- Circular trip visiting the must-see sites in central and south Raja Ampat
- Encounter both reef and oceanic manta rays at renowned dive sites
- Dive the well known and action-packed Dampier Strait
- Explore the macro-laden black sands of Batanta Island
- Dive the remote Daram Island group
- Spot a Santa Claus pygmy seahorse
- Discover dramatic underwater landscapes and stunning reefs in Misool
- Multiple night dives offered thought the itinerary
Day 1 Sorong
After the airport or hotel pick-up and transfer to Adelaar, the first day is dedicated to getting to know the crew, settling in, and enjoying the first day on the boat while we are sailing toward Raja Ampat.
Day 2 Misool - Daram
Daram, one of the many miniature archipelagos off Raja’s southernmost region Misool, keeps divers impressed with coral studded underwater limestone formations that are bathed in fish. Schooling barracudas, Spanish mackerels, batfish and trevallies are common. Daram’s sea fan forests are also home to Raja Ampat’s endemic ‘Santa Claus’ pygmy seahorse (3-day dives, 1-night dive).
Day 3 Misool – Pele
The ridges, overhangs, and swim-throughs underneath the waves around Pele’s islets are some of the best places to swim in clouds of baitfish and silversides. These huge bait balls of small fish attract predatory fish such as trevallies, tuna, sharks, and squadrons of mobula rays. Pele is also home to some of the largest groupers (4-day dives).
Day 4 Misool – Wagmab
The overwhelming kaleidoscope of colours created by the dense soft and black coral growth around Wagmab makes it hard to notice the equally colourful critters hiding within, such as nudibranchs, frogfish, boxer crabs, blue ringed octopi and others. They are also amongst the best sites to find Raja’s endemic walking shark on night dives. There are several lagoon and cavern systems waiting to be explored by speedboat, and snorkellers can immerse themselves in marine lakes inhabited by stingless jellyfish (3-day dives).
Day 5 FAM Islands
The FAM Islands, situated in central Raja Ampat, offer some of the region’s most breathtaking underwater landscapes. You’ll explore a vibrant coral garden, known for its expansive fields of staghorn coral, where schools of fusiliers, snappers, and trevallies create a mesmerizing display. Another site features impressive coral ridges, frequented by larger marine life such as barracudas, Napoleon wrasse, and even the occasional manta ray. There’s also a stunning coral wall with vibrant macro life, where you may encounter everything from tiny critters to passing pelagics. (3 day dives, 1 night dive)
Day 6 Piaynemu
Before the late afternoon lagoon tour and walk to an iconic viewpoint, you will dive on sites that include arguably the most beautiful and largest hard coral garden found anywhere. There are also several seamounts in this area that lie between Raja’s central and northern section, surrounded by huge schools of fusiliers, which in turn attract pelagics such as grey reef sharks and giant jacks (3-day dives, 1-night dive).
Day 7 Dampier Strait
This strait between Batanta and Waigeo is the heart of Raja’s central section. During the dives on its seamounts, headlands and village piers you are likely to meet dense schools of fish, turtles, various kinds of sharks, including the iconic Wobbegongs - and maybe already cross paths with the first manta ray of your cruise. With a bit of luck, you may even spot one of the many whale species that inhabit this area. Before the night dive there is a chance to visit one of central Raja Ampat’s friendly villages (3-day dives, 1-night dive).
Day 8 Yanggelo
The channels between the mangrove studded islands of Yanggelo hide some of central Raja Ampat’s most breath-taking underwater ridges and seamounts. Dominated by brightly coloured soft coral fields and covered by coral bommies, they are a good place not only for larger animals such as schooling barracudas, grey reef sharks and giant trevallies but also for some of Raja’s tiny treasures such as Pontohi, Denise and Bargibanti pygmy seahorses. After the last dive Adelaar will hoist her sails and cruise through the islands of central Raja Ampat (2-day dives).
Day 9 Sorong
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye disembark and – until the next time.
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.
Double bed2 peopleNon shareable
