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Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027

Macro

Dec 10, 2027 - Dec 21, 2027

Join our Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027 aboard the Ambai.

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Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027 - image

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Macro Critters

Shark Encounters

Manta Ray Encounters

Photo Group Trip

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
Fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure
25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo

Trip overview

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

December Dive Conditions

Average Raja water temperatures in December are in the low to mid-80s. A full 3mm wetsuit is recommended.

Read the reviews on diving Raja Ampat here.

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

Book this Trip

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 Ambai Shaded lounge area with couches

Dive deck with setup for tanks and gear Dive 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 Cabin Lower Deck cabin quarters

Lower Deck Cabin

Large bed of the Sea View Cabin Ensuite 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.

$5,944 OFF

Ambai Upper Deck Cabin

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Nitrox

Double-occupancy

$5,944

$6,744

per person

$5,622 OFF

Ambai Lower Deck Cabin

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Nitrox

Double-occupancy

$5,622

$6,422

per person

$5,944 OFF

Ambai Upper Deck Cabin

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Nitrox

Double-occupancy

$5,944

$6,744

per person

$5,622 OFF

Ambai Lower Deck Cabin

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Nitrox

Double-occupancy

$5,622

$6,422

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

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. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! Lembeh and Wakatobi are amazing destinations nearby that offer a range of additional unique experiences. Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your reservation:

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.

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and start planning your perfect trip

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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

Fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure

25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo

Trip overview

Trip Overview

Sample Itinerary

Marine Life To Photograph

December Dive Conditions

Trip type

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

Accommodation

About The MV Ambai Liveaboard

Trip Price

Trip starts from $5,944 per person.

Ambai Upper Deck Cabin

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Nitrox

Ambai Lower Deck Cabin

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Nitrox

Ambai Upper Deck Cabin

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Nitrox

Ambai Lower Deck Cabin

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Nitrox

Payment Schedule

Extend your trip

Trip Leader

Mike Chiado

How to get there

Inquire about this trip

Check availability and start planning your perfect trip

Check availability
and start planning your perfect trip