Destination: Indonesia
Komodo, Wakatobi, and Raja Ampat (5-11 Nights) | From $410++/night
La Galigo Quick Pitch
Built by traditional South Sulawesi craftsmen in 2012, the 33m La Galigo dive liveaboard is a traditional two-mast Phinisi sailing boat. It was designed by an avid diver built with liveaboard diving lifestyle and comfort in mind. La Galigo offers year-round diving in Indonesia, including Raja Ampat, Komodo and beyond, offering divers some of the most bio-diverse rich waters available.
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Location
Excursions originate in various areas depending on the destination.
Dive Overview
Indonesia is a diving gem, featuring volcanic geography, wrecks, and vibrant marine life. See modern era dragons in Komodo or dive into the region with the highest marine biodiversity in the world in Raja Ampat.
[See: Komodo Dive Travel Guide, Raja Ampat Dive Travel Guide & Wakatobi Dive Travel Guide]
Check Out These Great Videos!
Accommodations
Types of Cabins, Amenities and Photos
La Galigo Accommodation Overview
La Galigo has 7 privately controlled air-conditioned, en-suite cabins each with an American-style deep spring mattress. Cabins are either twin or double bed.
Deluxe Cabin
Master Cabin
The Suite
La Galigo Cabin Details
- Deluxe Cabins
- The roomy lower deck cabins feature an American style deep-sprung double mattress. 2 of the cabins remain doubles, to can be converted into twin beds. Every room has its own private ensuite with hot fresh water showers, climate control.
- Master Cabins
- Room with a view, the upper deck master cabins gives you direct access to the sun deck. This cabin also features an American style deep sprung double mattress, both cabins have the option to convert from a double to twin beds. Every room has its own private ensuite with hot fresh water showers, climate control.
- Suite
- The grand suite is the premium accommodation, everything you need for your ultimate liveaboard experience. This huge room has a double bed, extra large ensuite, private balcony with table and chairs to maximize your panoramic views of the Archipelago, own private lounge rooms with couches and a state of the art 48” high definition flat screen TV, own private fridge, balcony with 270-degree views.
General Facilities
Lounge Area
Roof Area & Dive Deck
La Galigo Boat Features
- Homey lounge area
- Many power points for charging and preparing your laptop, camera, and video equipment
- Large TV and a well-stocked bookcase for your entertainment
- Outdoor living areas
La Galigo Dive Facilities
- Broad dive deck with twin curved staircases
- Well equipped preparation deck
- Dedicated camera room
- Nitrox (32%)
- Dive courses available
- 2 x 6m dive tenders
Food & Drinks Aboard La Galigo
The head chef prepares International and Indonesian dishes. Vegetarian and vegan requests can easily be accommodated with advance notice.
La Galigo Liveaboard Deck Plan
Schedule, Rates & Availability
La Galigo Schedule & Rates
Prices are in USD, per person and include taxes. Park and port fees are not included.
[See also: Inclusions & Exclusions]
additional fee costs
Destination | Marine park, permits, clearance, and other trip associated fees |
Raja Ampat North | $285 per person per trip |
Raja Ampat South | $255 per person per trip |
Ultimate Raja Ampat | $330 per person per trip |
Jurassic Komodo | $170 per person per trip |
Ultimate Komodo | $200 per person per trip |
Inclusions
- VAT
- Transfers/ pickups from airport
- All meals and post dive treats, Tea, coffee, water and juice
- Accommodation
- Complimentary toiletries
- Tanks
- Weights/ Weight belts
- DSMB with reel rental
- Reef hook rental
- Dive computer rental
- Dive guide services
Exclusions
- Flight tickets / travel & airport to hotel transfers
- Dive and repatriation insurance – can be arranged
- Visas and fees / Airport taxes and extra baggage fees
- Ranger and Marine Park fees/ Rangers fees (on-land activity):
- Raja Ampat North: $190 per person, Raja Ampat South: $220 per person, Ultimate Raja Ampat: $285 per person, Jurassic Komodo: $160 per person, Ultimate Komodo: $190 per person
- Dive rental equipment $35UD pppd / Nitrox $25USD pppd, payable onboard
- Dive courses and certification, (price on application)
- Beer, soft drinks and packaged snacks
- Fuel surcharges**(may fluctuate with markets, you may be asked to pay an extra fuel allowance up to 60 days prior to departure, of no more than $150USD per person)
- Gratuities (preferred in local currency)
- La Galigo Merchandise
RATES & AVAILABILITY
For more information on rates and availability email us at info@bluewaterdivetravel.com or call us at +1-310-915-6677 and we will gladly help you plan your dream dive vacation!
Dive Information & Destinations
Raja Ampat North Itinerary – 8 days/ 7 nights
- Day 1 - Sorong to Waisai
- Day 1 starts with your pickup from either your hotel or the airport. If we are picking you up from your hotel, it is generally around 07:30 – 08:00, if you are arriving on the day of departure, it is important that your arrival time is before 07:30. We will then head directly to the Ferry Port, where you will be met by a member of staff who will accompany you to Waisai. The ferry crossing is around two hours. Upon your arrival in Waisai, it is only a short walk to transfer to La Galigo. Once onboard, you will be met by the Cruise Director and a welcome drink. After you have been shown to your rooms and unpacked your luggage, it’s time for a welcome briefing before we have some lunch, then you have some time to relax and soak up the amazing surroundings en route to our first dive of the day.
