Raja Ampat Blue Manta Itinerary

Raja Ampat will immerse you in a diving paradise, 50,000 square Kilometers of islands & reefs, 580 kinds of coral, 1,397 species of fish including 23 endemics, this truly is the epicenter of marine biodiversity with the world’s richest collection of underwater flora & fauna. The sheer abundance of marine life, healthy colourful reefs, and diverse dive sites will leave even the most experienced divers wanting more! The stunning beauty of Raja Ampat's exotic & enchanting islands both above and below the water will leave you in no doubt that this truly is one of the worlds premier diving destinations.   

Sample Itinerary

Note; all schedules are subjected to changes according to weather, sea, diving, & local conditions.

Day 1. (0-1 dives) 3pm Trip Departure day.  Our staff will meet you upon your arrival to Sorong Airport or local hotel and transfer you to the awaiting Blue Manta.  Arrivals before midday are best so we can make check dive at Red Light District (Lampu Merah) just outside Sorong before we get underway by 3pm for overnight sail. 

Day 2. (4 dives) Misool; Wayil area with its beautiful lagoon for boat tour and super dives.

Day 3. (3 dives) Misool; Fiabacet & Boo area.   Sail to overnight to Central & North Raja Ampat.

Day 4. (4 dives) Pianemu area; including famous Melissa’s Garden and stunning View Point hike.

Day 5. (4 dives) Manta ridge & Dampier Strait

Day 6. (4 dives) Kri area; including Big Fish, Cape Kri, Sardine Run, & excellent night dive.

Day 7. (2 dives) Misokon island; including Blue Magic & Yellow Fever.   Sail back to Usahamina pier, Sorong where you spend last night on board.  Plenty of time to wash & dry equipment, have lunch, rest & relaxation, and if need be, an early flight on Trip Departure day.

Day 8.  (0 dives) 5am-12pm. Check out after light breakfast, farewells, and transfer to local hotel or airport.  Departure from Sorong to Manado/ Makassar/ Jakarta/ Denpasar.

Diving days: 7 days (22 dives)

Raja Ampat will immerse you in a diving paradise, 50,000 square Kilometers of islands & reefs, 580 kinds of coral, 1,397 species of fish including 23 endemics, this truly is the epicenter of marine biodiversity with the world’s richest collection of underwater flora & fauna. The sheer abundance of marine life, healthy colourful reefs, and diverse dive sites will leave even the most experienced divers wanting more! The stunning beauty of Raja Ampat's exotic & enchanting islands both above and below the water will leave you in no doubt that this truly is one of the worlds premier diving destinations.   

Sample Itinerary

Note; all schedules are subjected to changes according to weather, sea, diving, & local conditions.

Day 1. (0-1 dives) 3pm Trip Departure day.  Our staff will meet you upon your arrival to Sorong Airport or local hotel and transfer you to the awaiting Blue Manta.  Arrivals before midday are best so we can make check dive at Red Light District (Lampu Merah) just outside Sorong before we get underway by 3pm for overnight sail.

Day 2. (4 dives) Daram island area

Day 3. (4 dives) Misool; Wayil area with its beautiful lagoon for boat tour and super dives.

Day 4. (3 dives) Misool; Fiabacet & Boo area.   Sail to overnight to Central & North Raja Ampat.

Day 5. (4 dives) Pianemu area; including famous Melissa’s Garden and stunning View Point hike.

Day 6. (4 dives) Manta ridge & Dampier Strait

Day 7. (4 dives) Kri area; including Big Fish, Cape Kri, Sardine Run, & excellent night dive.

Day 8. (2 dives) Misokon island; including Blue Magic & Yellow Fever.   Sail back to Usahamina pier, Sorong where you spend last night on board.  Plenty of time to wash & dry equipment, have lunch, rest & relaxation, and if need be, an early flight on Trip Departure day.

Day 9.  (0 dives) 5am-12pm. Check out after light breakfast, farewells, and transfer to local hotel or airport.  Departure from Sorong to Manado/ Makassar/ Jakarta/ Denpasar.

