The name Raja Ampat, meaning “Four Kings,” refers to the region’s four main islands: Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool. While the archipelago appears compact on a map, it spans an enormous area with an incredible diversity of dive sites. This expedition focuses on Misool and Dampier Strait, two of Raja Ampat’s most celebrated regions, offering pristine reefs, vibrant coral gardens and unforgettable marine life encounters.
Dates
March 10–18, 2028
Duration
08 nights/9 days
Packages
- $6,350 USD pp. – Lower Deck Twin (Twin Share – 2 Single Beds)
- $6,450 USD pp. – Lower Deck Double/Twin (Double or Twin Share)
- $6,900 USD pp. – Main Deck Master Suite (Double/Twin Share)
- $7,100 USD pp. – Upper Deck Master Suite (Double/Twin Share)
Notes
- Spaces are limited, and Raja Ampat expeditions often sell out well in advance.
- All costs are in American Dollars (USD) for this trip.
- A minimum Open Water Diver certification is required to participate in scuba diving activities. Raja Ampat is renowned for its spectacular drift diving, with light to moderate currents bringing in the rich nutrients that support its extraordinary marine biodiversity. An Advanced Open Water certification and previous drift diving experience are recommended. Dive site selection will always be based on certification level, experience, and local conditions.
Included
- 8 nights/9 days onboard the beautiful vessel Coralia Dua
- 3-4 dives a day (includes tanks and weights. Other equipment not included) Note: some days may be two dives depending on land excursion
- 3 meals a day plus snacks, water, tea, coffee and soft drinks
- Presentations on marine wildlife – manta rays or coral
- Travel and explore with a marine biologist
- Photography and editing advice provided
- Friendly and fun atmosphere
- Certified dive guides and amazing cruise directors
- Limited to 10 including trip organiser
- Experience local culture
Excluded
- Dive gear rental
- Massages
- Alcoholic beverages
- Park Fees: $654 per person (paid on-board)
- Airfares: International and Domestic
- Travel Insurance / DAN dive Insurance
- Crew tips
- Hotel in Sorong or Jakarta trip if required
- Onboard purchases
How to Secure Your Spot
Spaces are limited and expected to fill quickly. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 USD is required to secure your booking.
- $1,000 USD deposit to secure your spot
- First payment due: June 21, 2027
- Final payment due: November 21, 2027
We’ll be in touch by email with your payment schedule and trip details. To secure the best fares, we recommend booking your flights to Jakarta (CGK) and onward to Sorong (SOQ) as early as possible.
To check availability or reserve your spot, please contact us.
Day 1
Arrive in Sorong, board the Coralia Dua, settle into your cabin, set up your dive and camera gear, and attend the boat and dive briefings. Relax as we cruise towards Misool.
Days 2–7
Our adventure begins with a checkout dive before exploring the world-renowned reefs of Misool, home to vibrant soft corals, dramatic limestone islands and incredible marine biodiversity. Dive iconic sites including Boo, Fiabecet and Yuliet, with opportunities to encounter giant and reef manta rays, barracuda and the famous Santa Claus pygmy seahorse.
We then cruise north to the Dayang, Fam, Yeben and Yangeffo regions, known for pristine coral bommies, white-sand bottoms, cuttlefish and blacktip reef sharks.
The expedition concludes in the legendary Dampier Strait, with diving around Arborek, Mansuar and Kri, where highlights may include sweetlips, Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, tasselled wobbegong sharks, and the spectacular reef and jetty dives at Sawandarek Village.
Day 8
Enjoy up to two final dives (flight schedules permitting) before returning to Sorong.
Day 9
After breakfast, disembark the Coralia and transfer to Sorong Airport for your onward journey—already dreaming about your next Raja Ampat adventure.
Vessel
We’ve had the best time aboard the Coralia over the past five years, and for our upcoming expedition, we’re excited to be sailing on her newest sister ship, “Coralia Dua”.
