Guide to Planning Your Raja Ampat Trip

Holds the world record for the highest number of species on one site - 374 fish species seen on a single day! 

Cape Kri is abundant with black tip and white tip reef sharks, sea turtles, groupers and barracudas, small and big reef fish and a variety of macro life from pygmy seahorses to shrimps, scorpion fish, octopuses, and nudibranchs.

Mios Kun

Spot the elusive Wobbegong Shark and spend some time exploring a stunning Raja Ampat reef covered in soft and hard corals, sponges, and sea fans going down to a depth of 25 meters. 

Swim amongst yellowtails and blue lined snappers, Napolean Wrasse and groupers as well as fusiliers, jacks, moray eels, humpback parrot fish, and pagoda fish. Keep an eye out for the rare blue ring octopus and the peacock mantis shrimp.

Melissa’s Garden

Offering a vast expanse of hard and soft corals in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, abundant with macro life from nudibranchs to pygmy seahorses, as well as anemone fish and ghost pipefish, angelfish, lionfish, and more.

Manta Sandy

A must-visit! Rich in plankton, Manta Sandy is also a cleaning station for a large population of manta rays. It’s one of the best places on your Raja Ampat diving trip to come as close as possible to these gentle and majestic giants.

Sardines

An underwater “hill” covered with dazzling soft and hard corals and gorgonian fans, teeming with marine creatures including large schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish, snappers, damselfish, and butterflyfish. 

There are also predators like the barracuda, Spanish mackerel, giant trevallies, several types of Jacks as well as reef sharks.

With so many exciting Raja Ampat reef to explore, the best and most efficient way to reach these sites would be with a liveaboard like the Thalassa. 

You can maximize your dive time, explore multiple dive sites even in the most remote areas and have a safe, beautiful and comfortable space to return to with accommodations, meals, snacks, activities, and amenities all included.

Other Activities On Your Raja Ampat Trip

What makes Raja Ampat special? Not only is Raja Ampat an underwater haven, it also has many land excursions to offer. 

From trekking to hiking, cultural visits and bird watching, there are lots to see and do for the adventurous soul on a Raja Ampat trip.

Famous Landmarks

Be sure to spend some time in Raja Ampat’s world-famous landmarks while on your Raja Ampat trip and explore Piaynemo Hill, Wayag Island, Telaga Bintang, Kabui Bay and Harfat Jaya Peak.

Virgin Beaches

Walk on untouched white and pink sand beaches overlooking light blue turquoise waters in Raja Ampat. Popular beaches include Mansuar Beach, Pasir Timbul, Arborek Island and Friwen Beach.

Birdwatching

There are more than 200 bird species in Raja Ampat, notably the Cendrawasih or the Bird of Paradise, endemic only to Batanta and Gam Islands. Try to spot one on your next jungle hike!

Cultural Visits

Visit the aboriginal tribes of Raja Ampat, each with its traditions, culture and language. Explore tribal villages, observe traditional ceremonies, and walk historical sites.

Watersports

Watersports are available from aboard the Thalassa, from kayaking to paddleboarding to snorkeling. A kayak, two inflatable SUPs and snorkeling gear are available and can be used on your Raja Ampat trips.

Surfing

As you set sail on your Raja Ampat diving liveaboard adventure, you can explore perfect barrels, powerful swells, and endless rides that define Indonesian surfing.

Raja Ampat Diving Liveaboard With Uncharted Cruises