- Our ‘welcome dive’ is usually conducted at the nearby island of Saonek Kecil. The waters are generally calm and is a perfect spot to get the diving going. After the sun sets over the eastern Indonesian sky, we will go looking for unusual critters in Saonek Besar, where you might also make your very first encounter with the iconic Tasselled Wobbegong Shark.
- Day 2 - Dampier Strait
- Whilst in the central Dampier Strait we will conduct 4 dives. The top dive sites in this area are Blue Magic, home to majestic Oceanic Manta Rays, and other large pelagics such as Spanish Mackerel and Bigeye Trevally. Cape Kri, arguably the top house reef in the world, was made famous by Raja Ampat pioneer Max Ammer and is next on the itinerary. Sawandarek Jetty, further down the southern coast of Kri island, is where you will probably feel like you’re in an aquarium - only the fish are incredibly numerous, wild, and free. And just to top off this (fish) action-packed day, we will take you for a night dive on Kri’s south coast, in Yenbuba Village’s Jetty after you soak in the stunning sunset views with the islands of Waigeo and Gam in the distant, fiery horizon.
- Day 3 - Pianemo (a.k.a. Penemu)
- The iconic limestone pinnacles have become synonymous with the Raja Ampat experience, and Pianemo lagoon/lookout is just one of many such stunning formations. The best time to hike this hill is early morning before temperatures rise, but the rewards for climbing are well worth it. Melissa’s Garden is undoubtedly the top dive in this area, with a staggering number of coral and fish species packed into this small piece of marine real estate. Its beauty needs to be seen to be believed. Keruo Channel and My Reef are among the top choices for the next dive... plenty of amazing coral reefs and lots of schooling fish! Raja Ampat is also known for its macro critters, and a night dive in the Penemu area might result in an unexpected encounter with an unusual Frogfish species or even Blue-Ringed Octopus.
- As you enjoy a great night’s sleep, we will set sail for the northern islands of Raja Ampat...
- Day 4 - Wayag
- Awake bright and early to witness sunrise on the equator, cruising between the limestone formations that make up the island of Wayag, in preparation for the morning’s hike. These limestone islands and pinnacles have become synonymous with Raja Ampat, and the bay is also home to a Manta breeding station. The best time to hike this hill is early morning before temperatures rise, but the rewards for climbing are well worth it. The beaches here are also pristine, with fine white sand and turquoise waters surrounding the limestone cliffs of the islands. After trekking, we will endeavor to dive Figure 8 Rock, a submerged pinnacle home to large pelagic fish, and the occasional passing Manta. While you have lunch, the boat will cruise to the eastern side of Wayag. Here is where we plan to dive the legendary dive site, Cathedral, which is renowned for its spectacular topography and swim-throughs. Following the dive, we take a short trip to the Wayag Ranger Station, which is also a Black Tip Reef Shark breeding area. Here we will get the chance to do some snorkeling with these baby sharks under the ranger jetty, and also conduct a night dive on the same stretch of reef.
- Day 5 - Kawe & Aljui Bay
- Kawe is an island located exactly on the equator and is one of our favorite islands to dive in the north of Raja Ampat. Dive sites visited here are very heavily dependent on day-to-day unpredictable conditions such as swell, but one of our favorite sites in the area is a very colorful coral reef (somewhat ironically) known as Black Rock. Eagle Rock (which comprises 3 separate dive sites) is well known for its Pygmy Seahorse as well as its Manta populations, and we will dive these sites late morning and early afternoon. Around 4 pm, La Galigo will move into Aljui Bay, one of the world’s most spectacular bays to watch the sunset, and also do some great muck diving at arguably the best night dive site in all of Raja Ampat, the Cendana Pearl Farm Jetty.
- Day 6 - Gam & The Western Dampier Strait
- We wake up just off the coast of Gam Island. There are some great dive sites around this area with vibrant fish-covered reefs and plenty of stunning macro subjects. Two sites we regularly visit in Gam are Citrus Ridge and Mayhem. As we have lunch we will cruise down to the Western Dampier Strait, to a dive site named Manta Ridge, for an opportunity to dive with the Manta Ray population often located here. In the late afternoon, we take a land tour onto the peaceful Arborek Island. The village itself is tranquil and surrounded by beautiful beaches. Arborek is also home to what we consider to be a fantastic night dive, Arborek Jetty, for a chance to find Walking Sharks, Blue-ringed octopus, and many other critters.
- Day 7 - The Central Dampier Strait
- We will be making our way back to the central part of the Dampier Strait, and this is a great opportunity to dive Mike’s Point. Legend has it that it was mistaken for a battleship during WWII, and was heavily bombed by enemy aircraft. It has a stunning overhang, as well as gentle-swim throughs in addition to its magnificent coral reef.
- We will then take you on a land trip to one of Raja Ampat’s hidden natural wonders, Kali Biru, a river with cool, clear blue waters surrounded by lush tropical jungle. A wondrous sight to simply take in, it also makes a great spot for a swim in an unspoiled, remote plot of paradise.
