Liveaboard Diving in Raja Ampat: Best Dive Sites, Cruises & What to Expect

Why Liveaboard Diving in Raja Ampat Is the Best Way to Explore

Raja Ampat is massive — over 1,500 islands scattered across West Papua. Its dive sites are remote, wild, and often hours apart. That’s why liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat is the smartest and most immersive way to explore it.

Unlike land-based resorts that stick to local sites, liveaboards give you access to:

  • Early morning and night dives
  • Hard-to-reach reefs and isolated islands
  • Both north (Dampier Strait) and south (Misool) in one trip
  • More dives, more flexibility, more marine life

You eat, sleep, and dive on the ocean — no wasted time. And every morning, you wake up at a brand new dive site.

What Makes Raja Ampat One of the World’s Top Dive Destinations

Raja Ampat isn’t just beautiful — it’s the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on Earth. It’s part of the Coral Triangle and holds world records for coral and fish species density.

Highlights of liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat include:

  • Oceanic and reef manta rays
  • 600+ coral species, 1,500+ fish species
  • Macro magic: pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, ghost pipefish
  • Pelagics: reef sharks, wobbegong sharks, tuna, barracuda
  • Stunning karst islands, hidden lagoons, and blue holes

Every dive is different. Every day brings something new.

Liveaboard Diving in Raja Ampat onboard Pindito Cruises

Top Dive Sites for Liveaboard Diving in Raja Ampat

🐠 Cape Kri – The Biodiversity Benchmark

Cape Kri is where a single dive once revealed 383 species of fish — a world record. It’s a sloping reef in the Dampier Strait, known for heavy fish traffic and healthy corals.

What you’ll see:

  • Giant trevallies, snapper, sweetlips
  • Grey and blacktip reef sharks
  • Barracuda and swirling fusiliers

🛸 Blue Magic – Manta Magnet

This underwater pinnacle rises to just 8 meters below the surface and draws manta rays, big tunas, and other pelagics. Expect strong current — and action.

What you’ll see:

  • Oceanic and reef mantas
  • Jacks, tuna, trevally
  • Macro life on coral-covered ridges

🌺 Melissa’s Garden – Coral Masterpiece

Located in the Fam Islands, Melissa’s Garden is a shallow coral plateau filled with flawless hard coral formations and swarming reef fish. Great for relaxed dives and photographers.

What you’ll see:

  • Table corals, staghorns, anemones
  • Anthias, butterflyfish, angelfish
  • Occasional reef sharks

🪨 Boo Windows – Misool’s Signature Swim-Through

Named after natural holes in the reef you can swim through, Boo Windows is surreal. Light pours in through openings as fish move in and out of the “windows.”

What you’ll see:

  • Reef sharks, barracuda
  • Sea fans and soft corals
  • Stunning rock formations

🦈 Mioskon – Macro Meets Predators

An easy dive site with a little of everything: macro critters, reef sharks, coral gardens, and solid night diving. Perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.

What you’ll see:

  • Blacktip reef sharks
  • Nudibranchs, pipefish, shrimp
  • Turtles and moray eels
Pygmy Cuttlefish - Pindtio Liveaboard
Pygmy Cuttlefish – Pindtio Liveaboard

Why Choose a Liveaboard Like Pindito

Pindito Cruises is one of the pioneers of liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat. Their traditional phinisi-style vessel combines serious dive infrastructure with relaxed comfort.

Why divers love Pindito:

  • Decades of experience in Indonesian waters
  • Up to four dives daily, plus night dives
  • Spacious cabins, hot showers, air conditioning
  • Camera facilities and photo-friendly dive crew
  • Gourmet meals, expert dive planning, and cultural stops
Perfect Sunset onboard Pindito Liveaboard sailing around Indonesia

What to Expect on a Raja Ampat Liveaboard Cruise

🕓 Daily Dive Schedule

Expect 3–4 dives per day, including optional night dives. Days typically begin at sunrise with a pre-breakfast dive and end with sunset or night dives, followed by dinner and dive logs.

🛏 Cabins & Amenities

Private ensuite cabins with AC, shared dining and lounge areas, and plenty of open deck space for downtime between dives.

🏝 Island Adventures

Most itineraries include time off the boat:

  • Hiking Piaynemo for jaw-dropping views
  • Visiting local villages
  • Kayaking or SUP through mangroves and hidden lagoons

Best Time for Liveaboard Diving in Raja Ampat

  • Best season: October to April (calm seas, good viz)
  • Manta season: November to March
  • Water temps: 27–30°C (80–86°F) year-round

Avoid June–August in southern Raja Ampat (Misool) due to wind and swell.