Diving days: 8 days (26 dives)

Raja Ampat will immerse you in a diving paradise, 50,000 square Kilometers of islands & reefs, 580 kinds of coral, 1,397 species of fish including 23 endemics, this truly is the epicenter of marine biodiversity with the world’s richest collection of underwater flora & fauna. The sheer abundance of marine life, healthy colourful reefs, and diverse dive sites will leave even the most experienced divers wanting more! The stunning beauty of Raja Ampat's exotic & enchanting islands both above and below the water will leave you in no doubt that this truly is one of the worlds premier diving destinations.   

Sample Itinerary

Note; all schedules are subjected to changes according to weather, sea, diving, & local conditions.

Day 1. (0-1 dives) 3pm Trip Departure day.  Our staff will meet you upon your arrival to Sorong Airport or local hotel and transfer you to the awaiting Blue Manta.  Arrivals before midday are best so we can make check dive at Red Light District (Lampu Merah) just outside Sorong before we get underway by 3pm for overnight sail.

Day 2. (4 dives) Daram island area

Day 3. (4 dives) Misool; Wayil area with its beautiful lagoon for boat tour and super dives.

Day 4. (4 dives) Misool; Fiabacet & Boo area

Day 5. (3 dives) Misool; Balubulol & Farondi area plus possible snorkeling in Jellyfish lake.  Sail to overnight to Central & North Raja Ampat.

Day 6. (4 dives) Pianemu area; including famous Melissa’s Garden and stunning View Point hike.

Day 7. (4 dives) Manta ridge & Dampier Strait

Day 8. (4 dives) Kri area; including Big Fish, Cape Kri, Sardine Run, & excellent night dive.

Day 9. (2 dives) Misokon island; including Blue Magic & Yellow Fever.   Sail back to Usahamina pier, Sorong where you spend last night on board.  Plenty of time to wash & dry equipment, have lunch, rest & relaxation, and if need be, an early flight on Trip Departure day.

Day 10.  (0 dives) 5am-12pm. Check out after light breakfast, farewells, and transfer to local hotel or airport.  Departure from Sorong to Manado/ Makassar/ Jakarta/ Denpasar.

Diving days: 9 days (30 dives)

Raja Ampat will immerse you in a diving paradise, 50,000 square Kilometers of islands & reefs, 580 kinds of coral, 1,397 species of fish including 23 endemics, this truly is the epicenter of marine biodiversity with the world’s richest collection of underwater flora & fauna. The sheer abundance of marine life, healthy colourful reefs, and diverse dive sites will leave even the most experienced divers wanting more! The stunning beauty of Raja Ampat's exotic & enchanting islands both above and below the water will leave you in no doubt that this truly is one of the worlds premier diving destinations.   

Sample Itinerary

Note; all schedules are subjected to changes according to weather, sea, diving, & local conditions.

Day 1. (0-1 dives) 3pm Trip Departure day.  Our staff will meet you upon your arrival to Sorong Airport or local hotel and transfer you to the awaiting Blue Manta.  Arrivals before midday are best so we can make check dive at Red Light District (Lampu Merah) just outside Sorong before we get underway by 3pm for overnight sail.

Day 2. (4 dives) Daram island area

Day 3. (4 dives) Misool; Wayil area with its beautiful lagoon for boat tour and super dives.

Day 4. (4 dives) Misool; Fiabacet & Boo area

Day 5. (3 dives) Misool; Balubulol & Farondi area plus possible snorkeling in Jellyfish lake.  Sail to overnight to Central & North Raja Ampat.

Day 6. (4 dives) Pianemu area; including famous Melissa’s Garden and stunning View Point hike.

Day 7. (3-4 dives) Yangeffo & Airborek areas; including Mangrove and beautiful village visit.

Day 8. (4 dives) Manta ridge & Dampier Strait

Day 9. (4 dives) Kri area; including Big Fish, Cape Kri, Sardine Run, & excellent night dive.

Day 10. (2 dives) Misokon island; including Blue Magic & Yellow Fever.   Sail back to Usahamina pier, Sorong where you spend last night on board.  Plenty of time to wash & dry equipment, have lunch, rest & relaxation, and if need be, an early flight on Trip Departure day.

Day 11.  (0 dives) 5am-12pm. Check out after light breakfast, farewells, and transfer to local hotel or airport.  Departure from Sorong to Manado/ Makassar/ Jakarta/ Denpasar.

