Raja Ampat Liveaboard Comparison 2026 — 8 Operators Reviewed

The following operators represent the most frequently chartered and highest-regarded vessels in Raja Ampat. They are consistently referenced in dive media and expert forums. Each has established a distinct reputation based on vessel type, service philosophy, and target clientele. The analysis that follows is based on their stated capacities, published price points, and operational focus. We present these details to provide a clear, objective baseline for your own research and decision-making process.

Aggressor Adventures (Raja Ampat Aggressor)
The Raja Ampat Aggressor is part of a global fleet known for its standardized, reliable dive operations. Accommodating 16 guests, this steel-hulled vessel provides a consistent product familiar to divers who have traveled with the brand in other locations. The focus is on a structured, dive-intensive itinerary hitting the region’s most famous sites. It appeals to the North American market with its straightforward booking process and familiar service protocols. Strengths include a large dive deck, E-6 photo processing facilities, and the backing of a large, established US-based company. Price per cabin per week ranges from $7,000 to $9,000 USD.

Dewi Nusantara
A three-masted phinisi schooner of significant scale, the Dewi Nusantara is a statement in luxury and space. At 58 meters, it accommodates 18 guests in expansive staterooms, including a master suite with a private balcony. The vessel is known for its high-end finishings, fine dining, and extensive common areas. It is owned by an Indonesian luxury brand and caters to a clientele seeking premium comfort alongside their dive itinerary. The experience emphasizes service and onboard ambiance as much as the diving itself. Its notable strength is the sheer size and stability of the vessel, offering a smooth-sailing, resort-like experience. Prices range from $6,500 to $12,500 USD per cabin.

Emperor Raja Laut
Operated by the UK-based Emperor Divers, the Raja Laut is a gaff-rigged phinisi that offers a more intimate setting for its 12 guests. The vessel combines traditional Indonesian craftsmanship with modern dive amenities. Emperor Divers is known for its professional, well-run operations across the Red Sea, the Maldives, and Indonesia, bringing a European standard of service and safety management. The smaller group size allows for a more personal dive experience. Its positioning offers a strong balance between the authenticity of a wooden schooner and the operational backing of an established international dive company. Cabin prices typically fall between $5,500 and $7,500 USD per week.

Damai I & II
The Damai fleet was conceived and built with underwater photographers in mind. These two vessels, accommodating 12-14 guests, feature dedicated camera rooms with individual workstations, multiple charging stations, and specific rinse tanks for camera gear. The itineraries are often designed to maximize photographic opportunities at sites known for unique macro life or specific wide-angle scenes. The crew is trained to handle professional-grade camera equipment with care. Damai’s key differentiator is its uncompromising focus on serving the needs of serious photographers and videographers, offering a highly specialized and supportive environment. Weekly cabin rates range from $7,200 to $13,000 USD.

Arenui (The Boutique Liveaboard)
The Arenui is a phinisi that emphasizes aesthetic and design, billing itself as a "boutique liveaboard." Accommodating 16 guests, its interiors are decorated with intricate carvings and textiles sourced from across the Indonesian archipelago, creating a rich, artistic atmosphere. The vessel combines this unique ambiance with a high level of service, including a notable fine dining program and spa services. The experience is curated for travelers who value design and cultural immersion as core components of their voyage. The Arenui's distinct strength is its successful fusion of a luxury hotel's design sensibility with the functionality of a top-tier dive vessel. Prices range from $6,800 to $9,800 USD.

SMY Ondina
With a history of over 20 years exploring Indonesian waters, the SMY Ondina offers expeditions led by experienced naturalists and marine biologists. This 14-guest phinisi prioritizes education and deep ecological understanding. The dive briefings and onboard presentations often go into greater scientific detail about Raja Ampat's ecosystems, from coral biology to the behavior of endemic species like the tasselled wobbegong shark. This vessel attracts divers who are keen to learn and engage with the marine environment on an intellectual level. Its defining characteristic is the academic and scientific rigor that underpins its itineraries, guided by genuine field experts. Per-cabin pricing is between $5,400 and $8,200 USD.

All Star Aurora / Velocean
Part of the All Star Liveaboards fleet, the Aurora and Velocean are modern phinisis that cater to an international dive audience. Accommodating 12 to 16 guests, these vessels are known for efficient operations and well-planned itineraries that cover the central and southern routes of Raja Ampat effectively. Velocean, in particular, is one of the newer and faster phinisis in the region, allowing it to cover more ground. The brand offers a reliable, comfortable, and well-managed experience, appealing to divers looking for a proven product with a solid operational track record and modern amenities. The price per cabin per week ranges from $6,200 to $9,000 USD.

Samambaia
Samambaia is a 12-guest phinisi built in Sulawesi and launched in 2015, focusing on a premium, small-group experience. The vessel is noted for its meticulous German-led management, which emphasizes safety, efficiency, and a high standard of service. The dive program is robust, with a strong emphasis on personalized attention from the guides. The onboard experience is designed to be comfortable and refined, with a menu that blends Indonesian and Western cuisine. Samambaia's strength lies in its combination of traditional phinisi charm with rigorous operational standards and a dedication to guest service in an intimate setting. Cabin rates are typically $5,800 to $8,500 USD weekly.

Securing a place on one of these vessels requires direct communication or booking through a specialized dive travel agency. Most operators, such as Damai, Arenui, and Emperor, feature inquiry forms on their websites for direct bookings. You can expect a response within 24-48 hours. Aggressor Adventures maintains a U.S.-based sales office that handles reservations for its entire global fleet, providing a streamlined process for North American clients. Some smaller phinisis may rely more heavily on a network of established dive travel agents to fill their charters.

For Raja Ampat Liveaboard Voyages, all inquiries are handled directly by our voyage planning team. We do not use third-party agents. You can contact us via WhatsApp at wa.me/628113823875 or by email at [email protected]. Our protocol is to provide a detailed, substantive response within six hours. This direct line ensures that all technical, logistical, and scientific questions are answered accurately from the outset by the team that will be managing your expedition.