Schooling Fish - Pindtio Liveaboard
Schooling Fish – Pindtio Liveaboard

How to Get to Raja Ampat

Fly to Sorong (SOQ) via:

  • Jakarta (CGK)
  • Makassar (UPG)
  • Manado (MDC)

From Sorong, most liveaboard operators (including Pindito) offer pickup and direct transport to the vessel.

📸 Image Suggestion: Route map or traveler boarding liveaboard in Sorong

Final Thoughts on Liveaboard Diving in Raja Ampat

If you want to dive deeper, see more, and reach places few ever do, liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat is the way to go.

From the coral gardens of Melissa’s Garden to the manta highways of Blue Magic, Raja Ampat delivers unforgettable diving — and Pindito gives you the perfect way to explore it all.

Black Tip Reef Shark in Wayag, Raja Ampat - Pindito Liveaboard
Black Tip Reef Shark in Wayag, Raja Ampat – Pindito Liveaboard

Ready to go liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat?
Book your cruise with Pindito and experience the most biodiverse reefs on the planet — in comfort, style, and total freedom.

Upcoming Trips

30

Jun

11 NIGHTS

Komodo

FULL

6400 US$

per Person

View Details

Departure: BEN

Jun 30, 2025

00:00

Arrival: LBJ

Jul 11, 2025

00:00

BREATHTAKING SIGHTS Komodo National Park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The National Park includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands. The dive spots around Komodo offer unbelievable variety. One day you can admire rare critters creatures in the morning and in the afternoon drift along with giant mantas and schools of big-eye jacks. There are patch reefs, bommies (pinnacles), sheer walls, and shallow coral gardens to be explored. There are more than 1000 fish species, 260 species of corals, 70 different sponge species, 17 species of whales and dolphins and at least 2 different kinds of sea turtles living in the waters of Komodo National Park. Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.

Current cabin occupancy

available

reserved

occupied

ATAS TERNATE BANDA NEIRA MOROTAI AMBON TIDORE HALMA HERA OBI ARU

Sorry! This Tour is booked out.

14

Jul

11 NIGHTS

Komodo

FULL

6400 US$

per Person

View Details

Departure: LBJ

Jul 14, 2025

00:00

Arrival: BEN

Jul 25, 2025

00:00

BREATHTAKING SIGHTS Komodo National Park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The National Park includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands. The dive spots around Komodo offer unbelievable variety. One day you can admire rare critters creatures in the morning and in the afternoon drift along with giant mantas and schools of big-eye jacks. There are patch reefs, bommies (pinnacles), sheer walls, and shallow coral gardens to be explored. There are more than 1000 fish species, 260 species of corals, 70 different sponge species, 17 species of whales and dolphins and at least 2 different kinds of sea turtles living in the waters of Komodo National Park. Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.

Current cabin occupancy

available

reserved

occupied

ATAS TERNATE BANDA NEIRA MOROTAI AMBON TIDORE HALMA HERA OBI ARU

Sorry! This Tour is booked out.

25

Aug

11 NIGHTS

Komodo

FULL

6400 US$

per Person

View Details

Departure: MAU

Aug 25, 2025

00:00

Arrival: BEN

Sep 05, 2025

00:00

BREATHTAKING SIGHTS Komodo National Park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The National Park includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands. The dive spots around Komodo offer unbelievable variety. One day you can admire rare critters creatures in the morning and in the afternoon drift along with giant mantas and schools of big-eye jacks. There are patch reefs, bommies (pinnacles), sheer walls, and shallow coral gardens to be explored. There are more than 1000 fish species, 260 species of corals, 70 different sponge species, 17 species of whales and dolphins and at least 2 different kinds of sea turtles living in the waters of Komodo National Park. Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.

Current cabin occupancy

available

reserved

occupied

ATAS TERNATE BANDA NEIRA MOROTAI AMBON TIDORE HALMA HERA OBI ARU

Sorry! This Tour is booked out.

Only 5 Left

08

Sep

11 NIGHTS

Komodo

11

5

Spots Available

6400 US$

per Person

View Details

Departure: BEN

Sep 08, 2025

00:00

Arrival: MAU

Sep 19, 2025

00:00

BREATHTAKING SIGHTS Komodo National Park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The National Park includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands. The dive spots around Komodo offer unbelievable variety. One day you can admire rare critters creatures in the morning and in the afternoon drift along with giant mantas and schools of big-eye jacks. There are patch reefs, bommies (pinnacles), sheer walls, and shallow coral gardens to be explored. There are more than 1000 fish species, 260 species of corals, 70 different sponge species, 17 species of whales and dolphins and at least 2 different kinds of sea turtles living in the waters of Komodo National Park. Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.

