The Papua Blog

Cruising in Raja Ampat

Everything you need to know

Words by Laura Sakalian, photos by Marc Weiglein

Hi,
I’m Laura, the Raja Ampat specialist at Papua Explorer. I regularly travel to Raja Ampat and visit resorts and yachts to ensure that we can offer you well-informed advice and top-notch experiences. This article is the result of many years of hands-on experience. It’s a longer read – about 15 minutes – and packed with practical insights! If you’re considering a cruise in Raja Ampat, this article will give you the clarity and confidence to choose the option that truly suits your style and expectations.

 

CATEGORY AND PRICE SHAPE YOUR EXPERIENCE

A cruise in Raja Ampat is an adventure that engages all your senses – and for many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey that deserves to be chosen with care.

You can choose between a cabin cruise, where you have a private cabin while sharing the boat with other guests, or a private cruise, where the entire boat is reserved for you.
Your experience onboard will also vary significantly depending on the category of yacht you select. In Raja Ampat, cruise options range from budget cruises with standard comforts to luxury cruises with top of the range amenities.
Based on our experience working with various cruise operators, we’ve outlined the key differences between the three main yacht categories: Comfort, Superior, and High-end/Luxury.

Here’s an overview of typical prices for an 8-day cruise:
  • Comfort cruise: Usually starts around 2,800 USD – 3,500 USD per person.
  • Superior cruise: Ranges between 3,500 USD – 5,000 USD per person.
  • High-end/Luxury cruise: Starts from 5,000 USD per person.
Here’s what to expect from each yacht category:
Comfort Cruise
  • Usually a slower engine
  • Smaller boat (often under 30 meters long)
  • Less privacy
  • Basic comfort
  • Compact cabins with either a fan or AC
  • Cabins not always with private bathroom
  • Local cuisine
  • Local beers and wines
  • One tender boat for excursions (less flexible itineraries, group cannot be split between snorkelers and divers)
  • Often focus on either diving or snorkeling
Superior Cruise
  • Often faster engine
  • Larger boat (30 to <40 meters long)
  • More spacious layout, more privacy
  • Higher level of comfort
  • Bigger cabins with AC
  • Private ensuite bathroom
  • Mix of local and western cuisine
  • Extended range of beers, wines, and spirits
  • Two tender boats for excursions (= group can be split)
  • Both snorkeling and diving available
  • Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards on board
  • More flexibility in the itinerary
High-end/Luxury Cruise
  • Powerful engine for a smoother navigation
  • Large yacht (>40 meters long)
  • More stable yacht in rougher seas
  • Spacious design for an exclusive experience and high privacy
  • Several relaxation areas
  • Spacious and comfortable cabins that are tastefully designed
  • 2 to 3 tender boats for flexible and seamless excursions
  • Professional chef and bartender onboard
  • Gourmet meals tailored to personal preferences
  • Extensive selection of wines, champagne, cocktails, and spirits
  • Wide range of extra activities: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, yoga, massages, and more
  • Maximum flexibility in the itinerary
Tenders are essential for land excursions, diving and snorkeling
Larger boats offer more space and comfort in shared areas

WHICH WAY TO GO? THE 4 MAIN CRUISE ITINERARIES IN RAJA AMPAT

There are four main cruise routes to choose from. The most popular itinerary covers the central and northern regions, while another common option combines the central with the southern part of the archipelago. Below is a quick overview of all four routes.

Because the archipelago is so vast, a cruise in Raja Ampat typically lasts a minimum of 8 days and can extend up to 14 days. Shorter cruises of less than 8 days are possible if you charter the entire boat, but the route will have to be limited to the central region, meaning you won’t have the opportunity to explore key attractions in the northern or southern areas.

All cruises start and end in Sorong (airport code: SOQ). If you’re looking for the best way to get to Sorong, please check out our blog article How to get to Raja Ampat.

 

1. Central and North – Going Up to the Wayag Islands
This route requires a minimum of 8 days and offers a varied itinerary, including panoramas, waterfalls, village visits, and plenty of snorkeling and diving opportunities. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a bird of paradise watching tour. This is the most popular route since it requires less sailing time and can be completed in a shorter period than the southern route.

