Diving Enthusiasts Explore the Depths of Raja Ampat Archipelago in December 2027

Raja Ampat's Biodiversity Bonanza Awaits You

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza, happening from December 10 to 21, 2027. Sail aboard the luxurious Ambai and explore one of the planet's most biodiverse regions, known for its outstanding service and tantalizing underwater sights.

Exciting Reasons to Join Us

Marvel at the mind-blowing diversity that sets Raja Ampat as a top dive destination globally.
Don't miss your chance to dive in the #1 dive spot of your dreams!
Dive an 11-night route covering the best of Raja, including premier north and south sites.
Enjoy a personalized diving experience with a 4 to 1 diver-to-guide ratio.
Be captivated by the stunning corals, schooling fish, and rare marine life such as manta rays, wobbegong sharks, and the highest marine diversity on Earth.
Lock in your spot with a fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure.

Join Us December 10 - December 21, 2027

Trip Leader: Mike Chiado

Book Now and Save!

"Lower Deck: Was $6,422 NOW ONLY $5,622 per person, double-occupancy""Upper Deck: Was $6,774 NOW ONLY $5,974 per person, double-occupancy"

*Book before March 31, 2025 and save! New bookings only, subject to availability.

Trip Overview

The underwater world of Raja Ampat showcases an incredible array of marine life, with an impressive variety of corals, gorgonians, and fish blanketing the luxurious reefs. The diverse topographies of the dive sites include dramatic pinnacles, long ridges, walls, hidden caves, rock formations, and azure lagoons, offering a captivating experience for adventurers.

From the tiniest pygmy seahorses to the majestic oceanic manta ray, the extraordinary range of marine life found here is a testament to its remarkable biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for schools of fish, like vast clouds of fusiliers that attract tunas, trevallies, barracudas, and inquisitive spadefish. Other exciting encounters include schools of sweetlips, groups of bumphead parrotfish, and napoleon wrasses, as well as reef sharks and the ubiquitous carpet shark (Wobbegong). Night dives might even reveal the intriguing walking shark (Epaulette shark).

Covering the entirety of Raja Ampat north to south, this 12-day trip showcases the best the area has to offer. The itinerary is flexible, adapting to prevailing conditions, ensuring an incredible and dynamic experience for all.

Read about our latest trip to Raja Ampat in 2024 and check out this amazing 2022 video from our Raja Ampat Photo Workshop.

Experience Raja Ampat in comfort and style on board the MV Ambai. With a large dive deck, dedicated camera room, and a cozy lounge, the Ambai is the ultimate liveaboard for underwater photographers.

MV Ambai

Marine Life to Photograph

The richness of marine life in Raja Ampat is unmatched, with an astounding variety of fish species available for photographers to capture. Potential encounters include wobbegong sharks, jacks, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, trevally, bumphead parrotfish, pygmy seahorses, batfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, barramundi cod, and a myriad of fascinating nudibranchs.

Stronger currents at deeper waters reveal the presence of reef sharks at numerous sites, such as Blue Magic and Sardines, and provide breathtaking congregations of schooling fish. Imagine yourself surrounded by swirling clouds of fusiliers and surgeonfish in the mid-water region, while vast numbers of sweetlips veil the coral heads below[1]. It's an underwater spectacle like no other.

See also: Raja Ampat Dive Travel Guide

December Conditions

Average Raja water temperatures in December are in the low to mid-80s, so a full 3mm wetsuit is recommended[2].

Inclusions

Shared twin or double bed cabin
All meals, snacks, drinking water, soft drinks, and hot drinks
All guided dives (a maximum of 4 divers per guide)
Free Nitrox
Aluminum tank (12 liters), weights, and belts
Transfers between the boat and the closest airport

Exclusions

Park and port fees (€200 per person)
International and domestic flights (unless otherwise specified)
Alcoholic beverages (please feel free to BYOB)
Diving equipment rental
Laundry (€1 per 2 pieces)
Gratuities
Massages
Fuel Surcharge (€100 per person to be paid cash on board, subject to revision)
Travel Insurance (click here to learn more)

Trip Type

This trip is a DIVE TRIP WITH PHOTO SUPPORT. It will be led by an experienced photographer who is available to provide guidance on all elements of your photography, as needed. While this trip boasts numerous photo opportunities, there are no planned tutorials or instructional workshops. If you would like more formal photography instruction, check out our Photography Workshops. Our Dive Trips with Photo Support suit both photographers and non-photographers alike[3].

Schedule

The cruise itinerary can vary slightly based on weather conditions, currents, visibility, and tides. The sailing usually begins by going south and then making its way north[3].

About the MV Ambai Liveaboard

The MV Ambai features 8 spacious cabins for 16 guests, all complete with individually controlled A/C units and private ensuite bathrooms. Room options include bunk and double-bed cabins[4].

Flight Information

The trip commences and concludes in Sorong. The recommended route is to fly internationally to Jakarta and then take a domestic transfer to Sorong. Arrival at least a day before embarkation is recommended to allow time for rest and delayed flights/baggage. We'd be happy to assist with flight suggestions and hotel bookings if required[5].

About the Trip Leader

Mike Chiado, a veteran in the entertainment post-production industry with over four decades of experience, will head this remarkable journey. Mike became a PADI Master Scuba Diver in 1991, with an Underwater Photography specialty (film-based, by the way!), and continues to actively dive and photograph reefs worldwide[6].

Payment Schedule

Deposit: $1,000
Payment 2: $2,000 due March 15, 2027
Balance: due August 15, 2027

Contact Us

ready to book your dream vacation? Reach out to us today at 1-310-915-6677 or email us at [email protected].

Photo Gallery

Raja Ampat Underwater Photos from Previous Trips

Raja Ampat Trip Report 2024

Discover the incredible diversity of the underwater world with the Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza aboard the luxurious Ambai in December 2027. Experience the best dive sites in the region, spot remarkable marine life such as manta rays, wobbegong sharks, and schooling fish, and enjoy your journey in comfort and style. Travel experts at Bluewater Dive Travel are happy to help you book this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza, showcasing a top dive destination globally known for its mind-blowing diversity.
Join a 12-day trip covering the best of Raja Ampat's north and south sites, featuring premier dive spots and outstanding service.
Marvel at the underwater world of Raja Ampat, teeming with life, boasting an incredible array of corals, gorgonians, and fish that blanket the luxurious reefs.
Dive with a personalized experience, enjoying a 4 to 1 diver-to-guide ratio throughout the trip.
Captivate yourself with encounters such as manta rays, wobbegong sharks, and the highest marine diversity on Earth, including schools of fish like fusiliers, sweetlips, bumphead parrotfish, napoleon wrasses, and reef sharks.
Be led by an experienced photographer, Mike Chiado, on this dive trip with photo support, available to provide guidance on all elements of your underwater photography.
Experience the richness of marine life in Raja Ampat, with potential encounters including wobbegong sharks, jacks, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, trevally, bumphead parrotfish, pygmy seahorses, batfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, barramundi cod, and a myriad of fascinating nudibranchs.
Book your spot now to secure a confirmed reservation, with savings available for early bookings, before March 31, 2025.
Discover the stunning corals, schooling fish, and rare marine life under the azure waters of Raja Ampat with this once-in-a-lifetime trip aboard the luxurious Ambai.

Diving Enthusiasts Explore the Depths of Raja Ampat Archipelago in December 2027