Current cabin occupancy

available

reserved

occupied

ATAS TERNATE BANDA NEIRA MOROTAI AMBON TIDORE HALMA HERA OBI ARU

INCLUDES

  • Transfers from and return to the airport and the MV Pindito
  • Accommodation in a double bed or twin bed cabin with en-suite shower bath, toilet and AC
  • Full board including all drinks on board, including beer and spirits on board (excluding wine)
  • All diving (no diving on arrival/departure day)
  • NITROX for whole cruise
  • Multi-lingual guides/cruise directors on board
  • all offered land excursions

EXCLUDES

  • Harbor fees (80 USD)
  • Fuel Surcharge (200 USD)
  • NITROX course (on request available)
  • Souvenirs onboard
  • Crew gratuities
  • Domestic airport-taxes and departure taxes
  • Trip and Dive insurance (please note DAN is specific Dive insurance only)
  • National marine park fees:
  • Estimated 200 USD per person for the whole trip.
  • (Depending on factors such as time spent at the marine parks and activities done)
  • Rental equipment pricing:
  • Mask, Fins, Snorkel package - 30 USD per cruise
  • BCD - 100 USD per cruise
  • Regulator set - 100 USD per cruise
  • Dive computer - 60 USD per cruise
  • Torch rental - 60 USD per cruise/ 5 USD per dive
  • 15 Liter tank - 50 USD per cruise

TERMS & CONDITION

At Pindito PT, we commit to all the services offered in any of our literature and promotional materials. The following terms and conditions form the basis of a contract with our customer and Pindito PT. This is the customers’ commitment to our company, and vice versa, our commitment to our customers.

Confirm your Inquiry

+ -

Persons

6400 US$

Total: 6400 US$

27

Sep

13 NIGHTS

Biodiversity Cruise

2 5

9

Spots Available

7565 US$

per Person

View Details

Departure: MAU

Sep 27, 2025

00:00

Arrival: SOQ

Oct 10, 2025

00:00

DISCOVER THE WORLDS MOST EXOTIC SHORES From volcanic island chain in the Banda sea to the vast dry grasslands of Flores to the vibrant coral reefs of the legendary Raja Ampat, this cruise is all about unique discoveries. Seeing both the reef and topside view change from flat grasslands to towering limestone island formations is one of the many treats this cruise has to offer. Known to be home of the rarest species on earth that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet, this mysterious archipelago is a truly moving experience for every passionate diver. Be it vibrant coral reefs, colorful seahorses and imposing mammals such as whales and dolphins, this epic trip guarantees diversity above and below water. Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.

Current cabin occupancy

available

reserved

occupied

ATAS TERNATE BANDA NEIRA MOROTAI AMBON TIDORE HALMA HERA OBI ARU

INCLUDES

  • Transfers from and return to the airport and the MV Pindito
  • Accommodation in a double bed or twin bed cabin with en-suite shower bath, toilet and AC
  • Full board including all drinks on board, including beer and spirits on board (excluding wine)
  • All diving (no diving on arrival/departure day)
  • NITROX for whole cruise
  • Multi-lingual guides/cruise directors on board
  • all offered land excursions

EXCLUDES

  • Harbor fees (80 USD)
  • Fuel Surcharge (250 USD)
  • NITROX course (on request available)
  • Souvenirs onboard
  • Crew gratuities
  • Domestic airport-taxes and departure taxes
  • Trip and Dive insurance (please note DAN is specific Dive insurance only)
  • National marine park fees:
  • Estimated 250 USD per person for the whole trip.
  • (Depending on factors such as time spent at the marine parks and activities done)
  • Rental equipment pricing:
  • Mask, Fins, Snorkel package - 30 USD per cruise
  • BCD - 100 USD per cruise
  • Regulator set - 100 USD per cruise
  • Dive computer - 60 USD per cruise
  • Torch rental - 60 USD per cruise/ 5 USD per dive
  • 15 Liter tank - 50 USD per cruise

TERMS & CONDITION

At Pindito PT, we commit to all the services offered in any of our literature and promotional materials. The following terms and conditions form the basis of a contract with our customer and Pindito PT. This is the customers’ commitment to our company, and vice versa, our commitment to our customers.

