Raja Ampat Liveaboard Diving — The Complete 52-Question Master FAQ

Planning Basics (5)

When is the best time?

October–April primary season. Manta peak Dec–Mar.

How long should the voyage be?

7–10 nights for first-time; 5 for repeat focused; 11+ for Wayag/Misool combo.

How far in advance to book?

9–18 months for peak. Holiday periods sometimes 2 years.

Best month overall?

February or March — peak mantas + flattest seas.

Can I combine with Komodo?

Some vessels reposition between regions. Logistically complex — better to do as separate trips.

Diving Requirements (6)

What certification level?

AOW + 50 logged dives minimum.

Open Water divers welcome?

Yes with site restrictions. No Blue Magic or Cape Kri.

Wetsuit thickness?

3mm full standard. 5mm if doing 4 dives/day.

Nitrox availability?

Standard on premium phinisi. Highly recommended.

Maximum depth?

30m recreational. Tec-certified can go deeper with planning.

Drift dive experience required?

Yes, mandatory. Reef hook + SMB skills essential.

Travel & Logistics (6)

Gateway airport?

Sorong (SOQ), West Papua. From Jakarta (CGK) or Makassar (UPG).

Visa required?

Most nationalities get 30-day VOA at airports. USD 35 cash.

Marine Park permit?

IDR 1,000,000 (~USD 65) per person. We pre-arrange.

Insurance required?

Yes — DAN or equivalent. Proof before boarding.

Currency?

IDR locally. USD widely accepted by operators. Bring small bills.

Power adapters?

Indonesia uses Type C/F (European 2-pin, 220V). Bring adapter for US/UK devices.

Pricing (5)

Typical per-night cost?

Comfort $500/night · Premium $900/night · Luxury $1,500+/night.

Single supplement?

Typically 50–100% of double rate.

Group discount?

Available for full-vessel buyouts (private charters).

Refund policy?

Deposit non-refundable. Cancellations 90+ days out may receive partial credit. Travel insurance covers most scenarios.

Gratuities?

10–15% of trip cost, customary. Presented to cruise director, distributed to entire crew.

Onboard Experience (7)

Cabin amenities?

En-suite, A/C, hot shower, hairdryer, towels. Daily housekeeping.

Food quality?

Gourmet — onboard chef. Indonesian + international. Dietary needs accommodated.

Alcohol policy?

Premium vessels include house wine/beer. Spirits a la carte.

Wi-Fi?

Limited satellite on some vessels. Plan for digital detox.

Mobile signal?

Near zero outside Sorong harbor.

Laundry?

Available on most vessels for a small fee.

Smoking?

Designated outdoor areas only. No smoking inside.

Marine Life (4)

Manta success rate?

Reef manta at Manta Sandy: 95% Dec–Mar. Oceanic at Magic Mountain: 75%.

Whale sharks possible?

Only in dedicated Cenderawasih Bay extension trips. Not in Raja Ampat main park.

Walking shark when?

Night dives, 19:30–22:00. Shallow rubble flats.

Endemic species?

Walking shark, wobbegong, Pontoh's pygmy seahorse — all endemic to Raja Ampat.

Photography (4)

Camera room?

Yes on premium phinisi — climate-controlled, 110V/220V, rinse tank.

Bring own housing?

Yes. Bring spare O-rings + silicone grease.

Drone allowed?

Yes outside no-fly zones. Crew advises.

Pro photographer onboard?

Available as add-on on certain charters.

Health & Safety (5)

Onboard medical kit?

Full first aid + oxygen + AED. Crew trained EFR + DAN basic.

Nearest hyperbaric chamber?

Sorong has a basic chamber. Major treatment requires evacuation to Bali (DPS) — ~6–8h.

Decompression sickness protocol?

Onboard oxygen administration. Satellite call to DAN. Evacuation arrangement.

Vaccinations needed?

Consult travel doctor. Common: routine + Hepatitis A/B + Typhoid. Malaria prophylaxis varies.

Seasickness?

Bring own remedies. Phinisi heavy ironwood = gentler motion than catamarans.

Conservation (3)

Where does permit fee go?

Funds park patrols, ranger salaries, community programs, no-take zone enforcement.

Reef-safe sunscreen?

Mandatory. Bring oxybenzone-free.

Operator licensed?

All reputable operators carry SIUPPAR permit. We can verify on request.

For Partners & Non-Divers (4)

Non-diver welcome?

Yes — snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, viewpoint treks, village visits. Many spouses choose this route.

Snorkel sites?

Manta Sandy + Friwen Wall + Wayag lagoons all excellent for snorkeling.

Discount for non-divers?

Some operators offer ~10–20% off. Inquire during booking.

Children allowed?

Yes on private charters. Minimum age varies by operator — typically 10+ for snorkel, 12+ for try-dive.

The Complete52-Question Master FAQ

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