A Bespoke Phinisi Expedition in Raja Ampat

We offer scheduled and private charter diving expeditions through the Raja Ampat archipelago, a marine province of over 1,500 islands in Indonesia’s West Papua. Our operations are centered on providing direct, intimate access to the most significant dive sites in the Coral Triangle, an area that contains 76% of the world’s known coral species. Aboard our traditional Indonesian schooner, we eschew the conventions of large-scale liveaboards for a more considered approach to marine exploration. Our voyages are constructed for small groups, with a maximum of 10 guests, ensuring a high degree of personal attention and minimal impact on the delicate reef ecosystems. See also: Dive Sites Cape Kri Dampier.

The core of our offering is a series of curated itineraries, typically ranging from 8 to 12 days. These routes are not fixed but are responsive to currents, weather, and specific marine life events, such as manta ray aggregations at Manta Sandy or the brief spawning season of certain corals. A phinisi cruise Raja Ampat with us is an active, participatory experience. Each day includes three to four dives, guided by our PADI-certified divemasters who possess over a decade of combined experience in these specific waters. Our focus is exclusively on the underwater realm; we provide the platform, the expertise, and the logistical support for serious divers to fully engage with Raja Ampat’s biological wealth. From the high-current channels of the Dampier Strait to the labyrinthine karst islands of Misool, every detail is managed to facilitate profound and direct encounters with the marine environment.

Designed for the Dedicated Diver and Marine Explorer

Our expeditions are tailored for a specific type of traveler: the experienced, certified diver with a deep appreciation for marine biology and underwater photography. Guests typically hold Advanced Open Water certifications or higher, with a logbook reflecting 50 or more dives. This prerequisite ensures that all participants are comfortable with the conditions often found in Raja Ampat, including strong currents, drift dives, and deep-water exploration. Our clientele is not seeking a resort-style holiday but an authentic, expeditionary experience. They are individuals who understand the value of a knowledgeable guide, a flexible itinerary, and a vessel built for purpose rather than opulence. See also: Contact.

We cater to those who measure a day’s success by the diversity of species observed, the quality of their underwater photographs, or the challenge of navigating a complex reef system. Our guests have included marine biologists, professional photographers, and conservationists who choose our raja ampat phinisi schooner for its access and ethos. They appreciate that our crew includes a local Papuan guide, whose ancestral knowledge of the archipelago’s waterways provides a dimension of insight unavailable on other vessels. If your objective is to spend maximum time underwater, to understand the ecological dynamics of sites like Cape Kri—where Dr. Gerald R. Allen recorded 374 fish species on a single dive in 2012—and to do so in the company of like-minded individuals, then this expedition is constructed for you.

The Art of Exploration: Our Traditional Phinisi Schooner

Our vessel, the Juara Laut, is a 35-meter, two-masted phinisi, a design recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Constructed in 2018 by Konjo shipwrights in Tana Beru, South Sulawesi, she is built entirely from ironwood and teak using techniques passed down through generations. This is not a replica but a genuine Bugis schooner, retrofitted with modern navigation and safety systems. The Juara Laut is powered by a Yanmar 6AYM-WET 829hp marine engine for reliability, yet we hoist her 250 square meters of sail whenever conditions permit, offering a silent, elemental mode of travel through the islands.

The ship’s specifications are a direct reflection of our operational philosophy. With a beam of 7.5 meters, she provides a stable platform for diving operations. The dive deck is purpose-built, featuring individual gear stations for 12 divers, two freshwater rinse tanks for camera equipment, and a dedicated camera table. We operate two 6-meter tenders, each with 40hp outboard engines, to ensure precise drop-offs and pick-ups at dive sites. Onboard, the phinisi liveaboard raja ampat experience is comfortable and functional. Five private cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom and climate control, accommodate our guests. The crew of 12 includes the captain, two engineers, a chef trained in both Indonesian and Western cuisine, two dive guides, and support staff, ensuring a crew-to-guest ratio greater than 1:1. Safety is paramount; the vessel is equipped with a Furuno navigation suite, satellite phone, an EPIRB, and DAN-certified oxygen and first aid kits. This combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology defines our method of exploration.

Signature Itineraries: Dampier Strait and South Misool

We concentrate our operations on two distinct regions within the Raja Ampat archipelago, each offering a different but equally compelling biological narrative. Our itineraries are timed to coincide with the most favorable diving conditions, generally from October through April, avoiding the monsoon season’s surface chop and reduced visibility. Each phinisi expedition raja ampat is planned to maximize dive time and minimize transit between sites, often traveling at night to present a new anchorage and new underwater topography each morning.

