Group trip to Raja Ampat • Seahorse Liveaboard
Join us on a group tour in November 2027 to the last paradise on Earth: Raja Ampat.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Group Tour to the Last Paradise on Earth: Raja Ampat
- Travel dates: November 13–27 , 2027
- Liveaboard dates: November 15–26, 2027
- Itinerary: Raja Ampat Ultimate (Sorong – Sorong)
- Tour guide: Margriet de Graaf
- Tour guide languages: Dutch, English & Italian
- Stay: 12 days / 11 nights, full board
- Number of dives during the trip: 33 dives in total
- Diving level: Advanced Open Water or higher , with at least 30 logged dives
Raja Ampat is one of the most spectacular diving destinations in the world. This remote archipelago in eastern Indonesia lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle and is known for having the highest marine biodiversity on Earth. During this group tour, we’ll sail aboard the MSY Seahorse to the absolute highlights of Raja Ampat. The carefully curated Ultimate Route takes us to the archipelago’s most famous dive sites, including Misool, Penemu, Wayag, Kawe, and the Dampier Strait.
Every day, we make multiple dives at some of the world’s top dive sites. We dive along steep walls, colorful coral gardens, impressive pinnacles, and vast reefs where enormous schools of barracuda, fusiliers, bumphead parrotfish, and giant trevallies swim by. Mantas are a regular sight, and with a little luck, we might also spot the remarkable wobbegong or even the rare walking shark. In addition to spectacular wide-angle diving, Raja Ampat is also a paradise for macro enthusiasts, with pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, shrimp, and countless other tiny reef dwellers.
This trip is special above water, too. We’ll sail among hundreds of limestone islets, visit hidden lagoons, take a hike to one of Wayag’s famous viewpoints, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of one of the last truly unspoiled areas in the world. The MSY Seahorse serves as our comfortable home base. With experienced guides, excellent service, and an itinerary that showcases the best of Raja Ampat, this liveaboard promises to be an unforgettable experience for every diver.
Available spots for this trip
We have only 7 spots available for this trip.
Tour guide: Margriet de Graaf
At EWDR, Margriet is responsible for marketing, content, and the website. She has been diving since 2015 and has also been a diving instructor for several years. She brings her love for the underwater world to her work and to the group trips she leads for EWDR each year.
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 Journey to Sorong in the Heart of Raja Ampat
Today marks the start of our group tour to Raja Ampat. We’ll depart from Amsterdam and fly via Jakarta to Sorong, the gateway to this extraordinary archipelago. Since flights to Sorong usually depart early in the morning, we’ll spend one night en route at a comfortable airport hotel near Jakarta.
On Day 3, we’ll fly on to Sorong. A direct flight from Jakarta takes about 4 hours. Upon arrival, we’ll be welcomed at the airport, followed by a short transfer to the harbor, where the Seahorse will be waiting for us. After check-in, the safety briefing, and a welcome drink, we set sail and head for Raja Ampat. From this moment on, our diving adventure through one of the most beautiful underwater regions in the world begins.
Days 4–6 | Diving around Misool
Day 7 | Diving around Penemu
Today we’ll be diving at the spectacular Penemu Islands, located between the northern and southern parts of Raja Ampat. We’ll do three to four dives at some of the region’s most famous dive sites, including the renowned Melissa’s Garden. This site is known for having one of the most beautiful and best-preserved hard coral gardens in Raja Ampat, where colorful reef fish swim among vast coral formations.
We’ll also dive at My Reef, where large schools of barracuda, fusiliers, and bannerfish regularly put on impressive displays. This is also an excellent spot to spot the distinctive wobbegong, which is often well-camouflaged on the reef. After the last dive, we set course for Aljuy Bay, where we’ll spend the night preparing for the next leg of our journey.
Days 8 & 9 | Diving around the Wayag Archipelago
Today we’ll reach the iconic Wayag Archipelago, one of the most photographed areas in Raja Ampat. Hundreds of limestone islets rise out of the turquoise water here, creating a spectacular landscape. Between dives, we’ll explore the lagoons by rubber boat or kayak. Those who wish can take a short walk to one of the lookouts, where we’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of this distinctive archipelago.
Wayag is impressive underwater as well. We’ll do three to four dives in the Wayag and Kawe area, where colorful reefs, large schools of reef fish, and healthy coral gardens await us. Mantas are regularly spotted here, and blacktip reef sharks are also a common sight. Kawe is also known as one of the most beautiful dive sites in North Raja Ampat, with an abundance of fish and excellent chances of encountering mantas.