- After an incredible trip, our crew will make sure you’re comfortable, while they prepare a night of food, song, and dance to party the night away with you on a pristine Raja Ampat beach before we set sail for Sorong.
- Day 8 - Disembark in Sorong
- La Galigo will be anchored in the morning around 05:00 am in Sorong, in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel. Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00 am, and our staff will assist you with transportation to your desired location. After breakfast, guests may also take the time to exchange photos and swap contact details to keep in touch with new friends and dive buddies!
Raja Ampat South Itinerary – 9 days/ 8 nights
- Day 1 - Sorong to Waisai
- Day 1 starts with your pickup from either your hotel or the airport. If we are picking you up from your hotel, it is generally around 07:30 – 08:00, if you are arriving on the day of departure, it is important that your arrival time is before 07:30. We will then head directly to the Ferry Port, where you will be met by a member of staff who will accompany you to Waisai. The ferry crossing is around two hours. Upon your arrival in Waisai, it is only a short walk to transfer to La Galigo. Once onboard, you will be met by the Cruise Director and a welcome drink.
- After you have been shown to your rooms and unpacked your luggage, it’s time for a welcome briefing before we have some lunch, then you have some time to relax and soak up the amazing surroundings en route to our first dive of the day. Our ‘welcome dive’ is usually conducted at the nearby island of Saonek Kecil. The waters are generally calm and is a perfect spot to get the diving going. After the sun sets over the eastern Indonesian sky, we will go looking for unusual critters in Saonek Besar, where you might also make your very first encounter with the iconic Tasselled Wobbegong Shark.
- Day 2 - Dampier Strait
- Whilst in the central Dampier Strait we will conduct 4 dives. The top dive sites in this area are Blue Magic, home to majestic Oceanic Manta Rays, and other large pelagics such as Spanish Mackerel and Bigeye Trevally. Cape Kri, arguably the top house reef in the world, was made famous by Raja Ampat pioneer Max Ammer and is next on the itinerary. Sawandarek Jetty, further down the southern coast of Kri island, is where you will probably feel like you’re in an aquarium - only the fish are incredibly numerous, wild, and free. And just to top off this (fish) action-packed day, we will take you for a night dive on Kri’s south coast, in Yenbuba Village’s Jetty after you soak in the stunning sunset views with the islands of Waigeo and Gam in the distant, fiery horizon.
- Day 3 - Pianemo (a.k.a. Penemu)
- The iconic limestone pinnacles have become synonymous with the Raja Ampat experience, and Pianemo lagoon/lookout is just one of many such stunning formations. The best time to hike this hill is early morning, before temperatures rise, the rewards for climbing are well worth it. Melissa’s Garden is undoubtedly the top dive in this area, with a staggering number of coral and fish species packed into this small piece of marine real estate. Its beauty needs to be seen to be believed. We will then head to a lesser-known corner of Raja Ampat, an area known as Dayang, at the western end of Batanta Island. The dive in Dayang takes place over a shallow, sandy reef which is actually a magnet for Manta Rays, which come to this area to feed as well as to conduct routine visits to their “cleaning stations” or “manta spa” (ask our Cruise Director to tell you about this fascinating aspect of their behavior). As you relax and later enjoy a great night’s sleep, we will set sail for the southern islands of Raja Ampat...
- Day 4 - Goa Farondi - Misool
- We begin diving in Misool at No Contest, a ridge that is home to an abundance of marine life, soft corals, and overhangs. The second dive can be done at many sites located in the vicinity, including Pet Rock, Plateau, and Love Potion. For the third dive, we will visit a popular site named Goa Farondi, where there is a chance to do some swim-throughs and meet the Bumphead parrotfish population. Misool is a huge island, with an overwhelming multitude of smaller, satellite island clusters. There are in fact numerous “regions” within this area itself. If being surrounded by limestone pinnacles does not instill in you a sense of awe, doing a night dive amongst these towering peaks surely will!
- Day 5 - Wayil - Misool
- Next up we will show you the dive sites around Wayil, where you will undoubtedly experience the feeling of being far, far away from the rest of civilization ... An outstanding selection of dive sites are located fairly close to each other in Wayil, and we will start with the blockbuster - Four Kings, a group of towering pinnacles which are almost too large to circumnavigate in a single dive, which also happens to attract giant Oceanic Manta Rays. Giant Trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, and large Snapper are all often found here. The oddly shaped Wedding Cake is up next (you will see why it’s called as such), which is home to some of Misool’s Pygmy Seahorse community. Finally, we will dive into Barracuda Rock, a pinnacle with an unusual underwater cavern, which is also home to a patrolling tribe of schooling Barracuda. In the afternoon we will visit the famous “Love Lagoon”, a calm, isolated body of water which has been incredibly shaped by the hands of Mother Nature into the form of a heart.
