Program
Update – September 2025

Please note that the northern part of Raja Ampat (Wayag & Kawe) is currently temporarily closed to liveaboards following a landmark government decision to revoke several nickel mining permits after widespread protests and international attention.

The time originally planned for this area will instead be enjoyed in either the Dampier Strait or Misool, depending on sea conditions and guests’ preferences. Rest assured, Raja Ampat is a gem wherever we go — with world-class reefs, mantas, and breathtaking scenery at every turn.

Adelaar’s Total Raja Ampat expedition takes you on an immersive journey across the three main regions of this iconic marine paradise: the South, the Central, and the North. Designed to delight both seasoned divers and non-divers alike, this 10-night liveaboard combines world-class underwater exploration with breathtaking scenery, remote beach visits, and cultural encounters.

No two voyages are the same — conditions, permits, and seasonal changes shape each route. The following sample itinerary gives an inspiring look at what a journey aboard Adelaar might entail.

Day 1 – Sorong to Matan Island

Your journey begins in Sorong. After airport or hotel pickup, you’re welcomed aboard Adelaar with a refreshing drink and a thorough safety briefing. As we begin our cruise southward toward Misool, we’ll stop for a relaxed check dive at Pulau Matan — a shallow, protected reef perfect for easing back into the water.

Non-divers: Located near Sorong, Matan Island offers beautiful tropical white-sand beaches, where locals come to escape their industrial daily environment. Enjoy interacting with children and families playing along the shore, or relax with a drink at one of the small warungs (local eateries) that sell food and snacks on the beach. Overnight crossing to Misool (Daram area). (1 check dive)

Day 2 – Daram & Yilliet (Misool)

Diving in the remote Daram area, known for sites like Warna Bewarna, Andiamo, and Candy Store.

Enjoy dive sites where schools of fusiliers swirl in the blue and numerous other fish thrive along stunning walls covered in soft corals and dramatic underwater topography.

After a full day of diving in the mesmerizing waters of Daram, Adelaar will relocate to a more central part of the Misool area: Yilliet, a well-known anchorage and night dive site in Raja Ampat.

The night dive will take place at the site "Romeo, the Impossible Lover." During the dive, we will look out for nocturnal creatures such as crustaceans, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, and free-swimming moray eels hunting for food. If we’re lucky enough, we may spot and observe the shy, endemic Raja Ampat epaulette shark.

Non-divers: snorkeling at Warna Berwarna or join a scenic dinghy tour along Daram’s limestone coastline. (3 day dives, 1 night dive)

Day 3 – Boo, Fiabacet and Wayil

Based on Misool Eco Resort’s permissions and regulations, we will be allocated dive sites from the following list:

* Nudi Rock, Tank Rock – Some of the most iconic sites in Misool, famous for diverse macro life, stunning coral gardens, and abundant marine biodiversity. In areas with current, we will look for grey reef sharks and giant groupers in the blue, while schools of barracuda hover around the reef.

* Whale Rock – Recognizable by its shape above the water, this site is made up of a large rock and a smaller one. The shallow waters are spectacular, offering a vivid mix of hard and soft corals. Between the islands, a small underwater pinnacle acts as a gathering point for fish — fusiliers, surgeonfish, sweetlips, and triggerfish all guard this small channel. If conditions allow, we might encounter curious grey reef sharks gently swimming in the current.

* Gorgonian Passage – A mesmerizing drift dive through dense gorgonian coral fields, home to pygmy seahorses. The concentration of gorgonians here is among the most impressive in Raja Ampat. As we drift through this vibrant corridor, we’ll search for tiny critters and enjoy the unique underwater scenery.

* Boo Windows – One of Misool’s most famous sites. Surrounded by stunning walls teeming with life and canyon-like shallows with pinnacles, this is a place where sharks, barracudas, trevallies, large groupers, and more can be observed. Keep an eye on the blue — surprises often pass by! Conditions permitting, the dive ends through the “window” that gives the site its name — a spectacular swim-through covered in vibrant corals, a dream for photographers.