The journey begins by crossing to Waigeo Island from Sorong, which takes around 6 to 8 hours. From there, you’ll explore the central areas of Raja Ampat (Dampier Strait, Kri, Arborek, Mansuar, Fam Islands, etc.), while making your way up north to Wofoh and the iconic Wayag Islands.

The Wayag Islands, uninhabited and located far to the north of the archipelago (after crossing the equator), feature stunning karst peaks rising from the crystal-clear turquoise waters, set in untouched, lush surroundings. A 20–30-minute steep hike to the top of Mount Pindito will reward you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Wayag Islands.

See this 8-day sample itinerary covering Central and North Raja Ampat.

The iconic Wayag Islands are a highlight of any cruise exploring the north

2. Central and South – Going Down to the Misool Islands
This route begins with a visit to the Misool Islands. After boarding the yacht in Sorong, you’ll embark on a 16-18 hour crossing to reach the islands the following morning. The Misool Islands are home to the richest marine biodiversity in the world. Over 4 to 5 days, you’ll hop from one island to another, discovering amazing dive sites, including Balbulol, Farondi, Wayil, and Fiabacet areas, as well as the famous Boo Window and Magic Fountains. You’ll also have the chance to swim in the Jellyfish Lake or hike to a breathtaking panorama over the Love Lake.
This southern route usually ends in the central region, visiting highlights such as Piaynemo, Kri Island, or Arborek Village. This route requires a minimum of 9 days.

See this 9-day sample itinerary covering Central and South Raja Ampat.

 

3. Central, North & South – Explore All of Raja Ampat in One Cruise
For those looking to explore all of Raja Ampat, some cruises offer an itinerary that covers the central, northern, and southern regions. This requires a minimum of 12 days.

 

4.⁠ ⁠Central Raja Ampat Only – Short and Scenic
If you’re short on time or plan to cruise during the low season in Raja Ampat (from May to October), you may find cruises that focus entirely on the central region for 6 to 8 days. This area is the most accessible from Sorong and features some of the archipelago’s most famous sites.

However, a cruise limited to the central region is less common and not highly recommended, as the main advantage of a cruise is the opportunity to explore beyond the central area, where most accommodations are already located (more on this below). If you choose an itinerary that includes both the central and northern regions, or the central and southern regions, you’ll still experience the highlights of this area—particularly the island of Arborek, where you can often snorkel or dive with manta rays. Another must-see is Piaynemo, with its famous limestone karst islets and the iconic viewpoint overlooking a turquoise lagoon. The reefs around Kri Island are known for their incredible marine biodiversity—you’ll find everything from massive schools of fish and sea turtles to reef sharks and vibrant corals. Finally, most cruises also include visits to local villages or birdwatching excursions to spot Birds of Paradise in Gam and Waigeo Islands.

Iconic Love Lake in Misool
The panoramic view of Piaynemo

SEASONALITY

For information on the best time to visit Raja Ampat, please check out our blog article When to Go to Raja Ampat.

 

SNORKELING CRUISE IN RAJA AMPAT

Some yachts in Raja Ampat are designed specifically for divers and offer up to five dives per day. However, there are also yachts that welcome both divers and snorkelers, with suitable equipment and support for both groups. These boats usually follow a more relaxed itinerary with two to three dive or snorkel sessions per day, along with opportunities for land excursions or island visits.

If you’re mainly interested in snorkeling, it’s worth taking a closer look when choosing your cruise. Important aspects include whether there are enough tenders/dinghies to separate the groups when needed, and whether a dedicated guide is available for snorkelers.

Many of our guests ask about snorkeling-only cruises, as they prefer not to be mixed with divers. While this is understandable, it’s not necessarily the better option. Pure snorkeling cruises are rare and often fully booked well in advance – meaning you’ll need to plan at least a year ahead. Also, a group of only snorkelers often visits the same spots together, which can feel crowded. On mixed cruises, divers and snorkelers are often organized separately, which can make for a more private and peaceful experience.

In short: as long as equipment and support are well organized on board, snorkeling on a mixed cruise can be just as enjoyable and rewarding as on a dedicated snorkeling cruise.

See exceptional underwater worlds
Swim with Manta Rays

WHY CHOSE A CRUISE OVER A RESORT TO EXPLORE RAJA AMPAT?

Raja Ampat is a vast archipelago of over 1,500 islands spread over 40,000 km² (15,400 square miles). To put this in perspective, the Komodo Islands, a smaller and well-established marine destination, consist of just 29 islands covering 1,733 km² (670 square miles). In short, Raja Ampat is really large!