- Day 6 - Fiabacet - Misool
- The diving in this part of Misool is filled with the pristine coral life in the heart of Misool and Giant Manta Rays, close to the Eco Resort. Whale Rock, Tank Rock and Nudi Rock are both abundant in beautiful soft coral and schools of fish, and conditions and logistics with Misool Eco Resort will decide which of the sites are dived. The afternoon dive is at the dive site Boo West. Unique in topography, the reef is not to be missed, with excellent sea fan growth and stunning sloping reefs to explore while you anticipate the arrival of Oceanic Manta Rays. Yilliet Kecil is the night dive around here that is not to be missed, with excellent sea fan growth and stunning bommies to explore. There are also hidden beaches in this area if you fancy an evening beach walk all by yourself.
- Day 7 - Warakaraket - Misool
- Eagle’s Nest is a large, unusual pinnacle that is often visited by Manta Rays as well as schooling Barracuda. Shadow Reef (a.k.a. Karang Bayangan/Magic Mountain) is undoubtedly the blockbuster dive site in this remote corner of Raja Ampat, located in the unprotected southern waters of Misool, but you can often find huge Manta Rays gliding across this incredibly ‘hard to beat’ dive site. The afternoon dive is at the iconic dive site Boo Window. Unique in topography, the reef has window-like swim-throughs and a great chance for some wide-angle photos. Secret: the sea fans here often conceal Pygmy Seahorses! Romeo is the night dive around here where you will have a chance to meet the much-talked-about endemic species, the Raja Ampat walking shark!
- Day 8 - North Fiabacet - Misool
- On the penultimate day of the trip, we start the day by diving Anchovy, a submerged reef surrounded by a host of towering pinnacles. Anchovy is often a colorful experience as it is home to many varieties of reef fish and it is also a prowling ground for schools of Devil Rays, which come here to feed. You might be in for a devilish feeding frenzy! Our journey to Sorong may take around 18 hours depending on currents and prevailing weather conditions. But after an incredible trip, our crew will make sure you’re comfortable while they prepare a night of food, song, and dance to party the night away with you while we set sail for Sorong.
- Day 9 - Disembark in Sorong
- La Galigo will be anchored in the morning around 05:00 am in Sorong, in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel. Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00 am, and our staff will assist you with transportation to your desired location. After breakfast, guests may also take the time to exchange photos and swap contact details to keep in touch with new friends and dive buddies!
jurassic komodo itinerary - 6 days / 5 nights
- Day 1: Labuan Bajo / Flores to Central Komodo
- We will collect you from your hotel or Labuan Bajo airport between 8:00 – 9:00 on the day of departure to welcome you onboard La Galigo. After a refreshing welcome drink, a quick breakfast, and a safety briefing of our ship, we aim to anchor up around 10:00 am from Labuan Bajo.
- After around 2 hours of sailing, we will arrive at our first destination, the islands of Sebayor kecil and besar, where we will conduct 2 dives after lunch. We have selected this area for our first day as it is relatively protected from the currents renowned in the area, and provides a great opportunity to practice with your reef hook, or just get back into the swing of things after a lengthy layoff from diving. After a calm night's dive, we relax for our first Dinner together and pop over to see our friends at Komodo Island resort to watch the stars and get to know each other.
- Day 2: West Komodo National Park
- After a morning dive at Tatawa kecil, we go in search of Manta rays at the world-class dive site we call Karang Makassar. After lunch, we will head to one of the highlights of Komodo diving, Batu Bolong, with a chance to see some large pelagic species such as Giant Trevally and Barracuda, as well as sharks and Napoleon Maori Wrasse. Later that afternoon we set sail for the northwest part of Komodo, for a small trek to witness the ever-amazing Komodo sunset, dipping behind the nearby active volcano called Sangeang. For the night dive, we will stay in the bay close to the trekking area, and dive the site Stranger Things, for a chance to get your first glimpse of the macro in the national park.
- Day 3: North West Komodo
- Day three is our personal favorite in terms of diving, and all 3 of the dives normally conducted on this day are what we would consider unforgettable. The morning is spent on both Crystal Rock and Castle Rock, two submerged pinnacles that are home to an abundance of marine life. Teams of hunting Trevally and Big-Eye Jacks patrol the blue waters of the reefs, chasing large schools of smaller fish. Eagle Rays glide effortlessly in the currents whilst the reef sharks hunt for their next meal. In the afternoon we visit the fast becoming famous Cauldron / Shotgun. This dive site is the equivalent of an underwater rollercoaster, words alone do not do the site justice. Back in June 2017, the world's first non-captive Megamouth shark was recorded on this site, and the video went viral through national Geographic. The night dive will be spent on China Shop, or Gili Lawa Darat Bay, dependent on mooring conditions.
- Day 4: South West Komodo
- Awake early in the morning to complete our diving at a wonderful site called the Golden Passage in the northernmost part of western Komodo, a drift dive where you can encounter schools Sweetlips and Snappers, as well as Mantas and Sharks. During breakfast we head slightly south in the national park, on the way, repeating either Karang Makassar or Batu Bolong, (dependant on conditions and the group), or visit a new site Mawan, for another chance to catch some Manta Rays. After the day's morning dives, we end up on the island of Siaba. Siaba provides you with the opportunity to spot the elusive Dugong during the day, and dependent on conditions, can also be home to eagle rays. At night, Siaba has a great muck dive site we call Dunia Kecil (Small world), a place with a variety of macro possibilities, including flamboyant cuttlefish and many varieties of ghost pipefish. We have on occasion here been lucky enough to spot different species of octopus, including the Wunderpuss, and the famous Blue Ring Octopus.