Coralia Dua is a stunning traditional Phinisi liveaboard, built in Bira, Sulawesi, by the Konjo tribe, whose craft has been passed down through generations. The Coralia fleet has won the Dive Travel Award “Best Liveaboard” in 2021, 2024, 2025 & 2026. Their newest vessel reflects the same design philosophy and attention to detail that made Coralia an award-winning vessel.
Its name is derived from “coral” and the Latin suffix “-ia”, meaning “Nation of Corals” – a fitting name for a vessel dedicated to exploring some of the world’s most vibrant reef systems. We are venturing into Raja Ampat during what some would consider the off-season. What most don’t know is that Raja is diveable all year round in certain areas.
Our itinerary will take us to dive sites in the Misool-Dampier area and the Dampier Strait. If the weather allows, we will try to head north towards Aljui Bay; however, we cannot guarantee we’ll be able to do so. View itinerary
About Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is widely regarded as the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystem.
- Home to 600+ species of coral—compared to just 58 species found throughout the entire Caribbean Sea.
- 1,669 fish species have been recorded (as of December 2019), including 42 species found nowhere else on Earth.
- A remarkable 374 fish species were identified during a single 90-minute dive at Cape Kri in Dampier Strait.
- Raja Ampat’s corals naturally withstand water temperatures ranging from 19°C to 36°C (66–97°F), making them exceptionally resilient to temperature fluctuations.
- Indonesia is home to more than 300 native languages, although the official language is Bahasa Indonesia.
Getting There
Please arrive in Jakarta by the afternoon of March 9, 2028 (at the latest). We recommend arriving one day early before your onward flight to Sorong (SOQ).
To/From North America
Flights to Indonesia typically connect via Tokyo, Hong Kong or other major Asian hubs before continuing to Jakarta (CGK). Some east coast routes also connect through the Middle East (e.g. Doha or Abu Dhabi).
To/From Australia
Flights to Indonesia are available non-stop from Sydney or via Singapore or Malaysia, with onward connections to Jakarta (CGK).
Flights to Sorong
From Jakarta (CGK), continue to Sorong (SOQ). Most flights depart overnight. The recommended flights for March 2028 have not yet been released—we’ll share our recommendations as soon as they’re available.
You’ll be met at Sorong Airport by the Coralia team and transferred directly to the boat. If you prefer to arrive a day early, we recommend staying at the Aston Sorong Hotel, where Coralia staff will collect you on March 10, 2028.
On March 18, 2028, Coralia will transfer you back to the airport for your onward flight. If you’re continuing to another destination in Raja Ampat, let us know so we can coordinate your transfer.
Good to know
- Garuda Indonesia currently offers an additional 23 kg baggage allowance for dive gear (scuba certification required at check-in).
- Early morning departures from Sorong may limit the number of dives on the final day.
- AirAsia is currently not recommended due to frequent flight cancellations on the Sorong route.
Why Choose OceanLife?
OceanLife expeditions are designed for divers and snorkellers who want more than a holiday. Every journey is personally led by Amanda Delaforce, a marine biologist with more than 25 years of field experience and over 30 years of diving experience. Her knowledge of marine life, underwater photography, and responsible wildlife encounters adds depth to every adventure. Groups are intentionally kept to 10 guests, fostering more personal experiences and genuine connections with like-minded travellers. Each destination is carefully selected for its exceptional marine encounters and trusted local operators. Meet Amanda
”Amanda is the best! This was my second trip with her, and once again she made exploring Raja Ampat effortless and unforgettable. She organizes every detail beautifully, is an exceptional diver and photographer, and is one mean UNO player! If you want to experience the world's best dive destinations with a fun, knowledgeable leader, I can't recommend Amanda highly enough.
—Sarah L.
Travel with Purpose
By joining this expedition, you’re supporting a team committed to protecting the unique marine ecosystems of Raja Ampat and empowering local communities through sustainable tourism.
