Liveaboard Snorkeling in Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Located off the northwest tip of West Papua, Indonesia, Raja Ampat is often called the crown jewel of the Coral Triangle. This remote archipelago sits at the epicenter of global marine biodiversity and boasts the richest coral reef ecosystems on Earth. Its vibrant coral gardens are home to over 1,500 species of fish, manta rays, sea turtles, whales, and sharks, making it one of the world's best places for snorkeling and diving.
Trips to Raja Ampat
The best way to explore Raja Ampat is aboard a liveaboard cruise, which allows you to visit a variety of habitats, maximize time in the water, and adapt to local conditions when selecting daily snorkel or dive sites.
Which Raja Ampat Liveaboard Is Right for You?
| Trip Name | Starting Price | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raja Ampat Archipelago by Liveaboard | $8,875/pp | Our classic Raja Ampat itinerary aboard Hatiku, visiting iconic reefs, lagoons, and karst islands across the archipelago. | First-time Raja Ampat travelers who want the essential experience at our most accessible price point. |
| Snorkel the Coral Triangle: Sulawesi, Halmahera & Raja Ampat NEW | $9,975/pp | A 15-day journey (3 days longer than our other trips) through three Coral Triangle regions, pairing Raja Ampat with lesser-visited Sulawesi and Halmahera. | Adventurous travelers with extra time who want maximum regional breadth in one trip. |
| Raja Ampat: Coral Triangle Adventure | $10,250/pp | Classic Raja Ampat snorkeling itinerary aboard Damai, with a science-led focus: whale surveys and researcher-guided excursions. | Travelers who want to actively contribute to marine research, not just observe it. |
| Raja Ampat to Halmahera: Remote Reefs Adventure NEW | $10,295/pp | Extends beyond Raja Ampat into Halmahera's secluded reefs, calm channels, and volcanic landscapes rarely visited by other operators. | Travelers seeking frontier destinations off the standard Raja Ampat circuit. |
| Raja Ampat Small Group Snorkeling Adventure | $10,630/pp | Classic Raja Ampat itinerary aboard a more boutique/luxury vessel (Damai or Dewi Nusantara, 12 guests). | Travelers who want the classic itinerary elevated with a smaller group and higher-end vessel. |
| Triton Bay & Raja Ampat: Whale Sharks & Coral Wonders NEW | $10,795/pp | Pairs Raja Ampat with Triton Bay, home to frequent whale shark sightings, vibrant reefs, and cultural village stops. | Wildlife-focused travelers prioritizing whale shark encounters alongside classic reef snorkeling. |
| Raja Ampat & Spice Islands Megadiversity Liveaboard | $11,225/pp | Our most biodiverse itinerary, extending into the historic Spice Islands with deeper-water species and dedicated birding opportunities. | Wildlife enthusiasts wanting the broadest species diversity, history, and birding in one trip. |
Private Journeys
Looking for a personalized Raja Ampat liveaboard experience? We are pleased to offer liveaboard charters with customized itineraries designed to fit your interests—whether a family trip, celebration, or a dive and snorkel adventure exclusively for you and guests.
Explore pristine reefs and remote islands aboard luxury vessels, guided by expert naturalists who bring the region’s rich marine life to life.
Leading Raja Ampat Trips for 15+ Years
For over 15 years, we’ve led snorkeling expeditions throughout Indonesia, including Raja Ampat. Our intimate group sizes (typically 10 to 14 travelers) allows for deeper connections, quiet moments in nature, and personalized attention from our expert naturalist guides. Backed by more than 50 years of experience in conservation travel, we don’t just observe the marine world, we actively engage, carefully crafting each trip to support reef protection and positively impact the local communities we partner with.
Ocean Conservation Impact
As America's oldest 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to ocean conservation, each of our expeditions has been designed to support our mission. Our snorkeling tours support the work of local nonprofit organizations, as well as our global ocean conservation programs. Moreover, for each traveler who joins one of our snorkeling trips, we fund the removal of 200 pounds of litter from the marine environment through our Traveler Plastic Pollution Offset Program.
Guided by Expert Naturalists
Traveler Testimonials
"The trip of a lifetime! Snorkeling with a rich abundance of fishes and corals...and more. Dalton went above and beyond in planning excursions. Great group of participants and wonderful, helpful crew, both groups a joy to be with. Early and mid-planning conversations with Wayne were instrumental in helping prepare for the trip. Fitness, endurance, and good equipment help, too, including an underwater camera." — Judy T.
"Our entire experience on this Oceanic Society trip on the Dancing Wind was top notch and amazing. The coral, the fish, the guides, the naturalist, the crew and the ship were all excellent. Every day we were treated to a great variety of snorkel sites, hikes and boat excursions. Love to snorkel, love the water, then this is the trip for you!" — Theresa T.
"We had an extraordinary time cruising around the archipelago of Raja Ampat for 12 days on the beautiful Damai 2 offered by The Ocean Society. From the moment we stepped aboard, we were greeted by a warm, friendly, and exceptionally helpful and informative staff. We really enjoyed staying on the traditional wooden Indonesia boat, with a comfortable room, dining area, lounge, and covered deck. Mika, the boat manager, was outstanding and organized, preparing us for the varied adventures each day. Our guides Dalton and Andy were extremely knowledgeable and always willing to share their knowledge." — Janis B.
Raja Ampat FAQs
Connect with a Travel Expert
Not sure which Raja Ampat trip is right for you? From choosing the right liveaboard to planning a custom departure, our experts make it easy. We’ve been leading trips here for over 20 years, and we’ll help you plan every detail so you can travel with confidence.
