New Year's Dive Spectacular: Raja Ampat liveaboard, Indonesia - 28 Dec 2024 to 4 Jan 2025
Located at the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula in Southwest Papua, Indonesia, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is a remote archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals, including the main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo, and the smaller Kofiau.
Relatively undisturbed by humans, this pristine region sits in the heart of the Coral Triangle, which boasts the richest marine biodiversity on Earth. The area hosts a stunning array of marine life from tiny cleaner shrimp and camouflaged pygmy seahorses to majestic manta rays, cetaceans and whale sharks.
Our upcoming liveaboard, tailored exclusively for freedivers, offers a unique opportunity to explore and immerse in the unparalleled underwater world of Raja Ampat, allowing for an intimate connection with nature in its most unspoiled form.
Celebrate New Year's Eve under the stars and kick off the new year by immersing yourself in crystal-clear waters among spectacular marine wildlife. Start your year with an unforgettable adventure!
The Diving
Freediving in Raja Ampat offers a breathtaking experience amidst one of the world's most pristine marine environments. We will spend 8 days exploring vibrant coral gardens, reef crests, swim throughs, stunning walls and rock pinnacles, enjoying excellent visibility and calm waters, perfect for encountering a diverse range of marine life, from tiny pygmy seahorses to massive manta rays. There may be opportunities to do some night freediving and see the reefs in a different light. Several whale species migrate through Raja Ampat and we may be lucky enough to spot pilot whales, sperm whales and even blue whales!
We will visit dive sites in northern and central Raja Ampat, such as Mioskon, Aljui Bay, Pulau Kawe, Cape Kri... the list goes on!
This freediving trip is suitable for beginners, experienced freedivers and snorkelers. Activities can be adapted to individual confidence levels and physical ability.
The Boat
We will be on a traditional Phinisi Schooner equipped with the latest navigation and safety features to ensure a safe and comfortable voyage.
Each suite on board is designed to offer you the utmost comfort, with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, hot water and ample storage space.
Boat features:
- 40m length, 6.5m beam
- 8 cabins, all with air conditioning control in room and en-suite bathroom with hot water
- First aid and emergency oxygen
- 3 lounge decks
- Dining room/salon with a flat-screen TV and home cinema surround sound
- Dedicated camera room
- Voltage: 220V power outlets (European type)
- Navigation & Communication: GPS, Echo sounder, radio VHF, Satellite-based communication for phone calls.
- Engines: MAN 380 HP
- Fuel Capacity: 10,000 liters
- Generators: 4 Deutz MAN, 1 Yanmar 60Kva
Room configuration and price:
- 2 Master cabins with a double bed, on the main deck - SGD 11900 (for 2 pax)
- 6 Deluxe cabins with twin beds, on the lower deck, - SGD 9900 (for 2 pax) or SGD 5500 per pax (random allocation)
Schedule and Itinerary
On 28 Dec 2024, you will be met at Sorong airport and brought to the boat. From there, our liveaboard trip starts and we will the next few days exploring different islands and dive sites, eating delicious food and relaxing. Every evening, there will be a session with freediving stretches, breathing exercises and meditation, and a marine critter ID session so we learn about the environment we are in. On 4 Jan 2025 we will disembark from the boat in the morning (no diving). All activities during the trip are optional.
Getting There
To travel from Singapore to Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat, you'll typically fly into Jakarta first. Once in Jakarta, you can catch a connecting flight to Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong(SOQ). This leg of the journey usually takes about four hours. Airlines like Garuda Indonesia and Batik Air commonly operate flights from Jakarta to Sorong.
An alternative route is flying to Sorong via Manado.
Please arrive in Sorong by 10am on 28 Dec 2024.
Freediving Equipment
You will need your fins, mask, snorkel, weight belt for the dives. Wetsuits are optional but recommended if you tend to feel cold easily. If you are not wearing a wetsuit, a rashguard is recommended for sun protection.
Please use reef-safe sunscreen on your dives. Our favourite brands are Blue Lizard, Badger and Surf Yogi.
The package includes:
- Accommodation onboard the boat from 28 Dec 2024 to 4 Jan 2025
- All fun dive sessions
- Daily guided breathing exercises, stretching and meditation
- All meals onboard (five freshly prepared meals per day)
- Beverages (Tea, coffee, soft drinks, water)
- Marine park and harbor fees (350USD per pax)
- Dive weights
- Guides
The package excludes:
- Flights and other travel into and from Sorong
- Freediving equipment other than dive weights
- Dive torch (available for rent at 8USD per night)
- Alcohol (liquor and wine are available for an additional cost)
- Gratuities to guide and crew
- Other personal expenses
Booking and cancellation policy
Full payment (non-refundable) is required to secure your spot.
If you cannot make the trip after payment, you may find a replacement.
Travel
Please check the current visa requirements for your nationality to travel to Indonesia and ensure that you have the appropriate visa, if required.
We may visit some of the villages in Raja Ampat. To be respectful of the locals and their culture, we recommend that for these visits, to wear a top with sleeves and shorts or a skirt that covers your knees.