Our liveaboard partner, Coralia, follows a range of environmentally responsible practices, including eliminating single-use plastics, using reef-safe and biodegradable products, and employing and training local staff wherever possible. Coralia also works closely with the Raja Ampat SEA Centre, supporting marine conservation through research, education and community engagement.
Together, these efforts help protect one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments for future generations. Explore our conservation work
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
We look forward to sharing this unforgettable journey with you. Ready to experience Raja Ampat with OceanLife? Spaces are limited to keep the group intimate, so secure your place or contact us with any questions.
Bookings, Payment, Cancellation Policy and Force Majeure in relation to the Tour
TERMS & CONDITIONS
These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings made with Amanda Delaforce Photography and Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 26 661 237 734), trading as OceanLife Scuba Expeditions (“OceanLife Scuba Expeditions”, “we”, “us” or “our”).
1. Insurance
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions highly recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive personal travel and dive insurance as soon as possible after confirming their travel plans. Your insurance policy should provide adequate cover for, at a minimum, trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, scuba diving activities, missed or delayed flights, baggage loss or delay, travel interruptions and personal liability. We recommend Dive Assure or DAN for dive insurance. Dive Assure offers both annual and short-term (per trip) Dive and Travel Insurance policies. You can purchase a policy here – https://app.diveassure.com/#/registration/main/process/0/int/0/18669/en-intl
- Evidence of adequate travel and dive insurance must be provided prior to departure.
- All diving, snorkelling and in-water activities are conducted by our appointed in-country operator(s), including liveaboard vessel operators and local dive centres, who maintain responsibility for their own operational procedures, safety standards and applicable insurance requirements. While participating in diving, snorkelling or swimming activities, you are required to comply with all instructions given by the Captain, Dive Instructor, Divemaster or other authorised crew members.
2. Bookings and Payments
- Bookings made more than 100 days before the commencement of the trip require a non-refundable deposit of USD $1000 per passenger.
- All deposits are non-refundable.
- Bookings made within 100 days of the commencement of the trip require payment in full to secure the booking.
- Final payment is due no later than 100 days before the commencement of the trip. A final payment reminder will be sent prior to the due date.
- Each guest is required to complete a Dive Trip Questionnaire (which may include a Dive Medical Assessment where applicable) before receiving final trip confirmation. The completed questionnaire must be returned to OceanLife Scuba Expeditions before final payment is made.
- Guests are required to disclose all relevant medical conditions honestly and completely. Failure to disclose relevant medical information, or providing false or misleading information, may result in OceanLife Scuba Expeditions refusing participation where the condition may affect the safety of the guest, other participants or the safe operation of the expedition.
- Guests are responsible for ensuring they hold valid passports, visas, permits, vaccinations and any other documentation required for entry into the destination country or countries. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions accepts no responsibility for denied boarding, refused entry or additional costs resulting from incomplete, expired or invalid travel documentation.
3. Amendment and Cancellation Policy
- All deposits are non-refundable.
- The total trip cost becomes 100% non-refundable within 100 days of the scheduled departure date. This applies to deposits and all subsequent payments, except where otherwise required by law.
- If you cancel your booking 100 days or more before departure, and your place can be resold, a trip credit equal to your remaining balance (less a USD $300 administration fee) will be issued. The credit must be used on another OceanLife Scuba Expeditions trip departing within two (2) years of the cancellation date.
- If you cancel your booking within 99 days of departure, no refund or trip credit will be issued.
- If a guest misses the commencement of the expedition or any part of the itinerary due to delayed or cancelled flights, missed connections, immigration delays, baggage delays, weather events or other travel disruptions, no refund, credit or alternative arrangements will be provided by OceanLife Scuba Expeditions. Any eligible costs should be claimed through the guest’s travel insurance policy, where covered.
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions reserves the right to amend itineraries, accommodation, vessels, dive sites, schedules, guides or expedition leaders where reasonably necessary due to weather, sea conditions, safety considerations, wildlife activity, mechanical issues, operational requirements, government directives or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. Such changes do not constitute grounds for compensation or refund.