- Day 5: Rinca
- 2 dives in the morning of the penultimate day of your trip, the first at Pengah Kecil, a small island that is easy to circle on a single tank dive. Sharks, turtles, and a variety of rays can be spotted cruising the walls and the shallow staghorn coral of the site. The final dive of your trip will be at a place the locals have named Wainilu, which translates as ‘cold water'. Here we go in search of Ribbon Eels, Ambonese Scorpionfish, or even Rhinopias. After lunch we go on a simple trek, searching for the Komodo Dragons on the island of Rinca, before heading out to Pulau Kalong, to watch the delayed migration of thousands of fruit bats, as they leave their daily island of residence around sunset, in search of fruit.
- Day 6: Disembark La Galigo at Labuan Bajo
- La Galigo will be anchored up in the morning around 2:00 am in Labuan Bajo, in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel. Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00 am, whereupon we will assist you with transportation to your desired location.
JURASSIC KOMODO ITINERARY - 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
- Day 1: Labuan Bajo / Flores to Central Komodo
- We will collect you from your hotel or Labuan Bajo airport between 8:00 – 9:00 on the day of departure to welcome you onboard La Galigo. After a refreshing welcome drink, a quick breakfast, and a safety briefing of our ship, we aim to anchor up around 10:00 am from Labuan Bajo.
- After around 2 hours of sailing, we will arrive at our first destination, the islands of Sebayor kecil and besar, where we will conduct 2 dives after lunch. We have selected this area for our first day as it is relatively protected from the currents renowned in the area, and provides a great opportunity to practice with your reef hook, or just get back into the swing of things after a lengthy layoff from diving. After a calm night's dive, we relax for our first Dinner together and pop over to see our friends at Komodo Island resort to watch the stars and get to know each other.
- Day 2: West Komodo National Park
- After a morning dive at Tatawa kecil, we go in search of Manta rays at the world-class dive site we call Karang Makassar. After lunch, we will head to one of the highlights of Komodo diving, Batu Bolong, with a chance to see some large pelagic species such as Giant Trevally and Barracuda, as well as sharks and Napoleon Maori Wrasse. Later that afternoon we set sail for the northwest part of Komodo, for a small trek to witness the ever-amazing Komodo sunset, dipping behind the nearby active volcano called Sangeang. For the night dive, we will stay in the bay close to the trekking area, and dive the site Stranger Things, for a chance to get your first glimpse of the macro in the national park.
- Day 3: North West Komodo
- Day three is our personal favorite in terms of diving, and all 3 of the dives normally conducted on this day are what we would consider unforgettable. The morning is spent on both Crystal Rock and Castle Rock, two submerged pinnacles that are home to an abundance of marine life. Teams of hunting Trevally and Big-Eye Jacks patrol the blue waters of the reefs, chasing large schools of smaller fish. Eagle Rays glide effortlessly in the currents whilst the reef sharks hunt for their next meal. In the afternoon we visit the fast becoming famous Cauldron / Shotgun. This dive site is the equivalent of an underwater rollercoaster, words alone do not do the site justice. Back in June 2017, the world's first non-captive Megamouth shark was recorded on this site, and the video went viral through national Geographic. The night dive will be spent on China Shop, or Gili Lawa Darat Bay, dependent on mooring conditions.
- Day 4: South West Komodo
- Awake early in the morning to complete our diving at a wonderful site called the Golden Passage in the northernmost part of western Komodo, a drift dive where you can encounter schools Sweetlips and Snappers, as well as Mantas and Sharks. During breakfast we head slightly south in the national park, on the way, repeating either Karang Makassar or Batu Bolong, (dependant on conditions and the group), or visit a new site Mawan, for another chance to catch some Manta Rays. After the days morning dives, we end up on the island of Siaba. Siaba provides you with the opportunity to spot the elusive Dugong during the day, and dependent on conditions, can also be home to eagle rays. At night, Siaba has a great muck dive site we call Dunia Kecil (Small world), a place with a variety of macro possibilities, including flamboyant cuttlefish and many varieties of ghost pipefish. We have on occasion here been lucky enough to spot different species of octopus, including the Wunderpuss, and the famous Blue Ring Octopus.
- Day 5: Padar
- Awake early morning to dive the classic dive site Three Sisters, three submerged reef systems located within meters of each other at the base of the infamous Padar island. After breakfast we will trek up to the viewpoint on the island of Padar, to witness the stunning views of the interlocking bays, which have now become synonymous with Komodo National Park. The afternoon drive takes in the dive site Pilarsteen, and unique site with walls, caves, and swim-throughs, and the occasional passing shark. The night dive here is at a soft-sloping reef named Payung, with both macro and wide angle opportunities.
- Day 6: Rinca
- 2 dives in the morning of the penultimate day of your trip, the first at Pengah Kecil, a small island that is easy to circle on a single tank dive. Sharks, turtles, and a variety of rays can be spotted cruising the walls and the shallow staghorn coral of the site. The final dive of your trip will be at a place the locals have named Wainilu, which translates as ‘cold water. Here we go in search of Ribbon Eels, Ambonese Scorpionfish, or even Rhinopias. After lunch we go on a simple trek, searching for the Komodo Dragons on the island of Rinca, before heading out to Pulau Kalong, to watch the delayed migration of thousands of fruit bats, as they leave their daily island of residence around sunset, in search of fruit.
