Emperor Harmoni – Raja Ampat at its best
Travel period
Features
Starting at
Explore the biodiversity of Raja Ampat
Board the Emperor Harmoni, Emperor’s newest liveaboard in Indonesia, for an unforgettable 9-day journey through Raja Ampat. This diving vacation takes you to the famous “golden triangle,” where you can enjoy some of the most amazing dive sites in the world.
Diving in Raja Ampat: An Overwhelming Biodiversity
Raja Ampat is known as the epicenter of biodiversity, and you will experience that for yourself on this diving trip. As you cruise the Raja Ampat Central & South route, you will feast your eyes on the diversity of marine life. From hammerhead sharks to manta rays and colorful, pristine coral reefs, you really will find everything here. Explore Misool’s sugarloaf islands, admire the fifty shades of blue of secluded lagoons and discover lush mangroves. On land excursions, you can hike to the panoramic viewpoint of Penemu, where you will be treated to fantastic views of the lagoon and limestone cliffs.
Stay on board the Emperor Harmoni
The Emperor Harmoni, launched in September 2022, is specially built to meet Indonesia’s unique conditions. At 48 meters in length, she accommodates 24 guests in 12 well-equipped ensuite cabins, all air-conditioned. This contemporary liveaboard offers plenty of space to eat or relax, for example, as well as a dedicated camera charging area for avid photographers. With up to 4 guides on board and up to 3 dives per day, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the beautiful underwater world of Raja Ampat.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to Raja Ampat
You can dive year-round in Raja Ampat. In addition to routes in Raja Ampat, the Emperor Harmoni also sails in Komodo National Park (in summer), among other places. Therefore, it is best to consider a travel time between November & April for this trip.
Advanced certification required
This trip requires an Advanced Open Water or equivalent certification, as well as a minimum of 30 logged dives for the Raja Ampat route, and 50 logged dives for Komodo, the Banda Sea, Alor and Flores.
Special routes Emperor Harmoni 2024 & 2025
March 6, 2024: Best of Raja Ampat (13 Days) €6775,- p.p.
April 21, 2025: Triton Bay & Raja Ampat (13 Days) €6875,- p.p.
September 28, 2025: Raja Ampat & Banda Islands | Sorong – Ambon (13 Days) €6175,- p.p.
October 13, 2025: Raja Ampat & Banda Islands | Ambon – Sorong (13 Days) €6775,- p.p.
TIP! Also check out this special group tour: EWDR Group Tour: Oct. 31, 2024: Ambon to Raja Ampat for €5040,- p.p.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving in Raja Ampat
Our recommendation is a 3mm wetsuit, shorty or skin. What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 - The journey to Sorong
The Emperor Harmoni departs for her liveaboard itineraries through Raja Ampat from the port of Sorong. Travelers from Europe will likely fly to Jakarta before they can continue to Sorong. We advise our clients to arrive in Sorong at least one day before the departure of the liveaboard, so that in case of a delay you do not miss the departure of the boat. Of course, in consultation with EWDR, we will provide a comfortable one-night hotel in Sorong.
Day 3 - Start of the liveaboard | Dampier Straight & Cape Kri
Around 8 a.m. you will be picked up by the crew of the Harmoni. This may be at the airport or at your hotel. You then board the Emperor Harmoni. The plan is for the ship to leave port around 9 a.m., bound for Raja Ampat’s most beautiful dive sites. Once on board, you will receive a thorough safety briefing, meet the friendly crew, check and fill out required dive documents, gain access to your own cabin and be introduced to the layout of the ship. Your first dive of the trip is planned as a check dive.
The Emperor Harmoni (unless otherwise communicated) usually follows the route along the dive sites of Raja Ampat Central & South, which means you start your adventure in the central area of Raja Ampat. Today’s dives will take you, for example, to locations such as The Dampier Strait. This strait separates mainland West Papua from the islands of Batanta and Waigeo to the north. Thanks to the strong currents, this strait is home to an extraordinary variety of marine life.
