Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027

Macro
Dec 10, 2027 - Dec 21, 2027
Join our Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027 aboard the Ambai.

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT: Get $800 Off!

Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027 - image

Macro Critters

Shark Encounters

Manta Ray Encounters

Why Join This Trip

  • Discover why our Raja Trips are the pinnacle of diving with spectacular biodiversity

  • Raja is considered by many to be their No. 1 top bucket list dive destination in the world

  • 11-night route dives the absolute best of Raja, including top north & south dive sites

  • 4 to 1 diver to guide ratio delivers a personalized dive experience

  • Manta rays, wobbegong sharks, mind-blowing corals, and schooling fish, highest marine diversity in the world

  • Onboard photo support from your Trip Leader

  • Diver to Guide ratio is 4:1

  • 25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo

  • Fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure

Trip overview

The sheer abundance of marine life in this area is simply breathtaking, with an impressive variety of fauna such as corals and gorgonians adorning the lush reefs, alongside an astonishing diversity of fish. The underwater topographies of the dive sites offer a captivating mix of features, including dramatic pinnacles, long ridges, walls, hidden caves, rock formations, and azure lagoons.

From the tiniest pygmy seahorse to the majestic oceanic manta ray, the range of fauna here is remarkable. Notably, the area is renowned for its immense schools of fish, like vast clouds of fusiliers that attract tunas, trevallies, barracudas, and inquisitive spadefish. Additionally, you can spot schools of sweetlips, groups of bump head parrotfish, and napoleon wrasses among others.

Reef sharks are a common presence around the reefs, while the ubiquitous carpet shark or Wobbegong can be found resting on corals or hidden under rocks amidst clouds of glass-fish. Night dives often reveal sightings of the intriguing walking shark (epaulette shark). Mantas are a frequent sight at three different dive sites, adding to the area's allure.

This 12-day trip covers the entirety of the Raja Ampat area, spanning from Misool in the South to Wayag in the North, including the Dampier Strait. Dive site selections are based on the prevailing conditions during the trip, ensuring an unforgettable and dynamic experience for all adventurers.

Read all about our latest trip to Raja Ampat in 2025 here.

Check out this amazing video from our Raja Ampat Photo Workshop in 2022.

Sample Itinerary

The cruise itinerary can slightly vary depending on weather conditions, currents, visibility, and tides. Distances are not long -there are only two overnight crossings, the other navigations are taking place between dives or in the early morning. We usually start the trips by going South and then making our way up to the North.

  • Day 1 - Sorong / Check in from 6 am to 12 noon
  • Day 2 - Misool Daram / 3-4 dives
  • Day 3 - Misool Fiabacet / 3-4 dives
  • Day 4 - Misool Wayil / 3-4 dives
  • Day 5 - Misool Sagoff / 3-4 dives
  • Day 6 - Penemu / 3-4 dives
  • Day 7 - Wayag / 3-4 dives
  • Day 8 - Kawe & Wofoh / 3-4 dives
  • Day 9 - Dampier Straight / 3-4 dives
  • Day 10 - Dampier Straight / 3-4 dives
  • Day 11 - Dampier Straight / 1 dive
  • Day 12 - Sorong / Check out from 6 am to 12 noon

Marine Life To Photograph

Raja Ampat boasts one of the most diverse arrays of fish species on the planet. Among the captivating marine life you can encounter are wobbegong sharks, jacks, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, trevally, bumphead parrotfish, pygmy seahorses, batfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, barramundi cod, and an impressive variety of nudibranchs.

When the currents become stronger at deeper waters, exploring reveals the presence of reef sharks at numerous sites, particularly at renowned locations like Blue Magic and Sardines. These spots also serve as gathering points for schooling fish, forming breathtaking congregations when the currents are strong. During such moments, you might find yourself immersed in swirling clouds of fusiliers and surgeonfish in the mid-water region, while vast numbers of sweetlips completely veil the sizeable coral heads below. It's an underwater spectacle that never fails to amaze.