- Day 7: Disembark La Galigo at Labuan Bajo
- La Galigo will be anchored up in the morning around 2:00 am in Labuan Bajo, in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel. Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00 am, whereupon we will assist you with transportation to your desired location.
ULTIMATE KOMODO ITINERARY - 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
- Day 1: Labuan Bajo / Flores
- We will collect you from your hotel between 8:00 & 9:00 am for a 10:00 am departure from Labuan Bajo, then welcome you onboard La Galigo. After a refreshing welcome drink, and a short introduction to the facilities of our ship, the diving schedule, and the tour program, we set sail for our first day, which will include a refresher dive for all divers on board. Check-out dive: Sabayor Slope followed by Sabayor wall. Two nice and easy dives that will introduce you to the wonder of Indonesian diving, vibrant colors, clear warm water.... you have made a great decision coming here ;) We relax for our first Dinner together and an overnight cruise to the central most part of western Komodo.
- Day 2: West Komodo
- Pre-Breakfast. Morning dive: Tarawa Besar... OMG am I in heaven? After a ‘proper’ breakfast, we depart for a dive at Police Corner, having so much fun it should be illegal. After lunch is diving at one of our favorite spots: CURRENT CITY (Batu Bolong), for a chance to dive once more with our new Manta friends. The last dive of the day will be at Bombastic Forrest, a real visual delight.
- Day 3: North West Komodo
- Pre-Breakfast. Morning dive: is the ‘banging’ site Shotgun. After a ‘proper’ breakfast, we depart for a dive at the world-renowned Castle rock. The rock is packed with bronze and rust-colored sponges and soft tree corals. Black snappers, large cuttlefish, pyramid butterflyfish, and octopus galore await us there. Later in the afternoon we climb the local summit and enjoy a splendid panorama over the moon-shape islands of the Komodo Archipelago and the mainland of Flores. Afternoon dive at Crystal Rock, followed by a night dive at Buku Buku.
- Day 4: South West Komodo
- Awake early in the morning to complete a dive at the world-famous Golden Passage. After the second breakfast we dive at Karang Makassar. We then set sail for Pink Beach and into Komodo National Park. Here we will commence a short hike to see the world-famous Komodo Dragons. This is followed by a night dive at Bokep Point. The evening is spent watching the sunset with a beach barbecue.
- Day 5:
- The day starts with an early dive at the colorful spectacle that is Dilarsten. After feeling like quite the hobbit with a second breakfast you will jump in the water at Secret Garden, pure bliss. Some lunch and a short cruise will follow this, taking you to your afternoon dive at Padar Kacino. The night dive for the Day 5 will blow your socks off - Bole Mogoso... prepare to be amazed
- Day 6:
- Some sites are just so good that you have to go back and do them again. That’s how we start day 6 with an early morning revisit to Karang Makassar. Prepare to find even more bizarre macro critters and majestic large animals at Batu Bolong after break number 2. Lunch - Cruise - Mawan dive site, who wants to lose their passport so this trip never ends! The breathtaking Siaba bay is our night dive spot today.
- Day 7:
- We start to wind down today as the trip starts to come to an end. To give you 24hrs to pass off your Nitrogen before tomorrow’s flight, we will only do 2-morning dives today. The first dive will be Penga Kecil and the second is Wainilu. The afternoon is spent swapping stories, having laughs, and cracking a few cold ones with your new bff’s. A mystical sunset is spent anchored up near Bat Island, where you will witness 10,000’s bats fly out at sundown to find fresh fruits to feast on.
- Day 8: Disembark La Galigo at Labuan Bajo
- From 07:00 we will be anchored in Labuan Bajo in preparation for disembarkation, however, guests may stay onboard until 11 am for breakfast with us!
ULTIMATE RAJA AMPAT ITINERARY - 12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS
- Day 1 - Sorong to Waisai
- Day 1 starts with your pickup from either your hotel or the airport. If we are picking you up from your hotel, it is generally around 07:30 – 08:00, if you are arriving on the day of departure, it is important that your arrival time is before 07:30. We will then head directly to the Ferry Port, where you will be met by a member of staff who will accompany you to Waisai. The ferry crossing is around two hours. Upon your arrival in Waisai, it is only a short walk to transfer to La Galigo. Once onboard, you will be met by the Cruise Director and a welcome drink.
- After you have been shown to your rooms and unpacked your luggage, it’s time for a welcome briefing before we have some lunch, then you have some time to relax and soak up the amazing surroundings en route to our first dive of the day. Our ‘welcome dive’ is usually conducted at the nearby island of Saonek Kecil. The waters are generally calm and are a perfect spot to get the diving going. After the sun sets over the eastern Indonesian sky, we will go looking for unusual critters in Saonek Besar, where you might also make your very first encounter with the iconic Tasselled Wobbegong Shark.