Diving days: 10 days (33 dives)

Embarkation / Disembarkation

  • Sorong (SOQ), West Papua

How to get to & from Sorong (SOQ), West Papua

  • It is easiest to fly through to & from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG Ujung Pandang), Bali (DPS, Denpasar), or Manado (MDC).   Recommended, via Jakarta.  For more flight options and details, please see our Raja Ampat Fact Sheet
  • Please refer to our Trip Schedule before booking your domestic flights.
  • From Jakarta: Overnight direct daily flights, with Batik Air / Garuda Indonesia, arriving to Sorong earlier morning.  Lion Air & Sriwijaya Air have similar overnight flights but with a stopover in Makassar.   
  • To Jakarta: Early morning direct daily flights, with Batik Air / Garuda Indonesia, arriving to Jakarta, which should allow enough time to schedule your international flight home.  Lion Air also offer flights, some direct, others via Makassar. 

Dive Site Information

  • Water Temp:  27-30 degrees Celsius
  • Air Temp: 27-32 degrees Celsius
  • Visibility: 15-30 meters
  • Current: mild to strong
  • Level: Intermediate to Advanced,
  • Best Time to Dive: October to April (less rain & much less wind; perfect for diving)

What's included?

  • Round trip transfer local Hotel/Airport - Boat
  • All nights' accommodation on Boat
  • All meals (Western & Indonesian) snacks, hot beverages, coffee, tea, Milo, soft drinks
  • Towels, toiletries & cabin services
  • FOC replacement if equipment breakdown
  • Warm towel & drink after every dive
  • Regular Air Tanks, weights, belt, 5 dive guides (1x Instructor, 4x Dive Masters)

What's excluded?

  • All flights & hotels stay
  • Marine Park & Harbour fee  
  • Dive & Travel insurance
  • Fuel surcharge (if applicable). Please see our Booking Information page 'Fuel surcharge' section for more details and fees per person.
  • Massage services
  • Laundry services 
  • Nespresso coffee, alcohol; beer & wine
  • Satellite Wi-Fi
  • Diving Gear; dive computer, torch, 15L tank rental, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins mask.  
  • Nitrox Enriched Air fills
  • Note; Nitrox & Diving Gear Items priced per diving day and are subject to availability.
  • Note: Exposure suits; 3mm shorty wetsuits available ONLY.   

Trip Schedule

  • Departure; 3pm, 1st day, Sorong, West Papua. Or earlier if everyone arrives before and all trip preparations have been completed.  Free pickup upon arrival from Domine Edward Osok Airport, Sorong or from local hotel (10am) to Blue Manta on trip departure day (transfer time 20-30 mins). 
  • Return; 5am, last day, Sorong, West Papua.  After a light breakfast and fond farewells, we take you to Sorong Airport in time for check-in & flight or local hotel.  Note; latest BM Check-out, midday.
  • Last dive ends; 12pm (midday), penultimate day. Plenty of time for R&R while we sail back to Sorong where we spend lthe ast night on Blue Manta.  This also allows for your minimum 18 hours surface interval/ No Fly Time (as recommended by PADI) before flying next day.

Blue Manta Reminders

Travel Documents

  • COVID-19 requirements & protocols in Indonesia and on your trip.  Please see our COVID-19 Travel & Visa Information page to help prepare and plan in advance for your travels and entry into Indonesia, as detailed by the Government of Indonesia.
  • Guest Info. We MUST receive guest’s details well in advance in the trip Note: Late receipt of Passport details may very likely lead to delayed departure & significant changes to the itinerary.
  • Visa On Arrival (VOA), single entry is now available for many countries and Visa Exemption Arrangement (VEP) for some ASEAN countries for stay up to 30 days. VOA cost: IDR 500,000 (approx. EUR 32 / USD 35). Payment can be done by: Visa, Mastercard or Debit Card or Cash Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Note: Please check here for eligibity. If you are from one of countries not on the VOA or VEA lists, or if you simply wish to get a visa in advance, you MUST apply for an eVisa (B211A) online PRIOR to arrival before entering all other airports.
  • Passport. Please ensure your passport is in good order, has enough pages, is valid for at least 6 months, and that you are able to enter Indonesia. Check with your local Embassy of Indonesia if unsure.
  • Departure Tax. Indonesia Passenger Service Charge (IPSC) has changed (Mar-2015) to be included in your flight ticket price. Please check though as previously it was 200,000IDRp to leave Indonesia, & up to 75,000IDRp for Domestic flights. Carry small bills, Indonesia Rupiah preferred, as often no change given.

