Route Description - 9 Days/8 Nights Raja Ampat (South - North Raja Ampat)
Embark on a spectacular diving adventure aboard the Pearl of Papua, exploring the stunning underwater landscapes of Raja Ampat. Beginning with an initial check dive at Pulau Matan, you'll journey through the vibrant dive sites of Misool, where you'll encounter breathtaking coral reefs, giant manta rays, and diverse marine life. Highlights include multiple dives at renowned sites like Magic Mountain and Boo Window, followed by explorations in Penemu and Arborek with scenic treks and village visits. The final days focus on the action-packed Dampier Straits, offering thrilling encounters with sharks and schools of fish, culminating in a barbecue on an uninhabited island. Conclude your voyage with a return to Sorong, where you'll have time for last-minute souvenirs before disembarking.
Day 1: Sorong
Arrive at Sorong Airport. You will be met outside the arrival hall; and taken to the Pearl of Papua. After a 15 minute ride you will be onboard the vessel, where cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before departure. Take this time to familiarise yourself with the facilities and make yourself comfortable. Lunch and dinner will be served while heading towards Raja Ampat National Park. Sorong to Misool is roughly a twelve hour journey.
Check Dive at Pulau Matan, time permitting.
Days 2-5: Misool
Misool is one of the most fascinating areas of Raja Ampat. It contains some of the most amazing underwater seascapes imaginable – deep ravines and canyons give way to unsurpassed coral coverage and unrivaled color. Don’t be surprised if you encounter Gorgonian Sea Fans exceeding 3 metres in diameter! That said, while the reefs are tru ly breathtaking down in Misool, remember to check the blue every now and again as it is quite common to encounter oceanic manta rays, reaching up to seven meters in length, on many dives. Brace yourself, the diving is about to get incredible.
One of the dives, Magic Mountain, is a reliable cleaning station for oceanic manta rays. Because of this, we will dive the site twice in order to afford you the best opportunity to encounter these gentle giants.
Day 2: Daram – Misool
The Candy Store, Andiamo, Andy’s Ultimate, Daram
Day 3: Boo – Misool
Magic Mountain, Magic Mountain, Boo Rocks, Boo Window
Day 4: Fiabacet – Misool
Tank Rock, Nudi Rock, Whale Rock, Yelit Kecil
Day 5: Farondi – Misool
Anchovies, Goa Farondi
Upon completing the second dive of the day, you will begin the long journey from Misool to Penemu (fourteen hours).
Day S6: Penemu to Arborek
Spread over nearly 700 square kilometers of ocean, just above the midway point on Raja Ampat’s north -south axis, Penemu ’s vivid coral gardens revel in the nutrient rich water brought forth from the Dampier Straits .
After having fun drifting with current at My Reef and Melissa Garden, you will climb Penemu. It is a mere 318 wooden -steps to the breathtaking view of Raja Ampat’s limestone karsts.
From here Pearl of Papua will head towards Arborek where you will complete your final dive of the day and have the opportunity to explore an authentic village and interact with locals.
My Reef, Melissa’s Garden, Climb Penemu, Mayhem, Village Walk
Day 7: Dampier StraitsThe Dampier Straits contain some of Raja Ampat’s most action packed dives.
There are a number of wonderful sites in the area, many of which are best -dived when the current is running. Encounters with various sharks, Bumphead Parrotfish, schools of barracuda, Oceanic Triggerfish, and Big -Eyed Trevally are quite common. The sheer number of fish is literally astounding. At times shoals are so thick the sunlight is practically blocked out.
Finally, what better way to end your diving expedition than to have a barbeque on an uninhabited island. The crew will prepare a wonderful meal for you to enjoy as you watch thousands of fruit bats begin their journey to neighboring islands in search of food .
Blue Magic, Cape Kri, Mike’s Point, Barbeque at Mioskon
Day Eight: Dampier Straits
You can’t get enough of Dampier Straits ! Today you will dive at Chicken Reef and Sardine Reef, these dive spots offer an unforgettable diving experience where you may spot huge schools of fishes being stalked by barracuda and trevally. And if you’re lucky even a few manta rays!
After completing your second dive of the day, the Pearl of Papua will begin her return voyage to Sorong. It is roughly a seven hour journey. Upon arriving in Sorong you will have the opportunity to purchase some souvenirs for your family and friends.
Chicken Reef, Sardine Reef
Day Nine: Sorong
After breakfast, prepare for disembarkation. Official check out time is 10 AM . From here you will be transferred to your next destination .