A Liveaboard Dive Safari Through Raja Ampat

Board Malaillo at Sorong Harbour before midday and settle in with a boat and dive briefing. The journey begins with a check dive around Matan Island, giving everyone time to adjust their equipment and get comfortable in the water. If timing and conditions allow, there may also be a night dive before Malaillo sails overnight towards Daram in Misool.

Begin the first full diving day around Daram, where pinnacles, ridges, gorgonian fans, soft coral, and busy reef life shape the underwater scenery. The area offers a strong introduction to Misool, with varied reef structures and plenty to observe both across the coral and out in the blue as the route moves deeper into southern Raja Ampat.

Spend the day exploring the Fiabacet area, including Whale Rock and Nudi Rock. Dense coral growth, reef fish, and varied underwater formations make each site feel different, while smaller marine life can often be found among the reef. After sunset, return to the water for a night dive and a closer look at the reef after dark.

Dive around Boo Island and Kanim Island, where reef formations and active fish life bring opportunities to see barracuda, bigeye trevally, and occasional schools of mobula rays. Later, head to Juliet for a night dive, shifting the focus from larger daytime encounters to the smaller marine life that becomes more active around the reef after sunset.

Begin the day at Magic Mountain in Warakaraket, one of the route’s recognised manta sites. Reef mantas and oceanic mantas may pass through when conditions are suitable, alongside reef fish and other marine life around the site. Continue with more diving in the area before finishing the day with a night dive around Warakaraket.

Explore the Wayilbatan area, starting at The Four Kings, a submerged reef formed by four distinct pinnacles. Continue to Orange Peel, where ridges and walls are covered with orange soft coral, before diving at Wedding Cake. Together, the sites bring a mix of reef structure, coral colour, and changing underwater scenery across the day.

Dive around Karang Sagof, Baby Rock, and Two Trees Rock before spending the late afternoon relaxing on board. As Malaillo begins the crossing towards Central Raja Ampat, guests can enjoy drinks on deck and watch the island scenery change, marking the transition from Misool’s southern reefs to the next stage of the journey.

Spend the day muck diving in the sheltered bays of South Batanta, where darker seabeds and quieter reef areas create good conditions for searching for smaller marine life. Nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, cuttlefish, flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopus, and wunderpus may be found here, offering a clear contrast to the wide-angle reef diving of Misool.

Explore the Penemu and Piaynemo area, including a dive at Melissa’s Garden, known for its broad coral formations and reef life. Between dives, head ashore for the walk to the Piaynemo viewpoint, where limestone islands rise across the surrounding water. The day brings together one of Raja Ampat’s best-known views with its underwater scenery.

Dive around Gam and Yanggefo, where coral reefs, fish life, and island passages create a varied setting for the day. Schools of mobula rays may occasionally move through the area, while the reefs offer plenty to observe at a slower pace. The programme follows the day’s conditions, with each site chosen to suit the current and visibility.

Explore the waters around Kri and Mansuar, where coral reefs and schooling fish make this part of Central Raja Ampat a rewarding place to dive. The day also includes time ashore at Sawandarek Village, giving guests a look at life beyond the reef before returning to the water for a night dive in the same area.

Head towards Wai and Birie Island for the final day of diving, including a visit to the P-47 WWII plane wreck and another chance to look for manta rays. Later in the afternoon, cruise in search of native Papuan birds and hornbills before enjoying a barbecue dinner on board and sailing overnight towards Sorong Harbour.

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking from Malaillo in Sorong by 10:00 AM. A scheduled transfer will take guests to Sorong airport or their hotel in the city. This marks the end of the journey through Misool, Batanta, Piaynemo, and the island passages of Central Raja Ampat.