Domestic Flights

  • Please book BEFORE confirming your International flights to ensure you make your connection to & from Sorong. 
  • We advise you to stay a night in a local hotel in Jakarta/ Makassar/ Bali before the flight next day.  If your  stopover is in Makassar; you may wish to take advantage of some rest between flights, just remember toset your alarms in good time for your early flight to Sorong.  Ibis Makassar Airport is located right on the side of the exit door.  Alternatively, the Harper Perintis Hotel is just a 15min drive from the airport and offers good value & comfortable rooms.
  • Travel agent: If you require assistance with your itinerary: obtaining an e-visa, booking domestic flight tickets, hotels, transfers, and additional land arrangements etc, we can recommend local Indonesian Travel agents, our friends at Come2Indonesia.  Contact Rendy & the team here tour2@come2indonesia.com.. Note: If booked with credit card please ensure the card is with you upon check-In or have an official Airline form filled in & signed by card holder authorizing the use of.
  • Our ticketing agents are not responsible for any flight delay or cancellation, luggage lost or delay. In any case, please contact our ground staff in Bali for assistance for flight delay issue.
  • Domestic Airlines normally have 20Kg allowance, although you may pay for 10Kg extra when booking, if needed (around US$3/kilo). With an additional 7kg carryon.

Health & Insurance

  • Dive Insurance; compulsory for this trip.  We also strongly advise you get adequate travel insurance. Please check your travel insurance policy for your diving needs.  If not covered then we recommend DiveAssure for their single trip policy cover.
  • Dive Computer; compulsory on this trip.  We have rentals onboard if you do not have.
  • Follow Safe Diving Practices at ALL times plus No Deco Diving and No Solo Diving.
  • Travel insurance is compulsory for our trips. Our trips are not inclusive of any form of insurance. White Manta Diving cannot be held responsible for any trip disruption or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control or any flight / hotel expenses. This includes any costs related to COVID-19 issues, resulting in delay/ medical/ extraction/ quarantine/ or trip costs incurred due to potential positive testing / refusal of admittance to the country or your trip, before, during or after. We strongly recommend all guests purchase adequate travel insurance, as such an occurance will affect all guests on trip. Please see our Booking Information page 'Travel Insurance' section for more details and recommended insurers.

Internet/ Mobile

  • Satellite Wi-Fi
  • Mobile signal; local Telkomsel is best local card to buy.  Not long after you leave port we have has intermittent/ limited mobile signal until we return.
  • Telkomsel prepaid card card is the best value. Plus can add credit to top up!!!

Trip Extras payment onboard

  • By Credit card comes with 4.5% additional handling fee.
  • By Cash we accept US Dollars, Euro, Singaporean Dollars, and Indonesian Rupiah.  Please ensure ALL bills are in good order; NOT worn or torn and unmarked or we are UNABLE to accept.  Exchange rates differ for USD100/50 bills and USD20/10 bills. Current Exchange rate. ATMs available in town.

Trip Extras

  • Marine Park & Harbour fee; US$250 per person 
  • Fuel Surcharge fee; US$150 per person.
  • Massage US$35/ hour, laundry services US$10/ basket
  • Nespresso coffee: US$2, beer US$4, wine US$30-50
  • Satellite Wi-Fi US$35 for trip per person. Note: USD50 per person for trips 10 days plus.
  • Nitrox; US$20/ diving day or US$7/ fill.

Equipment rental

Diving gear: Full Set US$50/ diving day (except large tank & torch) or if individual items then following rates apply per diving day*

  • BCD US$15
  • Regulator US$15
  • Dive computer US$15
  • Wetsuit US$5
  • Fins US$5
  • Mask US$5
  • Large tank US$15
  • Torch* US$10 per sunset/ night dive.

Diving gear items priced per diving day*. Please provide sizes in advance of the trip, as all gear is subject to availability. If not known then provide your height, weight, shoe size, where applicable.

  • Note: Torch rental* price is per sunset/ night dive.
  • Note: Exposure suits: 3mm shorty wetsuits available ONLY.    
  • Note: Large tank AL100, 100 cu ft (13.2 liters)
  • Note: Gear included: Regular air tank AL80, 80 cu ft (11.1 liters), weights, belt.
  • Note: Additional tank US$15/ day