Raja Ampat Liveaboard — Complete Fleet Guide & Booking 2026

For divers who dream of exploring the richest underwater realm on Earth, a Raja Ampat liveaboard delivers an immersive experience no resort or day trip can match. Spend 7 to 14 days aboard a purpose-built diving vessel, waking each morning at a different world-class dive site — from the manta ray superhighways of Manta Sandy to the record-breaking biodiversity of Cape Kri, where 374 fish species were counted in a single dive.

Raja Ampat’s 40,000 square kilometers of marine protected area contain over 75% of all known coral species and more than 1,500 reef fish species. A liveaboard is the only practical way to access the archipelago’s most remote and pristine dive sites, many of which lie hours away from the nearest resort. Our curated fleet of 10 premium liveaboards represents the finest diving vessels operating in Raja Ampat, each personally vetted for safety, dive operations, crew quality, and onboard comfort.

Why Choose a Liveaboard in Raja Ampat?

Access to Remote Sites: Many of Raja Ampat’s best dive sites — including Blue Magic, Boo Windows, and The Passage — are unreachable on day trips from resorts. A liveaboard puts you directly at these sites before dawn, when marine life is most active.

More Diving: Liveaboards offer 3-4 dives daily (including night dives), compared to the 2 dives typical of resort-based operations. Over a 7-day trip, that means 20-28 dives versus 10-14.

Superior Logistics: No daily boat commutes. You dive directly from the vessel, with equipment set up by the crew and hot towels waiting when you surface. Between dives, relax on the sun deck or review your underwater photography.

Expert Guidance: Our liveaboard fleet employs Raja Ampat’s most experienced dive guides, many of whom have logged thousands of dives in these waters and know exactly where to find pygmy seahorses, wobbegong sharks, and walking epaulette sharks.

Our Raja Ampat Liveaboard Fleet

Premium Liveaboards

Coralia — Our most popular liveaboard: 8 cabins, 16 guests, spacious dive deck with camera room, and a chef who rivals five-star restaurants. Ideal for photographers and serious divers seeking comfort without excess.

MV Damai — The ultra-luxury benchmark: just 7 cabins, 12 guests, with suites featuring ocean-view windows, personal butler service, and a wine cellar. Damai attracts experienced divers who refuse to compromise on comfort.

Indo Siren — A traditional wooden sailing vessel with modern luxury: 8 cabins, 16 guests, hot tubs on deck, and one of the most experienced dive operations in Indonesia. Siren pioneered the luxury liveaboard concept in Raja Ampat.

Dewi Nusantara — Indonesia’s most prestigious diving yacht: 8 cabins, 18 guests, with a dedicated nitrox system, underwater scooters, and a spa. A floating five-star hotel purpose-built for serious diving expeditions.

Specialist & Boutique Liveaboards

Shakti — Intimate boutique vessel: 5 cabins, 10 guests. Perfect for small groups wanting a personalized experience with flexible itineraries.

Aurora — Boutique luxury: 6 cabins, 12 guests. Known for exceptional cuisine and a relaxed pace that balances diving with above-water exploration.

Raja Ampat Aggressor — Part of the globally recognized Aggressor fleet: 8 cabins, 16 guests. Reliable, professional, and consistently delivering high-quality dive experiences.

Calico Jack — Boutique adventurer: 5 cabins, 10 guests. Compact and nimble, able to access shallow reefs and tight passages larger vessels cannot.

Mermaid I & II — Twin vessels with proven track records: 8 cabins each, 16 guests. Excellent value-for-money with comprehensive dive programs.

Seahorse — Budget-luxury entry point: 6 cabins, 12 guests. The most accessible luxury liveaboard in our fleet, offering exceptional diving at competitive rates.

Browse our complete liveaboard fleet with detailed specifications, photos, and availability for every vessel.

Raja Ampat Liveaboard Itineraries

Most liveaboards operate two primary routes, with variations based on season and conditions:

Northern Raja Ampat (Dampier Strait & Wayag)

The classic route covering Blue Magic, Cape Kri, Manta Sandy, Arborek, Kabui Bay, and Wayag. Best from October to April. Ideal for first-time visitors. See our 7-day itinerary for a typical schedule.

Southern Raja Ampat (Misool)

Pristine soft coral gardens, hidden lagoons, Boo Windows, Fiabacet, and Daram. Less crowded, excellent year-round. Perfect for experienced Raja Ampat divers seeking new territory. See our Misool discovery itinerary.

Full Raja Ampat Explorer

A 10-day expedition combining both northern and southern regions — the definitive Raja Ampat dive trip covering 20+ sites across the entire archipelago.

Liveaboard vs Resort vs Cruise — Which Is Right for You?

If diving is your primary motivation, a liveaboard is the clear choice — more dives, better sites, expert guides. If you want a balance of diving and above-water luxury experiences, consider a luxury cruise. If you prefer a fixed base with spa facilities and land activities, see our resort options. For a detailed comparison, read our guide: Resort vs Liveaboard in Raja Ampat.

Pricing Overview

Raja Ampat liveaboard prices range from USD 3,200 to USD 10,000+ per person for a 7-night trip, depending on the vessel and cabin category. For detailed pricing including seasonal rates and early-bird discounts, visit our liveaboard pricing page.

Specialized Liveaboard Experiences

Diving Liveaboards — Vessels optimized for serious divers: nitrox, rebreather support, camera rooms, and 4 dives daily including night dives.

Snorkeling Liveaboards — Not a diver? Several vessels in our fleet specialize in snorkeling-focused itineraries, visiting shallow reefs with spectacular visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best liveaboard in Raja Ampat?

For ultra-luxury: MV Damai and Dewi Nusantara. For best value: Coralia and Indo Siren. For intimate boutique experience: Shakti and Aurora.

How much does a Raja Ampat liveaboard cost per person?

From USD 3,200 to USD 10,000+ for 7 nights. See our complete liveaboard pricing.

Is a Raja Ampat liveaboard suitable for non-divers?

Yes — world-class snorkeling at every stop. See our snorkeling liveaboard options.

What certification do I need?

Minimum PADI Open Water for diving. Advanced recommended. Non-certified guests can snorkel. Read our diving guide.

Liveaboard vs cruise — what’s the difference?

Liveaboards focus on diving (3-4 dives/day). Cruises balance diving with exploration. Read our detailed comparison.