Carpe Diem & Wai Resort Liveaboard • Two Ways to Experience Raja Ampat
Explore Raja Ampat on a liveaboard and from a private island. Dive among colorful reefs, manta rays, and unparalleled biodiversity.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Raja Ampat, Two Ways: Liveaboard Carpe Diem and a Stay on the Private Island of Wai
Raja Ampat is one of the most impressive diving destinations in the world. This remote archipelago in eastern Indonesia is known for its exceptional biodiversity, colorful coral reefs, and spectacular above-water landscapes. During this trip, you’ll discover both the famous dive sites and the tranquility and natural beauty that make Raja Ampat so special.
The adventure begins aboard the Carpe Diem, a traditional Indonesian phinisi specifically designed for small-group diving trips. With only a limited number of guests on board, you’ll enjoy personalized service and a relaxed atmosphere as you sail through the archipelago. During the liveaboard, you’ll visit some of Raja Ampat’s most famous regions, including Dampier Strait and Misool. Here, an impressive underwater world awaits, featuring colorful soft corals, enormous schools of reef fish, wobbegong sharks, sea turtles, and—with a little luck—even manta rays.
In addition to diving, the trip also offers plenty of opportunities to explore Raja Ampat above water. Think of hidden lagoons, limestone islets, white-sand beaches, and the iconic view from Piaynemo, where dozens of green islets are scattered throughout crystal-clear blue lagoons.
After the liveaboard, the trip continues at the intimate Wai Resort, located on a private island in the heart of Raja Ampat. Here, you’ll have plenty of time to spend a few more days enjoying the underwater world, the house reef, and the relaxed island atmosphere. The combination of an adventurous liveaboard and a comfortable stay on a remote island makes this trip a comprehensive introduction to one of the most beautiful diving destinations in the world.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat can be visited year-round, but the best time for this trip is from October through April. During these months, conditions in both the Dampier Strait and Misool are often at their best, with good visibility, calm seas, and pleasant water temperatures ranging from 28 to 30 degrees.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit Recommendations for Diving in Raja Ampat 
The water has a pleasant temperature, so a 3mm wetsuit may be sufficient. You will make up to 4 dives a day, so if you get cold easily, a 5mm may be nicer.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Days 1–3 | The Trip to Sorong, Raja Ampat
Your adventure begins with the trip to Indonesia. For this liveaboard, you’ll fly to Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. Depending on the airline you choose, you’ll travel via Jakarta or Bali, and then take a domestic flight to Sorong. The total travel time is usually 2 to 3 days.
To allow for any delays along the way, we recommend arriving at least one day before the liveaboard departs. If desired, we can arrange comfortable accommodations in Jakarta, Bali, or Sorong, depending on flight schedules.
After arriving in Sorong, you’ll be transferred to the Carpe Diem. A welcome drink will be waiting for you on board, and you’ll receive safety instructions and practical information about the ship. You’ll then have time to unpack your suitcase and relax while the boat sets course for Raja Ampat. Depending on the arrival time, there may be a check dive and a night dive in the afternoon and evening.
Days 4 & 5 | Diving around Dampier Strait & to Piaynemo
Days 6–9 | Diving around Misool
Day 10 | Disembarkation and transfer to Wai Island
After breakfast, you’ll disembark in Sorong. From the port or airport , the journey continues to Wai Island, a beautiful private island nestled among other small islands. It’s truly an incredibly special place.
You’ll set off by speedboat for Wai, where your stay in Raja Ampat will continue. The transfer takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. You’ll be staying at Wai Resort, the only accommodation on the entire island. There are a total of 12 bungalows, so it’s definitely a small-scale resort. The bungalows are located right on the beach, offering views of the turquoise sea and the white-sand beaches that surround the island.
The bungalows are built in the traditional Papuan style using local materials, allowing the resort to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings.
Days 11–13 | Diving around Wai Island
During your stay at Wai Resort, three days of diving are on the itinerary. There are two boat dives each day, supplemented by a night dive in the lagoon near the resort. The dive sites are selected based on conditions and may include locations around Kri Island, Mansuar, and Magic Jetty. In addition, there is a thriving house reef right in front of the resort that offers excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
The waters around Wai are among the most biodiverse in the world. During dives, you’ll have the chance to encounter schools of reef fish, barracudas, snappers, and sweetlips. Macro photographers will also be in their element with nudibranchs, shrimp, cuttlefish, and octopuses. Clownfish and moray eels are often found hiding among the corals, while wobbegong sharks or the unique epaulette sharks of Raja Ampat are sometimes spotted on the sandy bottoms.
A particular highlight is the dive to the wreck of a World War II-era American P-47D Thunderbolt. This historic wreck is located a short distance from the resort and offers a unique blend of history and underwater life. With a little luck, divers may also spot larger species such as sea turtles, eagle rays, and manta rays during their dives.