When it comes to exploring Raja Ampat, there are two main options: staying at a resort or going on a liveaboard cruise.

For logistical reasons (daily supply of goods and transportation of guests!), most resorts are located in the central region of the archipelago (Waigeo, Gam, Kri Islands) and offer daily diving, snorkeling and sightseeing excursions. However, these excursions are usually limited to a 20-40km radius of the resort, limiting your access to a rather small part of Raja Ampat’s natural beauty.

It is possible to change resorts during your stay, but this usually only affects the level of comfort and services offered by the accommodation, as all resorts are relatively close to each other, meaning that you may not have access to new or more diverse sites.

A cruise, on the other hand, allows you to explore the farthest reaches of the Raja Ampat archipelago, taking you to the most remote and untouched corners of this stunning region. This makes cruising the ideal choice for an even more exclusive and comprehensive experience. For example, the Wayag Islands in the far north are practically only accessible on a cruise. Some resorts do offer day trips to Wayag, but this requires a tough six-hour journey by speedboat, depending on sea conditions. The Misool Islands in the south are also anything but easy to reach, unless you go on a cruise.

In addition to covering a much wider area than any resort stay, a cruise in Raja Ampat offers further advantages:

  • Smaller group size: Most yachts take only a handful of guests, creating a more personal and relaxed atmosphere on board.
  • Better service: With fewer people on board, the crew has more time to look after each guest individually.
  • Flexible routing: Cruises can adjust their itinerary based on weather and sea conditions to ensure the best possible experience.
  • More to explore: Most cruises take you far beyond the central region, to remote and pristine corners of Raja Ampat that are otherwise hard to reach.
Go where you want, anchor where you like
Throw your passport away and never return

WHAT TO COMBINE WITH RAJA AMPAT?

Many of our guests ask which destinations combine best with a trip to Raja Ampat. Of course, if you’re travelling to the ends of the earth, why not make the most of it?

Below are some incredible nearby regions that are easy to include in your itinerary, offering a rich and varied experience of Papua:

From the islands to the highlands: Combine Raja Ampat with the Baliem Valley
A popular choice among our more adventurous and culturally curious guests is to combine a cruise in Raja Ampat with a stay in the Baliem Valley — ideally at The Baliem Valley Resort, our own eco-lodge in the heart of the highlands. Just a three-hour flight from Sorong, this remote mountain enclave offers a fascinating contrast to the tropical islands. Located at 1,800 meters altitude, the valley has a cooler climate and impressive alpine landscapes. It is home to the Dani and Lani tribes, who lived in complete isolation until they were first contacted by the outside world in 1938. If you’d like to extend your Papua journey beyond the sea and explore the cultural richness of the highlands, this combination is well worth considering.

Cruise and coast: Extend your Raja Ampat experience with a resort stay
For those primarily drawn to Raja Ampat’s underwater world, it’s a popular option to extend your liveaboard cruise with a few days in a land-based resort. This allows you to continue snorkeling or diving at new sites while enjoying a different pace and setting—perhaps in a beachfront or overwater bungalow. It’s also a great way to unwind after a cruise while soaking in more of the region’s natural beauty and atmosphere. With most resorts located in the central region of the archipelago, you can revisit favorite areas or discover new highlights in comfort.

For bird enthusiasts: Explore the Klasow Valley
If you’re passionate about birdwatching, the Klasow Valley offers an appealing extension to your Raja Ampat journey. Just a three-hour drive from Sorong, this lush and relatively little-visited valley is home to an impressive number of endemic bird species, including the famous Birds of Paradise. While less known than other destinations, it’s a rewarding option for travelers interested in exploring Papua’s wildlife beyond the coast.

From the islands to the highlands: combining Raja Ampat with the Baliem Valley
"Cendrawasih" Red bird of paradise

LET US HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT CRUISE

We work directly with all our cruise partners and offer every tour at the official public price, with no extra fees. That means you benefit from our local knowledge and honest advice, without paying more. Payments can be made in USD, EUR, or IDR by bank transfer or credit card.

Still deciding what’s right for your Raja Ampat trip? If you want to make sure you end up on the right boat, contact us and we will help you put together a trip that fits your interests, budget and travel style.

We look forward to your message.

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