A Week on Indonesia Liveaboard: Exploring Raja Ampat Until Last Dive

Author by Erlinda on 02 March 2025

From the coral-rich waters of Komodo to the deep trenches of the Banda Sea, Indonesia's liveaboard unlocks remote marine water wonders that few can see.

But there’s one destination that you are in awe of even long after the last dive. Raja Ampat is a paradise where nature, culture, and adventure blend seamlessly.

Sailing through Raja Ampat will always be iconic. Who doesn’t want to sail through the planet's most biodiverse waters? When you can witness limestone karst islands rise dramatically from the sea, encounter rare marine creatures, and sightseeing vibrant coral gardens.

Raja Ampat is home to over 1,500 species of fish and 600 coral species. Beyond its mesmerizing underwater, Raja Ampat is also rich in Papuan culture and traditions. It offers a glimpse of Indigenous life.

Over the next seven days, your Raja Ampat liveaboard journey will take you to pristine and remote areas, hidden lagoons, and vibrant coastal communities. Each day will bring new discoveries.

Day 1: First Day on Indonesia Liveaboard

Your journey on Indonesia Liveaboard starts in Sorong, Papua. International travelers typically arrive in Indonesia via Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport) or Bali (Ngurah Rai International Airport), as these cities offer the best flight connection.

Your next step is to take a domestic flight to Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong. This airport is the main transit hub for travelers heading to Raja Ampat. There are three local airlines with regular routes to Sorong.

• Garuda Indonesia,
• Batik Air, and
• Lion Air.

Jakarta-Sorong flights take approximately 4–5 hours and those from Bali require a short layover.

Sorong offers you a different vibe. You’re no longer in the bustling streets of Jakarta or the tourist-heavy beaches of Bali. Sorong is a lively port town, where modern convenience blends seamlessly with laid-back island culture. 

You will amused by local warmth. The locals are extremely friendly and enthusiastic. But this town is not your final destination. From Sorong, you will be transferred to your floating home for the week. Most liveaboard operators arrange direct transfers from the airport to the harbor. 

The adventure has officially begun. Modernity will disappear, replaced with endless blue water, gentle sea breeze, scattered emerald-green islands, and the salty aroma wafting out.

Day 2–4: Diving in Raja Ampat and Meeting with Locals

As the sun rises over the horizon, your Indonesian liveaboard gently rocks on the calm waters of Raja Ampat. The smell of salt and morning dew will appear subtly. Your day starts on the reef of Capi Kri, one of Raja Ampat’s famous dive sites.

 You will get a chance to encounter massive schools of barracuda, colorful anthias darting between coral gardens, and the elusive Wobbegong shark camouflage beneath the seabed. 

Every dive you take in Raja Ampat will feel like swimming in Eden. The untouched pristine water and the coral gardens are so magnificent. By midday, the boat anchors near Blue Magic, where giant oceanic manta rays glide effortlessly.

But Raja Ampat is more than just a world-class diving site. It's a place where culture and nature intertwine in the most fascinating ways. In the afternoon, the boat makes its way to Arborek Village.

This is a small island community known for its Papuan craftsmanship and warm hospitality. The locals are always excited to show you their handmaiden-woven hats and bags crafted from pandan leaves. 

As evening falls, get ready for your night dive where divers encounter surreal bioluminescent planktons that glow every moment. The clear night sky transforms into a dazzling display of stars, untouched by city lights. 

Day 5: Exploring Wayag, The Spiritual Side of Raja Ampat

As the sun rises, your Indonesian liveaboard sails toward Wayag, Raja Ampat’s most iconic paradise. Towering limestone islands pierce the turquoise waters, creating a view straight out of a dream.

The boat anchors, and you prepare for a climb. The Wayag viewpoint is steep, but the reward is breathtaking. From the top, emerald-green islands stretch endlessly into the horizon. The silence is powerful. Below, baby reef sharks swim lazily in the shallows.

By midday, you set sail toward a Bajau sea nomad village. Their stilt houses rise above the water, blending perfectly with the ocean. Children paddle by in handcrafted wooden canoes, laughing as they race each other.

Some dive deep, vanishing into the blue without hesitation. The ocean is their home, their playground, their life. The Bajau live simply, fishing, sailing, and following the tides. As the sun sets, your boat drifts away. The village lights flicker in the distance, swallowed by the vastness of the sea.

Day 6: Hidden Lagoons, Jellyfish Lake, and Mystical Traditions

The boat drifts into Piaynemo, where emerald lagoons hide between towering cliffs. The water is so clear, you can see fish swimming beneath the surface.

You step onto the wooden stairs and begin the climb. At the top, a breathtaking view unfolds—limestone islands scattered like jewels across the sea. The wind is strong, and the silence is absolute.

By midday, you reach Lenmakana Jellyfish Lake. The water is calm, almost eerie. You slip in and find yourself surrounded by thousands of golden jellyfish. They pulse gently, moving in slow motion. Unlike most jellyfish, these have lost their sting. Floating among them feels surreal, like drifting through another world.

Day 7: The Last Dive

The final morning on your Indonesian liveaboard arrives with golden light spilling over the horizon. The boat anchors near Melissa’s Garden, a reef bursting with life.

You take a deep breath and dive one last time. Below, corals bloom like underwater flowers, and schools of fish swirl in a mesmerizing dance. The ocean feels different today—like it knows you're saying goodbye.

Back on deck, the crew prepares a farewell feast. Grilled fish, fresh coconut, and spicy sambal fill the air with their rich aroma. Laughter echoes as stories of the past week are shared.

As the boat sails back to Sorong, the vastness of Raja Ampat sinks in. It’s not just a place, but a feeling. One that stays with you long after you’ve left.