Imagine diving into turquoise water, teeming abundant marine life and surrounded with karst-like limestone formations. Raja Ampat is home to over 1,500 islands. It is a treasure chest of life, with over 75% of all coral species in the world and 2,340 different fish species. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat has the highest marine biodiversity on Earth, making it one of the world’s most stunning diving destinations — above and below water.
The location and untouched natural beauty of Raja Ampat provide an unmatched diving and cruising experience in Asia. A luxury yacht charter in a modern-day Phinisi will allow you to experience the underwater world of Raja Ampat and its magic. It is an unforgettable experience for solo travelers, adventurers, and families.
Luxury diving like no other
Raja Ampat is more than just a cruising destination – it’s a marine sanctuary. It is the ideal place for a luxury diving experience. With 17 species of marine mammal (including the Dugong), 5 species of rare and threatened sea turtles including the Hawksbill sea turtle, as well as many dive sites that are suitable for beginners and children, it’s the perfect place to go on a luxury diving journey. Swim with mantas, drift through gardens of soft corals and hard corals and see rare sea creatures such as pygmy sandhorses and Wobbegongs. Raja Ampat is a paradise for underwater photographers. You can capture some of the world’s most iconic shots.
Diving in Raja Ampat
North, Central and South Raja Ampat are generally considered to be the three distinct areas of Raja Ampat. Yacht charters tend to visit only one or two areas of Raja Ampat, due to their size and distance. North Raja Ampat includes northwest Waigeo Island, Kawe Island, and the Wayag Islands. Melissa’s Garden, and Arborek Jetty are two of the most popular dive sites for those cruising north. When we speak of the central region of Raja Ampat the Dampier Strait immediately comes to our minds. The strait runs between Batanta Island and Waigeo Island. The strait also includes smaller islands like Miskon, Gam Mansuar Kri. Sardine Reef Cape Kri and Manta Sandy are just a few of the spectacular diving sites. Every dive site has a unique charm. From sandy slopes and pinnacles, to reef walls covered with coral soft corals or hard coral reef tops.
Raja Ampat’s southernmost island chain offers the best diving in the world. Misool, with its hundreds of small islands and vastness, is divided into several areas. Fiabacet, Pele and Wayilbatan are the most famous areas, as they have the richest soft corals and sea fans. The reef scenery also offers the most distinctive coral forms around Raja Ampat. Boo Rocks No Contest, and Love Potion should be on your list of dive sites to visit during your luxury scuba diving adventure.
Phinisis – the perfect way to explore Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is an exclusive and unique charter destination due to its size and remoteness. You can only fully enjoy it by exploring the area on a modern phinisi. Phinisis are traditional Indonesian sailboats with two masts. They also have a wooden hull. Historically, the Bugis and many other tribes used phinisis for exploration and trade. Keeping their hand-crafted, iconic wooden design, phinisis today have been transformed into luxury floating hotels. Aboard a phinisi yacht, you’re not just a passenger—you’re an explorer, experiencing the Indonesian waters in a way that echoes the journeys of ancient mariners, but with all the modern amenities and luxuries at your fingertips.
Modern luxury meets traditional elegance
The phinisi sailing Raja Ampat were designed to spoil you the best they could. These vessels can cater to your every need, whether you are planning a family diving trip with your children or an exclusive honeymoon aboard a private 1-cabin boat. Accommodation onboard ranges from spacious suites with king beds, panoramic views of the ocean, and en suit bathrooms to comfortable cabins for families. Modern phinisis are designed with privacy in mind. They feature large indoor and outdoors lounges, sundecks, alfresco eating areas, and air-conditioned saloons.
Imagine waking up with the gentle rocking sound of the sea and then stepping out onto your balcony to enjoy the sunrise over the horizon while being served freshly brewed espresso. Every detail onboard has been crafted to enhance your experience—from gourmet meals prepared by internationally trained chefs to the selection of fine wines and spirits available. After a long day of diving, you may want to relax with a massage in the spa or take a cocktail and enjoy stargazing on the deck. The combination between tradition and modern luxury creates an immersive, unique experience that is both relaxing and exhilarating.
Luxury diving experience tailored to your needs
The level of service and exclusivity that you receive on a luxury liveaboard phinisi is what sets it apart from traditional diving tours. Charter itineraries can be tailored to your needs with fewer passengers and a higher crew-to-guests ratio. You can choose to dive under the stars, explore dive sites that are less known, or focus on underwater photography. The professional crew and dive guides cater to all your needs, ensuring a safe and memorable diving experience.
The guides are also very knowledgeable and can take you on dives to lesser-known sites. Even if you decide to stay on the surface, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy. Paddleboard on tranquil lagoons, kayak to secluded beaches or magical mangroves, or just relax on deck and watch the sunset. The attentive crew will meet your every need, whether you want to arrange a private beach BBQ or set up the onboard movie theater for you and your loved ones to enjoy a film under the stars.
Exclusive and unforgettable
A luxury diving adventure in Raja Ampat offers more than just a holiday—it’s an exclusive experience, tailored to your individual needs and preferences. You are not just visiting another holiday destination, you are immersed within it. The combination of world class diving, exceptional service and the luxurious amenities on a phinisi creates memories to last a life time. Luxury yacht charters in Raja Ampat are perfect for travelers who want privacy, personalized service and the chance to travel in comfort in some of the remotest corners of the globe. It is impossible to compare the feeling of diving in a pristine underwater paradise and then relaxing on a beautifully-designed yacht.
Travel tips to enjoy your diving adventure in Raja Ampat
The best time to cruise Raja Ampat takes place between October and March. The diving conditions will be best between October and April. Dive sites are available all year long due to the equatorial climate. Each season has its own appeal. In order to plan the logistics of your trip, you should allow extra time. Usually, guests fly to Makassar, Bali, or Jakarta and the yachts depart from Sorong. You will be welcomed by the crew upon arrival and transferred to the yacht.
