Raja Ampat liveaboard boat tours are one of the best ways to see as much of Raja Ampat as possible in a short amount of time. We’re not talking about the many liveaboard dive boats that cruise the Raja Ampat archipelago: We want to introduce you to local operators who provide affordable Raja Ampat marine adventures to travellers interested in more than just diving.
Locally owned liveaboard boats provide an opportunity to visit far more than Raja Ampat’s best dive sites. In addition to their regular dive, snorkelling and sight-seeing itineraries, local liveaboard operators can provide affordable private charters to groups wanting a Raja Ampat adventure of their own design.
Using diesel powered traditional wooden boats and large outboard powered longboats, Raja Ampat liveaboard boat tours are designed for small groups of four to eight people and include land excursions and all meals. Sleeping arrangements include being able to sleep onshore under the stars on deserted island beaches. In addition to diving, snorkelling and remote island village visits, locally operated liveaboard tours provide the opportunity to hike to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints in hidden island seascapes, Bird of Paradise display sites and Raja Ampat’s many culturally significant sites.
Here’s two Raja Ampat liveaboard boat tour operators and experienced, English speaking guides who can deliver the ultimate Raja Ampat sea gypsy experience and some great Raja Ampat land based adventures...
Koryau Kayem Expeditions
Koryau Kayem Expeditions are operated by Freddy Sauyai, the owner of Koryau Kayem Homestay. While not strictly “liveaboard”, Koryau Kayem’s 6 day/5 night expeditions are true adventures which will see you sleeping under the stars and eating local food cooked over an open fire. You need to bring whatever bedding and camping gear you need to sleep comfortably, as well as your snorkelling gear. To quote from Koryau Kayem’s website: “You will spend the next five nights at a secluded beach or within proximity local village depending where the current and weather takes us”…
| KORYAU KAYEM EXPEDITIONS – RAJA AMPAT BOAT TOURS | |
|---|---|
| Tour length | 6 days, 5 nights |
| Group size | Min 4, Max 6 |
| Boat Type | See photo in gallery at top of page. |
| Boat engines | 40HP outboard |
| Price | IDR 6,500,000 per person |
| Diving available? | By prior arrangement for private charter tours only |
| Private charter available? | Yes |
| Further tour information | Contact Freddy |
| Contact details | Freddy Sauyai, +6282248524213 or fredisauyai2@gmail.com |
Raja Ampat Adventures
Deni Malingkas’ Raja Ampat Adventures is an established business with a great reputation and offers liveaboard adventures on a large and comfortable boat. Raja Ampat Adventures’ Sulawesi built vessel has sun and canopy decks, spacious communal sleeping quarters, kitchen, bathroom and toilet and a 1KW generator providing electricity. Accompanying the boat are a 7 metre fibreglass longboat which acts as a tender and for exploring shallow waterways and a pair of sit-on-top kayaks for personal excursions. If Wayag is on your must-see list, Raja Ampat Adventures provides one of the best ways to experience it. A note to turtle lovers: In addition to Raja Ampat liveaboard tours, Deni can also organise land trips to the north shore of the Papuan mainland to see leatherback turtle nesting grounds.
| RAJA AMPAT ADVENTURES – RAJA AMPAT LIVEABOARD BOAT TOURS | |
|---|---|
| Tour length | 4 days/3 nights, 7 days, 6 nights and 10 days, 9 nights |
| Group size | Min 4, Max 8 |
| Boat Type | 19m x 4.5m traditional wooden boat (see photo in gallery at top of page) |
| Boat engines | Two inboard 4 cylinder diesel (one for backup) |
| Price | See RAA’s packages page |
| Diving available? | Yes (see RAA website diving page for details) |
| Private charter available? | Yes, as permitted by scheduled fixed itinerary trips |
| Further tour information | See the RAA’s website |
| Contact details | Via Raja Ampat Adventures website contact page or connect with Deni via his facebook page |
If you’re passionate about photography, Deni’s an excellent guide with a good eye for great photos – see his work in the gallery above. (Main image by Claudia P, courtesy of Raja Ampat Adventures.) Thanks for letting us repost them Deni!
KLM Insos Raja Ampat Liveaboard
If you’re looking for something specifically for divers, Yenkoranu Homestays’ KLM Insos Raja Ampat is perfect. The Insos is permanently based in Raja Ampat, operates throughout the year, and caters to small groups (6 max) of divers and snorkellers.
The Insos Raja Ampat runs two itineraries:
8 day voyages visiting dive sites in the Dampier Strait and at Wayag
10 day voyages visiting dive sites in the Dampier Strait and at Misool
See the Insos Raja Ampat page for prices, schedules and photographs.