First liveaboard with Mermaid II & I would come back anytime. Lifetime experience which has been due to the group of divers too!; done my Nitrox right away with Bob in the first couple days. Beautiful dive sites, wonderful marine & coral life & a top notch crew (includes all the staff aboard).
Overall - first class experience & thanks to Isabelle all the booking and processing went as smooth as it gets too.
From what I’ve seen so far, Raja seemed to have the most intact reefs/corals … Hope it will stay that way.
Why We Love It
Raja Ampat has some of the most biodiverse waters on Earth. From your first dive to your last, you won't be disappointed. There are massive schools of fish, majestic pelagic creatures, incredible macro life, and breathtaking reefs - diving in Raja Ampat truly is a dream come true. On this adventure, you will explore not only the lauded sites in the North, but also the most remote areas of Misool, a marine-protected region of South Raja Ampat.
Conservation
Supporters of the Misool Foundation in Raja Ampat who created the first Marine Protected Area in Raja Ampat. No plastic bottles are used on board.
Who Is It For?
For passionate divers with lots of experience - take note of the strong currents! Other activities include exploring local villages, snorkeling/kayaking in clear lagoons, visiting a pearl farm, and let's not forget the gorgeous sunsets against the changing scenery.
Prices and Dates
Choose the trip length you prefer: 9 days/8 nights or 10 days/9 nights
9 days/8 nights with 26 dives or 10 days/9 nights with 30 dives (depending on the trip you choose)
Transfers from/to the airport or hotels to/from the boat within Sorong city limits
All meals and snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks and drinking water
Tanks, weights, and weight belts
Diving with trained Dive Masters/Instructors as guides
Stand-up paddle
Starlink internet: 3 GB per person
What's not included?
Transfers outside Sorong city area to/from the boat - ask us
National park/port fees: €275 payable on board
Fuel surcharges, if applicable
Nitrox fills
Rental equipment
Dive courses
Crew tips
Massages
Souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages
Flights or hotels before/after the cruise
Dive Briefing!
Marine Life
75% of the world’s coral species
1,400+ reef fish species
600+ coral species
Sharks
White and Black tips
Wobbegong sharks
Bamboo sharks
and various Reef Sharks
Reef Mantas at nearby cleaning stations
Majestic Oceanic Manta in open water
Large schools of tuna, trevally, mackerel, batfish, surgeonfish, angel and butterflyfish, napoleon wrasse, bumpheads, giant sweetlips, damsels, fusiliers, anthias
Magnificent macro with the rare Pygmy Seahorses
Dive Conditions
Season: high season from October to April, when plankton blooms reduce visibility but bring greater numbers of manta rays
Currents: strong and changing - some dive sites are not suitable for beginners or anyone that doesn’t feel comfortable in currents.
Visibility:15 to 20 m (50 to 66 ft) (nutrient rich water can lead to reduced visibility)
Water Temperature:28° to 30°C (82° to 86°F)
Depth: deep and shallow dives
Dive Sites
It is almost impossible to put together a daily itinerary due to the magnificent diving everywhere you will go. No trip is the same with so many different sites to visit and explore.
If there is somewhere in particular you really have your heart set on please discuss with the Cruise Director. The staff will do their utmost to get you there – conditions, ship and your safety allowing.
Choose the liveaboard you prefer: 9 days/8 nights or 10 days/9 nights:
9 days/8 nights, 26 dives:
Misool area - Sagof Island, Wagma island, Farondi island, Pele Island - Fiabacet island, Farondi Island, Waigeo area - Batanta Island, Dampier Strait, Arborek island, Kawe island, Alyui Bay
10 days/9 nights, 30 dives:
Misool area - Sagof Island, Wagma island, Farondi island, Wailbatan island, Warakaret Island, Kalig island, Pele Island - Fiabacet island, Farondi Island, Waigeo area - Batanta Island, Dampier Strait, Arborek island, Kawe island, Alyui Bay, Yanggefo island
The Team
Operating in the area since 2001
Courses available on board: from Discover Scuba Diving to Rescue Diver
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Indonesian on all trips, and also French on the 10 days/9 nights trip
Maximum divers per guide: 4
Safety Information
Equipment Recommended: 3 to 5 mm long wetsuit, dive computer, surface marker buoy (SMB), whistle, and a 'reef hook' (to use on rocks only!)
Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe that has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote.
Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: Darwin, Australia or Manado, Sulawesi - note that there is a chamber in Raja Ampat, but it is not certified or compliant with international standards
Visas, Flights, and More!
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities are eligible to enter and remain in Indonesia without a visa for 30 days. Others need to obtain a Visa on Arrival for 30 days at the major entry points to Indonesia. Visa on Arrival costs $37 (about ... EUR) and usually can be extended for another 30 days.
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and have one full blank page
Must be able to show an onward ticket that departs before your visa expires
Take an international flight to Jakarta (CGK) and then a direct flight to Sorong (SOQ)
If coming from Bali (DPS), you'll have to make a stop at Ujung Padang (UPG) or Manado (MDC) on your way to Sorong (SOQ)
Transfers from/to the airport or hotels to the boat within Sorong city limits are included
Boarding time is between 7am and 2pm
Arrival on last day: between 8am and 8:30 am
More...
Raja Ampat is subject to malaria. Take necessary precautions to avoid it (cover yourself, bring mosquito repellent and consult your doctor about malarone tablets - Lariam is not recommended)
Don't forget to bring your walking shoes
Bring sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, a rash guard, and a sweater or light-weight jacket