- Day 2 - Dampier Strait
- Whilst in the central Dampier Strait we will conduct 4 dives. The top dive sites in this area are Blue Magic, home to majestic Oceanic Manta Rays, and other large pelagics such as Spanish Mackerel and Bigeye Trevally. Next up is one of the Dampier Strait’s highlights, Sardine Reef (or simply Sardine), where armies of various fish species take the coral reef by storm on a falling tide. After a hearty lunch, we will head to the nearby island of Mioskon, to dive into its spectacularly colorful reef with an assortment of large bommies encrusted with hard and soft corals. In the evening we may get a chance to see nocturnal flying foxes leave Mioskon in large numbers as they begin their day, after which we will dive Mioskon once the sun has set, to look for the nocturnal Raja Ampat walking shark!
- Day 3 - Dampier Strait
- Cape Kri, arguably the top house reef in the world, was made famous by Raja Ampat pioneer Max Ammer, and is next on the itinerary. Sawandarek Jetty, further down the southern coast of Kri island, is where you will probably feel like you’re in an aquarium - only the fish are incredibly numerous, wild, and free. After a hearty lunch, we will take you for another afternoon dive on Kri’s south coast, in Yenbuba Village’s Jetty. And just to top off this (fish) action-packed day, we will look for nocturnal marine critters on a night dive under Yenbuba Village’s Jetty after you soak in the stunning sunset views with the islands of Waigeo and Gam in the distant, fiery horizon.
- Day 4 - Gam
- Our morning kicks off at a thrilling dive site named Manta Ridge, for an opportunity to dive with the Manta Ray population often located here. We then head to Gam Island. There are some great dive sites around this area with vibrant fish-covered reefs and plenty of stunning macro subjects. Two sites we regularly visit in Gam are Citrus Ridge and Mayhem. In the late afternoon, we will take a land tour onto the peaceful Arborek Island. The village itself is tranquil and surrounded by beautiful beaches. Arborek is also home to what we consider to be a fantastic night dive, Arborek Jetty*, where we have a chance to find Walking Sharks, Blue-ringed octopus, and many other critters. As you enjoy a great night’s sleep, we will set sail for the northern islands of Raja Ampat...
- Day 5 - Wayag
- Awake bright and early to witness sunrise on the equator, cruising between the limestone formations that make up the island of Wayag, in preparation for the morning’s hike. These limestone islands and pinnacles have become synonymous with Raja Ampat, and the bay is also home to a Manta breeding station. The best time to hike this hill is early morning before temperatures rise, the rewards for climbing are well worth it. The beaches here are also pristine, with fine white sand and turquoise waters surrounding the limestone cliffs of the islands. After trekking, we will endeavor to dive Figure 8 Rock, a submerged pinnacle home to large pelagic fish, and the occasional passing Manta. While you have lunch, the boat will cruise to the eastern side of Wayag. Here is where we plan to dive the legendary dive site, Cathedral, which is renowned for its spectacular topography and swim-throughs. Following the dive, we take a short trip to the Wayag Ranger station, which is also a Black Tip Reef Shark breeding area. Here we will get the chance to do some snorkeling with these baby sharks under the ranger jetty, and also conduct a night dive on the same stretch of reef.
- Day 6 - Kawe + Aljuy Bay
- Kawe is an island located exactly on the equator and is one of our favorite islands to dive in the north of Raja Ampat. Dive sites visited here are very heavily dependent on day-to-day unpredictable conditions such as swell, but one of our favorite sites in the area is a very colorful coral reef (somewhat ironically) known as Black Rock. Eagle Rock (which comprises 3 separate dive sites) is well known for its Pygmy Seahorse as well as its Manta populations, and we will dive these sites late morning and early afternoon. Around 4 pm, La Galigo will move intoAljui Bay, one of the world’s most spectacular bays to watch the sunset, and also do some great muck diving at arguably the best night dive site in all of Raja Ampat, the Cendana Pearl Farm Jetty.
- Day 7 - Pianemo (a.k.a. Penemu)
- The iconic limestone pinnacles have become synonymous with the Raja Ampat experience, and Pianemo Lagoon is just one of many such stunning formations. The best time to hike this hill is early morning, before temperatures rise, the rewards for climbing are well worth it. Melissa’s Garden is undoubtedly the top dive in this area, with a staggering number of coral and fish species packed into this small piece of marine real estate. Its beauty needs to be seen to be believed. We will then head to a lesser-known corner of Raja Ampat, an area known as Dayang, at the western end of Batanta Island. Simply known as Dayang, this dive takes place over a shallow, sandy reef which is actually a magnet for Manta Rays, which come to this area to feed as well as to conduct routine visits to
- their “cleaning stations” or “manta spa” (ask our Cruise Director to tell you about this fascinating aspect of their behavior). As you relax and later enjoy a great night’s sleep, we will set sail for the southern islands of Raja Ampat...
- Day 8 - Goa Farondi - Misool
- We begin diving in Misool at No Contest, a ridge that is home to an abundance of marine life, soft corals, and overhangs. The second dive can be done at many sites located in the vicinity, including Pet Rock, Plateau, and Love Potion. For the third dive, we will visit a popular site named Goa Farondi, where there is a chance to do some swim-throughs and meet the Bumphead parrotfish population. Misool is a huge island, with an overwhelming multitude of smaller, satellite island clusters. There are in fact numerous “regions” within this area itself. If being surrounded by limestone pinnacles does not instill in you a sense of awe, doing a night dive amongst these towering peaks surely will!
