish action and exceptional coral growth. Schools of barracuda, trevallies and surgeonfish often gather around the reef's exposed sections. Dive 3 – Whale Rock Named for its distinctive shape, this site combines steep walls, overhangs and flourishing coral gardens. Napoleon wrasse, turtles and reef sharks are common visitors. Night Dive – Nudi Rock An entirely different world emerges after sunset as octopus, crustaceans, flatworms and walking sharks become active across the reef. During the afternoon, guests visit Tomolol's remarkable ancient rock paintings, believed to have been created centuries ago by the region's earliest inhabitants. Hidden among towering limestone cliffs and narrow waterways, these cultural treasures offer a fascinating glimpse into Raja Ampat's human history.
Our final day in Misool is dedicated to some of the region's most iconic reefs. Here, ancient limestone islands rise dramatically from the sea, their submerged foundations supporting flourishing coral ecosystems that rank among the healthiest in the world. Dive 1 – Boo Windows Without question one of Raja Ampat's most photographed dive sites. Named after the natural limestone "windows" carved through the island, this spectacular reef combines swim-throughs, overhangs and coral-covered ridges. Soft corals, sea fans and clouds of anthias transform the site into a living underwater garden. Dive 2 – Boo West A beautiful continuation of the Boo reef system featuring vibrant hard and soft corals, turtles, schooling fish and regular sightings of reef sharks. The interplay of light through the limestone formations creates exceptional underwater scenery. Dive 3 – Romeo A colorful ridge adorned with sea fans and soft corals. Anthias swarm above the reef while schools of fusiliers stream through the currents. An ideal final dive before leaving Misool behind. During the evening, Mari begins her overnight crossing toward Central Raja Ampat. Guests can relax on deck while enjoying one of Indonesia's most spectacular island seascapes.
After the dramatic limestone landscapes of Misool, the Fam Islands offer a different but equally captivating face of Raja Ampat. Here, emerald islands rise above turquoise lagoons, while beneath the surface some of the most pristine hard coral gardens in the archipelago await exploration. Dive 1 – Melissa's Garden Widely considered one of the most beautiful coral gardens in Indonesia. Vast fields of pristine hard corals stretch in every direction, creating a breathtaking underwater landscape inhabited by countless reef fish. The health and diversity of the reef here are simply extraordinary. Dive 2 – Keruo Channel A classic Raja Ampat drift dive where nutrient-rich currents sweep through a narrow channel lined with colorful corals. Schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish and snappers gather in the flow while reef sharks patrol the deeper sections. Dive 3 – My Reef A fish-rich reef system featuring colorful coral formations, sea fans and excellent visibility. Schools of sweetlips and fusiliers frequently gather around the coral bommies. Night Dive – Rufas Lagoon Located within a spectacular enclosed lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs, this sheltered night dive offers opportunities to encounter crustaceans, juvenile fish, sleeping turtles and numerous nocturnal reef creatures.
Today combines some of Raja Ampat's finest diving with one of its most iconic viewpoints. Dive 1 – Barracuda Rock A submerged pinnacle where currents attract schools of barracuda, giant trevallies and tuna. Soft corals and sea fans cover the reef while pelagic fish patrol the surrounding blue water. Dive 2 – Galaxy Named for the immense clouds of fish that often surround the reef, Galaxy is a vibrant dive site characterized by healthy corals, schooling fish and occasional shark encounters. Dive 3 – Batu Rufas Located among the spectacular limestone formations of the Fam region, this site combines coral gardens, dramatic topography and excellent opportunities for macro photography. Land Excursion – Piaynemo Viewpoint In the afternoon, guests climb to the famous Piaynemo lookout. From the summit, a breathtaking panorama unfolds across countless limestone islets scattered through brilliant turquoise waters. It is one of the most iconic views in all of Indonesia and a defining image of Raja Ampat.