* Magic Mountain – A legendary cleaning station where giant pelagic manta rays are frequently seen. Located a mile off the southeastern tip of Misool, this dive site gained fame in the documentary Blue Planet II. It is a stunning example of Raja Ampat’s coral reef beauty and biodiversity. Schools of jacks, barracudas, reef sharks, large groupers, spadefish, and thousands of small reef fish call this reef home. Depending on the current, we will dive along the underwater mountain to its endpoint, marked by a small pinnacle. The site is rich with life from start to finish — one camera may not be enough.

* Four Kings & Wedding Cake – A group of submerged pinnacles covered in sea fans and teeming with marine life.

Non-diving highlights: Depending on the dive sites allocated by Misool Eco Resort, the main boat will anchor near a small hidden beach. After coordination with the resort, we may be allowed to visit this secluded paradise, which is a turtle nesting ground depending on the time of year. We will reach it by speedboat, kayak, or paddleboard if conditions allow and you feel adventurous. If granted permission by Misool Eco Resort, we may also enjoy a sunset visit to the beach — with a surprise in store! (4 day dives)

Day 4 – Fiabacet, Wayil, Pele

Another day exploring the stunning reefs of Misool, with dives at Nudi Rock, Tank Rock, Whale Rock, and Gorgonian Passage.

There will be opportunities to revisit Boo Windows, Magic Mountain, and Four Kings for more incredible marine encounters.

Adventure: Wayil is home to one of Raja Ampat’s most iconic viewpoints: Love Lake. From the top of the hill, admire this natural wonder — a heart-shaped lagoon with deep blue water at its center. Ideally, we will hike early in the morning before the dives, when everyone is fresh. Please note, however, that access is tide-dependent, as the reefs can become too shallow. (3 day dives)

Day 5 – Balbulol*

Exploring the Balbulol Lagoon, known for its dramatic limestone formations.

Dives at sites such as Two Tree Island, Plateau, No Contest, and Love Potion, featuring impressive drop-offs, schooling fish, and stunning coral formations.

Exploration: Today is the opportunity to see a bit more land after the last exceptional days of diving in Misool. You may also enjoy this as a light “off-gas” day before returning to more intense diving — though of course, the choice is entirely yours. If we are located in Balbulol, guests will have the option to skip the afternoon dive and instead enjoy a kayak or speedboat tour through the breathtaking karst lagoons. These unique limestone formations, sculpted by wind and waves, are among the natural wonders of Raja Ampat. Few places in the world offer such an intimate experience of this landscape — often with no one else around. Viewpoint hike: For our fittest and most adventurous guests, a steep viewpoint hike can be arranged. This would replace either a morning or afternoon dive. Please note that the trail has not been well maintained for some time. Good shoes, steady footing, and strong knees are essential. (2 day dives)

* Option to visit one of two jellyfish lakes

Day 6 – Piaynemo

Diving in Piaynemo, home to some of the most picturesque landscapes and rich marine biodiversity in Raja Ampat.

* Melissa’s Garden – A stunning coral reef famous for its dense hard coral formations and diverse marine life.

* Keruo Channel – A high-energy drift dive with excellent visibility and large schools of fish.

* Batu Rufus – A mix of sloping reefs and walls covered in soft corals, sea fans, and reef fish.

Trek: Piaynemo is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Raja Ampat — so iconic, in fact, that it is pictured on the 100,000 Indonesian rupiah banknote. While the viewpoint can be visited at any time of day, we usually schedule the hike for late afternoon, just before the night dive. The walk takes only 15–20 minutes on wooden stairs. Flip-flops or sandals are fine — simply wear what makes you comfortable. If you’d like to enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer at the top, just let us know and we’ll prepare it for you. (3 day dives)

Day 7 – Wayag

Diving in the Wayag region, known for its pristine reefs and dramatic underwater landscapes.

* Cathedral Rock – A massive underwater formation with swim-throughs, arches, and an abundance of reef fish.

* Ridge Rock – A spectacular ridge dive with schooling jacks, barracudas, and occasional reef sharks.

* Wayag Corner – A stunning site with coral-covered slopes and rich marine biodiversity.

