Discover Raja Ampat’s Hidden Gems: Ultimate Liveaboard Diving Adventure Guide

When you think of Indonesia, don’t just picture Bali. For those who love diving, there’s a hidden gem that’s even more enchanting and exclusive: the Raja Ampat islands. Consistently ranked among the top ten diving destinations globally, Raja Ampat offers a surreal underwater world with dreamy corals, unique species like wobbegong sharks and walking sharks, and picturesque spots such as Heart Lake and Golden Jellyfish Lake.

👧👦 Who is it suitable for?
Diving in Raja Ampat is best for experienced divers with at least 50 dives under their belt and an AOW (Advanced Open Water) certification. The waters here can be challenging, with occasional strong currents, making it a bit risky. I must admit, I was quite daring and ventured to Raja Ampat with only 12 dives, completing 30 dives in just 7 days.

However, I faced several harrowing situations, such as losing my dive guide, running out of oxygen, and encountering down currents. In retrospect, it was quite frightening, so it’s wise to have substantial experience before taking on Raja Ampat.

🗺️ Which route should you choose?
Raja Ampat offers various diving routes, including the central, southern, and northern lines. On my trip, I opted for the southern line, which can only be explored via liveaboard (no hotels along the way). This route is renowned for its stunning corals, the iconic Heart Lake, and the mesmerizing Golden Jellyfish Lake—true landmarks of Raja Ampat, Indonesia.

🚢 How to do a liveaboard?
A liveaboard experience means you eat, sleep, and dive from the boat. Typically, four dives are scheduled each day, three during the day and one at night, making it quite physically demanding. It’s more suited for passionate divers rather than those looking for a casual trial.

💰 What about the cost?
For me, the total cost, including round-trip airfare, liveaboard fees, tips, and other expenses, amounted to 30,000 RMB per person. Additionally, I spent 3,000 RMB on a DJI Action 5 [disappointed face]. Liveaboard fees range from 2,500 to 4,000 USD, depending on the room type.

For my first liveaboard, I chose the cheapest bottom cabin, which, while budget-friendly, was noisy and smelly, leading to a mediocre experience. In hindsight, I should have splurged on a better cabin (regretting it now).

📣 Some things to note:
1. There is no internet on the southern line liveaboard, and Indonesian SIM cards won’t work. You can use the Starlink provided by the liveaboard company, which costs 100 USD for the entire trip (consider sharing the cost with others on the boat).
2. To save money and ensure your safety, buy essential gear in advance, such as a dive computer, dive-specific flashlight, and reef hook.

Renting these on the boat can be expensive.
It’s also a good idea to bring dive socks to avoid blisters from the fins, and if you wear glasses, bring contact lenses or a prescription mask.
3. Capturing the breathtaking underwater scenery is a must, so consider buying or renting an action camera 📷.