Day 14 | The Nature of Raja Ampat in
You’ll be staying at a unique location right in the heart of Raja Ampat, so be sure to set aside some time to explore the island and the surrounding area above water. Wai Resort organizes a variety of excursions that will introduce you to the impressive natural beauty and culture of this extraordinary archipelago.
Visit remote sandbars that emerge in the middle of the sea, or discover idyllic islands such as Pulau Dua and Mansuar Island, where traditional villages, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters await you. Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy with trips to hidden waterfalls, such as the War Inkabom Waterfall, or a day trip to Kali Biru, a bright blue river tucked away among the tropical greenery.
Another unique experience is a tour through the tranquil canals of Batanta. As the boat glides slowly through the mangroves, you’ll have the chance to spot various bird species and other animals in their natural habitat.
Day 15 & 16 | Return home
After your stay at Wai Resort, you’ll head back to the mainland of Papua. Transportation is provided by speedboat from the resort to Sorong. This boat trip takes an average of 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the weather and sea conditions at the time. The departure is scheduled to allow ample time to catch the connecting flight.
Arrival is at the port of Sorong, where a transfer to the airport is usually waiting. Sorong is the main gateway to Raja Ampat and has daily connections to major cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta and Makassar. From here, travelers can continue their international journey or take a domestic flight to their next destination.
The return trip is well organized, but due to Raja Ampat’s remote location, it always requires an itinerary with plenty of flexibility. Flights in this region may depart in the morning or early afternoon, making a timely departure from Wai Resort essential. The resort team coordinates the schedule accordingly and oversees the entire transfer to ensure a smooth transition from the island to the airport and a stress-free conclusion to your trip.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from this trip to Raja Ampat?
Diving around Misool
The southern part of Raja Ampat is one of the most beautiful diving destinations in the world. Steep walls covered with soft corals, enormous sea fans, and an impressive abundance of fish ensure that every dive is a unique experience. Between dives, you’ll sail past the traditional island landscapes of Misool, with hidden lagoons, limestone rock formations, and secluded bays.
View from Piaynemo
A visit to Piaynemo is a must during any trip to Raja Ampat. After a short climb, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of dozens of limestone islets scattered across crystal-clear blue lagoons. This iconic landscape is one of the most photographed spots in Indonesia and perfectly illustrates why Raja Ampat is such a unique destination.
Wai Island
On Wai Island, you’ll stay on a small private island in the heart of Raja Ampat. The bungalows are located right on the beach and are surrounded by tropical nature and crystal-clear water. From the resort, several dive sites are easily accessible, including colorful reefs and a historic World War II plane wreck. In addition, the island offers a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to explore the surroundings above water.
Carpe Diem Phinisi
The liveaboard and onboard facilities
The Carpe Diem is a traditional Indonesian phinisi, built according to centuries-old shipbuilding traditions that are still practiced on Sulawesi. This type of wooden sailing ship is known for its distinctive appearance, featuring two masts and multiple sails. The Carpe Diem’s keel was laid in 2012, and the ship was specially designed for small-scale diving trips in Indonesia.
There are several areas on board where guests can relax between dives. The tastefully decorated salon is the heart of the ship and features a large dining table where meals are enjoyed together. Fresh meals prepared with local ingredients are served here daily. Dietary requests and allergies can be communicated in advance so they can be accommodated. The salon also features a small library with books for guests.
On the main deck, there is a spacious outdoor deck used for al fresco dining, relaxation, and sometimes even yoga sessions. On top of the deckhouse is a second sun deck with views of the surrounding islands and the sea.
The Carpe Diem has only four guest cabins, with a total capacity of 10 guests. All cabins feature a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, individually controlled air conditioning, a desk with a chair, and ample storage space for personal belongings. In addition, all cabins receive natural daylight through windows, a skylight, or a porthole, creating a pleasant and bright environment during the voyage.
The Nutmeg cabin is located on the main deck and is the most spacious accommodation on board. This double cabin spans nearly the entire width of the ship and features large windows, a skylight, and plenty of living space. On the lower deck is the Clove cabin, furnished with two single beds that can be pushed together to form a double bed if desired. The Pandan and Cinnamon cabins can accommodate up to three guests and feature a double bed and an extra single bed. Thanks to their portholes, these cabins also benefit from natural ventilation and daylight.
Wai Resort
The facilities and the diving school
Wai Resort is located on a private island of approximately 26 hectares in the heart of Raja Ampat. This small-scale resort features just twelve bungalows scattered along the beach, ensuring that tranquility and privacy are paramount. The accommodations are built in traditional Papuan style using local materials and overlook the turquoise sea. The island is surrounded by more than two kilometers of white-sand beaches and unspoiled nature, home to animals such as cuscus, flying foxes, and coconut crabs.