Confirm your Inquiry

+ -

Persons

7565 US$

Total: 7565 US$

13

Oct

11 NIGHTS

Whale-Macro cruise

FULL

6900 US$

per Person

View Details

Departure: SOQ

Oct 13, 2025

00:00

Arrival: AMQ

Oct 24, 2025

00:00

This special cruise offers guests a glimpse into the world of the largest mammals on earth. Learn incredible details from a qualified expert on whales and dolphins and watch them with your own eyes! The crew is organized into “observation teams” who also keep a sharp eye on the water surface for blows or other signs of whale activity, as some species can’t be located by acoustics alone. The Whale expert and MV Pindito knows the areas that are preferred by these large marine mammals (including sperm, Bryde’s and orcas or killer whales) and both our long experience and trained eyes do the rest. On this cruise we offer approx. 24 dives.

Current cabin occupancy

available

reserved

occupied

ATAS TERNATE BANDA NEIRA MOROTAI AMBON TIDORE HALMA HERA OBI ARU

Sorry! This Tour is booked out.

27

Oct

11 NIGHTS

Whale-Macro cruise

FULL

6900 US$

per Person

View Details

Departure: AMQ

Oct 27, 2025

00:00

Arrival: SOQ

Nov 07, 2025

00:00

This special cruise offers guests a glimpse into the world of the largest mammals on earth. Learn incredible details from a qualified expert on whales and dolphins and watch them with your own eyes! The crew is organized into “observation teams” who also keep a sharp eye on the water surface for blows or other signs of whale activity, as some species can’t be located by acoustics alone. The Whale expert and MV Pindito knows the areas that are preferred by these large marine mammals (including sperm, Bryde’s and orcas or killer whales) and both our long experience and trained eyes do the rest. On this cruise we offer approx. 24 dives.

Current cabin occupancy

available

reserved

occupied

ATAS TERNATE BANDA NEIRA MOROTAI AMBON TIDORE HALMA HERA OBI ARU

Sorry! This Tour is booked out.

10

Nov

11 NIGHTS

Whale-Macro cruise

16

Spots on request

6900 US$

per Person

View Details

Departure: SOQ

Nov 10, 2025

00:00

Arrival: AMQ

Nov 21, 2025

00:00

This special cruise offers guests a glimpse into the world of the largest mammals on earth. Learn incredible details from a qualified expert on whales and dolphins and watch them with your own eyes! The crew is organized into “observation teams” who also keep a sharp eye on the water surface for blows or other signs of whale activity, as some species can’t be located by acoustics alone. The Whale expert and MV Pindito knows the areas that are preferred by these large marine mammals (including sperm, Bryde’s and orcas or killer whales) and both our long experience and trained eyes do the rest. On this cruise we offer approx. 24 dives.

Current cabin occupancy

available

reserved

occupied

ATAS TERNATE BANDA NEIRA MOROTAI AMBON TIDORE HALMA HERA OBI ARU

INCLUDES

  • Transfers from and return to the airport and the MV Pindito
  • Accommodation in a double bed or twin bed cabin with en-suite shower bath, toilet and AC
  • Full board including all drinks on board, including beer and spirits on board (excluding wine)
  • All diving (no diving on arrival/departure day)
  • NITROX for whole cruise
  • Multi-lingual guides/cruise directors on board
  • all offered land excursions

EXCLUDES

  • Harbor fees (80 USD)
  • Fuel Surcharge (200 USD)
  • NITROX course (on request available)
  • Souvenirs onboard
  • Crew gratuities
  • Domestic airport-taxes and departure taxes
  • Trip and Dive insurance (please note DAN is specific Dive insurance only)
  • National marine park fees:
  • Estimated 200 USD per person for the whole trip.
  • (Depending on factors such as time spent at the marine parks and activities done)
  • Rental equipment pricing:
  • Mask, Fins, Snorkel package - 30 USD per cruise
  • BCD - 100 USD per cruise
  • Regulator set - 100 USD per cruise
  • Dive computer - 60 USD per cruise
  • Torch rental - 60 USD per cruise/ 5 USD per dive
  • 15 Liter tank - 50 USD per cruise

TERMS & CONDITION

At Pindito PT, we commit to all the services offered in any of our literature and promotional materials. The following terms and conditions form the basis of a contract with our customer and Pindito PT. This is the customers’ commitment to our company, and vice versa, our commitment to our customers.

Join waiting list

Enter your email and get updates when spots become available.

+ -

Persons

6900 US$

Total: 6900 US$

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