Days 10–12 | Diving in the Dampier Strait
The final days of our liveaboard are dedicated to the world-famous Dampier Strait, one of Raja Ampat’s most fish-rich and dynamic dive sites. Thanks to the nutrient-rich currents, this is a paradise for large schools of fish, reef sharks, and manta rays. Here, we’ll wrap up our trip with some of Raja Ampat’s most iconic dives.
On days 10 and 11, we’ll make three to four dives each day at famous sites such as Cape Kri, Manta Sandy, Citrus, Chicken Reef, and Sardine Reef. Cape Kri is known for its enormous concentration of reef fish, including impressive schools of barracuda, giant trevally, fusiliers, sweetlips, surgeonfish, and bumphead parrotfish. At Manta Sandy, there’s a good chance we’ll see manta rays getting cleaned above the sandy bottom. The colorful reefs of Citrus, Chicken Reef, and Sardine Reef are richly covered with hard and soft corals and are home to an enormous diversity of reef fish, wobbegongs, reef sharks, tuna, and Spanish mackerel. On one of the evenings, we’ll also go on a night dive to explore the unique marine life Raja Ampat has to offer.
On Day 12, we’ll take one last morning dive before it’s time to say goodbye to this extraordinary area. Afterward, the boat will set course for Sorong, where we’ll arrive later that day. We’ll enjoy one last meal together on board before checking out and being taken to the airport for our return flight. This brings to a close an impressive journey through one of the most beautiful diving destinations in the world.
Days 13 & 14 | Disembarkation and Return Trip
After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to the crew and disembark in Sorong. We’ll then be taken to the airport for our return trip to the Netherlands.
If you haven’t had your fill of Indonesia yet, you can easily extend your trip. For example, you could stay at one of the small-scale resorts in Raja Ampat, where you can enjoy wonderful diving, snorkeling, and the tranquility of the tropical islands. Of course, a tour of Indonesia is also an option.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from this liveaboard in Raja Ampat?
Raja Ampat Ultimate
This itinerary showcases the very best of Raja Ampat. From the colorful reefs of Misool and the fish-rich Dampier Strait to the iconic islets of Wayag and Penemu. You’ll discover the most famous dive sites, spectacular landscapes, and an enormous variety of marine life. It is precisely this comprehensive itinerary that makes the trip so special and offers a unique insight into why Raja Ampat is considered one of the most beautiful diving destinations in the world.
The Last Paradise on Earth
Raja Ampat still feels like one of the last unspoiled places on Earth. We sail among hundreds of limestone islets, hidden lagoons, and deserted beaches that are accessible only by boat. Between dives, we visit secluded bays, take a hike to a spectacular viewpoint, and explore the area by rubber boat. The natural world above the water is just as impressive as the world beneath the surface.
Unprecedented biodiversity
Nowhere else will you find as much marine life as in Raja Ampat. Colorful soft corals, vast hard coral gardens, and enormous gorgonians form the habitat of schools of barracuda, giant trevally, bumphead parrotfish, napoleon wrasse, manta rays, and the remarkable wobbegong. There’s also plenty to discover for macro enthusiasts, with pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, anglerfish, and countless other tiny reef dwellers. Every dive brings new surprises.
MSY Seahorse
The liveaboard and onboard facilities
The Seahorse is a traditional Indonesian phinisi, 33 meters long, specially designed for divers who want to explore Indonesia’s remote and most spectacular dive sites. The boat is part of the Wallace Dive Cruise, a fleet consisting of two boats. The Ambai is also part of this fleet.
The boat was built in 2005 and underwent a complete renovation in 2018, with a focus on comfort, safety, and functionality. It can accommodate up to 16 guests, who are looked after by an experienced team of 12 crew members and 4 divemasters. Thanks to its wide 8.5-meter hull, the Seahorse offers plenty of living space, both indoors and outdoors. The spacious decks provide ample room to relax between dives, while the common areas invite guests to share their experiences with fellow travelers.
The boat has the authentic look and feel of a traditional sailing schooner, but with the modern amenities you’d expect from a comfortable liveaboard. For diving, the boat uses two large, custom-built aluminum dinghies, making getting on and off the boat easy and comfortable.
On board the Seahorse, guests stay in spacious cabins designed with comfort in mind for multi-day diving trips. The liveaboard has a total of eight cabins, consisting of five twin cabins and three cabins with a double bed. This ensures that suitable accommodations are available for both solo travelers and couples.