Daily life takes place largely outdoors. From the restaurant, built on stilts above the water, you can look out over the lagoon and the surrounding islands of Raja Ampat. Between dives, you can go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, or take an excursion to nearby islands, waterfalls, and mangrove areas. The remote location offers an authentic island experience centered around the rhythm of nature. Wi-Fi is limited, and electricity isn’t available all day. That’s precisely why a stay at Wai feels like a complete escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, right in the heart of one of Indonesia’s most unspoiled regions.
The Wai Dive Center is located on the island and organizes daily guided dives to the most beautiful dive sites in the area. Both experienced and novice divers can come here for guided dives, equipment rentals, and PADI courses. Thanks to the healthy house reef and the sheltered lagoon, the underwater adventure begins literally right outside the resort’s door.
The waters around Wai are among the most biodiverse in the world. During dives, divers discover colorful coral gardens, large schools of reef fish, and an impressive diversity of macro life. For example, nudibranchs, shrimp, cuttlefish, octopuses, and various species of reef fish are frequently encountered. Wobbegong sharks, sea turtles, and the rare epaulette shark are also frequently spotted here. One of the most famous dive sites is the P-47 Thunderbolt World War II aircraft wreck located just off the island. In addition, boat dives are organized to the surrounding reefs near Batanta, Kri, and Mansuar, where colorful corals, schools of fusiliers, and a wide variety of marine life ensure a diverse diving experience.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation to Raja Ampat is available from US$ 5.215 per person based on two people in one cabin. The diving trip can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this liveaboard trip to Indonesia? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 5.215 p.p.
- Liveaboard Carpe Diem
- 7 nights in the Clove, Cinnamon, or Pandan cabin
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Drinking water, coffee/tea, fruit juices, snacks
- Diving package with up to 18 dives
- Use full diving gear
- Listed land excursions
- Wai Resort
- 5 nights in a beach bungalow
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Dive package with 6 dives
- 1 night dive in the House Lagoon
- Use of kayaks and SUP boards
- General
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flights from US$ 1.605 p.p.
- Dive & Travel Insurance
- Visa to Indonesia (approx. €30)
- Port & Park Fees (€300)
- Fuel surcharge (€5–15 per day)
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Diving Equipment Rental at Wai Resort (US$ 29 s per day)
- 15L tank (US$ 86)
Email this diving holiday
Want to save or share the details of this diving trip with someone? You can do so by sending the trip by email.
Where may we send the email to?
Frequently asked questions about this liveaboard
The liveaboard
There are only a few departure dates for this specific itinerary. However, the Carpe Diem sails several routes in Indonesia, so you can also choose different dates and explore another part of Raja Ampat.
The Carpe Diem sails various routes:
- From November to April in Raja Ampat
- From May to September to Komodo
- A detour to Ambon, the Banda Islands, and South Raja Ampat
In Raja Ampat, you can choose between Central & South, Central & North, or Central, South, and North.
No, there is no Wi-Fi on board. Cell service is also not guaranteed; once you leave the harbor, the connection is unreliable.
Diving general
An Advanced Open Water certification is required for this liveaboard trip.
During the liveaboard, you’ll make two to three dives per day, occasionally supplemented by a night dive. This also leaves time for shore excursions.
During this trip you will make different types of dives: reef dives, drift dives and deep dives. You will always receive a clear briefing beforehand.
During the liveaboard, the dive sites are nearby. You’ll dive from the dinghy, which will always drop you off right at the starting point of the dive site.
During your stay on Wai, it depends on the dive site. Some sites can be reached in a few minutes, while others are about a 7-km boat ride away.
Yes, there were a number of night dives during the liveaboard trip. You can also go on one night dive during your stay in Wai.
You can only take a Nitrox specialty course here. Other courses are not offered.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are available.
Yes, during the liveaboard, you’ll typically dive with a 15L tank. Keep in mind, though, that these are 100 cu ft tanks. When converted, this is slightly smaller than a 15L—it’s about 13L.
At Wai, there are no larger tanks.
Yes, if you bring your own side-mount equipment, this isn’t a problem at all.
Yes, the use of nitrox is included during the liveaboard if you are certified for it. Nitrox is not available at the Wai Resort.
Yes, that’s possible. Renting a full set costs US$ 29 per day. You have 3 days of diving, so in total you’ll pay US$ 86 for this.
All equipment is included during the liveaboard.
You leave your diving equipment on the dive deck of too boat.
The resort
Yes, you can use Wi-Fi during certain hours. There is a Starlink connection in the restaurant that you can use for free. If you’d also like internet access in your bungalow, that’s available for a fee. Here, too, it’s only available during the hours listed below.
There is internet access between:
- 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- 12:00 to 14:00
- 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
No, Wai Resort is located on a private island. So there are no other facilities besides what Wai has to offer. That’s why your stay is on a full-board basis.
Yes, but only during certain hours. The times listed below are generally observed, but may vary in practice.
- 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- 12:00 to 14:00
- 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Yes! All bungalows have a private bathroom with hot water.
Related diving trips
We are EWDR
