Duration
7 days
Cabins left
11 / 14
Capacity
16 divers
Operator
Mari Liveaboard
Included
Mandatory surcharges
Optional extras
Certification
AOWD or equivalent
Min. dives
30 logged
Check-in
06:00–12:00
Check-out
06:00–12:00
Circular itinerary exploring the very best of Central Raja Ampat and Dampier Strait Dive some of Raja Ampat’s most iconic sites including Cape Kri, Blue Magic, Sardine Reef, and Manta Ridge Search for the elusive Pontoh’s pygmy seahorse and rare macro life at Mioskon Cruise through the spectacular limestone lagoons and karst islands of Penemu Explore pristine hard and soft coral gardens among the healthiest reefs on Earth Discover Melissa’s Garden, world-renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and thriving coral formations Encounter both reef manta rays and oceanic manta rays at famous cleaning stations and feeding sites Experience the fish-rich currents of Dampier Strait with massive schools of fusiliers, snapper, barracuda, and trevallies Chance to encounter wobbegong sharks, reef sharks, turtles, tunas, giant trevallies, and other pelagic species Enjoy a cultural visit to the traditional Papuan village of Arborek Dive world-famous sites such as Cape Kri and Sardine Reef, known for record-breaking marine biodiversity Night dives included throughout the itinerary, offering exceptional macro and critter encounters Perfect blend of wide-angle action, macro life, reef scenery, and relaxed island cruising
Guests are welcomed aboard KLM Mari at Sorong harbour following a short transfer from the airport or hotel. After a full safety briefing and cabin orientation, Mari sets course toward Central Raja Ampat. A relaxed check dive at Mioskon allows guests to fine-tune their equipment and buoyancy before the expedition begins in earnest. Freshly prepared meals, snacks, tropical fruits and ice cream are served daily in the spacious outdoor dining area, with panoramic 270-degree ocean views. Dive sites: Mioskon - Check dive. A Central Raja Ampat reef with sheltered conditions suitable for equipment checks and buoyancy confirmation, with reef fish and soft coral life in the shallows.
The expedition opens in earnest with a full day exploring the reefs and seamounts of Central Raja Ampat. Current-swept sites, rich coral formations and exceptional fish life define the area. Dive sites: Mangrove Ridge - A sheltered ridge dive in the heart of Central Raja Ampat, known for diverse reef fish, soft coral and calm conditions ideal for photography. Mike's Point - A site transformed by history and reclaimed by marine life, attracting barracuda, tuna and dense schooling fish along dramatic reef formations. Blue Magic - A current-swept seamount attracting schooling fusiliers, giant trevallies and reef sharks, with exceptional soft coral coverage. Mioskon - Night dive reveals a transformed reef environment after dark, with macro critters, hunting nocturnal fish and rich invertebrate life.
One of Raja Ampat's most spectacular regions, above and below the surface. Penemu combines dramatic limestone scenery with some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Coral Triangle. Melissa's Garden is internationally celebrated for its exceptional coral density and biodiversity. Dive sites: Keruo Channel - A fish-filled channel drift dive through impressive coral formations with barracuda, sweetlips and reef sharks. Melissa's Garden - One of the world's most celebrated shallow coral gardens, carpeted in extraordinary hard coral density at 3 to 12m (10 to 39ft). Ideal conditions for wide-angle photography and unhurried exploration. My Reef - A pristine reef offering excellent hard and soft coral coverage with diverse reef fish populations. Galaxy - Night dive offering exceptional macro opportunities in calm, sheltered conditions.
A beautiful combination of coral slopes, dramatic reef structures and fish-rich currents around Gam Island and the southern Wayag region. Vibrant soft corals, wobbegong sharks and excellent macro opportunities define the day. Dive sites: Taman Wofoh - A sheltered bay dive near Wofoh Island in the northern Gam area, celebrated for one of the most striking black coral forests in Raja Ampat. Dense schools of anchovies and silversides swirl through the coral formations while larger predatory fish hunt actively along the walls. Ledges and shallow caverns shelter wobbegong sharks, and the overall character of the site -- calm, rich and visually dramatic -- offers a welcome contrast to the current-exposed sites of the day ahead. Mayhem - A current-exposed site with schooling fish and pelagic action in the water column. Citrus Ridge - A scenic ridge dive with rich coral formations and resident reef life. Gam Ridge - Night dive along the Gam Island reef edge, with excellent macro and critter hunting after dark.
One of the signature days of any Raja Ampat expedition. Manta Ridge and Manta Sandy are among Raja Ampat's best-known cleaning stations, where reef mantas are frequently observed gliding gracefully above the reef. The day is completed with a visit to the traditional Papuan village of Arborek. Dive sites: Manta Ridge - A productive manta cleaning station in the Dampier Strait with year-round reef manta sightings. Arborek Island - Village visit to the traditional Papuan community of Arborek, with shallow coral gardens accessible directly from the village jetty. Manta Sandy - One of Raja Ampat's most reliable manta ray cleaning stations at 5 to 20m (16 to 66ft), with year-round reef manta encounters in moderate current conditions. Sawandarek - a beautiful coral reef off Mansuar Island, renowned for its vibrant hard corals, excellent visibility, and abundant marine life. Expect schools of sweetlips, batfish, fusiliers, turtles, reef sharks, and occasional wobbegong sharks. With generally mild to moderate currents, it is an enjoyable dive for all experience levels and a favorite among underwater photographers.
Dampier Strait is famous for nutrient-rich currents that sustain some of the highest fish biomass in the world. A thrilling day of current-swept dives, pelagic encounters and iconic Raja Ampat seascapes. Dive sites: Yenbuba Island - A dense reef with massive schools of fusiliers, resident reef sharks and turtles in productive Dampier Strait waters. Chicken Reef - A current-swept site with colorful soft coral formations and abundant reef fish. Friwin Bonda - A rich reef site known for critter diversity and excellent macro conditions. Friwin Bonda - Night dive revealing the reef's macro life after dark, including nudibranchs, crustaceans and hunting nocturnal fish.
A memorable final dive day at two of Raja Ampat's most legendary sites. Equipment is rinsed and stowed after the second dive, respecting recommended no-fly intervals before departure. Mari begins her overnight return navigation toward Sorong. Dive sites: Cape Kri - The world record holder for reef fish diversity, with 374 species documented in a single dive by Dr. Gerald Allen. Dense schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish and snapper fill the water column above a dramatic current-swept reef at 5 to 30m (16 to 98ft). Sardine Reef - A dramatic reef site known for dense baitfish aggregations, reef sharks and exceptional coral scenery.
After breakfast, guests will disembark in Sorong with unforgettable memories from one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth. Please prepare to leave the boat between approximately 5:00 AM and 11:00 AM depending on your onward travel schedule. Complimentary transfers will be provided either to Sorong Airport or your hotel.
Please note that the above itinerary is provided as a sample outline only. It is intended to illustrate the type of experience and dive sites typically explored during this expedition. Actual routing, dive selection, and daily activities may vary from cruise to cruise. The Captain and Cruise Director will adapt the itinerary at their discretion in response to weather and sea conditions, tides and currents, regulatory requirements, national park directives, local community considerations, and - above all - to ensure the safety, comfort, and optimal experience of our guests.
Price per person
€2,436€2,144−12%All taxes included
Full charter from €30,912
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