- Day 9 - Wayil - Misool
- Next up we will show you the dive sites around Wayil, where you will undoubtedly experience the feeling of being far, far away from the rest of civilization ... An outstanding selection of dive sites are located fairly close to each other in Wayil, and we will start with the blockbuster - Four Kings, a group of towering pinnacles which are almost too large to circumnavigate in a single dive, which also happens to attract giant Oceanic Manta Rays. Giant Trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, and large Snapper are all often found here. The oddly shaped Wedding Cake is up next (you will see why it’s called as such), which is home to some of Misool’s Pygmy Seahorse community. Finally, we will dive into Barracuda Rock, a pinnacle with an unusual underwater cavern, which is also home to a patrolling tribe of schooling Barracuda. In the afternoon we will visit the famous “Love Lagoon”, a calm, isolated body of water which has been incredibly shaped by the hands of Mother Nature into the form of a heart.
- Day 10 - Fiabacet/Boo - Misool
- The diving in this part of Misool is filled with the pristine coral life in the heart of Misool and Giant Manta Rays, close to the Eco Resort. Whale Rock, Tank Rock and Nudi Rock are both abundant in beautiful soft coral and schools of fish, and conditions and logistics with Misool Eco Resort will decide which of the sites are dived. The afternoon dive is at the dive site Boo West. Unique in topography, the reef is not to be missed, with excellent sea fan growth and stunning sloping reefs to explore while you anticipate the arrival of Oceanic Manta Rays. Yilliet Kecil is the night dive around here that is not to be missed, with excellent sea fan growth and stunning bommies to explore, where you will have a chance to meet the much-talked-about endemic species, the Raja Ampat walking shark! There are also hidden beaches in this area if you fancy an evening beach walk all by yourself...
- Day 11 - Warakaraket - Misool
- On the penultimate day of the trip, we will dive Shadow Reef (a.k.a. Karang Bayangan/Magic Mountain), undoubtedly the blockbuster dive site in this remote corner of Raja Ampat, located in the unprotected southern waters of Misool. You can often find huge Manta Rays gliding across this incredibly ‘hard to beat’ dive site. The late morning dive is at the iconic dive site Boo Window. Unique in topography, the reef has window-like swim-throughs and a great chance for some wide-angle photos. Secret: the sea fans here often conceal Pygmy Seahorses! Our journey to Sorong may take around 18 hours depending on currents and prevailing weather conditions. But after an incredible trip, our crew will make sure you’re comfortable while they prepare a night of food, song, and dance to party the night away with you while we set sail for Sorong.
- Day 12 - Disembark in Sorong
- La Galigo will be anchored in the morning around 05:00 am in Sorong, in preparation for you to catch your flight, or check in to your hotel. Guests are welcome to stay onboard until 11:00 am, and our staff will assist you with transportation to your desired location. After breakfast, guests may also take the time to exchange photos and swap contact details to keep in touch with new friends and dive buddies!
Other Information
Boat Specifications
- Year built: 2012
- Length: 33 m
- Width: 7.96m
- Draft: 3.35m
- Displacement: 169 tons
- Engine: Mitsubishi 8M22 450HP V8
- Generators: 3x 55 KVA Mitsubishi 220-380 V, all power on board is surge protected and available 24 hours per day
- Speed: 5 - 9knots
- Water Capacity: 11,000 liters of fresh water onboard. We have a seawater desalination plant which produces 2500L fresh water per day. Fuel capacity: 5.5tons of diesel
- Fuel Capacity: 5.5 tons of diesel
- Maximum guests: 14
- Number of crew: 17
- Climate Control: All cabins and guest areas
- Photography: Dry cabinet for cameras inside, wet area camera drying zone on dive deck, expert professional photographer guides on board, ample charging and downloading space inside
- Entertainment: DVD, TV, books, iMac computer, Turntable mixer sound system with premium quality speakers
- Dinghies: 2 x 6m tenders, each with 40Hp outboard engines for 8 diving guests
- Radio and communications: EPIRB emergency locator, long-range emergency radio, Satellite Phone, FM & SW Radio, 4 VHF and SSB radio, EPIRB, CCTV in engine room and dive deck
- Navigation: Furuno Radar, GPS and plotter, 2x Depth sounder, extensive navigation charts
- Safety Equipment: 2 life rafts (Maximum 40 people), 30 life jackets, 25 lifebuoys, fire alarm, fire extinguisher, searchlights, oxygen, First Aid kits onboard, nearest decompression chamber in Denpasar, Makassar, Manado, and Jakarta
- Compressor: Onboard production Nitrox compressor, 1 x Coltri and 1 x L&W 280 air compressors with all aluminum 12-liter tanks with DIN and YOKE fittings
- Nitrox: Available onboard
Practical Information
- Time Zone: GMT+9
- Local Currency: IDR (Indonesian Rupiah)
- Language Spoken: English & Indonesian
- Payment Onboard: Cash, Visa & MasterCard
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