See also: Raja Ampat Dive Travel Guide

Dive Conditions

Raja Ampat offers exceptional diving conditions between December and February, as this falls within the calm season. This time of year provides warm waters and relatively predictable weather, making it ideal for diving adventures. Air temperatures are reliably constant, with a daytime average maximum of 89F (32C) and a nightly minimum of 77F (25C) 

  • Water Temperature - 80 - 86F (27 - 30C) 
  • Visibility - 30 to 70 feet (9 to 20 meters) 
  • Depth Range - Ranging from 30 to 70 feet

Read the reviews on diving Raja Ampat here.

Recommended Scuba Gear

Download our full scuba gear guide to Raja Ampat, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF! Click the image below to download (PDF).

Raja Ampat Scuba Gear Recommendations

Trip Inclusions

  • Accommodation in a shared twin or double bed cabin

  • All meals & snacks, drinking water, soft drinks and hot drinks

  • All guided dives (1 guide /4 divers maximum)

  • Free Nitrox

  • Aluminium tank (12 liters), weights, and belts

  • Transfers between the boat and the closest airport

Trip Exclusions

  • Park and port fees: 200 € / pax

  • International and domestic flights (unless specified)

  • Alcoholic beverages (you can BYOB)

  • Diving equipment rental

  • 100 cf (15 litres) tank : 75 € / cruise

  • Laundry (1 € / 2 pieces)

  • Crew gratuities

  • Massage

  • Fuel Surcharge: 100 €/pax to be paid CASH on board (subject to revision anytime)

  • Travel Insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan

  • * onboard charges and fees are subject to change

Accommodation

About The MV Ambai Liveaboard

Dive Raja Ampat in style and comfort aboard the MV Ambai. With a large dive deck, dedicated camera room and a large screen TV in the lounge, the Ambai is a liveaboard of choice for underwater photographers.

The sundeck of the MV AmbaiShaded lounge area with couches

Dive deck with setup for tanks and gearDive boat in the water

The MV Ambai has 8 cabins accommodating 16 passengers. All cabins have individually controlled A/C units and private ensuite bathrooms. Room options include bunk and double-bed cabins.

Bunks beds of the Lower Deck CabinLower Deck cabin quarters

Lower Deck Cabin

Large bed of the Sea View CabinEnsuite bathroom

Sea View Cabin

The Ambai offers only the best in service and amenities. Read the review of a satisfied diver:

"The Ambai is a high quality boat; spacious, beautiful, and well maintained. It is very clear that the owners and crew take excellent care of every detail. I was staying in one of the upper deck cabins. It was comfortable and elegant with views of the surrounding islands, plus a lovely ocean breeze so I never even needed to use the in-room A/C... I would absolutely recommend a trip on the MV Ambai to anyone who is traveling to Indonesia! I haven't stopped talking about my trip since I returned, and I cannot wait to go back."- Melissa I.

Read the more about MV Ambai Liveaboard here.

Trip Price

Trip starts from $5,944 per person.

Ambai Upper Deck Cabin - image

$800 OFF

Ambai Upper Deck Cabin

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Nitrox

Double-occupancy

$6,744

$5,944

per person

Ambai Lower Deck Cabin - image

$800 OFF

Ambai Lower Deck Cabin

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Nitrox

Double-occupancy

$6,422

$5,622

per person

Payment Schedule

  • Deposit: $1,000 to book your spot
  • Payment 2: $2,000 due 15 March 2027
  • Balance: due 15 August 2027
Book this Trip

Extend your trip

Raja Ampat Trip Extensions

Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! See more of the Indonesia before or after your liveaboard in Raja Ampat with Bluewater.

Raja Ampat Trip Extensions

Trip Leader

Mike Chiado

Mike Chiado has over four decades of experience in the entertainment post production industry. Mike is CTO of Company3 and oversees technology, workflow and image science departments for feature motion pictures, episodic and advertising businesses. Mike become a PADI Master Scuba Diver in 1991 which included the speciality of Underwater Photography (film-based, BTW!), and actively diving and photographing tropical and California waters. View Mike Chiado's underwater photography portfolio.

Read more about Mike Chiado

Inquire about this trip

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