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Karst islands rising from a turquoise lagoon at Wayag, Raja Ampat

Destinations

Raja Ampat

Karst islands and the richest coral reefs on earth, with almost no one else around.

Season
October to April
Embark
Sorong, West Papua
Getting there
Fly to Sorong, usually via Jakarta or Makassar
Typical charter
6 to 10 nights

Why charter in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat, the Four Kings, is an archipelago of around 1,500 islands off the western tip of New Guinea. It sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle and holds roughly three quarters of the world's known coral species.

Distances are bigger than in Komodo, so charters run longer. Most start in Sorong and spend six to ten nights between the Dampier Strait, the lagoons of Wayag and, on longer trips, Misool in the south.

Highlights

  • 01

    Wayag

    The postcard view: a climb above mushroom-shaped karst islands and still lagoons.

  • 02

    Piaynemo

    A boardwalk and stairs to a lookout over a maze of green islets.

  • 03

    Misool

    Sea caves, ancient rock paintings and some of the healthiest reefs in the region.

  • 04

    Cape Kri

    A reef famous for the number of fish species counted on a single dive.

  • 05

    Arborek

    A small village on stilts with mantas feeding nearby.

  • 06

    Birds of paradise

    A dawn walk into the forest to watch the males display.

A first Raja Ampat route, 7 nights

Misool usually needs its own trip or a longer charter.

  1. Day 1Board in Sorong, sail into the Dampier Strait
  2. Day 2Cape Kri and the reefs around Mansuar
  3. Day 3Arborek village and mantas
  4. Day 4Piaynemo lookout and the islets of Penemu
  5. Day 5Wayag lagoons and the climb at sunrise
  6. Day 6A second day at Wayag, or Kabui Bay on the way back
  7. Day 7Birds of paradise at dawn, last reef swim
  8. Day 8Back to Sorong for the flight home

54 yachts sail in Raja Ampat

See all 54

Not sure a charter in Raja Ampat is the one?

Our concierge knows the crews personally. Usually replies within the hour, 8:00 to 21:00 Bali time.

Ask our concierge

Questions about Raja Ampat

When is the best time to charter in Raja Ampat?

October to April. The yachts move from Komodo to Raja Ampat when the Komodo season ends and the seas in Raja Ampat are calmest.

Is there a permit?

Yes. Every visitor needs a Raja Ampat marine park entry permit. We tell you the current fee and whether your yacht arranges it.

How do I get to Sorong?

There are daily flights to Sorong, usually connecting through Jakarta or Makassar. We suggest arriving the day before boarding.