The Central Raja Ampat (Dampier Strait) expedition is an 8-day, 7-night voyage focused on the nutrient-rich channel between the islands of Waigeo and Batanta. This area is characterized by powerful currents that sustain an immense biomass. Dives here are often high-energy drifts past sea fans gorged with pygmy seahorses and schools of fusiliers numbering in the thousands. Key sites include:

• Cape Kri: The site of the world-record fish count. A sloping reef where blacktip reef sharks, giant trevally, and barracuda are consistently present.
• Blue Magic: A submerged pinnacle known for attracting oceanic manta rays (Manta birostris) to its cleaning stations, particularly during a falling tide.
• Manta Sandy: A shallow channel between patch reefs where reef manta rays (Manta alfredi) congregate. Divers can observe cleaning and courtship behavior from a respectful distance of 5-7 meters.

The South Misool expedition is a longer, 10-day, 9-night journey into a realm of dramatic karst topography and soft coral gardens. The limestone islands, undercut by millennia of wave action, create a seascape of hidden lagoons and underwater caves. This region is a sanctuary for endemic species and a macro photographer’s fixation. The water is typically clearer and calmer than in the Dampier Strait, allowing for detailed observation of smaller marine life. Signature sites include:

• Boo Windows: A rock formation with two swim-through “windows” at a depth of 3 meters, leading to a wall covered in vibrant soft corals and sea squirts.
• Magic Mountain: An offshore seamount that acts as a magnet for both pelagic and reef species. It is one of the few places in the world where both oceanic and reef manta rays can be seen at the same cleaning station.
• Nudi Rock: A small islet whose surrounding reef is a hotspot for dozens of species of nudibranchs, including the rare Thecacera picta.

The table below provides a concise comparison of our two primary expedition offerings for the 2024-2025 season.

Our Commitment to Safety, Sustainability, and the Local Community

Our operational license (SIUPP-123/2018) is contingent on a strict adherence to the safety and environmental codes set by the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs. Our commitment, however, extends beyond regulatory compliance. The long-term health of Raja Ampat’s reefs is the foundation of our enterprise. We contribute 2% of our net profit annually to the Raja Ampat Marine Park Authority, which funds ranger patrols and conservation initiatives. All guests are required to purchase a Marine Park Entry Permit ($100 USD), the funds from which directly support these efforts. See also: this fleet raja ampat.

Onboard, we have eliminated single-use plastics since 2019. All wastewater is treated through a certified marine sanitation device before being discharged, and we use only reef-safe sunscreens and cleaning products. Our dive briefings, conducted before every descent, include specific protocols for passive interaction with marine life, emphasizing buoyancy control and prohibiting the use of gloves or pointers to touch coral. Our phinisi Raja Ampat is more than a vessel; it is a platform for responsible tourism.

We also maintain a deep connection with the local Papuan communities. Our company, PT Juara Bahari, is registered in Sorong, and we prioritize hiring and training local staff. Our Papuan guide, Pak Elias, is from the village of Arborek and provides invaluable local context, from identifying traditional fishing grounds to explaining the cultural significance of certain islands. We source over 60% of our fresh produce from local markets in Waisai and Sorong, contributing directly to the regional economy. This integrated approach ensures that our presence is a net positive for both the ecosystem and the people who call Raja Ampat home. See also: Phinisi Vs Motoryacht Raja Ampat pricing.

Reserve Your Place: Expedition Calendar and Cabin Details

Booking an expedition with us is a direct and personal process. We do not use third-party agents. All inquiries are handled by our booking director, who has personally completed both of our signature itineraries and can provide detailed, first-hand information. Availability is limited due to our small group size of 10 guests per trip. We recommend booking 9 to 12 months in advance, especially for peak season dates between December and February.

Our expedition calendar for the 2024-2025 season is now open. A deposit of 30% is required to secure a reservation, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. All prices are quoted in USD and are inclusive of accommodation, all meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and up to four dives per day, tanks, and weights. Park fees, equipment rental, and crew gratuities are not included.

Cabin Configuration and Pricing:

• Master Suite (1 cabin): Upper deck, king-size bed, panoramic windows. $6,850 USD (Dampier Strait) / $8,500 USD (Misool) per person.
• Deluxe Cabins (2 cabins): Lower deck, queen-size bed, portholes. $6,250 USD (Dampier Strait) / $7,750 USD (Misool) per person.
• Standard Cabins (2 cabins): Lower deck, twin bunk beds, portholes. $5,950 USD (Dampier Strait) / $7,400 USD (Misool) per person.

To view the detailed schedule and inquire about specific dates or a full-vessel private charter for your phinisi cruise Raja Ampat, please contact our office directly. We can facilitate arrangements for domestic flights from Jakarta (CGK) or Bali (DPS) to Sorong (SOQ), the port of embarkation for all our expeditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Raja Ampat Phinisi Expedition

Clients often have specific questions regarding logistics, equipment, and life aboard the schooner. Below are a few of the most common inquiries we receive. For a complete list, please visit our dedicated FAQ page.

• What level of dive certification and experience is required for your expeditions?
• What is the policy regarding dive insurance?
• What type of camera and electrical connections are available on board?
• Can you accommodate specific dietary requirements?
• What is the recommended crew gratuity?