All cabins are equipped with air conditioning and a private bathroom with hot water. The cabins are practically furnished, with plenty of space for personal luggage and diving gear. Towels and toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste are included.
The combination of traditional Indonesian touches and modern amenities creates a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere on board.
Travel costs
What is included
This group trip aboard the Seahorse is available starting at US$ 6.410 per person, based on two people sharing a cabin. The diving trip can be extended as desired. A number of items are included as standard 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$ 6.410 p.p.
- 11 nights in a double cabin or shared twin cabin
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Drinking water, coffee/tea, fruit juices, snacks
- Diving package with up to 33 dives
- Starlink Internet (5G)
- Nitrox for certified divers
- Listed land excursions
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flights to Sorong starting at US$ 1.371 per person
- Possible overnight stay in Jakarta on Day 2
- Dive & Travel Insurance
- Visa to Indonesia (approx. €30)
- Port & Park Fees (€300)
✈︎ 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
- Rent diving equipment (US$ 457)
- Rent an SMB (US$ 57)
- 15L tank (US$ 86)
- Full-body massage, 45 minutes (US$ 34)
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.
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Frequently asked questions about this liveaboard
Group trip
Yes, you need a visa to enter Indonesia. It costs about €30.
The maximum group size for this trip is 8 people. The boat can accommodate up to 16 guests, so there will be a few other people on board in addition to our group.
You can certainly participate alone! Most participants of our group trips come solo. This makes it so much fun, you get to know people and have dive buddies. Participating as a couple (or more) is also possible.
Yes, we create a group app in advance so participants can get to know each other and receive practical info.
Generally, you’ll share a cabin with someone of the same gender; the price of the trip is based on this. Would you prefer your own cabin? That’s possible if there’s enough availability. Please indicate this when you make your request, so we can give you the adjusted price right away. You’ll often have to pay a (high) surcharge, since the cabins are normally designed for two people.
Yes, Margriet is the group leader for this trip. She works at EWDR as a marketing manager, is a diving instructor, and therefore also serves as group leader for a number of group trips. She is not the dive guide on this trip; the dives are led by the crew of the Seahorse.
During this trip, accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis. So there are extra costs for lunch, dinner and drinks. The costs in the restaurants in Dahab are lower than in, for example, the Netherlands. There are also extra costs if you want to rent diving equipment or do an extra excursion. Everything that is included during this trip is indicated under the heading ‘included’.
For this trip, you must be at least AOW certified; this is a requirement of the liveaboard. In addition, groups are formed based on experience. There are 4 divers per guide.
In addition to diving, there will also be opportunities during the trip to explore Raja Ampat above water. Depending on weather conditions and the final itinerary, we’ll organize various excursions and activities.
In Misool, we’ll visit the ranger station and go snorkeling at a natural shark nursery, where young blacktip reef sharks swim around in the crystal-clear, shallow water. We’ll also take a short walk to the lookout point overlooking the famous Love Lagoon. Near Farondi, we’ll explore hidden lagoons by rubber boat and visit an impressive cave.
Further north, we’ll discover the iconic Wayag Lagoon, where we’ll cruise among hundreds of limestone islets in rubber boats. Those who wish can take the short hike to the viewpoint on Mount Pindito, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the lagoon. In the Dampier Strait, we’ll visit one or more local villages in the late afternoon. There’s also the option to take a short walk through the rainforest early in the morning in search of the bird of paradise.
If the schedule allows, you can also arrange to be dropped off at a beach or one of the small islands on your own. In addition, the kayaks on board are available for you to use to explore the surroundings, lagoons, and coastline from the water. All activities are subject to weather conditions and the liveaboard’s itinerary.
Diving general
For this trip, you must have at least an Advanced Open Water certification with a minimum of 30 logged dives.
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.
The dive sites are nearby. You dive from the dinghy, which always drops you off right at the starting point of the dive site.
Yes, the goal is to do one night dive every day.
You can only take a Nitrox specialty course here. Other courses are not offered.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are available.
No, there are 100 cu ft tanks. These are larger tanks, but converted to liters, that’s 13 liters. These are the largest tanks on the boat. Using a larger tank costs US$ 86 per trip.
Yes, if you bring your own side-mount equipment, this isn’t a problem at all.
Yes, the use of nitrox is included.
Yes, that’s possible. Renting a full set costs US$ 46 per day. You have 10 dive days, so you’ll pay a total of US$ 457. A dive computer and flashlight are also included in this price. Would you like to rent an SMB? This costs US$ 6 per day.
You leave your diving equipment on the dive deck of too boat.
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