Today we enter the legendary Dampier Strait, often considered the beating heart of Central Raja Ampat. The Strait forms the principal channel between the islands of Gam and Waigeo to the north and Batanta to the south. It is through this narrow passage that enormous volumes of nutrient-rich water from the Indonesian Throughflow are funneled toward the Banda Sea. As these waters accelerate through the Strait, they create the currents that support Raja Ampat's extraordinary marine biodiversity. Dive 1 – Manta Sandy One of the region's most reliable manta cleaning stations. Reef mantas gather above coral bommies where cleaner wrasses remove parasites. During favorable conditions, several mantas may be observed simultaneously circling gracefully over the cleaning area. Dive 2 – Arborek Jetty Arborek is a small island located at the western entrance of the Dampier Strait. Beneath its wooden jetty, strong currents have created a remarkable ecosystem. Vibrant soft corals cover the pilings while resident schools of batfish, jacks and snapper patrol among the structures. This unique combination of marine life and human presence has made Arborek one of Raja Ampat's most iconic dives. Dive 3 – Citrus Ridge A lively reef covered with colorful soft corals and swarming anthias. Wobbegong sharks often rest beneath coral ledges while schools of fusiliers stream across the reef in the current. Night Dive – Arborek Jetty The jetty takes on a completely different atmosphere after dark. Walking sharks emerge to hunt while octopus, cuttlefish, shrimp and countless nocturnal creatures become active beneath the lights of the village. Guests may also have the opportunity to visit Arborek village and experience the warm hospitality of its Papuan community.
Today is dedicated to some of the most famous dive sites in Raja Ampat. The nutrient-rich waters flowing through the Dampier Strait support extraordinary fish biomass and create conditions unlike anywhere else in Indonesia. Dive 1 – Blue Magic A submerged seamount rising from deep water. This legendary site regularly attracts oceanic manta rays, giant trevallies, tuna, barracuda and occasionally eagle rays. Every dive here holds the promise of surprise encounters. Dive 2 – Sardine Reef One of Raja Ampat's finest examples of a current-swept pinnacle. Schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish and snappers swirl around the reef while grey reef sharks patrol the edges. The sheer volume of fish can be overwhelming. Dive 3 – Cape Kri Perhaps Raja Ampat's most celebrated dive site. It was here that renowned ichthyologist Dr. Gerry Allen established a world record fish count during a single dive. The diversity is staggering, with barracuda, sweetlips, snapper, trevallies, reef sharks and countless reef species occupying the same reef system.
Our final diving day focuses on the reefs surrounding Kri and Mansuar, widely recognized among marine biologists as some of the richest coral reef ecosystems on Earth. The reefs here are not only exceptionally diverse but also remarkable for the sheer abundance of marine life. Sharks are seen on most dives, a rarity in many parts of Indonesia. Every descent reveals vast schools of fish moving across healthy coral formations in numbers that few destinations can rival. Dive 1 – Sawandarek Jetty One of Raja Ampat's most beloved dive sites. Massive schools of fish gather beneath the jetty while turtles, sweetlips and wobbegong sharks are frequently encountered nearby. The site offers superb opportunities for both wide-angle photography and relaxed fish observation. Dive 2 – Mike's Point Named after explorer Mike Nelson, this dramatic reef features overhangs, swim-throughs and steep coral-covered slopes. Schools of jacks and fusiliers gather in the currents while reef sharks patrol the reef edge. On the final diving day, Mari begins her return voyage to Sorong. Guests gather for a farewell dinner and share memories of an unforgettable journey through one of the world's last great marine frontiers.
After breakfast, guests are transferred to Sorong Airport for their onward flights. Leaving Raja Ampat behind is never easy. From the pristine reefs of Misool and the ancient rock art of Tomolol to the manta rays of Dampier Strait and the incomparable biodiversity of Kri and Mansuar, this expedition offers an extraordinary glimpse into one of the most spectacular marine environments on Earth. ----- This itinerary is intended as a guideline only. The final route, dive sites and daily activities may vary according to weather conditions, sea state, currents, wildlife encounters and guest preferences. As with all Mari expeditions, the Captain's decision regarding the itinerary is final.
Price per person
€3,828
All taxes included
Full charter from €48,576
Select cabin
No payment charged until confirmed.