4. Force Majeure
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions shall not be liable for any delay, alteration, cancellation or failure to deliver a trip where such circumstances are caused by events beyond our reasonable control.
- A Force Majeure Event includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, war, terrorism, fire, flood, severe weather, natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, industrial disputes, strikes, civil unrest, acts of government or regulatory authorities, the inability to obtain licences or permits, delays caused by subcontractors or suppliers, telecommunications failures, material shortages or any other event beyond our reasonable control.
5. Guest Responsibilities
- Guests participating in scuba diving must hold the minimum certification required for the expedition and provide proof of certification if requested.
- Guests agree to dive within the limits of their certification, experience and current medical fitness, and to follow all instructions provided by dive professionals, vessel crew and expedition staff.
- Guests are responsible for arriving at the designated departure location at the required time. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions is not responsible for missed departures resulting from delayed or cancelled flights, missed connections, immigration delays, baggage delays, weather events or other travel disruptions beyond our reasonable control. Any costs, losses or expenses incurred as a result of these disruptions are the responsibility of the guest and should be claimed through the guest’s travel insurance policy, where covered.
- Guests are responsible for the care and security of their own dive equipment, camera equipment, luggage and personal belongings throughout the expedition.
- Wildlife sightings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions makes no representation or warranty that any particular marine species, wildlife encounter or photographic opportunity will occur during an expedition.
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions reserves the right to refuse participation or remove any guest from an expedition, without refund, where their behaviour is considered unsafe, abusive, disruptive, illegal, intoxicated, or likely to place themselves, other guests, crew members or the expedition at risk.
6. Liability and Obligations
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions acts as an expedition organiser and booking agent for accommodation providers, liveaboards, dive operators, transport providers and other third-party suppliers.
- We choose our in-country dive operators carefully. We check that they hold the correct permits, licences, vessel registrations and insurance before we work with them. Once you’re on the water, they’re responsible for running the trip safely under their own procedures, not ours.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, delay or expense arising from the acts, omissions or default of any third-party supplier involved in delivering any component of the expedition.
- Participation in scuba diving, snorkelling and other adventure activities involves inherent risks which may result in serious injury, permanent disability or death. These risks include, but are not limited to, decompression sickness, arterial gas embolism, hyperbaric injuries requiring recompression treatment, equipment failure, adverse weather, strong currents, remote locations where emergency medical assistance may be delayed, and encounters with wild marine life that may result in stings, bites or other injuries.
- Guests acknowledge these inherent risks and voluntarily participate in these activities at their own risk. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate, exercising reasonable care, following all safety instructions and complying with directions provided by the vessel crew, dive professionals and expedition leaders.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions shall not be liable for any personal injury, illness or death suffered directly or indirectly as a result of participation in the expedition or associated activities. We are also not liable for any consequential loss, including loss of income, profits, enjoyment or opportunity, nor for the loss, theft or damage of personal belongings before, during or after the expedition.
- Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable legislation.
7. Privacy & Data Collection Notice
OceanLife Scuba Expeditions collects personal information, including contact details, payment information and, where relevant to trip participation, health and medical information, in order to process bookings, arrange travel and diving activities, and communicate with guests. Health information collected through our Dive Trip Questionnaire is used solely to assess fitness to dive and may be shared with our appointed in-country dive operators for safety purposes. We do not sell personal information to third parties. By using this website or booking a trip, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described here.
8. Photography
During the expedition, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions and its representatives may capture photographs and video footage for promotional, educational and marketing purposes. Unless you notify us in writing before departure, you consent to the use of images or video in which you may appear on our website, social media channels, printed publications and other promotional material without compensation.
9. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms & Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland, Australia.
By placing a booking with Amanda Delaforce Photography and Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 26 661 237 734), trading as OceanLife Scuba Expeditions, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions and the Cancellation Policy.