Non-diving activities: Wayag lies in the northern part of Raja Ampat, a dramatic seascape of towering karst pinnacles. Diving here can be excellent, but it is also a paradise for non-divers! Explore with a kayak or paddleboard, snorkel among giant clams in shallow reefs, or simply enjoy a pristine sandy beach — we’ll make sure your time is unforgettable. Hikes to spectacular viewpoints are also possible. While the paths are clear, there are no stairs, and the limestone is sharp and steep. Good shoes, steady footing, and strong knees are mandatory. We usually plan the hike early in the morning for the best light and safety. A dive will be skipped for this activity. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking panoramas on earth: a 360° view of the Pacific Ocean, the karst formations, and Raja Ampat’s endless islands. For those unable or unwilling to hike, we’ll arrange a speedboat tour of the lagoon instead. And to crown the day, our crew will prepare a beach BBQ at a handpicked location — a true cherry on the cake. (4 day dives)

Day 8 – Kawe

Diving in Kawe, a remote region where strong currents bring large pelagics and incredible biodiversity.

* Equator Cave – A unique underwater cave dive located near the equator.

* Changgo – A deep reef site known for impressive coral formations and large schools of fish.

* White Arrow, Eddy’s Black Forest – Dramatic underwater landscapes with dense coral gardens, sea fans, and frequent sightings of pelagic species.

Non-diving activities: while divers enjoy the third dive of the day, non-divers can relax on Wofoh Island’s postcard-perfect beach, with its thin white sand and swaying coconut palms. Snorkeling here is outstanding — whether on sloping reef plateaus or vertical walls, Wofoh’s reefs are vibrant and healthy, sure to delight. (4 day dives)

Day 9 – Yangeffo & Mutus Village

Diving in Yangeffo, a region known for its stunning underwater landscapes and rich marine biodiversity.

* Citrus Ridge – A colorful reef teeming with vibrant soft corals and a variety of reef fish.

* Mayhem – A high-energy dive site where schools of barracudas, jacks, and trevallies patrol the currents.

* Gam Ridge – A breathtaking ridge dive with abundant marine life and unique coral structures.

Night dive in Yangeffo, offering a chance to see fascinating nocturnal creatures such as walking sharks and crustaceans.

Non-diving activities: in the morning, we’ll make a cultural stop at Mutus Village to briefly immerse ourselves in local daily life. Just an hour’s cruise south from Wofoh, Mutus is a small but authentic fishing village. With its Protestant church, school, football field, and colorful houses bordered by flower gardens, it has a unique character and soul. Children may accompany us, smiling and laughing — and are often delighted to see their photos on your camera. Please do ask for permission before taking pictures of both children and adults. Depending on the tide, a wet landing may be necessary, so bring water shoes or flip-flops. Expect 30 minutes to an hour for a leisurely visit. In the afternoon, after reaching Yangeffo, enjoy spectacular snorkeling and diving in the mangrove-fringed reefs — among the healthiest in Raja Ampat. Kayaks and paddleboards will also be available for you to drift through the natural channels of this magical ecosystem. (3 day dives, 1 night dive)

Day 10 – Arborek and Mansuar

Diving in the heart of Raja Ampat’s vibrant reefs and iconic marine life, with 2 sites among the following:

* Arborek Jetty – A vibrant site under a wooden pier, home to schooling fish, juvenile batfish, and macro life.

* Manta Sandy – A world-renowned cleaning station where oceanic and reef manta rays gather.

* Sawandarek Jetty – A dive featuring pristine hard corals, giant clams, and diverse reef fish, including Napoleon wrasse and bumphead parrotfish.

* Yenbuba – A drift dive along a spectacular sloping reef with large schools of fusiliers, barracudas, and friendly turtles.

Non-divers: can enjoy snorkeling from the jetties or observing mantas gliding through the cleaning stations.

After an overnight cruise of nearly 10 hours from Yangeffo, Adelaar arrives at the port of Sorong before dawn. Depending on your flight time, enjoy your final breakfast and last moments on board. It is, sadly, time to say goodbye. We truly appreciated having you on board and hope we exceeded your expectations. (2 day dives)

Day 11 – Sorong & Farewell

Early morning arrival in Sorong. After breakfast, our crew assists with airport transfers or hotel drop-off.

As you disembark Adelaar, we hope the memories of this expedition — from manta rays and jungle peaks to quiet beaches and new friendships — stay with you long after your return.

(Actual itinerary might vary depending on weather and sea conditions)

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