One of the highlights of the day is diving at Cape Kri. Cape Kri, located in the Dampier Strait, is known as one of the most renowned dive sites in Raja Ampat. Stretching from the south side of Kri Island, the reef is home to an abundant population of large fish in Raja Ampat. Here you can enjoy beautiful coral and a huge diversity of fish species, including barracudas, sweetlips, emperor fish, snappers, giant trevally and gray reef sharks. A location you definitely don’t want to miss.
* The daily program described may be modified due to factors such as weather conditions and other influences. The final decision on this is always in the hands of the captain.
Day 4 to 7 - Diving in the Central part of Raja Ampat
The next few days revolve entirely around diving in the central area of Raja Ampat. You can prepare for usually three dives a day, and these dives will undoubtedly delight you. In the Cape Kri area you will find dive sites such as“Blue Magic,” where you will encounter an impressive variety of fish, including tuna, mackerel, barracuda and fusiliers.
As you continue diving toward Gam, you will thoroughly enjoy the dives at Citrus Ridge, an enchanting dive site with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. Dalam, also known as Deep Rock, offers a submerged plateau with both soft and hard corals, while Mayhem, a long underwater pillar, increases the diversity of encounters ranging from large schools of fusiliers, snappers and jacks to wobbegong sharks and pygmy seahorses.
Finally, in Arborek, Arborek Jetty awaits with colorful coral bommies where wobbegong sharks relax and impressive giant clams can be admired. Lolasi, a coral rock, promises a cool drift diving experience, and Manta Sandy is a true icon of Raja Ampat, a manta cleaning station where you can witness the beautiful spectacle of dancing mantas and maybe even discover small wondrous creatures like pygmy seahorses.
Day 8 to 11 - Diving around South Raja Ampat
The journey continues as the Emperor Harmoni sails south to the dive sites in South Raja Ampat. Along the way, make a stop at Batanta, where the dive sites are known as“muck dives.” At first glance, it may not seem spectacular, with rolling black sandy bottoms, algae patches and coral debris, but for experienced divers with an expert guide, there is much to discover.
In the south you can look forward to diving at sites such as“No Contest,” where you will be surrounded by impressive underwater formations,“Love Potion No. 9” with its beautiful sea fans and soft corals, and “Plateau,” which offers an excellent alternative dive site in strong currents.
In the Gam area, you can dive at“Andiamo” with its magnificent coral reefs and schools of fish, “Candy Store” with its impressive walls, and “Two Tree” with its rich plateau full of diverse fish species.
Then, at Wayilbatan, you can explore the underwater world at “Barracuda Rock” with its diverse marine life, “Dunia Kecil” with its beautiful soft corals, and “Four Kings” where you can witness numerous predatory fish hunting schools of anchovies.
In the Fiabacet area, dive sites such as “Boo Windows,” “Tank Rock,” “Nudi Rock,” “Magic Mountain (Shadow Reef),” and “Whale Rock” await discovery. Here you can expect to see everything from beautiful soft corals to colorful fish, and who knows, you might even encounter manta rays, dolphins and whale sharks.
On the last day of diving, day 11, you will make only one dive before the boat returns to Sorong.
Day 12 to 13 - End of the liveaboard, renewal or back home?
On the morning of Day 12, the Emperor Harmoni arrives at the port of Sorong. Depending on your preference, you can now choose to fly back home or extend your diving vacation in Indonesia a bit longer. Here are a few tips:
Fly a direct flight to Manado and go diving at Lembeh and/or Bunaken or stay in the Raja Ampat region for a while and stay at one of beautiful Raja Ampat Resorts. Check out our complete overview of diving vacations Indonesia for even more inspiration.
The liveaboard Emperor Harmoni
The boat & cabins
The Emperor Harmoni, launched in September 2022, is an impressive liveaboard designed and built with special attention to Indonesia’s unique conditions. This modern vessel is a product of the Emperor team’s extensive experience in liveaboards and charter vessels, and it meets the highest standards and expectations. Made of Sulawesi Ironwood, it is one of the few liveaboards in the region with two powerful engines. At 48 meters in length, the Emperor Harmoni offers comfortable accommodation for up to 24 guests in 12 well-appointed ensuite cabins, all air-conditioned for a pleasant stay. On board the Emperor Harmoni, you’ll find spacious dining and relaxation areas, as well as a dedicated area to charge your dive camera.
As for cabins, the ship offers several options. Lower deck cabins feature port holes and individually controlled air conditioning, with both double and single beds available. On the upper deck, guests can choose between windowed cabins with a double bed or two twin beds, depending on their preference.
Onboard facilities include a comfortable lounge with a 49-inch HD flat screen and a library of digital movies, music and books. An internationally stocked bar and spacious dining area offer an excellent culinary experience. The upper deck offers an outdoor area with beanbags and lounge chairs for relaxing between dives. WiFi is available for an additional fee.
Diving facilities are extensive, with up to 4 dive guides to ensure that each dive is safe and enjoyable. A 3 x 5-meter dive boat with a 50-hp outboard motor and ladders provides easy access to the dive sites. Nitrox up to 32% is available free of charge. For photographers, there are convenient camera facilities such as charging stations, air guns, rinse tanks and a camera table.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation to Raja Ampat is available from €4490 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 diving vacation to Raja Ampat? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from €3995,- p.p.
- 9 Overnight stays in a lower deck cabin
- Full board accommodation including wine
- Return transfers Sorong - Raja Laut
- Dive package consisting of approximately 24 dives
- Free Nitrox Upgrade
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Sorong
- Return Jakarta - Sorong
- Hotel in Sorong
- from €900,- p.p.
- from €400,- p.p.
- approx. €60, - p.p.
Optional
- 15L tank, per day
- Diving lamp
- Diving computer
- SMB (Surface Buoy)
- Complete diving equipment (incl. Computer - excl. Lamp) per day
- €7, - p.p.
- €6,- p.p.
- €7, - p.p.
- free
- €30, - p.p.
All divers are required to use a dive computer and an SMB (surface buoy) for each dive, as well as a light for night dives.
Email this diving vacation
Want to save or share the details of this diving trip to Raja Ampat with someone? You can do so by sending the trip by email.
Where may we send the email to?
Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Raja Ampat diving vacation general information
You dive from the Ribs that come with the liveaboard. Occasionally this can include some spirited current dives.
The Emperor Harmoni sails itself as close as possible to the dive sites, the last bit you do by rib/zodiac. This often involves several minutes.
You will make about 2-3 dives daily, including night dives. On the last dive day (day before disembarkation) you will make one dive.
Yes, PADI Nitrox Diver (€170,-)
Diving equipment
DIN tanks and INT adapters are available on board. They strongly recommend that divers with M26 regulators bring adapters suitable for DIN tanks.
Yes, cost €7 per day – reserve this directly when booking.
Yes, this is free. You do need to be certified.
These prices only apply if you book this in advance, while booking the trip. On the spot is also possible but you will pay a little more and in Indonesian Rupees. Therefore, there is no guarantee that everything is still available. So upfront is really wiser.
Equipment Per Day EUR (€)
Mask* €3
Finnish* €5
Wet Suit (3mm)* €6
Regulator* €11
BCD* €7
SMB (Surface Marker Buoy)*
Dive Computer* €7
Torch €6
FULL EQUIPMENT incl. Dive Computer € 30
All equipment and tanks must be pre-ordered.
Please ensure when ordering equipment to include required equipment size along with height, weight and shoe size. All items
marked with * are included in the Full Equipment Package. All divers are required to use a dive computer and SMB for every dive
and a torch each for night dives.
Liveaboard
This travel package is €1499 per person and 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.
The boats have Internet, but coverage is often only good near the port of departure/arrival. So don’t assume you can be online a lot.
Yes, unless you might pay a single supplement. Good to know; you will never be assigned to the cabin with someone of the opposite sex.
Related diving trips
We are EWDR
